Is Great Japanese Railway Journeys coming back?
Great Japanese Railway Journeys (2026) — travel on BBC iPlayer
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About Great Japanese Railway Journeys
Great Japanese Railway Journeys is a travel series that is currently unconfirmed for renewal. The show premiered on April 13, 2026, and aired its most recent episode on April 27, 2026, on BBC iPlayer.
The series is a wide-ranging exploration of Japan, a country known for its rail innovation. It follows presenter Michael Portillo as he travels across Japan by train, beginning in Osaka and moving through Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kyushu, Tokyo, and Hokkaido. The program showcases the country's blend of technological progress and traditional culture, connecting stories that have shaped modern Japan through its extensive railway network.
The show features Michael Portillo as the sole cast member. The episodes have a runtime of approximately 29 minutes each.
Great Japanese Railway Journeys episode schedule
15 aired
Aired · 15
| Date | Ep. | Title |
|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2026 | S1·E15 | Lake Shikotsu to Otaru |
| April 27, 2026 | S1·E14 | Sendai to Lake Toya |
| April 27, 2026 | S1·E13 | Tokyo to Sendai |
| April 27, 2026 | S1·E12 | Tokyo, Part 2 |
| April 27, 2026 | S1·E11 | Tokyo, Part 1 |
| April 20, 2026 | S1·E10 | Shimonoseki to Hiroshima |
| April 20, 2026 | S1·E9 | Arita to Fukuoka |
| April 20, 2026 | S1·E8 | Yame to Nagasaki |
| April 20, 2026 | S1·E7 | Amakusa Islands to Shin Omuta |
| April 20, 2026 | S1·E6 | Kagoshima to Chiran |
| April 13, 2026 | S1·E5 | Japanese Alps: Nagano to Narai Juku |
| April 13, 2026 | S1·E4 | Kanazawa to Kurobe Gorge |
| April 13, 2026 | S1·E3 | Shima Peninsula to Nara |
| April 13, 2026 | S1·E2 | Kyoto |
| April 13, 2026 | S1·E1 | Osaka to Nagoya |
