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TV series

Hit the Road

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S4 E3 · YAMAGUCHI

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About Hit the Road

Hit the Road is a documentary TV series that premiered on NHK WORLD-JAPAN on May 31, 2023. It has 4 seasons and 15 episodes so far and is still airing new episodes. The latest episode, Season 4 Episode 3 "YAMAGUCHI", aired on July 12, 2026.

One of the most appealing features of Japan's national road network is the various Michinoeki, literally way stations, that provide a place for motorists to rest, dine and shop. They offer information on the locality and restaurants with regional specialties, and often sell local crafts and delicacies for travelers to take home. A stop at one or more of these spots helps to make any road trip in Japan unforgettable.

  • Documentary

Last updated

Episodes

15 episodes · 4 seasons

Season 1

2023 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 2 years ago

Hit the Road Season 1 release dates →
  1. Hit the Road S1 E4 still E4

    4. SAITAMA

    Finale

    Let's take a drive in Saitama Prefecture and discover its natural beauty and hidden gems. From Omiya, we head to Chichibu to see its famed SL train. En route, we savor local dishes and try washi paper crafting.

  2. Hit the Road S1 E3 still E3

    3. FUKUSHIMA

    Take a drive in Fukushima Prefecture! 12 years since the disaster, see its rejuvenated community and daily life. Visit the rest stop emblematic of this resilience and sense the locals' unyielding spirit.

  3. Hit the Road S1 E2 still E2

    2. KAGOSHIMA

    Take a drive in Kagoshima Prefecture! After circling the ever-erupting Sakurajima, we head to the southern tip for a sand bath utilizing geothermal energy, where you'll feel the vitality of the earth!

  4. Hit the Road S1 E1 still E1

    1. HIROSHIMA

    Let's see Japan by car! We'll be driving through Hiroshima Prefecture, with our goal being the famed Itsukushima Shrine. Along the way, we'll make a few stops off the beaten path that will amaze you!

Season 2

2024 · 5 episodes · Last episode: 1 year ago

Hit the Road Season 2 release dates →
  1. Hit the Road S2 E5 still E5

    5. HOKKAIDO

    Join us on a scenic drive through Hokkaido Prefecture, where we uncover its charm by exploring two milks—fresh dairy from the land and oysters from the sea.

  2. Hit the Road S2 E4 still E4

    4. WAKAYAMA

    Explore Wakayama Prefecture's Kumano region by car. See ancient landscapes and sacred sites along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo trail. Visit local roadside stations and delve deeper into the region's charm.

  3. Hit the Road S2 E3 still E3

    3. IWATE

    Come on a scenic drive through Iwate Prefecture's rich nature. Starting from Morioka station, we head to the picturesque Jodogahama Beach. Along the way we make a detour to Tono, known for its kappa legends.

  4. Hit the Road S2 E2 still E2

    2. GUNMA

    To truly enjoy Gunma Prefecture, travel by car is key. We start from Takasaki, where the bullet train stops, and make our way to Kusatsu hot springs, with World Heritage sites and local food along the way.

  5. Hit the Road S2 E1 still E1

    1. CHIBA

    Let's drive through Chiba Prefecture! We depart from Tokyo Station and enjoy magic hour at scenic Byobugaura. Along the way, encounter Chiba's traditions and be amazed by their artistic quality.

Season 3

2025 · 4 episodes · Last episode: 1 year ago

Hit the Road Season 3 release dates →
  1. Hit the Road S3 E4 still E4

    4. NAGASAKI

    Set out on a journey through Nagasaki — a cultural gateway shaped by tides and time. Wander old streets, then sail to Fukue, where ocean vistas and the quiet harmony of distant cultures await.

  2. Hit the Road S3 E3 still E3

    3. NIIGATA

    Niigata is Japan's rice capital—where tradition and nature shape the country's finest grains. Grab a fresh onigiri and take a drive through the open countryside to discover the flavors and culture of this special region.

  3. Hit the Road S3 E2 still E2

    2. OSAKA

    As the World Expo draws global attention to Osaka, a short drive away reveals a hidden side—rich in nature, history, and unexpected charm. This is another face of Osaka, waiting to be discovered.

  4. Hit the Road S3 E1 still E1

    1. FUKUI

    Explore Fukui by car, now connected by Shinkansen—historic streets and traditional crafts await! Take a drive from Fukui to Kumagawajuku, a historic post town with Edo-period charm, and discover the exquisite craftsmanship of lacquered chopsticks.

Season 4

2026 · 3 episodes · Last episode: 3 months ago

Hit the Road Season 4 release dates →
  1. Hit the Road S4 E3 still E3

    3. YAMAGUCHI

    A road trip through Yamaguchi in search of famed fugu, taking in sweeping seascapes and treasured landmarks along the way.

  2. Hit the Road S4 E2 still E2

    2. MIYAGI

    Departing from Sendai Station in Miyagi, we drive along the Pacific coast to Sanriku. Struck by a devastating tsunami, the region has risen with resilience, 15 years on.

  3. Hit the Road S4 E1 still E1

    1. HOKKAIDO - HAKODATE

    Our journey takes us through Hokkaido's winter southwest to Hakodate, where history meets one of Japan's most breathtaking night views.

Cast & crew

  • Daniel Singer

    Daniel Singer

    Self - Narrator (voice)

  • lae astra

    lae astra

    Self - Narrator (voice)

  • Diego Medrano

    Diego Medrano

    Self - Narrator (voice)

  • Steve Wiley

    Steve Wiley

    Self - Narrator (voice)

Hit the Road FAQ

When is the next episode of Hit the Road?

A date for the next episode of Hit the Road hasn't been announced yet. Follow Hit the Road in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.

When did the latest episode of Hit the Road come out?

The most recent episode of Hit the Road, Season 4 Episode 3 "YAMAGUCHI", aired on July 12, 2026.

How many seasons of Hit the Road are there?

Hit the Road has 4 seasons with 15 episodes in total.

When did Hit the Road first air?

Hit the Road first aired on NHK WORLD-JAPAN on May 31, 2023.

How do I get notified when new episodes of Hit the Road are released?

Download the Streambay app, follow Hit the Road, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.

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