Heart of Rural Japan: GIFU — Where Japan Remains

Episode

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  #003｜Ji-Kabuki: The Theater That Belongs to Everyone 31.07.2026 26mnt

  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 experienced at a live performance.If you want to know more about Ji-kabuki, please read our essay! : https://ruraljapan.co.jp/essays/what-is-jikabukiWe cover:— The difference between professional O-Kabuki and rural Ji-Kabuki— Why Ji — 地, meaning "earth" or "soil" — is at the heart of what makes this art form special— The music, the makeup, and the drama of the mie pose— Ohineri: the Edo-period audience tradition that is basically live-stream gifting— The rock musician who was talked into learning shamisen by the woman he loved— How a news story about triplets became one of kabuki's greatest plays— And the Japanese concept of omoshiroi — fun and interesting at once — that made all of this possibleJapanese terms in this episode:Mie（見得） — A dramatic freeze pose held by the actor to emphasize a climactic momentTayu（太夫） — The narrator who guides the entire performance through songShamisen（三味線） — A traditional Japanese three-stringed instrumentTsuke（附け） — Wooden percussion: blocks struck on a board to punctuate footsteps and dramatic momentsKi（柝） — Similar to tsuke, but producing a sharper, clearer, higher sound; used to mark the beginning and end of actsHanamichi（花道） — Literally "flower path"; the long raised platform that extends from the stage through the audience, used by actors to enter and exitOmoshiroi, oishii, utsukushii（おもろい、おいしい、うつくしい） — Fun and interesting. Delicious. Beautiful. The three things a historian told me Japanese people have always valued most.We invite you to experience the timeless beauty of this historic trail firsthand.🍂Autumn Journey into #DeepJapan:soak in fall colours of Gifu and Nakasendo in Central Japan while hiking across rural landscapes and exploring kabuki, historical postal towns of Nakasendo, mountain trails and samurai stories.3 days/ 2 nights tour in 2026 with two dinners and two breakfasts included is conducted on:Oct 25–27　Nov 8–10　Nov 13–15　Nov 24–26(4 options to choose from)Intimate & Exclusive:Group sizes are strictly limited to just 5 guests to ensure an authentic, high-quality connection. Private tour options are also available for families or colleagues.Spaces are highly limited. Secure your spot and experience Japan at its most serene.🔗　https://ruraljapan.co.jp/autumn-tour-gifu2026Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠⁠About us: we are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: ⁠⁠info@ruraljapan.co.jp⁠⁠Website: https://ruraljapan.co.jp/Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠⁠Join us as we listen to the whispers of the forest and uncover the wisdom embedded in the landscape.#Satoyama #JapanCulture #Sustainability #Gifu #Ecosystem #TraditionalJapan #SlowTravelYour host: AYAMI SATO from Rural Japan
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  #002｜What is Satoyama? The Forest Whispers 16.07.2026 25mnt

  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 social fabric of its communities.We also focus on Gifu Prefecture, a region where the essence of Satoyama remains remarkably preserved. Why has this mountainous landscape maintained such a deep connection to its ancestral roots compared to other parts of the country? We uncover the unique geographical, historical, and cultural factors that make Gifu a living testament to this timeless way of life.We invite you to experience the timeless beauty of this historic trail firsthand.🍂Autumn Journey into #DeepJapan:soak in fall colours of Gifu and Nakasendo in Central Japan while hiking across rural landscapes and exploring kabuki, historical postal towns of Nakasendo, mountain trails and samurai stories.3 days/ 2 nights tour in 2026 with two dinners and two breakfasts included is conducted on:Oct 25–27　Nov 8–10　Nov 13–15　Nov 24–26(4 options to choose from)Intimate & Exclusive:Group sizes are strictly limited to just 5 guests to ensure an authentic, high-quality connection. Private tour options are also available for families or colleagues.Spaces are highly limited. Secure your spot and experience Japan at its most serene.🔗　⁠https://ruraljapantour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdf⁠Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠About us: we are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: ⁠info@ruraljapan.co.jp⁠Website: ⁠https://ruraljapantour.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠Join us as we listen to the whispers of the forest and uncover the wisdom embedded in the landscape.Your host: AYAMI SATO from Rural Japan#Satoyama #JapanCulture #Sustainability #Gifu #Ecosystem #TraditionalJapan #SlowTravel｜Episode NotesEP.05 — What is Satoyama? The Forest That WhispersWhat does it mean to live in harmony with nature? In this episode, Ayami explores Satoyama—the traditional Japanese landscape where human communities and managed woodlands coexist in a sustainable, closed-loop system.Drawing on both environmental science and her daily life in the mountains of Ena, Gifu, Ayami breaks down:The Ecology: Why satoyama acts as a vital "ecotone" (transition zone) that thrives on human participation and coppicing rather than neglect.The Paradox of Isolation: How Japan’s historical isolation during the Edo period forced a brilliant, zero-waste recycling civilization.Jinen vs. Shizen: The ancient Buddhist concept of jinen (participating in the natural order) versus our modern view of nature.Why Gifu Still Has It: The unique community structures, history, and geography that keep the satoyama alive in the Tono region today.Join us to listen to the whispers of the forest and discover a blueprint for coexistence.
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  ＃001｜Who I Am and Why I'm Here｜Where the Water Comes from the Mountain of Rural Japan 29.06.2026 16mnt

