Heart of Rural Japan is a podcast about the Japan most travelers never see. Hosted by Ayami — a rural Gifu native, cultural guide, and founder of Rural Japan — each episode takes you deep into the villages, ancient roads, and living traditions of the Nakasendo highway, in the mountains of Nakatsugawa, Ena, and Gifu. This is not just a travel guide. It's a window into a world that is quietly disappearing. The farming communities, sacred festivals, tea farms, sake breweries, and local Ji-Kabuki theaters that still breathe in the mountains of Gifu.
Heart of Rural Japan: GIFU — Where Japan Remains
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7 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Heart of Rural Japan is a podcast about the Japan most travelers never see. Hosted by Ayami — a rural Gifu native, cultural guide, and founder of Rural Japan — each episode takes you deep into the villages, ancient roads, and living traditions of the Nakasendo highway, in the mountains of Nakatsugawa, Ena, and Gifu. This is not just a travel guide. It's a window into a world that is quietly disappearing. The farming communities, sacred festivals, tea farms, sake breweries, and local Ji-Kabuki theaters that still breathe in the mountains of Gifu.
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Publishing Since
8/27/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 16, 2026
#002｜What is Satoyama? The Forest Whispers
<p>What does it mean to live in harmony with nature? In this episode, we explore the concept of <strong>Satoyama</strong>—the traditional Japanese landscape where human settlements and managed woodlands coexist in a delicate, sustainable balance.</p><p>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.</p><p>We also focus on <strong>Gifu Prefecture</strong>, 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.</p><p><br></p><p>We invite you to experience the timeless beauty of this historic trail firsthand.🍂</p><p><strong>Autumn Journey into #DeepJapan</strong>:</p><p>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.</p><p>3 days/ 2 nights tour in 2026 with two dinners and two breakfasts included is conducted on:</p><p>Oct 25–27 Nov 8–10 Nov 13–15 Nov 24–26</p><p>(4 options to choose from)</p><p><strong>Intimate & Exclusive:</strong>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.</p><p><br></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://ruraljapantour.com/.../06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdf">https://ruraljapantour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdf</a><strong></strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Listener survey</strong></p><p>I’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.</p><p><a href="https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66">https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66</a></p><p>About us: we are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing <strong>sustainable, community-based tourism</strong>.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.</p><p>Contact us: <a href="info@ruraljapan.co.jp">info@ruraljapan.co.jp</a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://ruraljapantour.com/">https://ruraljapantour.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/">https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href=" https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501"> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501</a></p><p><br></p><p>Join us as we listen to the whispers of the forest and uncover the wisdom embedded in the landscape.</p><p>#Satoyama #JapanCulture #Sustainability #Gifu #Ecosystem #TraditionalJapan #SlowTravel</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
June 29, 2026
＃001｜Who I Am and Why I'm Here｜Where the Water Comes from the Mountain of Rural Japan
<p>In this episode, Ayami introduces herself — and the life she lives deep in the mountains of Gifu.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Why does she live this way? The answer is simple — and urgent.</p><p>"If I stop, this way of life disappears with me."</p><p><br /></p><p>We invite you to experience the timeless beauty of this historic trail firsthand.<br />🍂<strong>Autumn Journey into #DeepJapan</strong>:<br />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.<br />3 days/ 2 nights tour in 2026 with two dinners and two breakfasts included is conducted on:<br />Oct 25–27<br />Nov 8–10<br />Nov 13–15<br />Nov 24–26<br />(4 options to choose from)<br /><strong>Intimate & Exclusive:</strong><br />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.<br />Spaces are highly limited. Secure your spot and experience Japan at its most serene.</p><p><br /></p><p><br />🔗 <a href="https://ruraljapantour.com/.../06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://ruraljapantour.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DeepJapanInAutumn2026.pdf</a><strong>Listener survey</strong></p><p>I’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.</p><p><a href="https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66</a></p><p><br /></p><p>About us: we are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing <strong>sustainable, community-based tourism</strong>.<br />Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.</p><p>Contact us: <a href="info@ruraljapan.co.jp" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">info@ruraljapan.co.jp</a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://ruraljapantour.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://ruraljapantour.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href=" https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501</a></p><p></p>
September 26, 2025
＃003-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage Part 2: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo– Access, Stays, Activities, and Local Favorites｜Samurai Road Secrets
<p>In this episode of <strong>Heart of Gifu: Travel and Life in Ena and Nakatsugawa</strong>, we take a closer look at <strong>Tsumago and Magome</strong>, two of the most famous post towns on the historic Nakasendo trail.<br />While these towns can often be busy with visitors, we’ll share how you can still find moments of <strong>quiet beauty, hidden corners, and authentic experiences</strong> beyond the main streets.</p><p>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.</p><p>We’ll also talk about the <strong>best times to visit</strong>, tips for avoiding the crowds, and small cultural encounters—like craft workshops, calligraphy, or even chatting with farmers—that can make your journey unforgettable.</p><p>If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the <strong>real atmosphere of the Nakasendo</strong>, not just the tourist side, join us as we explore the quieter heart of Tsumago and Magome.</p><p><br /></p><p>Recommend↓</p><p>〇Guesthouse Omusubi</p><p><a href="https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/1414883410248273974" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/1414883410248273974</a></p><p>〇Nagataki（Ryokan）</p><p><a href="https://nagataki.info/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://nagataki.info/</a>〇Guesthouse Kannagara</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kannagara.iiji/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/kannagara.iiji/</a></p><p>〇Farm Stay</p><p><a href="https://sakaori-tanada.com/lodging/1686/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://sakaori-tanada.com/lodging/1686/</a></p><p>🍃For Japanese listeners: A full Japanese version of this episode is also available as <strong>#003-2</strong>.</p><p>👉 Don’t forget to check out our <strong>listener survey</strong> (link in show notes) and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories!</p><p><strong> Listener survey</strong></p><p>I’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.</p><p><a href="https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66</a></p><p><br /></p><p>We are a local team in Ena and Nakatsugawa, practicing <strong>sustainable, community-based tourism</strong>.Meet locals, experience satoyama culture, and discover the hidden Japan beyond tourist spots.</p><p>Contact us: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @)</p><p>Website: <a href="https://ruraljapantour.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://ruraljapantour.com/en/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour</a></p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is Heart of Rural Japan: GIFU — Where Japan Remains?
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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