Best Outland Japan Studios Podcasts (2025)

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Outland Japan Remains on a Break... BUT WILL RETURN! 2:35

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2d ago2:35

2:35

Send us a text This is a short announcement that Outland Japan continues to be on a break. Outland Japan has been running for over two years now, the most recent episode being Episode 50. I very much enjoy making the podcast but it takes quite a bit of time and effort - something I need to balance with work, family and other commitments. Looking fo…

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ENCORE EPISODE / Kamikochi: An Outland Japan Travel Guide 43:03

16d ago43:03

43:03

Send us a text With the podcast on a break between Season 4 and Season 5, I am republishing another of my travel guides – in this case, my guide to Kamikochi. Open to the public from mid-April to mid-November, Kamikochi is an alpine valley located within Japan’s highest mountain range, the Hida Mountains or “North Alps”. Bookended by Hotakadake in …

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ENCORE EPISODE / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: An Outland Japan Travel Guide 36:06

1M ago36:06

36:06

Send us a text The podcast is currently on a break between Season 4 and Season 5. As promised, during this period I’ll be uploading two previous episodes starting with my travel guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Open to the public from mid-April until the end of November, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route traverses Japan’s highest mountain …

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Evaluate. Design. Build. Choosing & Renovating the Right Historical Home in Japan with Marcus Consolini / Daimon Shuzo 51:10

1M ago51:10

51:10

Send us a text In Episode 50 of the podcast I speak with Marcus Consolini, owner and general manager of Daimon Shuzo - a 200 year old sake brewery in Osaka - and board member of the Minka Preservation Society. Marcus has hands on experience in the restoration of multiple historical properties in Japan including the brewery, private residences and o…

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Shikoku Henro: Walking Japan's 1200km, 88 Temple Pilgrimage with Shingon Buddhist Priest Kōei Ervin / Shikoku Tours 46:45

2M ago46:45

46:45

Send us a text Episode 49 of the podcast takes us to the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku, and onto the Shikoku Henro. Associated with the life and teachings of legendary Buddhist monk Kūkai - also known as Kōbō Daishi – the Shikoku Henro is an 88 temple, 1200km / 745 mile pilgrimage circuit that circumambulates the island. Long-known…

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Fish. Farm. Hunt. A Year in the Kyoto Countryside with Vincent Ng / Kyoto Insider 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

Send us a text In Episode 48 we travel to rural Kyoto Prefecture to speak with Vincent Ng, otherwise known on Instagram as Kyoto Insider. As Kyoto Insider, Vince documents his life in rural Kyoto, and in doing so, explores the interconnection of food chain origins while showing off his lifestyle. He is hands on in that exploration, embracing all as…

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Understanding the Buddhist Swastika in Japan with Rev. Dr. TK Nakagaki / Heiwa Peace & Reconciliation Foundation of New York 44:10

3M ago44:10

44:10

Send us a text In Episode 47 I speak with Reverend Dr. TK Nakagaki. Rev. Dr. Nakagaki is the author of the book 'The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler’s Cross: Rescuing a Symbol of Peace from the Forces of Hate'. Published in 2017, the book presents a cross-cultural history of the “swastika”, a symbol of peace used by multiple Eastern religions, includi…

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Amatomi Trail: Hiking Japan's Most Accessible Trail, Away from the Maddening Crowds with Kouhei Nishida / Shinano Discovery 42:40

3M ago42:40

42:40

Send us a text In Episode 46 of the podcast I speak with outdoor guide, Kouhei Nishida. Kouhei is the founder of Shinano Discovery - an outdoor guiding company - and a key member of the team behind creation of the Amatomi Trail. Opened to the public in 2021, the Amatomi Trail stretches 86km / 54 miles from Nagano City through Myoko Togakushi Renzan…

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Tohoku: A Guided Journey Through Japan's Wild, Alluring North with Photographer Alfonso Calero 42:52

4M ago42:52

42:52

Send us a text Episode 45 transports us to Tohoku in the north-east of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Tohoku is a large region comprised of six prefectures – Fukushima, Yamagata, Akita, Miyagi, Iwate and Aomori – known for its open and striking landscapes and distinct local traditions. Leading us on this exploration is photographer Alfonso Calero. …

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Saving the Japanese Giant Salamander & Environmental Advocacy in Japan Pt.2 with Richard Pearce / Sustainable Daisen 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text This is the second half of Episode 44 of the podcast, my cha with Richard Pearce of Sustainable Daisen. Originally from the UK, Richard founded and operates Sustainable Daisen – an NPO dedicated to the protection of the Japanese Giant Salamander and effective conservation of its habitat. Richard and I discussed the salamander, the th…

