Mar 24 2025 46 mins 3
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 aspects of rural life. Fishing, farming and hunting all feature heavily and reflect the realities and opportunities of life in rural Japan and how food is produced, procured and traded within communities, while also reflecting the idyllic beauty of that part of Kyoto Prefecture.
Vince is actively involved in the revitalisation of his village, performing many roles and working to attract prospective migrants as a rural tourism and migration consultant. In addition, he is the Managing Director of Ipanshadan Houjin Minka Preservation Society – an organisation dedicated to the conservation of Japan’s wonderful heritage and historical homes. As such, Vince is a wonderful advocate for the lifestyle available in rural Japan while also conveying a realistic understanding of what to expect and how to go about transitioning to life in the countryside.
Thank you for Vince for making time to speak with me and for sharing the images used in support of this episode. For more information and to follow Vince, make sure to check out his profile as Kyoto Insider on Instagram along with the Minka Preservation Society website.
Outland Japan is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Peter Carnell - a freelance tour guide based in northern Nagano – that transports you to rural, regional and the wilds of Japan in pursuit of stories that lie outside the neon hum of Tokyo and golden trimmings of Kyoto. Stories of travel, life and culture beyond the big cities. Follow the show on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Please note, prior to October 2024, Outland Japan was named Snow Country Stories Japan.
