Airdate: Spirit of Tokyo

CNN travel special Spirit of Tokyo explores the city’s distinctive culture and history with Hidetoshi Nakata.

A city that blends new and old, modernity with history, Tokyo is a unique destination offering its visitors the experiences beyond the ordinary. This month, CNN follows former professional footballer Hidetoshi Nakata as he introduces an itinerary of unique and rich experiences across different aspects of what Tokyo has to offer. CNN’s ‘Spirit of Tokyo’ showcases how the city is ever evolving as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations and always giving visitors a reason to come back for more.

Highlights of the 30-minute show include:

Japanese food artistry
Throughout its history, Japan has blended taste, quality and service as the centerpieces of their culinary philosophy… with aesthetics playing a big part of its culture. To delve into Japanese culinary heritage, CNN visits the picturesque Ukai Chikutei, a restaurant nestled in the forests at the foot of the famed Mount Takao. Further exploring the artistry and beauty of Japanese cuisine, CNN sits down at the dinner table at TREE by Naked to experience how the restaurant incorporates virtual reality and digital projection to give visitors a full sensory dining experience.

Tokyo’s timeless architecture
Built in 1909 as the Crown Prince’s residence, the State Guest House is a national treasure that blends influences of the east and west. CNN gets a tour of the Geihinkan grounds, where heads of state and tourists alike come to admire some of the most remarkable architecture of Japan.

Live like a local: The town is your hotel
Yanaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tokyo. Called shitamachi or old downtown, Yanaka was spared by disaster and war, allowing it to maintain its historical charms and nostalgic atmosphere. For many travelers, understanding a new place means immersing themselves in the local community. The new concept hotel, Hanare, is playing with that philosophy – allowing travelers to use the entire town of Yanaka as a hotel. CNN checks in to Hanare to experience the town like a local.

Exploring Okutama: Change of scenery
With the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s urban landscape, greenery is not the first thing that comes to mind when people think of the city. But Tokyo is also home to breath-taking nature – be it islands surrounded by the ocean or luscious mountain ranges, people do not have to leave the capital to explore the beautiful outdoors. Unwinding amongst the lush forestry, CNN experiences Tokyo’s stunning nature through glamping in Okutama and discovers its stunning natural surroundings.

Re-discovering Tokyo waterways
Hundreds of years ago, Tokyo was known as Edo and the city flourished around its waterways. Goods and people were transported by boats to and throughout Tokyo and the areas by the water became main hubs of commerce and entertainment. Today’s Tokyo was built upon these canals and rivers and there are still more than a hundred which flow into the city – but with time the water’s connection with people was forgotten. Now, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ahead and more structures being built on the waterfront, Hidetoshi Nakata brings CNN onboard a cruise to take in Tokyo’s history and future from a new perspective… by water.

‘Spirit of Tokyo’ is produced by CNN Vision, the global creative production powerhouse of CNN International, which brings the world’s breath-taking diversity into cinematic focus, telling stories that inspire audiences around the world.

Sunday, 16th December at 0030, 0330 and 0730 AEST
Monday, 17th December at 1330 AEDT
Tuesday, 18th December at 2130 AEDT
Wednesday, 19th December at 0430 and 2030 AEDT
Thursday, 27th December at 2030 AEDT