Welcome to Sightseeing Japan! Join hosts Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin as they explore the land of the rising sun. New podcast episodes are released every other week covering a range of topics, from geisha to vending machines and everything in between.
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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 Hakone Shrine How to get to/around Hakone Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
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 Successful Ride Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
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 Patreon!...
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, Sapporo . Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
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 Types of Soybeans Health Benefits Where to get Soy Products Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 202...
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 Modern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — Electronics Collectib...
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 PayPay Dome Momochi Seaside Park Fukuoka Tower Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa...
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 Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo . Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
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 — Famous cats Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat Podcast Meetup 2...
Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times! Topics Covered: Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC) Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC) Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE) Kofun Period (250 - 538) Yamato Period (250 - 710) Asuka Period (538 - 710) Nara Period (710 - 794) Heian Period (794 - 1185) Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333) Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568) Azu...
Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes! Topics Covered: History Morning Market Goryokaku Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Motomachi Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples Mt. Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Onuma Day Trip Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — I...
Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture! Topics Covered: What are yuru-kyara? What do mascots do? Why are mascots so popular in Japan? Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyang...
Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges. Topics Covered: Why are there so many vacant houses? Can foreigners buy akiya? How to search for an akiya How to choose an akiya How to buy an akiya How to renovate an akiya Living in an akiya Is it worth it? Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
Kyoto is full of famous temples, but few are as iconic—or as confusingly named—as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Join Jason and Paul as they dig into the history behind these two landmarks, explore what makes each one special, and explain why the silver Pavilion isn’t actually silver. Topics Covered: History Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion) Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
This episode dives deep into the exciting world of Japanese street food, moving beyond sushi and ramen to explore a diverse range of grilled, fried, and sweet delicacies. Jason and Paul discuss the unique culture of eating on the street in Japan, provide detailed descriptions of iconic foods like takoyaki, yakitori, yakisoba, and soft cream, and share personal experiences and recommendations. They also offer valuable tips on where to find these culinary treasures, from bustling tourist streets and traditional festivals to local fish markets and Fukuoka's famous Yatai stalls.
Japan is full of things to love - and a few things that might drive you a little crazy. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the best and worst aspects of exploring Japan! Topics Covered: Planes Trains Hotels Food Walkable Cities Convenience Politeness Customer Service Bathrooms Onsen History Hiking City Life Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a great place to learn about the culture and history of northeastern Honshu. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the city and uncover the story of its founder—a samurai with the coolest nickname ever. Topics Covered: History Loople Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle — Tohoku University Museum of Natural History — Miyagi Museum of Art — Osaki Hachiman Shrine — Jozenji-dori — Sunmall Ichibancho Sho...
Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous! Topics Covered: Cultural Significance Famous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — Silkworms Seasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — Crickets Common Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes...
Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan! Topics Covered: Konbini Temples and Shrines Hanami Maid Cafes Hiking Eating Shopping Shinkansen Arcades Japanese Gardens Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
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: Kamikochi Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori Park Omiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway Museum Tokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Mei...
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: Nagoya: Coffee House Kako — Nagoya Castle — The Tokugawa Art Museum — SCMAGLEV and Railway Park Inuyama: Showa Alley — Dondenkan (Matsuri Museum) — Inuyama Castle — Urakuen — Momotaro Shrine Hikone: Hikone Castle — Genkyuen — Rakurakuen — Yume Kyobashi Castle Road Omihachiman: Kawara Museum — Hachimanyama Ropeway — Borderless Art Muse...
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: Kumano Kodo: Kii-Tanabe — Guest House Kiyohime — Takijiri Oji — Chikatsuyu — Guest House MUI — Kumano Hongu Taisha — Yunomine Onsen — Minshuku Yunosato Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station — Tempozan Ferris Wheel — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — Namba Parks Nagoya: Atsuta Jingu — Shirotori Garden — Osu Shopping Street — Osu ...
Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries! Topics Covered: Ubazakura Rokurokubi Jiu-Roku-Zakura The Goblin of Adachigahara Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
Japan may be one of the safest countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its share of chilling and horrific crimes. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the most shocking cases in Japan’s history. Topics Covered: Junko Furuta Issei Sagawa Kobe Child Murders Nevada-Tan Ninja of Heisei Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the ro...
Kyoto and Osaka offer countless attractions, but venturing beyond these cities for day trips can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the diverse experiences waiting just outside Kansai’s largest metropolis! Topics Covered: Nara (Ep112) Hiroshima (Ep118) Kobe (Ep96) Uji Koyasan Himeji Okayama and Kurashiki Kurama and Kibune Nakasendo (Magome to Tsumago) Hikone Omi Hachiman Amanohashidate and Ine Nagoya Listener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River ...
Japan has unique television programming that has gained a reputation internationally for being extremely wacky and sometimes even dangerous. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of reality TV and game shows in Japan! Topics Covered: What is TV like in Japan? Denpa Shonen Terrace House Old Enough Iron Chef Takeshi’s Castle Wafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator) Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not — Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist — Massage Chair Prank — Brain Wall Ca...
Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries! Topics Covered: The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress Jokwa Momotaro, or the Story of the Son of a Peach Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof...
Japan is known for its incredible train system, but did you know about the wide array of unique sightseeing and overnight trains? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss these exciting travel options that offer new perspectives on Japan’s diverse landscapes and cities! Topics Covered: Overnight Trains: Sunrise Express (Seto/Izumo) Cruise Trains: Seven Stars in Kyushu — Shiki-Shima — Twilight Express Mizukaze — Royal Express Sightseeing Trains: Tokaido Shinkansen — Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyos...