  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 nineteen, to raising a family in rural Gifu, to finally founding Rural Japan: a company dedicated to bringing travelers into the heart of a world that is quietly disappearing.Why does she live this way? The answer is simple — and urgent."If I stop, this way of life disappears with me."Your host: AYAMI SATO from Rural JapanWe invite you to experience the timeless beauty of this historic trail firsthand.🍂Autumn Journey into #DeepJapan:soak in fall colours of Gifu and Nakasendo in Central Japan while hiking across rural landscapes and exploring kabuki, historical postal towns of Nakasendo, mountain trails and samurai stories.3 days/ 2 nights tour in 2026 with two dinners and two breakfasts included is conducted on:Oct 25–27Nov 8–10Nov 13–15Nov 24–26(4 options to choose from)Intimate & Exclusive:Group sizes are strictly limited to just 5 guests to ensure an authentic, high-quality connection. Private tour options are also available for families or colleagues.Spaces are highly limited. Secure your spot and experience Japan at its most serene.🔗　https://ruraljapantour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdfListener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66About us: we are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: info@ruraljapan.co.jpWebsite: https://ruraljapantour.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501｜Episode NotesEP.01 — Who I Am and Why I'm HereMeet Ayami, founder of Rural Japan, living deep in the mountains of Ena, Gifu—where water comes straight from a stream and baths are heated with firewood.In this debut episode, Ayami shares her personal journey and why she dedicated her life to preserving the quietly disappearing ways of rural Japan:The Spark in Africa: How backpacking through Mozambique and Malawi as a young woman revealed a deep, universal connection to traditional ways of life and living memory.Coming Home: Eleven years running an e-commerce business from her kitchen table in Gifu while holding onto a quiet dream.The Alignment: How a meeting with Professor Takano from Nagoya University three years ago finally brought her vision of sustainable, immersive rural tourism to life.Why This Matters: A reflection on protecting centuries of local wisdom, forest knowledge, and the spirit of a community that refuses to fade away.Join us as we explore the Japan most travelers never see—not neon lights, but ancient roads, woodsmoke, and the enduring heart of the mountains.
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  ＃003-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage Part 2: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo– Access, Stays, Activities, and Local Favorites｜Samurai Road Secrets　 26.09.2025 15mnt

  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 that offer a slower pace, scenic rice fields and village views, and opportunities to step into the everyday life of locals. From traditional kominka stays and cozy cafes, to seasonal foods like gohei mochi and chestnut sweets, this episode highlights the charms that many travelers overlook.We’ll also talk about the best times to visit, tips for avoiding the crowds, and small cultural encounters—like craft workshops, calligraphy, or even chatting with farmers—that can make your journey unforgettable.If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the real atmosphere of the Nakasendo, not just the tourist side, join us as we explore the quieter heart of Tsumago and Magome.Recommend↓〇Guesthouse Omusubihttps://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/1414883410248273974〇Nagataki（Ryokan）https://nagataki.info/〇Guesthouse Kannagarahttps://www.instagram.com/kannagara.iiji/〇Farm Stayhttps://sakaori-tanada.com/lodging/1686/🍃For Japanese listeners: A full Japanese version of this episode is also available as #003-2.👉 Don’t forget to check out our listener survey (link in show notes) and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories! Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)Website: https://ruraljapantour.com/en/Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour
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  ＃002-2 Japanese ver. Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture)妻籠馬籠を旅する 16.09.2025 14mnt

