Tono is renowned in Japan for its rich heritage of folklore. Since ancient times, the people in this area have passed down traditional stories of enchantment, mountain deities and supernatural beings. About 100 years ago, those tales were collected and published in a book, "The Legends of Tono." The countryside here is dotted with ancient stone monuments and hidden shrines, and the landscape feels strangely alive with the world of mysterious folk legends. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, JJ explores this area by bicycle. He goes to a local shrine dedicated to the deities of love and marriage. He also visits Tono Furusato Village to hear a traditional storytelling session.

On this trip, our reporter Gow visits the izakaya bars of Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture, enjoying plenty of good sake wine and fresh seafood. As well as being given a hearty welcome from all the bar owners who are fun and friendly, she also enjoys talking to the other customers. Gow also experiences various izakaya customs including ways to drink Japanese sake wine.

In this journey, Michael Rivas will be taking a two-day trip to Yamagata Prefecture in autumn. He will be enjoying magnificent views from Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple, one of the major tourist spots of the Tohoku region, and exquisite seasonal dishes in an onsen hot spring inn, an authentic wooden architecture in Ginzan-onsen. He will also take a stroll through the onsen streets in the evening, illuminated by gaslights, and spend a heart-warming time meeting the local people on a Mogami River boat tour.