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Saving the Japanese Giant Salamander & Environmental Advocacy in Japan Pt.1 with Richard Pearce / Sustainable Daisen 48:00

4M ago48:00

48:00

Send us a text In Episode 44 we travel to the southwest of Japan’s main island of Honshu and onto Tottori Prefecture to speak with Richard Pearce of Sustainable Daisen – an NPO dedicated to the conservation of the Japanese Giant Salamander and the habitat it is reliant upon. Originally from the United Kingdom, Richard founded and operates Sustainab…

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Restoring & Living in a 117 Year Old Farmhouse on the Beautiful Noto Peninsula with Lauren Scharf / Minka Preservation Society 46:27

5M ago46:27

46:27

Send us a text Episode 43 takes us to the beautiful Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture to speak with guest, Lauren Scharf. Lauren and her husband live in a 117 year old ‘kominka’ (farmhouse / folkhouse), a home they have restored themselves and as such, they are part of an enthusiastic community of ‘minka’ owners across Japan. In support of that…

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Shugendo: Japan's Mountain Faith Systems & The Sacred Peaks of Togakushi with Dr. Caleb Swift Carter / Kyushu University 46:09

5M ago46:09

46:09

Send us a text Episode 42 of the podcast takes us in the mountains once again as we explore Japan’s mountain religion of Shugendo. My guest leading us in that discussion is Dr Caleb Swift Carter of Kyushu University. Dr Carter specialises in Buddhist Studies and the medieval and early modern religious history of Japan, with a focus on the mountain …

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Smoke. Sulphur. Snow. Skiing Hokkaido's Volcanoes with Chuck Olbery / Hokkaido Powder Guides 44:42

6M ago44:42

44:42

Send us a text In Episode 41 of the podcast we return to Hokkaido and onto its most famous volcanoes as I chat with Chuck Olbery of Hokkaido Powder Guides. Operating for 20 years, Hokkaido Powder Guides offers backcountry, free and customised tours across Japan’s northern island including touring of its most prominent volcanoes – including Mount Yo…

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Iwanai, Hokkaido: Japan's Best Cat Skiing & Snowboarding Mountain with John Greiner / Iwanai Resort 47:38

6M ago47:38

47:38

Send us a text Episode 40 takes us to Japan’s northern island of Japan to speak with John Greiner, founder of Iwanai Resort. Blessed with Hokkaido’s legendary powder and without the crowds of nearby Niseko, Iwanai is regarded as Japan’s best cat skiing and snowboarding mountain. While the lower resort is open to the public, it is Iwanai’s cat opera…

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Wild. Fine. Old. New. The Culinary Tradition of Michelin-Starred Chef Kuwakino Keiko / Satoyama Jujo 44:35

7M ago44:35

44:35

Send us a text In Episode 39 of the podcast we travel to the deep snow country of Minami-Uonuma to speak with Kuwakino Keiko. Keiko is the head chef of Sanaburi, the Michelin-starred restaurant within the renowned hotel, Satoyama Jujo. Awarded that Michelin-star in 2020, Keiko has since gone on to receive a Terroir Award and a score of 15.5 by Gaul…

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The Memory Salesman: Acquiring, Valuing & Selling Vintage Japanese Furniture with Osaka Gaku / Solashima 43:32

7M ago43:32

43:32

Send us a text In Episode 38 of the podcast we travel just outside of Nagano City to speak with Osaka Gaku, the owner of Solashima. Solashima is a vintage and antique store selling furniture and other items. As Gaku explains during the interview, the furniture and other pieces he acquires and sells range in age, design and condition. In collecting …

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Minakami, Gunma: Backcountry, Whitewater, Onsen & More with Zack Berman / Momi-no-Ki Lodge 47:10

8M ago47:10

47:10

Send us a text Episode 37 of the podcast takes us to Minakami in Gunma Prefecture to speak with Zack Berman of Momi-no-Ki Lodge. Originally from the United States, Zack and his wife Amanda own and operate the large self-contained lodge in the heart of Minakami – a hot spring town now well-established as one of Japan’s best outdoor destinations. We …

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ANNOUNCEMENT: The Podcast is Renaming as 'Outland Japan' & the New Season Begins Tuesday 22nd October 3:26

8M ago3:26

3:26

Send us a text I am pleased to announce that the podcast will be returning with the first episode of Season 4 on Tuesday 22nd October, under the new name of 'Outland Japan'. The podcast has now been running around a year-and-a-half, and during that time, I've discovered more and more stories I’d like to bring you, that lie outside of the snow count…

