Podcast
Sounds of Shizen: Listening to Japan’s National Parks
Dive into an acoustic journey of Japan’s national parks! Sounds of Shizen takes you across the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, where every episode begins with a clip from a field recording. Unlike national parks in other parts of the world, Japan’s park system is unique in that it integrates local human activity and culture, resulting in an extraordinary heritage. Alongside guides and park insiders who share travel tips and first-hand knowledge, we take a closer look at these spaces and unpack their legacy. Join us as we travel the archipelago and prepare you for your own journey!
- Episodes
- 3
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 24 min
- On air since
- 2026
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
3 episodes, newest first
-
23 min
Echoes of the Ocean: Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Part 3 (with Tim Detmer)
Show notes
In our last episode of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park series, Eric sits down with Tim one last time to discuss the expansive coastline of the Kii Peninsula. Our journey begins with the rare, rumbling sounds produced by the waves at Shichiri Mihama Beach. Tim introduces us to the many oceanic activities and natural wonders in the area, including the volcanic formations of Onigajo and Tategasaki.
Timestamps
00:00 Opening
01:00 Introduction
04:03 The curious sounds of Shichiri Mihama Beach
08:40 Snorkelling and Kushimoto Marine Park
14:13 Jigokunohama Beach
16:00 Cape Tenjinzaki
19:21 Tim’s recommended spots
21:08 Ending
21:40 Sounds of the ocean
Host:
Eric van Rijn
Guest:
Tim Detmer
Nature sounds:
Della Inc.
Production:
Export-Japan Inc.
https://www.export-japan.co.jp/
Support:
USP JAPNA Inc.
-
24 min
Historic Trails & Pilgrimages: Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Part 2 (with Tim Detmer)
Show notes
Eric is back with Tim Detmer for another episode on the spectacular Yoshino-Kumano National Park, where the physical world meets the spiritual world. This time, we journey into the depths of its mountains to examine the region’s historic legacy as a place of worship: Tim introduces us to the Kumano Kodo, a 1,000-year-old network of UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails, and the possible routes you can take with a guide.
Timestamps
00:00 | Opening sound
01:00 | Introduction
06:23 | About Nachi Falls and the sound of the horagai (conch shell trumpet)
11:21 | Where is Yoshino-Kumano National Park located?
14:51 | The five Kumano Kodo trails: Nakahechi, Ohechi, Iseji, Kohechi, and Omine Okugake Michi
18:51 | On sharing the history of the region as a non-Japanese person
21:06 | Tim’s perspective of Yoshino-Kumano National Park
23:17 | Ending
Host:
Eric van Rijn
Guest:
Tim Detmer
Nature sounds:
Della Inc.
Production:
Export-Japan Inc.
https://www.export-japan.co.jp/
Support:
USP JAPNA Inc.
-
24 min
Sacred Waters & River Tales: Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Part 1 (with Tim Detmer)
Show notes
For our first episode, host Eric van Rijn is joined by veteran guide Tim Detmer to explore the pristine waters of Yoshino-Kumano National Park. From the beauty of Nachi Falls and the Dorokyo Gorge to the sacred Kumano River, Tim talks us through the available group activities and reflects on his 42 years of experience in the region.
Time stamps
00:00 Opening
01:00 Introduction
03:20 Nachi Falls
08:16 Dorokyo Gorge
09:46 Kumano River
11:54 Boat tours
15:28 History and activities at Dorokyo Gorge
16:40 Industries in the park
20:35 How much time do you need to visit the park?
21:02 Changes in the park across the last 42 years
22:25 Ending
Host:
Eric van Rijn
Guest:
Tim Detmer
Nature sounds:
Della Inc.
Production:
Export-Japan Inc.
https://www.export-japan.co.jp/
Support:
USP JAPNA Inc.
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