We look at Okinawa Prefecture through its stunning textiles. The island chain is a treasure trove of "somemono" (piece-dyed cloth) and "orimono" (thread-dyed cloth). The subtropical climate nurtures diverse plants, offering an abundance of fibers and natural dyes. Okinawa was a maritime trading hub in Asia for hundreds of years, ushering in sophisticated culture and advanced techniques, which in turn nurtured distinctive fabric styles. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, we discover this cultural legacy.

The Tobishima Kaido is a network of bridges linking seven Seto Inland Sea islands. The route starts in Shimo-kamagari near Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture and extends to Okamura in Ehime Prefecture. Osakishimo-jima's Mitarai district prospered as a port of call for Kitamaebune merchant ships, and retains the townscape from the Edo period. The island is also famous for its citrus farming, which dates back over 100 years. Britain Tom Miyagawa Coulton, who lives in Osakishimo-jima, takes us around the islands steeped in history.

Amami Oshima Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture receives one of the largest amounts of rain in Japan. Its rainy season, which runs from May through June, in particular, provides enough water to sustain its lush nature, including rare species of plants and animals, all year round. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, outdoor writer from Sweden Janni Olsson enjoys Amami's rainy season as she engages in activities not available elsewhere and learns about the island's culture.