【Coming soon】 Rewilding the Heart: Simulated hunting tour and gibier (wild meat) cuisine in the Gifu satoyama
Tread lightly the grounds upon which you stand. You are about to begin an adventure quite unlike any other. Step into the Gujo satoyama of Gifu, a vibrant mosaic of environments where man and beast have thrived for centuries in harmony. With the extinction of the Japanese wolf and mass movements into the inner cities, wild deer and wild boar populations have surged unchecked, causing significant damage to the native environment and local agriculture. Enter the hunter. Engage with a practice that was a key to the survival of humanity since the dawn of time, and how it is now a key component to wildlife management. Search the forest floor for signs of wildlife with guidance from a local hunter as they convey to you the history of Japan's culture of hunting and its coexistence with nature. Experience for yourself the strong ties between people, nature, and food as you join in activities like deer butchering and partake in some gibier (wild meat) cuisine. Uncover the deep sense of gratitude behind the acts of hunting, eating, and respectfully receiving the "gift of life" in the way of the Japan satoyama. Find and restore balance in the rewilding of your heart.
Recommended points
● Encounter the culture of the Japanese satoyama as you enter the Gujo forest grounds of Gifu Prefecture, and search for traces of wild animals with a qualified hunter while learning all about the unique and essential connection between hunting and nature. This special course features the importance of gratitude upon receiving the "gift of life" as well as the way of living alongside nature in Japan through various highlights such as traditional snare-trapping, deer butchering, and gibier (wild meat) cuisine.
Accommodation at the campsite is available should you wish to stay overnight at the end of the course. (Advanced reservation required. Additional costs apply.)
1. Experience the local satoyama culture: Take in the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the Japanese countryside, in a space where people have been continuing to live in harmony with nature.
2. Learn about maintaining the balance between nature and man: Learn through hands-on activities with qualified hunters about the vital role they play in wildlife management when dealing with pests like deer and wild boar.
3. Savor delicious and sustainable gibier (wild meat) cuisine: Try dishes that are part of a sustainable food culture, ensuring as little wastage as possible.
4. Join an exclusive forest adventure of a lifetime: Access this special activity not easily offered elsewhere, where you can explore and learn from the satoyama grounds with a local hunter.
*Please note that this is a program with a focus on activities that simulate hunting scenarios. There will be no actual hunting that takes place during this course.
Overview
- Season
- 2026/4/1～2027/3/31
- Activity Time
- 6 hours 30 minutes
- Place
-
※ Please contact us for further details.
Hachimancho, Gujo, Gifu
- Number of Participants
- 6～24 people
- Reference Price
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
※ Guide interpreters, pick up and drop off transportation as well as other custom arrangements can be made. Please inquire for further details.
- Starting Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Ending Point
- ※ Please contact us for further details.
- Meeting Time
- 12:30
- Schedule
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12:30 - Introductions: Learn about the culture of the satoyama (areas where foothills and farmlands overlap) in Japan, the history of hunting, and the crucial role that hunters play in managing the natural environment and ecosystems.
13:00 - Hunting grounds and game trail tracking: With guidance from a hunter, head out to the hunting grounds, walk along paths frequented by animals such as deer, scanning for any remains of animal traces.
14:00 - Trapping: Observe and engage with one of the local tools of the trade - the kukuriwana, Japan's snare trap - a weapon in the battle of wits with quarry. Learn about the ethics and respect for life, as well as the wisdom behind its usage.
15:00 - Target practice: With guidance from a hunter, try out target shooting and put to use the required concentrations and skills for hunting.
16:00 - Deer butchering workshop: Observe and take part in the butchering of a deer while learning about the meaning and the gratitude that comes with receiving sustenance from the loss of a life.
18:00 - Gibier (wild meat) BBQ dinner: Enjoy a delicious BBQ featuring the rich bounty of the satoyama countryside - Gifu gibier (wild meat) and local ingredients.
19:00 - Gochisosama (Thank you for the feast!): Gather around the bonfire, as you thoroughly enjoy the evening in the satoyama, celebrating time well-spent.
Activity ends.
※ This itinerary is an example.
- Important Information
- ● This course is ongoing even in light rain, but may be cancelled in the event of severe weather at the discretion of the program organizer. They will contact you in the event of a cancellation whereby stated cancellation policies will not apply.
- Contact Information
- For personal bookings and inquiries: Please click on the "List of affiliated DMC partners" on the upper right corner of the website, and contact the relevant affiliated DMC partners listed with your booking or inquiry.
