In a much-anticipated revival, the popular NHK program "Buratamori" will return with a new series starting April 5, 2025. The first episode promises to take viewers on an engaging journey over a 90-kilometer route from Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture to the iconic Ise Shrine. This journey isn't just about reaching the destination; it invites audiences to explore the fascinating towns along the way.
Host Tamori, well-known for his unique style, expresses excitement about the upcoming series. He shared, "When the regular broadcast ended, friends who enjoyed the show asked me, 'What are you going to do about it!' But it will start again as if nothing had happened." His light-hearted approach raises expectations among fans eager to accompany him on a journey reminiscent of historic pilgrimages.
This revival aligns perfectly with a new initiative called the "Ise no Kuni Oharai Machi," which has recently been recognized as a National Garden Tourism project. This means the region is now embarking on a mission to reinvent its tourist appeal, aiming to bring back the traditions of pilgrimage tourism to Ise Shrine. Yokoyama Yangji, chairman of the Mie Garden Tourism Council, elaborated, "We aim to create a tourism style that enables deep and prolonged enjoyment of Mie, bringing back the enjoyment of the old pilgrimage to Ise Shrine." As Yokoyama explains, the project encompasses seven gardens—each with its own unique historical significance—which are set to enhance the travel experience.
The planned route will traverse historical sites famous for their rich gardens, including temple gardens with national treasure buildings, samurai gardens from the Muromachi era, and the residences of affluent merchants and mountain kings from the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods. Yokoyama highlighted the beauty of merging historical appreciation with leisurely travel, emphasizing how each garden connects visitors to different eras and cultures.
However, the tourism landscape in Mie Prefecture faces challenges, with the average number of nights tourists stay being notably low—ranked 46th in the nation. The hope is that adventures like those proposed in "Buratamori" can enhance visitor interest, encouraging longer stays as travelers engage with the region's historical and cultural heritage.
The show is designed not just to document the journey but also to spark enthusiasm about the stories behind the places visited. Viewers will witness the beauty and quirks of towns like Yokkaichi, Suzuka, and Matsusaka during the expedition. Along these towns, the narrative will offer glimpses into local traditions and heritage, creating a bridge over time between Edo period pilgrimage practices and modern-day tourism.
In its efforts to broaden the appeal of Mie's rich history, the "One Garden, One Trip" initiative will curate themed mini-tours that combine outdoor beauty and interesting tourist stops. This innovative approach helps to smooth the visitor experience, encouraging local lodging partnerships and bringing new life into the town's economy.
As anticipation grows, fans of the program have begun speculating about other surprises that may unfold within the episodes. Posts on social media have suggested intriguing possible filming locations, including a nod to Suzuka, which was referenced in early promotional materials. The inclusion of such towns promises to add another layer of excitement and discovery for viewers as they tune into the series on NHK.
Interestingly, episode promotions have already been noted during unexpected segments, such as NHK's high school baseball broadcasts. Tamori's presence is expected to carry forward into these ads, where his engaging persona will likely draw further viewer interest and participation.
As the series gears up for its launch, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates during scheduled baseball games, where information about "Buratamori" will gradually be revealed every day from March 23 through March 25. For those passionately invested in Mie's tourist offerings or the charming adventure into its historical richness, this new series offers a prospect of discovery and enjoyment. With its innovative tourism strategies and rich historical context, Mie is poised to enchant both local and traveling viewers alike once again.