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ENCORE EDIT / Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Gianpaolo Camplese / Nereto Woodwork 19:30

8M ago19:30

19:30

Send us a text The podcast remains on a break between seasons but as promised, here’s another shorter, edited version of one of the most popular episodes to date - Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Gianpaolo Camplese. This was Episode 22 of the podcast, in which I speak with woodworker and musician Gianpaolo Camplese abou…

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ENCORE EDIT / Shiga Kogen: Japan's Largest Ski Resort with Robel Zemichael / Shiga International Ski School 21:36

8M ago21:36

21:36

Send us a text The podcast is currently on a break between Season 3 and Season 4. As promised, during this period I’ll be uploading previous episode or two, beginning with this edit of what was the Episode 13 of the podcast, and the first of Season 2 – Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Japan’s Largest Ski Resort. In this episode I spoke with two-time Olympia…

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Norikura: Japan's First Zero Carbon National Park with Ogawa Yui / Norikura Zero Labo 43:26

9M ago43:26

43:26

Send us a text In Episode 36 of the podcast we head into the North Alps – Japan’s highest mountain range – and onto Norikura. Standing 3026 metres / 9927 feet above sea level, Mount Norikura or Norikuradake is one of the highest peaks in North Alps, a volcanic mountain which straddles the border of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. It is here, in the vi…

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Shiga Kogen Highlands: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with Photographer & Nature Guide Yokota Shinji 47:27

9M ago47:27

47:27

Send us a text Episode 35 of the podcast takes us to Shiga Kogen Highlands in Nagano Prefecture. Declared a UNESCO Biopshere Reserve in 1980, Shiga Kogen is an alpine landscape which includes major peaks such as Mount Shiga and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane – one of Japan’s most active volcanoes – renowned for its biodiversity, wetlands and distinct season…

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From Dream to Reality: Owning Your Own Ski Lodge in Japan Pt.2 with Dan Solo / Snowball Japan 44:40

10M ago44:40

44:40

Send us a text This is the second half of Episode 34 of the podcast, my chat with Dan Solo of Snowball Japan. Originally from Australia, Dan and his wife Andy first travelled to Japan more than 20 years ago and fell in love with life in the snow country. They set themselves to one day run their own ski lodge, a dream that came to fruition when they…

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From Dream to Reality: Owning Your Own Ski Lodge in Japan Pt.1 with Dan Solo / Snowball Japan 49:47

10M ago49:47

49:47

Send us a text In Episode 34 of the podcast we head to Madarao Mountain Resort in Nagano to speak with Dan Solo of Snowball Japan. Originally from Australia, Dan and his wife Andy first travelled to Japan more than 20 years ago and fell in love with life in the snow country. They set themselves to one day run their own ski lodge, a dream that came …

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Kamikochi: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 41:00

11M ago41:00

41:00

Send us a text Episode of 33 of the podcast takes us into Japan’s highest mountain range and into the beautiful alpine valley of Kamikochi. Part of the wider Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is a 16 kilometre / 10 mile valley which follows the beautiful Azusa River and bookended by two famous mountains – Mount Hotaka and Yakedake. With an ave…

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Namahage: They're Coming for the Children, with Dr Michael Dylan Foster / University of California Davis 49:12

11M ago49:12

49:12

Send us a text Episode 32 of the podcast takes us to the north of Japan, into the snow country of Akita Prefecture and onto Oga Peninsula. Jutting out from the Japanese main island and into the Sea of Japan, Oga Peninsula is wild and beautiful, a place of rustic villages and lurking wonders; and it is here, in Oga that we encounter the fearsome ‘Na…

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The Artist is in Residence: Design, Gastronomy & New Tradition of an Artisanal Ski Chalet with Liam Mugavin / A.I.R. Myoko 45:44

12M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text In Episode 31 of the podcast we head to Akakura Onsen in Myoko Kogen to speak with design maker Liam Mugavin. Originally for Australia, Liam is the cofounder of A.I.R. Myoko – a ski in, ski out chalet which combines design, gastronomy and other artisanal influences to offer a different type of experience when it comes to ski accommod…

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Oze National Park with Outdoor Guide Iida Taka / Nozawa Onsen Tours 40:45

12M ago40:45

40:45

Send us a text In Episode 30 of the podcast I speak with outdoor guide Iida Taka about Oze National Park. Straddling four prefectures of the snow country – Gunma, Niigata, Fukushima and Tochigi – Oze National Park is relatively small at 373 squared kilometres however its smaller size is in fact one of its attractions. Known for its lakes, wetlands,…

