Sightseeing Japan

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!

Japan is a world leader in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence. Join Jason and Paul as they learn how these innovative technologies could change the future of Japanese society!

The Chubu region is located in central Honshu between the Kanto and Kansai regions. It is characterized by rugged mountains and also contains an important symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the amazing things to see and do in this oft-overlooked region of Japan! Topics Covered: History: Tokaido Trail — Nakasendo Trail Aichi Prefecture: Nagoya Castle — Inuyama Castle —...

Video game arcades are ubiquitous in Japan where they are known as “game centers”. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this innovative industry and learn about the many amazing games that can be found at Japanese arcades!

Soy sauce is a fermented liquid condiment that plays an extremely important role in Japanese cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this versatile product!

Kamakura is a city steeped in history and tradition and is now a popular tourist destination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this former capital of Japan and learn about the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History Near Kamakura Station: Wakamiya Oji — Dankazura — Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine — Komachi Street Hase: Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) — Hasedera Enoshima Temples: Hokokuji...

Osorezan, or “Dread Mountain”, is an active volcano with a Buddhist temple in its caldera. It is one of Japan’s three most sacred places and is believed to be one of the gates to the underworld. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this other-worldly pilgrimage destination!

The concept of kawaii, meaning “cute” or "adorable", is a prominent aspect of modern Japanese culture. Join Jason and Paul as they dive deep into the world of kawaii culture!

Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Japan, and they celebrate it in their own unique way. They even created a companion holiday called White Day! Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs and traditions surrounding these celebrations!

Did you know that Japanese denim is widely considered to be among the best in the world? Join Jason and Paul as they learn about what makes Japanese denim so great!

Mochi is a popular rice-based food in Japan that has been considered sacred since ancient times. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about how it is made, its cultural significance, and the many types of dishes that can be made with mochi!

The Tohoku region of Japan, consisting of six prefectures in northeast Honshu, is known for its mountains, winter sports, onsen resorts, and natural scenery. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what there is to see and do in the Tohoku region! Topics Covered: History Fukushima Prefecture: Oze National Park — Goshikinuma Ponds — Ouchi-juku — Kitakata Ramen Miyagi Prefecture: Jozenji-dori — Kokubunc...

Pachinko is a pinball-like game that is extremely popular in Japan both as a recreational game and as a gambling device. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the bright and noisy world of Pachinko!

Shirakawa-go is a quaint mountain village nestled in the Japanese Alps that is known for its beautiful views and a unique architectural style called gassho-zukuri. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many things to see and do in this picturesque village! Topics Covered: History Gassho Zukuri Houses What to see/do: Open-Air Museum — Wada House — Kanda House — Nagase House — Shirakawa Kaido Stre...

The 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election was described by the media as “a circus” due to the attention-seeking antics of some of the candidates. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the factors that made this year’s election so unusual!

Oni and tengu are two of the most recognizable youkai (monsters) in Japanese folklore. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the rich mythology behind these mysterious beings!

Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is an advanced art form with a distinctive style that incorporates intricate designs, recurring motifs and a great deal of symbolism. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the colorful world of Japanese tattoos!

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!