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

Satoyama Liberal Arts
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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.

Episodes

  1. 09/26/2025

    【＃3-1】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 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 Omusubi https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/1414883410248273974 〇Nagataki（Ryokan） https://nagataki.info/〇Guesthouse Kannagara https://www.instagram.com/kannagara.iiji/ 〇Farm Stay https://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 survey 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. ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠ 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: 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=61579599453501⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour

    16 min

  2. 09/16/2025

    ＃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 during the Edo period How Tsumago and Magome became pioneers of cultural preservation The influence of writer Shimazaki Tōson and his novel Before the Dawn Local stories you won’t find in guidebooks: from school trips to ancient tea houses Why 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 survey 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. ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠⁠ 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: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @) Website: coming soon Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour

    14 min

  3. 09/08/2025

    ＃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 Edo period How Tsumago and Magome became pioneers of cultural preservation The influence of writer Shimazaki Tōson and his novel Before the Dawn Local stories you won’t find in guidebooks: from school trips to ancient tea houses Why 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 survey 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. ⁠https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66⁠ 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: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @) Website: coming soon Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour

    13 min

  4. 09/04/2025

    ＃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 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 survey 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. https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66 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: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @) Website: coming soon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour

    15 min

  5. 08/27/2025

    #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 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 survey 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. https://forms.gle/1xBpTn3GNt2hEqk66 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: mail〇ruraljapantour.com (please replace 〇 with @) Website: coming soon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruraljapantour/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579599453501 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rural.japan.tour

    19 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

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.

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