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The Sake, Sushi & Story of a Snow Country Port City with Jenya Yuss / Edge of Niigata 38:41

1y ago38:41

38:41

Send us a text In Episode 29 of the podcast we return to Niigata Prefecture and onto Niigata City to speak with Jenya Yuss. Jenya works for Edge of Niigata, a travel company based in Niigata City and operating tours and experiences in the city and wider prefecture. As such she’s an ideal person to introduce to the story and the reasons to visit Nii…

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Capturing the Landscapes & Seasons of the Snow Country: The Photography of Mark Davis 42:18

1y ago42:18

42:18

Send us a text In Episode 28 of the podcast I speak with Mark Davis, a Tokyo-based landscape photographer whose work focuses on the natural environments of Japan. Mark’s photography takes him into many areas of regional Japan with a particular interest in the snow country and its varied seasons. As such, his photography tells a more complete story …

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Tsuruoka, Yamagata: Japan's Best Food Destination, You've (Probably) Never Heard Of with Alexis Crump 43:30

1y ago43:30

43:30

Send us a text Episode 27 of the podcast takes us back to Yamagata Prefecture and onto Tsuruoka, a city known for its diverse and rich traditional food culture. In 2014 Tsuruoka was designated a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ in recognition of that food culture including continued agricultural practices and use heirloom crops and wild plants …

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Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 34:27

1y ago34:27

34:27

Send us a text Episode 26 of the podcast transports us along one of the snow country’s most popular destinations – the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Located in Chubu Sangaku National Park, the Alpine Route is a popular sightseeing route that transports visitors across Japan’s highest mountain range – the Kita Alps or North Alps. It takes a series o…

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Daisetsuzan: Japan's Largest National Park with Richard Smith / Adventure Hokkaido 43:30

1y ago43:30

43:30

Send us a text Today's episode - Episode 25 of the podcast - kicks off Season 3 as we make our way north to Hokkaido and onto Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan. Established in 1934, Daisetsuzan National Park is known for its alpine landscapes, abundant flora and fauna, and seasonal beauty including its deep snow of winter. For many, Daiset…

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Season 3 of Snow Country Stories Japan Begins Tuesday 2nd April 2:14

1y ago2:14

2:14

Send us a text Season 3 of Snow Country Stories Japan begins on Tuesday 2nd April 2024. In the coming season we’ll be exploring the snow country in spring and summer before heading into the beauty of autumn, starting with Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan. Considered by many as the most impressive of Japan's 34 national parks, Daisetsuzan …

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BONUS EPISODE: Talking Spring in the Snow Country on the Lost Without Japan Podcast 22:03

1+ y ago22:03

22:03

Send us a text Snow Country Stories Japan is currently on a break between seasons. I’ll announce the return date as soon as possible. In the meantime, this bonus episode features a clip of my recently published interview on the Lost Without Japan podcast. Lost Without Japan is a bi-weekly podcast focused on listeners planning their first trip to Ja…

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Hakkaisan Brewery: Snow-Aged Sake & Beer from Powder Mountain with Shoko Baba 42:11

1+ y ago42:11

42:11

Send us a text In Episode 24 of the podcast I speak with Shoko Baba, a member of the international sales team, of one of the snow country’s most celebrated sake breweries, Hakkaisan. Located in the heavy snow area of Minami-Uonuma, Hakkaisan Brewery produces high quality sake that reflects the pristine surrounding environment and traditions of this…

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The God Bears of Northern Japan with David Laichtman / Sophia University 42:08

1+ y ago42:08

42:08

Send us a text In Episode 23 of the podcast I speak with David Laichtman - a doctoral candidate at Sophia University in Tokyo - about the historical and contemporary practice of bear worship in Japan by cultures including the Matagi in Tohoku and Ainu in Hokkaido. In doing so, this episode draws attention to the often-overlooked fact that Japan is …

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Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Craftsman Gianpaolo Camplese / Nereto Woodwork 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

Send us a text In Episode 22 of the podcast we head north to the small rural village of Nukui in Nagano Prefecture. It is here that we find craftsman and musician Gianpaolo Camplese. Originally from Italy, Gianpaolo moved to the snow country in search for a home for his family, eventually discovering a rundown ‘kominka’ (traditional farmhouse) in t…

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The Hidden Histories of Nagano City: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 38:58

1+ y ago38:58

38:58

Send us a text Episode 21 of the Snow County Stories Japan podcast brings us to Nagano City, the capital of the large, landlocked and mountainous Nagano Prefecture. Host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Nagano is blessed with heavy snow and home to fantastic ski resorts, many of Japan’s highest mountains and multiple national parks. As the largest…

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Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain: Japan's Newest Ski Resort with Snowboarder Ishiuchi Kei 40:12

1+ y ago40:12

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Send us a text Episode 20 of the Snow Country Stories Japan takes us back to Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture and Japan’s newest ski resort, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain. In this episode I speak with Ishiuchi Kei, an accomplished snowboarder with a lot of experience working in the ski industry and genuine enthusiasm for Nekoma and the Aizu region. A…

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Mithila Museum & The Stone Music of Hasegawa Tokio 45:00

1+ y ago45:00

45:00

Send us a text Episode 19 of the podcast takes us into the deep snow country of Tokamachi in Niigata, where we venture into the beautiful, heavily forested hills and minor mountains of that area, and onto the secluded Mithila Museum to speak with its director Hasegawa Tokio. An avant-garde musician and artist, Hasegawa-san founded Mithila Museum in…

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Matsunoyama, Niigata: Challenges & Opportunities of Life in the Deep Snow with Kamimura Shotaro 44:52

1+ y ago44:52

44:52

Send us a text Episode 18 of the podcast takes us once again to Niigata Prefecture and the snow country area of Matsunoyama. Famous for its very heavy snowfall, Matsunoyama is a place in many ways defined by that snow. In this episode I speak with Kamimura Shotaro, a regional revitalisation coordinator based in Matsunoyama. Shotaro’s work tasks him…

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Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts with Snowboarder Billy Halloran / The Greenhouse Myoko 48:50

1+ y ago48:50

48:50

Send us a text Episode 17 of the podcast takes us to Niigata Prefecture and the deep snow of Myoko Kogen. Located on the flanks of Mount Myoko, Myoko Kogen is a collective named used to refer to five ski resorts, renowned for their very heavy snowfall and some of Japan’s best powder riding. In this episode I speak with Billy Halloran, a talented sn…

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Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 35:10

1+ y ago35:10

35:10

Send us a text Episode 16 of the podcast brings us back to Nagano Prefecture and one of the snow country’s most popular destinations, Jigokudani Yaen Koen – more commonly referred to as the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Located in the enclave of Yamanouchi – 50 to 60 minutes from Nagano City – the park is home to a curious troop of Japanese macaques…

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Wildlife Tourism Japan with Conservationist Eli Sooker 42:33

1+ y ago42:33

42:33

Send us a text Episode 15 of the podcast takes us to the north of Honshu and the prefecture of Akita. Known for its natural beauty and wild landscapes, Akita is a place that my guest Eli Sooker spends much of his time. Eli is a conservationist, writer, wildlife photographer and eco tour guide based in Japan whose current research focuses on bear co…

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Son of the Smith & The Science of Cider with Ikeuchi Takuro 38:00

1+ y ago38:00

38:00

Send us a text Episode 14 of the podcast takes us once again to Nagano Prefecture and Son of the Smith Hard Cider brewery. Opened in 2020, Son of the Smith Hard Cider are in many ways forging a new era for cider in Japan – a country that doesn’t have a strong cider tradition. In this episode, I speak with head brewer Ikeuchi Takuro about the brewer…

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Shiga Kogen: Japan's Largest Ski Resort with Robel Zemichael / Shiga International Ski School 48:23

1+ y ago48:23

48:23

Send us a text Episode 13 of the podcast – and the first of Season 2 – brings us back to Nagano and Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. A host venue in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort and enjoys the longest season of any resort in Nagano or Central Japan. Despite this the res…

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Season 2 of Snow Country Stories Japan Begins Tuesday 19th September 2:02

1+ y ago2:02

2:02

Send us a text I am happy to announce that Season 2 of ‘Snow Country Stories Japan’ begins on Tuesday 19th September 2023. And I’m just as happy to say, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming season! As we head toward and into another winter, Season 2 of the podcast will take us deeper into Japan’s snow country including episodes covering s…

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ENCORE EDIT / Nakano of 1000 Empty Houses: In Search of Solutions to Japan's Akiya Problem 21:37

2y ago21:37

21:37

Send us a text Snow Country Stories Japan remains on a break between Season 1 and Season 2. This is the second upload of two previous episodes - an edit of what was Episode 04 / Nakano of 100 Empty Houses: In Search of Solutions to Japan's Akiya Problem. The original episode was around 1 hour in length whereas this edit is just over 20 minutes. Ano…