Poster for Core Kyoto

NHK WORLD-JAPAN 2013 - 14 seasons 253 eps NR Airing

Core Kyoto

2013 - 14 seasons 253 eps NR

6.9

Season 14

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Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10

Season 11

Season 12

Season 13

Season 14

28 min

S14 · E1 · Jan 29, 2026

Bonsai: Harmonious Beauty and Eternal Life Episode 1

Bonsai came from China over 1000 years ago, evolving into a unique artform. In Kyoto, the emphasis is on beauty and harmony in space, the same aesthetic that flows through ikebana and the Way of Tea.

28 min

S14 · E2 · Feb 12, 2026

Taitan Cooking: Steeped in the Full Flavor of Dashi Stock Episode 2

Taitan is Kyoto-style cuisine in which seasonal heritage vegetables are simmered until they are infused with dashi stock. The method evolved from vegetarian dishes made at Kyoto's Buddhist temples.

28 min

S14 · E3 · Mar 5, 2026

Tsukemono: Vegetable Pickles Embody Wisdom and Expertise Episode 3

Traditional Tsukemono, or pickles, preserve centuries of wisdom, allowing the vegetables' inherent flavors to shine. Picklers uphold tradition while embracing new challenges for modern tastes.

28 min

S14 · E4 · Apr 16, 2026

Plasterers: Artisanal Beauty in Traditional Earthen Walls Episode 4

Specialists rebuild a sturdy, mud-walled storehouse to safeguard cultural assets, scientifically examine plastering techniques, and strive to incorporate wattle and daub walls into modern structures.

28 min

S14 · E5 · Apr 30, 2026

Morning Tourism: Leisurely Activities to Clear the Mind Episode 5

Kyoto is implementing measures to ease congestion at peak hours and combat over-tourism. One way encourages visitors to discover the city's true charm in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.

28 min

S14 · E6 · May 28, 2026

Tales of Sakura: Radiant Pink Blooms Reflect the Heart Episode 6

Tales of Kyoto's cherry blossoms have survived centuries. These stories are reframed by every generation. Through them, people appreciate the importance of living with nature and the joy of spring.

28 min

S14 · E7 · Jun 11, 2026

The Art World's Genealogy: Respect for Creative Predecessors Episode 7

A lineage of modern artists preserves and evolves Nihonga traditions, using the techniques as the foundation of their work. Convention and avant-garde, past and present resonate throughout their art.

28 min

S14 · E8 · Jun 25, 2026

Spirit Worship: Prayers to Dispel Curses and Bring Peace Episode 8

The spirits of people who died in anger, disgrace, or battle were long ago believed to cast curses. This gave rise to rituals that honored and appeased them, in hopes of bringing peace to the nation.

28 min

S14 · E9 · Aug 13, 2026

Artisan Wisdom: A Bridge between Tradition and Science Episode 9

The Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture helps traditional industries overcome challenges by applying advanced technology and making their businesses more sustainable.

28 min

S14 · E10 · Aug 27, 2026

The Rain: Wisdom for Living with Nature's Blessing Episode 10

To Japanese, rain is rarely a nuisance but a blessing that sustains life. From this notion emerged rituals; traditions in umbrellas, kimono, and confectionary; and the wisdom to prevent flooding.

28 min

S14 · E11 · Sep 10, 2026

Kyo-yuzen Kimono: Fine Gold Accents Radiate Elegance Episode 11

Kyo-yuzen adds gold decoration in the final stages of kimono making, using gold leaf, powder, or paste. The Kyoto technique is gaining global attention through a project with The Rolling Stones.

28 min

S14 · E12 · Sep 24, 2026

Gozan Okuribi: Flames to Honor Ancestors and Connect with the Next World Episode 12

Bonfires are lit on the mountains to guide ancestors back to the afterlife after their visit in August. This tradition connects the living and the dead through prayer and strengthens community bonds.

28 min

S14 · E14 · Oct 29, 2026

Artificial Flowers: A bridge between ephemeral and eternal beauty Episode 14

Born from a desire to preserve floral beauty for eternity, artificial flowers have been used for over a millennium in Kyoto by the imperial court, Buddhist temples, and the traditional arts.

13 episodes in Season 14

Some details come from TheTVDB.

The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.

Documentary Travel

Where to watch

Not streaming anywhere

Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.

Your rating

Your review

Cast

1 person

Gary Tegler

Self - Narrator (voice)

Total runtime 118h 4m · Episode length 28 min · Type Documentary

Show info

Premiered

February 28, 2013

Latest episode

October 29, 2026

Status

Airing

Network

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Country

Japan

Type

Documentary

Episode length

28 min

Total runtime

118h 4m

Original language

English

Production

N

NHK

Production

N

NHK Enterprises

Production

Japan

Produced in

Languages

Spoken on screen

English · Japanese

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Some details come from TheTVDB.

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