  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 during the Edo periodHow Tsumago and Magome became pioneers of cultural preservationThe influence of writer Shimazaki Tōson and his novel Before the DawnLocal stories you won’t find in guidebooks: from school trips to ancient tea housesWhy the route is now beloved by international travelers as the “Samurai Road”Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love hidden history, this episode will give you new insights into samurai-era travel, Japanese countryside life, and cultural heritage that still shapes the region today.🍃For English listeners: A full English version of this episode is also available as #002-1.👉 Don’t forget to check out our listener survey and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories! Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)Website: coming soonInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour
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  ＃002-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo｜Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture) 08.09.2025 12mnt

  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 Edo periodHow Tsumago and Magome became pioneers of cultural preservationThe influence of writer Shimazaki Tōson and his novel Before the DawnLocal stories you won’t find in guidebooks: from school trips to ancient tea housesWhy the route is now beloved by international travelers as the “Samurai Road”Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love hidden history, this episode will give you new insights into samurai-era travel, Japanese countryside life, and cultural heritage that still shapes the region today.🍃For Japanese listeners: A full Japanese version of this episode is also available as #002-2.👉 Don’t forget to check out our listener survey (link in show notes) and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories! Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)Website: coming soonInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour
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  ＃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 04.09.2025 15mnt

  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 Japan Tour with friends. I’ll also take you inside everyday satoyama life: from clear mountain water (sometimes turning brown after a typhoon!) to summer grass-cutting, from family food traditions like hobazushi to the little cultural practices of village life such as community work and local gatherings.We’ll also talk about what makes Ena and Nakatsugawa so special: yes, there’s the famous Magome-juku on the old Samurai Road, but there’s also so much more—grandmothers’ rural lifestyles, connections to nature, and the rich cultural heritage that rarely appears in guidebooks. My vision is for travelers to not only walk the Nakasendo, but also experience these deeper, more authentic layers of Japan.Finally, I’ll introduce our team at Rural Japan Tour, and share how we hope to create respectful, sustainable travel that connects locals and visitors in meaningful ways.Japanese version available!This episode is also available in Japanese as Episode 1-2.So if you’re studying Japanese, or just curious to hear the same stories in Japanese, check it out and make use of it!Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)Website: coming soonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour
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  #001 -1 Heart of Gifu Begins: Life, Culture, and Travel in Rural Japan｜Beyond the Samurai Road: Discover Ena & Nakatsugawa in Gifu 27.08.2025 18mnt

  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 friends. I’ll also take you inside everyday satoyama life: from clear mountain water (sometimes turning brown after a typhoon!) to summer grass-cutting, from family food traditions like hobazushi to the little cultural practices of village life such as community work and local gatherings.We’ll also talk about what makes Ena and Nakatsugawa so special: yes, there’s the famous Magome-juku on the old Samurai Road, but there’s also so much more—grandmothers’ rural lifestyles, connections to nature, and the rich cultural heritage that rarely appears in guidebooks. My vision is for travelers to not only walk the Nakasendo, but also experience these deeper, more authentic layers of Japan.Finally, I’ll introduce our team at Rural Japan Tour, and share how we hope to create respectful, sustainable travel that connects locals and visitors in meaningful ways.Japanese version available!This episode is also available in Japanese as Episode 1-2.So if you’re studying Japanese, or just curious to hear the same stories in Japanese, check it out and make use of it! Listener surveyI’d love to hear your feedback! Please check the link in the description and answer our short survey. Your input will help us shape future episodes and tours.https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing sustainable, community-based tourism.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)Website: coming soonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour