Sightseeing Japan

Japan has been slow to open up to tourism since the beginning of the pandemic, but things are starting to change. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the current tourism situation as well as recent newsworthy events in Japan! Topics Covered: Announcements Can I go to Japan yet?: Japan Travel subreddit — Japan National Tourism Organization — Kyushu Journeys (travel agency) Tourism industry Abe assa...

Kyoto is a city bursting at the seams with temples, shrines, and history. It served as the capital for over 1,000 years and is the perfect destination for visitors that want to get in touch with the culture of ancient Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Kyoto! Topics Covered: History East: Fushimi Inari Taisha — Tofukuji — Kiyomizu-dera — Hokanji (Yasaka Pag...

The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. This method of preparing and serving matcha involves a set of prescribed movements, a specific setting, and specialized tools, among other important considerations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this ancient art form! Topics Covered: History: Lu Yu — Eisai — Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji (Gold/Silver Pavilions) —...

Tofukuji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto and is one of the city’s most popular temples for tourists. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic site and discuss the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History: Chan Buddhism — Five Mountain System — Meiji Restoration Main Gate (Sanmon) Main Hall (Hondo) Priest’s Living Quarters (Hojo): Mirei Shigemori — Gardens Tsu...

Dogs are popular pets in Japan and have been for thousands of years. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about Japan’s six native dog breeds and what role they have played in Japanese culture over the years! Topics Covered: History Dogs in Folklore: Inugami — Hanasaka Jiisan — Hachiko Dog Culture in Japan Native Dog Breeds: Shiba Inu — Akita Inu — Hokkaido Inu — Kai Ken — Kishu Ken — Shikoku Ken Con...

Kobe is a city in the Kansai region that is famous for producing some of the best beef in the world, as well as for its sake tradition and international culture. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about the many things to see and do (and eat) in Kobe! Topics Covered: History Port Area: Kobe Port Tower — Harborland — Renga Soko (19th Century Brick Warehouses) — Gaslight Street — Promena KOBE/Manyo C...

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!

Japan is home to hundreds of amusement parks and theme parks, many of which offer experiences that can’t be had anywhere else. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the most popular and unusual parks in the country!

The Chugoku region is located on the westernmost part of Honshu, Japan’s largest main island. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — Shukkeien (Garden) — Hiroshima Castle — Hondori Street — Okonomiyaki Village Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine — Momijidani Park Fukuyama: Shinshoji Temple — Tomonoura Port — Fuku...

Yakuza are members of organized crime syndicates that have been active in Japan for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the dark underbelly of Japanese society!

Sake, or nihonshu, is a rice-based alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed in Japan for over a millennium. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about how sake is made, its cultural significance, and just what makes it so delicious!

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is considered to be one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about the techniques and styles of this ancient practice!

Tokyo is the world’s biggest metropolis, the capital of Japan, and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this megacity and discuss the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History Shinjuku: Kabukicho — Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — Golden Gai — Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Shibuya: Shibuya Crossing — Hachiko Statue — Shib...

Welcome to the Halloween Special! Join Jason and Paul as they share some old Japanese ghost stories from Lafcadio Hearn’s “Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things”, published in 1904.

The Sensoji Kannon Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest temple and an extremely popular tourist destination. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about this beautiful and historic spiritual site!

Various types of seaweed are used in all sorts of Japanese foods, from sushi to soups to okonomiyaki to desserts. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about this versatile ingredient!

Japan’s bullet trains are famous around the world for their speed, efficiency, and masterful engineering. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes the Shinkansen so amazing!

Shikoku is one of the main islands of Japan and has a unique history, beautiful natural scenery, and a traditional feel. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the Shikoku region of Japan! Topics Covered: Shikoku Pilgrimage History Tokushima Prefecture: Naruto Whirlpools — Iya Valley (Vine bridges) — Anan Coast — Awa Odori Festival — Nagoro (Doll village) — Sobagome Zosui Kagawa Prefecture: Naoshima...

Masks have a long history in Japan and are used in everything from festivals to traditional theatre. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many different types of Japanese masks!

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that has played an important role in Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this delicious and healthy food!

Karaoke originated in Japan and has become a hugely popular pastime. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of karaoke and the reasons that its popularity has spread all over the world!

Nikko is a popular tourist destination for domestic and international tourists due to its natural beauty, important temples and shrines, and relaxing onsen. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic city! Topics Covered: History Shinkyo Bridge Rinnoji Temple Toshogu Shrine Futarasan Shrine Taiyuin (Mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu) Tamozawa Imperial Villa Kanmangafuchi Abyss Okunikko Region:...

Japan is a great place to visit as a tourist but there are also other ways to visit if you’d like to stay for an extended period of time. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various ways to work or study in Japan!

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!

Ancient Japanese folktales can help provide insight into Japan’s philosophies and culture. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two popular stories that have been passed down through the centuries!