On Sunday, February 25, 2024, we held a trail running monitoring event with professional trail runner Hiroki Ishikawa as our guest to run in the satoyama of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail.
Professional trail runner Hiroki Ishikawa, who is also a leading figure in the spread of trail running in Japan, was our guest, and we had a great time running together in the satoyama along the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail. After trail running, Mr. Ishikawa, who is also earnestly involved in satoyama preservation activities, and Mr. Wada of the “Kawachi Cultural Heritage Preservation Association” gave us a talk on the history of the area at the former Machiya Electric Substation, and we enjoyed a walk through the streets of Machiya, a day full of sato, satoyama, and the townscape still alive today.
 |  |
| There was some concern about the remaining snow, but it melted the day before and the event was successfully held. The event started with self-introductions by the participants. | The guest for this event was Hiroki Ishikawa, a professional trail runner! |
 |  |
| Hiroki Ishikawa leads us through a thorough preparatory exercise. The preparatory exercise included rhythmical steps to relax the body. | Once you have thoroughly relaxed your body, it’s time to go for a trail run on the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail! |
 |  |
| The course will continue with lectures by Mr. Ishikawa along the way. | The moderately hard ground is very easy to run on! |
 |  |
| You will receive an in-depth lecture on how to use your body and enjoy the trails. | We will practice the techniques taught to us, checking our own condition. |
 |  |
| From “satoyama” to “sato”… The gradual change in scenery is one of the attractions of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail. | At the former Machiya Substation, Mr. Wada of the “Association for Preserving Kawachi’s Cultural Heritage” taught us about the history of local development and the importance of preserving the sato and satoyama. |
 |  |
| A commemorative photo was taken in front of the substation facility with its beautiful red brick expression, which is registered as a national tangible cultural property! | It was a day to enjoy the satoyama and its surroundings. Thank you to all participants for your hard work. We will see you again on the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail. |
Participants said, “I didn’t know there was such a good place to visit even though I am from my hometown! ” and “I enjoyed the route because I could see that there is nature and people’s lives here! “We received many comments such as, “I was glad to learn about the perspectives and techniques of professional runners, the charm of nature and satoyama in the northern part of the prefecture, and the current state of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail”.
We will continue to create a sustainable environment through the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail in the sato and satoyama, and we will continue to care for the local community and plan various events for the enjoyment of many people. Please look forward to future events on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail!
この投稿文は次の言語で読めます: 日本語 (Japanese)
