With its pristine natural scenery and picturesque countryside, Japan is home to extraordinary hiking trails. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the best multi-day hiking trails in the country! Topics Covered: Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse Michinoku Coastal Trail Basho Trail Kanto Fureai no Michi Nakasendo Trail Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit Nakahechi Trail (Kumano Kodo) Shikoku Pilgrimage Kunisaki Trek Okinawa North to South Traverse Safety Tips Join our Discord community! Become a member...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 119
Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region of Japan. Nearby is the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima) which is famous for its “floating” torii gate. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this area as well as the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Mazda Museum Shukkeien Garden Hiroshima Castle Hiroshima Museum of Art Atomic Bomb Dome Peace Memorial Park: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — Chil...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 118
The ume is a fruit commonly referred to in English as the “Japanese plum”. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss its cultural significance and the many ways that this fruit is enjoyed in Japan! Topics Covered: History Ume Flowers Umeboshi Umeshu Other Uses Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 117
Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history! Topics Covered: History What were Ninja Hired for? Skills Clothes and Equipment Supernatural Abilities How Can You Defend Against a Ninja? Where to Find a Ninja Experience in Japan: Ninja Tokyo Restaurant — Edo Wonderland — Odawara Fuma Ninja Festival — Jidai A...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 116
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: Day 15: Nikko (Taiyuin, Futarasan Jinja, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss) Day 16: Nikko (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Trail) Day 17: Kinugawa (Edo Wonderland, Tobu World Square) Day 18: Tokyo (Tanuki Street, Kappabashi Street, Sogenji, Hitachino Brewing Lab) Day 19: Tokyo (Yanaka Ginza, Animate Ikebukuro, S...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 115
Changes are coming in October 2023 for the JR Pass. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the changes and their impact on the value of the pass! Affiliate Links: JR Pass Regional Passes Fare Calculator Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!...
May 29, 2023•7 min
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: Day 8: Kagoshima (Sengan-en) Day 9: Sakurajima (Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima) Day 10: Kagoshima (Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Reimeikan, Cave of Saigo Takamori, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck) Day 11: Kitakyushu (Kokura Castle, Yasaka Shrine, TOTO Museum, Aru Aru City, Manga Museum) Day 12: Osaka (Sakuranomiya Park/Shrine, America-mu...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 114
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: Day 1: Flights Day 2: Onomichi (Temple Walk. Senkoji Park) Day 3: Shimanami Kaido (Dolce Ice Cream, Kosanji, Hill of Hope, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami) Day 4: Shimanami Kaido (Fuu, Michi-no-Eki, Dolphinfarm Shimanami, Sunrise Itoyama) - Matsuyama (Nagasaka) Day 5: Matsuyama (Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, Dogo Beer Hall, Dogo Sho...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 113
Nara is widely known for its friendly deer, but did you know it’s also the ancient capital of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Nara! Topics Covered: History Central Nara: Heijo Palace —Toshodaiji Temple — Yakushiji Temple — Horyuji Temple Deer Nara Park: Kofukuji Temple — Nara National Museum — Yoshikien Garden — Isuien Garden — Todaiji Temple — Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Manyo Botanical Gardens, Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest) — Wakakusayama — Shinyakushiji Tem...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 112
Planning a trip to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Join Jason and Paul as they walk step by step through the planning process for their spring 2023 Japan trip! Topics Covered: Where to Start Passport/Visa Budget Booking a Flight Booking Hotels Assembling an Itinerary Finishing Touches
Apr 10, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 111
Come hang out with with Jason and Paul! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo on April 5th, 2023, stop by for a drink and a chat! Details: When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo ( Google Maps )( Website )...
Mar 06, 2023•4 min
Join Jason and Paul as they interview Miyuki Seguchi, licensed travel guide and host of the Japan Experts podcast! Find Miyuki Seguchi Online: Grab the FREE Japan Travel Guide: The 7 steps to creating your unique immersive experience Learn more about her Japan travel program the Japan Travel Essentials Website Facebook Group Instagram Japan Experts Podcast...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 110
Martial arts have a long history in Japan, and over time they have evolved to integrate philosophical and religious ideas with the physical aspects of warfare. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of Japanese martial arts! Topics Covered: History Koryu Bujutsu: Sumo — Jujutsu — Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu, Battojutsu, Iaijutsu) — Naginatajutsu — Sojutsu — Shinobi no Jutsu Gendai Jutsu: Judo — Kendo — Iaido — Aikido — Kyudo — Karate — Shorinji Kempo Concepts: Aiki — Kokoro — Courtesy — ...
