Sightseeing Japan

Japanese folklore can involve some very strange yokai, and not all of them are quite as well known as kappa or oni. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss some of the weirdest and most entertaining yokai they’ve come across. Topics Covered: Suppon no Yurei Futakuchi Onna Haradashi Ubume Zenihebi Hone Onna Uondo Kage Onna Shichinin Misaki Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

The Ainu are the Indigenous people of northern Japan, with a unique culture, language, and history that have long been intertwined with the island of Hokkaido. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Ainu traditions and beliefs, their relationship with nature, the history of Japanese assimilation and discrimination, and the ongoing revival of Ainu culture today. Topics Covered: History Language and Id...

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. In Japan, the term “idol” refers to attractive young entertainers who primarily sing, act, dance, and model, among other things. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this unique aspect of modern Japanese society!

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. Kappa are dangerous reptilian water creatures from Japanese mythology. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating folklore behind this odd, cucumber-loving yokai! Topics Covered: History What Do Kappa Look Like? What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama How to Defeat a...

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. Japan built its whisky industry based on techniques imported from Scotland and they now produce some of the most sought-after whisky in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of Japanese whisky!

Long before the arrival of Buddhism, Japan's spiritual traditions revolved around nature, ancestors, and countless kami. Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the history and beliefs of Shinto. Topics Covered: History Kami Purification Rites of Passage Shrines Festivals The Creation Myth Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Can spending time in the forest actually improve your health and well-being? Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the Japanese practice of forest bathing and why it has gained attention around the world. Topics Covered: Books on Asia Interview History The Practice The Science How/Where to Participate Kyoto In Sound Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities. Topics Covered: Structure of Education System The Average School Day The School Year Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city. Topics Covered: History Peace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb Museum Urakami Cathedral Sanno Shrine One-Legged Torii Gate Suwa Shrine Nagasaki Museu...

From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan. Topics Covered: Is Camping Popular in Japan? When to Camp What are Campgrounds Like in Japan? Types of Camping Best Places to Camp Gear What to Eat Etiquette and Rules Join our Discord community!...

Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan! Topics Covered: Science Bar INCUBATOR Deathmatch in Hell 8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button) Record Bar Analog The Whales of August Planetarium Bar Muscle Girls Kiha (Train Bar) Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi Axe Throwing Bar Hunter...

Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan. Topics Covered: Social Cohesion Broken Windows Theory Economic Factors Legislation Koban and Community Policing Judicial System Underreporting Recent Trends Join our Dis...

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightse...

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their second week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival Bibai Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — T...

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their first week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples...

Famous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations. Topics Covered: History Hakone-Yumoto Ryokan and Onsen Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway) Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Hakone Open-Air Museum Owakudani Pirate Ship Hakone Checkpoint Best View of Fuji Ha...

Designated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way. Topics Covered: What is a “National Cycle Route”? Shimanami Kaido Biwa-Ichi Pacific Cycling Road Toyama Bay Cycling Route Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road Tokapuchi400 Tips for a Succes...

Japanese pro wrestling has carved out its own distinct identity, blending athleticism, storytelling, and a passionate fan culture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, styles, and stars that make puroresu so unique. Topics Covered: What is Japanese Pro Wrestling? History How Does Puroresu Work? Major Promotions Controversy How to Attend Join our Discord community! Become a member on Pa...

Japan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences. Topics Covered: What is Omotenashi? History Keigo Examples of Omotenashi The Dark Side of Customer Service Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today. Topics Covered: History How to Cosplay Where to Cosplay Are There Rules? Controversies Where to See Cosplay Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sa...

Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history! Topics Covered: History Japan’s Soybean Industry How Soybeans are Grown How Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — Kuromame Ty...

Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. Topics Covered: Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — Incense Mode...

Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit! Topics Covered: History Tochoji Temple Kushida Shrine Sumiyoshi Shrine Canal City Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai) Tenjin Underground Mall Fukuoka Castle Ruins Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum Mizuho Pay...

Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them! Topics Covered: Yomi (Shinto Hell) Jigoku (Buddhist Hell) Hellish Places You Can Visit Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikk...

Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society! Topics Covered: History Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands —...