Journeys in Japan - Season 8 - Eps 14: Monobe, Kochi: Tales from the Magical Mountain Hamlet
In the mountain village of Monobe-located in eastern Kochi Prefecture-a folk belief called Izanagi-ryu has been passed down for generations. Izanagi-ryu harmoniously blends elements of Shintoism, Buddhism and folk religions in a rare style of prayer. Traveler Alessandra Lupi discovers the world of this mysterious belief system. She visits the residence of a tayu; tayu are mentors or leaders of Izanagi-ryu. And, she learns about its religious art and how to make a ritual paper tool called gohei. She also gets to study its Mai Kagura ritual dance. Gradually, after a walk along an ancient Salt Road and farmhouse inn stay, Alessandra gets a sense of how Izanagi-ryu plays an organic role in the rural community.
About Journeys in Japan

Title: Journeys in Japan
First Air Date: 2010-02-02
Last Air Date: 2024-12-03
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 9/10 (from 1 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 15
Total Episodes: 515
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Japan International Broadcasting (JIB), NHK
Synopsis
Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.