Heart of Rural Japan: GIFU — Where Japan Remains
Heart of Rural Japan is a podcast that explores the less-traveled parts of Japan, focusing on the rural Gifu region. Hosted by Ayami, a local cultural guide, each episode delves into the villages, ancient roads, and living traditions along the Nakasendo highway. The show highlights farming communities, festivals, tea farms, sake breweries, and local Ji-Kabuki theaters. It offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life that is quietly disappearing.
エピソード
#003｜Ji-Kabuki: The Theater That Belongs to Everyone
I just got back from a kabuki performance in rural Gifu — and I couldn't wait to tell you about it.In this episode, I explore Ji-Kabuki: the amateur kabuki theater tradition kept alive for centuries by farming communities across Japan. Gifu prefecture has more Ji-Kabuki communities than anywhere else in the country — and what happens inside these theaters is unlike anything I've ever exper
#002｜What is Satoyama? The Forest Whispers
What does it mean to live in harmony with nature? In this episode, we explore the concept of Satoyama—the traditional Japanese landscape where human settlements and managed woodlands coexist in a delicate, sustainable balance.We delve into the cultural and environmental significance of Satoyama, examining how this landscape has shaped not only Japan's biodiversity but also the spiritual and so
＃001｜Who I Am and Why I'm Here｜Where the Water Comes from the Mountain of Rural Japan
In this episode, Ayami introduces herself — and the life she lives deep in the mountains of Gifu.She draws her water from a mountain stream. She heats her bath with firewood. Her family grows tea on land farmed for generations along the ancient Nakasendo highway, in the valleys of Nakatsugawa and Ena.This episode traces the journey that brought her here — from backpacking alone through Africa at n
＃003-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage Part 2: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo– Access, Stays, Activities, and Local Favorites｜Samurai Road Secrets
In this episode of Heart of Gifu: Travel and Life in Ena and Nakatsugawa, we take a closer look at Tsumago and Magome, two of the most famous post towns on the historic Nakasendo trail.While these towns can often be busy with visitors, we’ll share how you can still find moments of quiet beauty, hidden corners, and authentic experiences beyond the main streets.You’ll discover nearby walking routes
＃002-2 Japanese ver. Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture)妻籠馬籠を旅する
こちらは日本語版です。Step back in time with us on the Nakasendo, one of Japan’s historic Edo-period highways, also known internationally as the “Samurai Road.”In this episode, we dive deep into the history and culture of the post towns Tsumago and Magome in Gifu and Nagano, two of the best-preserved stops along this 530-kilometer trail between Tokyo and Kyoto.We’ll uncover:Why the Nakasendo was so important
＃002-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo｜Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture)
Step back in time with us on the Nakasendo, one of Japan’s historic Edo-period highways, also known internationally as the “Samurai Road.”In this episode, we dive deep into the history and culture of the post towns Tsumago and Magome in Gifu and Nagano, two of the best-preserved stops along this 530-kilometer trail between Tokyo and Kyoto.We’ll uncover:Why the Nakasendo was so important during the
＃001-2 Japanese ver. Why I started Heart of Gifu？なぜ私がこのポッドキャストをはじめたか
Welcome to Episode 1 of Heart of Gifu: Trip & Life in Ena and Nakatsugawa!こちらは日本語版です。In this very first episode, I, Ayami —born and raised in Ena City, right in the heart of Japan—share my personal story and why I decided to start this podcast.You’ll hear about my childhood memories of rivers and forests in the mountains of Gifu, my time living in Africa, and the journey of starting Rural Japa
#001 -1 Heart of Gifu Begins: Life, Culture, and Travel in Rural Japan｜Beyond the Samurai Road: Discover Ena & Nakatsugawa in Gifu
Welcome to Episode 1 of Heart of Gifu: Trip & Life in Ena and Nakatsugawa!In this very first episode, I, Ayami —born and raised in Ena City, right in the heart of Japan—share my personal story and why I decided to start this podcast.You’ll hear about my childhood memories of rivers and forests in the mountains of Gifu, my time living in Africa, and the journey of starting Rural Japan Tour with
