Kyle Card embarks on a 250-kilometer train journey from the Seto Inland Sea in Okayama Prefecture to the Sea of Japan in Tottori Prefecture. While it's a bicoastal train ride, Kyle spends his time discovering the inland, mountainous area that was opened up when the tracks, he travels on, were completed more than 100 years ago. His trip kicks off on the sightseeing train, "La Malle de Bois," which affords spectacular views of the Seto area. But he soon parts from the water taking first the Tsuyama Line and later the Inbi Line to explore the inland area. As he heads deeper into the mountains he feels like he slips back in time. At Tsuyama, he visits an old railway depot and heritage museum. At Chizu he stays with a family in their farm-inn, learning about the local way of life, which is deeply connected with nature. From Tottori Station, he takes another sightseeing train, the "Ametsuchi" to the Sea of Japan ... his goal.

Traverse the sublime winter wonderland in the northern reaches of Honshu on local lines. Tsugaru Railway is famous for the coal-fired stove on its train. Wonder at the rugged coastline along the Sea of Japan on the JR Gono Line. The Konan Railway is a lifeline for local residents. Visit the old temples, sake breweries, and wooden buildings designated as important cultural properties, and savor the local dishes. Enjoy a slow journey through tranquil snowscapes and sense the passing of time.

The Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's most beautiful. Running for 72.1km north-south along the stream is the Nagaragawa Railway. The run takes about 2 hours and includes 38 stations. The people who live along the line have intimate relationships with the river. A highly skilled boatwright who uses ancient techniques to build wooden river ships. A middle-aged couple celebrates the river and mountain scenery at their country inn. A man refocuses his life on the river after giving up on his dream of making music overseas.