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 109
Jason and Paul will be in Japan in April and are announcing a meetup event in Tokyo! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo, stop by for a drink and a chat! Details: When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo ( Google Maps )( Website )...
Dec 26, 2022•3 min
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese beer! Topics Covered: History: Kirin — Sapporo — Asahi — Suntory How is Beer Made? Types of Beer in Japan: Happoshu — Daisan no Biiru — Seasonal Beer — Craft Beer Beer Tasting Where to Experience Beer in Japan
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 108
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 Kappa Public Perception Are Kappa Real? Folktales Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefectur...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 107
The four seasons in Japan each have their own distinct character, and the impact that seasonal changes have had on the country’s culture over the centuries is apparent in many aspects of their society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes Japan’s four seasons so special! Topics Covered: History Weather Events/Holidays Food Decorative Motifs...
Nov 21, 2022•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 106
Homes in Japan are often multi-generational and may not offer enough privacy for certain intimate activities…but fortunately the love hotel industry provides a solution to this problem. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide variety of love hotels in Japan! Topics Covered: History Where to find love hotels Appearance/Amenities Rates Examples: Hotel Sara — Hotel Bali-An Resort — Hotel Ikutama Love — Hotel Blan Chapel Christmas — Hotel Artia Dinosaur — Hotel Togenkyo Isehara — Hotel Us Keiba...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 105
Stories of ghosts and monsters stretch back centuries in Japanese mythology and many of them are tied to specific locations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many haunted places in Japan! Topics Covered: Kanto Area: Aokigahara (The Suicide Forest) — Himuro Mansion — Sendagaya Tunnel — Gridley Tunnel — The Prime Minister’s Residence — Oiran Buchi Bridge Kansai Area: Awashima Shrine — Maruoka Castle (technically in Chubu) — Kiyotaki Tunnel — Himeji Castle (Okiku’s Well) Kyushu Area: Inunaki...
Oct 24, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 104
Whether you have food allergies or if your diet is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc., Japanese cuisine can be difficult to navigate if you’re not able to eat certain common ingredients. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to enjoy Japan while adhering to various dietary restrictions! Topics Covered: Modern Japanese diet Food allergies (18:29) Vegan diet (27:58) Vegetarian diet (45:22) Religious dietary restrictions (49:57) Gluten-free diet (53:36) Keto diet (1:01:42) General tips...
Oct 10, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 103
Japan has been slow to reopen to tourism since it closed its borders at the beginning of the pandemic, but they recently announced that the country will fully reopen on October 11, 2022!
Oct 03, 2022•4 min
Kagoshima is a seaside city in southern Kyushu, best known for its active volcano, Sakurajima. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Kagoshima! Topics Covered: History : Yamato and Hayato peoples — Shimazu Tadahisa — Satsuma Domain — Horeki River Incident — Satsuma Rebellion — Saigo Takamori Attractions: Kagoshima City Museum of the Meiji Restoration — Shiroyama Park — Reimeikan (History museum) — Kagoshima City Museum of Art — Sengan-en (Garden) — Shoko Shuseikan ...
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 102
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 assassination The idol who married her fan The man who married Hatsune Miku Nuclear power in Japan Liste...
Sep 12, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 101
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 Pagoda) — Kenninji — Keage Incline — Nanzenji — Philosopher’s Path — Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) West (...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 100
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) — Murata Juko — Sen no Rikyu Setting Attire Season Equipment and tools (Chadogu): Bowl (Chawan) — Tea ...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 99
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 Tsutenkyo Bridge Founder’s Hall (Kaisando) Other Buildings: Former latrine ( Tosu) — Meditation Hall (Z...
Mar 14, 2022•47 min•Ep. 98
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 Controversy Dog Cafes: Dog Heart...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 97
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 Club North of the Port: Motomachi Shopping Street — Chinatown (Nankinmachi) — Ikuta Shrine — Kitano-C...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 96
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!
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 95
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!
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 94
