Hometown Stories

Details

This program follows people who, facing difficult times, have flocked to a World Heritage Site in Japan to try to turn their lives around. The setting is the Omine Okugakemichi, a route that connects the mountains of Wakayama and Nara Prefectures, central Japan. The treacherous, 100-kilometer mountain path is known as the birthplace of ascetic training. It was used for that purpose for more than 1,000 years, but today it's accessible to all, attracting visitors from across the country. Among them, a young woman who's determined to confront her weaknesses and a middle-aged man whose family has fallen apart. They and others take on the challenge of hiking the ancient route in the hope that the physically intense training brings about change in their lives.

• Genres: Documentary
• Language:  Japanese, English