Best Kurobe Podcasts (2024)

1
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 34:27

3d ago34:27

34:27

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 of mountain tran…

1
Daisetsuzan: Japan's Largest National Park with Richard Smith / Adventure Hokkaido 43:30

17d ago43:30

43:30

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, Daisetsuzan is the cr…

1
Announcement: Season 3 of Snow Country Stories Japan Begins Tuesday 2nd April 2:14

1M ago2:14

2:14

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 occupies a vast…

1
Bonus Episode: Talking Spring in the Snow Country on the Lost Without Japan Podcast 22:03

2M ago22:03

22:03

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 Japan or for thos…

1
Hakkaisan Brewery: Snow-Aged Sake & Beer from Powder Mountain with Shoko Baba 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

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 beautiful area…

1
The God Bears of Northern Japan with David Laichtman / Sophia University 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

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 home culturally…

1
Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Craftsman Gianpaolo Camplese / Nereto Woodwork 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

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 the picturesque …

1
The Hidden Histories of Nagano City: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

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 city in the re…

1
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain: Japan's Newest Ski Resort with Snowboarder Ishiuchi Kei 40:12

4M ago40:12

40:12

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 true snow guru…

1
Mithila Museum & The Stone Music of Hasegawa Tokio 45:00

5M ago45:00

45:00

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 1982, and toda…

1
Matsunoyama, Niigata: Challenges & Opportunities of Life in the Deep Snow with Kamimura Shotaro 44:52

5M ago44:52

44:52

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 with revitalis…

1
Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts with Snowboarder Billy Halloran / The Greenhouse Myoko 48:50

5M ago48:50

48:50

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 snowboarder and o…

1
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 35:10

6M ago35:10

35:10

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 known for the …

1
Wildlife Tourism Japan with Conservationist Eli Sooker 42:33

6M ago42:33

42:33

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 conservation and …

1
Son of the Smith & The Science of Cider with Ikeuchi Takuro 38:00

7M ago38:00

38:00

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 brewery’s founding vi…

1
Shiga Kogen: Japan's Largest Ski Resort with Robel Zemichael / Shiga International Ski School 48:23

7M ago48:23

48:23

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 resort remains rel…

1
Announcement: Season 2 of Snow Country Stories Japan Begins Tuesday 19th September 2:02

8M ago2:02

2:02

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 some of Japan’s …

1
Encore Edit / Nakano of 1000 Empty Houses: In Search of Solutions to Japan's Akiya Problem 21:37

8M ago21:37

21:37

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. Another of my most…

1
Encore Edit / Remove, Replace, Repeat: The Unending Restoration of a 200 Year Old Farmhouse in Togari, Nagano 20:54

8M ago20:54

20:54

Snow Country Stories Japan is currently on a break between Season 1 and Season 2. As promised, during this period I’ll be uploading a couple of previous episodes, beginning with this edit of what was Episode 2 of the podcast. The original episode was the longest to date at over 1 hour whereas this edit is just over 20 minutes. I consider this chat …

1
Togakushi, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide 37:43

9M ago37:43

37:43

Episode 12 of the podcast is the first of my intended travel guides for recommended destinations in the snow country. Located just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of the snow country’s most important cultural landscapes. Mount Togakushi has been a focal point of devotion for more th…

1
Fukushima: Portraits of Life By Photographer Yuki Iwanami 36:55

9M ago36:55

36:55

In Episode 11 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Yuki Iwanami, a renowned photographer based in the snow country area of Aizu in Fukushima. Yuki’s photography explores the humanity of man-made and natural disasters such as war, trafficking and earthquakes. As such, his portfolio features his work in countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Chi…

1
Nozawa Onsen Distillery: Award-Winning Gin & Whisky That Will 41:37

10M ago41:37

41:37

In Episode 10 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Sam Yoneda, lead distiller at the newly opened but already well-awarded Nozawa Onsen Distillery. Founded with a vision to produce gin and whisky that reflect the character of Nozawa Onsen, the distillery opened its doors to the public in December 2022 and since that time has won multiple awa…

1
How to Die Well in the Mountains: Way of the Yamabushi 42:00

10M ago42:00

42:00

In Episode 09 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Tim Bunting. Based in Yamagata but originally from New Zealand, Tim is a practicing ‘yamabushi’ and better known by his moniker the ‘Kiwi Yamabushi’. Translating as ‘one who prostrates himself on a mountain’, the word ‘yamabushi’ refers to mountain ascetics – those who practices various form…

1
Snow Country Japan: Why I Value It, Why You Should Visit & What I Do Here 31:50

11M ago31:50

31:50

In Episode 08 of Snow Country Stories Japan I delve a little deeper into what and where the snow country is, why I value it, why I think you should visit and my own story and the services I provide as a writer and guide based in Nagano. I also provide some basic information about how to get to the snow country, which obviously depends to your exact…

1
Life After the Quake: Guiding, Cycling & the Essence of Japan 48:28

11M ago48:28

48:28

In Episode 07 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Kevin Kato, a guide and writer based in Matsumoto, Nagano. Kevin guides extended cycling and walking tours in Japan and in the first half of the interview we discuss the pleasure we both find in guiding, the need to convey of sense of place to guests and the growing popularity of cycling, in…

1
Shiga Kogen Brewery & The Artistry of Barrel-Aged Beer 54:02

12M ago54:02

54:02

In Episode 06 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I had the privilege of visiting Shiga Kogen Brewery – one of the snow country’s most recognisable, popular and awarded breweries. Established in 2004 by the founder and master brewer, Sato Eigo, Shiga Kogen Brewery grew out of his family’s much older Tamamura Honten – a sake brewery dating back more than…

1
The High Life with Moto the Mountain Guide 59:40

12M ago59:40

59:40

In Episode 05 of Snow Country Stories Japan, I speak with Hayashi Motohiro - better known as ‘Moto the Mountain Guide’. Moto is a true man of the mountains, an experienced guide who makes his working and guiding in Japan’s tallest mountains. As such, Moto is most certainly leading the high life here in the snow country of Japan. Japan is in every s…

1
Special Announcement: The Podcast Name is Changing to Snow Country Stories Japan 2:43

1y ago2:43

2:43

Hello again from the snow country! This is a short announcement to let you know that as of this week, the name of the podcast will be changing from ‘Snow Country For Old Men’ to ‘Snow Country Stories Japan’ and with that, the website address will also be updated. The reasons for the change are simple and won’t result in any alteration to the podcas…

1
Nakano of 1000 Empty Houses: In Search of Solutions to Japan's Akiya Problem 56:00

1y ago56:00

56:00

In Episode 04 of Snow Country Stories Japan*, I speak with Murai Shota. Shota is a young man originally from Nagoya and now living in small town of Nakano in Nagano; and tasked with finding solutions to, or it could be said new beginnings for, Nakano’s estimated 1000 empty houses. Known as ‘空き家 / akiya’ in Japanese - a word that translates as ‘empt…

1
Of Tengu & Taiko: An Interview with a Wondermensional Woman 48:25

1y ago48:25

48:25

In Episode 03 of Snow Country Stories Japan*, I speak with Komatsu Haruna, a multi-talented musician and performer based in Iizuna, Nagano. Haruna is a member of Iizuna Gongen Daiko, a local ‘taiko’ (drum) group that has been performing for over 30 years. Haruna joined Iizuna Gongen Daiko in 2017 and now both performs and composes music for the gro…

1
Remove, Replace, Repeat: The Unending Restoration of a 200 Year Old Farmhouse in Togari, Nagano 1:05:23

1y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Episode 02 of Snow Country Stories Japan* transports us to Togari, Nagano to chat with Rich Morgan. Rich and his wife Maiko are engaged in the ongoing restoration of their home, a 200 year old traditional farmhouse. Known as ‘kominka’ in Japanese, these beautiful houses acted much like lifeboats within the heavy snow, allowing families to sustain t…

1
An Orographic Chat with Mark of Madarao Mountain Lodge 50:44

1y ago50:44

50:44

Hello and welcome to the first episode of Snow Country Stories Japan* – a podcast about life in Japan’s legendary ‘yukiguni’. In Episode 01 of the podcast I sat down for a chat with Mark of Madarao Mountain Lodge. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Mark has been living in Japan for years and operating his ski lodge in Madarao since 2017. He’s a big…

1
Trailer Episode 3:49

1y ago3:49

3:49

Welcome to Snow Country Stories Japan*, a bi-weekly podcast all about life in Japan’s legendary ‘yukiguni’. This is a brief trailer episode to introduce the show - what it's all about and who it's for, your host and what to expect. Known as ‘yukiguni’ in Japanese, snow country refers to the prefectures and areas renowned for their heavy snowfall of…