Otoyo: Bringing Fresh Life to a Traditional Community (S11E15)

Nestled in the heart of the Shikoku Mountain Range, Otoyo Town in Kochi Prefecture boasts over 80% forest coverage. This unique mountain community is renowned for producing Goishi-cha, a special tea variety that has been cherished and crafted here for more than 400 years. The town is situated along the Yoshino River, known for its fierce currents and recognized as the birthplace of rafting in Japan. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, we explore the lives of Otoyo's residents who have preserved their rich traditions through the ages, alongside newcomers drawn to the area's stunning natural beauty.