Watch Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands

Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands is a mesmerizing nature documentary series produced by National Geographic that explores the remarkable natural wonders of this iconic East-Asian country. Narrated by Michelle Dockery, the show takes viewers on a thrilling journey across three of Japan's stunning islands as it showcases their incredible beauty, unique culture, and diverse wildlife.

The series is presented in a three-part format, with each episode focusing on the distinct characteristics of a specific island. The first episode, "Honshu, the Heart of Japan," introduces viewers to the largest and most populous island, home to over 100 million people. In this episode, the audience is taken on a visual journey through the majestic natural scenery, vibrant cities, and ancient temples of Honshu.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of the Japanese people's way of life, including the hectic and fast-paced city life in Tokyo, to the peaceful and serene rural areas of the countryside. The show highlights some of the unique cultural practices and festivals that have been passed down from generations. One of the most engaging scenes is the annual Somen Nagashi, where people compete to catch noodles thrown down a bamboo chute while standing in a river.

The second episode, "Hokkaido, Wild Northern Frontier," ventures into Japan's most northern island, Hokkaido. This episode is a treat for nature lovers as it feasts your eyes with the striking snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, and dense forests of Hokkaido. Hokkaido is known for its wildlife and the episode shows some of the incredible species, such as the red-crowned crane, which are found only in Japan.

Viewers are shown a closer look at how the people of Hokkaido live, such as the Ainu people, who are the indigenous people of the island with a unique culture and way of life. We also get a glimpse of the Japanese tradition of snowshoe trekking as we follow a local outdoorsman, Peter Drost, and his huskies on a journey through the winter wonderland.

The third and final episode, "Kyushu, Where the Past Meets the Future," takes us to Japan's most southwestern island, Kyushu. In this episode, we are transported to a world where history meets modernity, and ancient traditions still thrive. We are introduced to the most active volcano in Japan, the majestic Sakurajima, and taken on a tour of the hot springs that are ubiquitous across the Island.

The show reveals the rich history of Kyushu, from the ancient samurai warriors to the birth of the Japanese sword-making industry. We also encounter the unique people of Kyushu, such as the female pearl divers who have been practicing their extraordinary art since ancient times. We get a glimpse of the delicious cuisine and the different ways it is prepared.

Overall, Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands is a breathtaking production that draws viewers in with its stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and detailed exploration of Japan's natural beauty and cultural heritage. With quality narration from Michelle Dockery, Peter Drost presenting an authentic touch and Robin Cox's excellent cinematography, it is a must-watch for any nature enthusiast or someone just curious about Japan's beauty. The series is guaranteed to leave you in awe and leave a lasting impression of Japan's unique natural environment and culture.

Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on June 7, 2015.