Inside Japan, artists and rituals reflect a culture shaped by impermanence.
Explore Japan through the voices of an architect, actress, artist, writer, priest, and tea master as Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Ise reveal a culture balancing modern life with enduring tradition. From tea ceremony and Zen practice to memory, catastrophe, and art, this film offers a layered view that keeps unfolding, making it a rewarding reason to sign up and watch.
Love Empire of Mirrors? It’s just the start.
Join now to unlock the whole library — thousands of award-winning documentaries beyond Empire of Mirrors, from the deep ocean to deep space.
Trending Now
- New shows weeklyFresh documentaries land every week.
- Exclusive originalsAward-winning films you can’t stream anywhere else.
- Watch anywherePhone, tablet, web and TV — pick up where you left off.
- No commitmentNo contract. Cancel in a click.
Pick the plan that’s right for you.
Flexible plans, no contracts.
Thousands of documentaries across nature, history, space, and science.
- Watch in 4K on all your devices
- Download and watch offline
- Stream ad-free — cancel anytime
Thousands of documentaries across nature, history, space, and science.
- Up to 4K
- Offline downloads
- Ad-free
Frequently asked questions
Thousands of the world's best documentaries and factual programming — nature, history, science, technology, and biography — including exclusive Curiosity Originals like Empire of Mirrors. Stream it all ad-free, anytime.
Empire of Mirrors streams with every plan. Plans start at $4.17/month.
Watch on the web, iOS and Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Start on one device and pick up right where you left off on another.
Curiosity Stream is our streaming service — thousands of documentaries and originals. The Smart Bundle is Curiosity Stream plus four other independent streaming services (Tastemade, Kidstream, Curiosity University, and SOMM TV) on a single subscription.