Satoyama Liberal Arts

Heart of Gifu: Travel × Life in Ena and Nakatsugawa | Living in Rural Japan

Society EN ↓ 6 episodes

Step into the timeless landscapes of Ena and Nakatsugawa, where the ancient Nakasendo—once known as the Samurai Road—winds between mountains, post towns, and satoyama villages. Hosted by Ayami, a local expert in sustainable tourism, this podcast reveals travel stories that blend history, culture, and nature. From traditional festivals and crafts to scenic hikes and flavorful local cuisine, discover how to experience Japan beyond the guidebooks. Each episode inspires your journey while offering tips to make it real—helping you explore rural Japan with depth, respect, and a sense of wonder.

Author

Satoyama Liberal Arts

Episodes

＃001｜Who I Am and Why I'm Here｜Where the Water Comes from the Mountain of Rural Japan 29.06.2026 16:35

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...

＃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 15:48

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 rou...

＃002-2 Japanese ver. Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture)妻籠馬籠を旅する 16.09.2025 14:21

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...

＃002-1 Exploring Japan’s Hidden Heritage: Tsumago and Magome on the Nakasendo｜Samurai Road Secrets｜(Part 1: History & Culture) 08.09.2025 12:55

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...

＃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 15:01

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 start...

#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 18:37

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 wi...