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.
Matsuri are traditional festivals that have been held in Japan for centuries. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of Japanese festivals as well as the delicious food and wild events that can be found there!
Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that has spread throughout the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of sushi! Topics Covered: What is Sushi? History Types: Makizushi — Nigirizushi — Chirashizushi — Inarizushi — Old Styles (Oshizushi/Hakozushi/Narezushi) — Uramaki Ingredients: Sushimeshi (Rice) — Nori (Seaweed) — Toppings — Condiments Presentation...
Kimono are traditional Japanese garments that can be worn for many different occasions and with many different types of related accessories. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of traditional Japanese fashion! Topics Covered: What is a Kimono? History How are Kimono Made? Cost How to Wear a Kimono Variations: Yukata — Furisode — Iromuji — Mofuku — Junihitoe Footwear and Accessories...
The Japanese archipelago is frequently subjected to earthquakes. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ways in which Japan has adapted to withstand the effects of earthquakes! Topics Covered: What is an Earthquake? History Preparedness in Japan How to Survive
Japanese castles are strategic defensive fortresses, but they were also built to be visually striking and impressive. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, architecture, and defensive capabilities of Japanese castles! Topics Covered: History Architecture: Location — Main Keep (Tenshukaku) — Walls/Moats/Baileys — Yagura (Guard Towers) — Gates How to Attack a Japanese Castle Visiting Castles Today...
Drinking plays an important part in Japanese society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese alcoholic beverages and drinking culture! Topics Covered: History Drinking Culture: Konpa — Nomikai — Etiquette — Social Impact Types of Beverages: Nihonshu (Sake) — Beer — Shochu — Chuhai — Umeshu — Wine — Whisky Where to Drink
Japanese folklore is full of supernatural beings and spirits. Join Jason and Paul for this special Halloween episode as they explore the world of yurei and yokai, Japanese ghosts and monsters! Topics Covered: History What are Yokai? What are Yurei? Halloween in Japan
Did you know that the Japanese language uses three distinct writing systems? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and complexities of the Japanese language! Topics Covered: How is the Japanese Language Structured? History Writing Systems: Kanji — Hiragana — Katakana — Romaji How to Learn Japanese
Japan has a higher density of vending machines than any other country in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of automated purchases! Topics Covered: Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan? History What They Sell How to Pay Technology
Japanese gardens are famous around the world for their ability to convey peace, harmony, and tranquility through the art of landscaping. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ancient art of Japanese gardening! Topics Covered: History Elements of Japanese Gardens: Water — Stone — Bridges — Fish — Lanterns — Water Basins — Plants — Islands Aesthetic Principles: Miniaturization — Concealment — Borrowed Scenery — Asymmetry...
Geisha are symbols of Japanese culture, beauty, and femininity. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the magical "flower and willow world" of geisha! Topics Covered: What are Geisha? History How to Become a Geisha: Skills/Training — Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) — Appearance Where to Experience Geisha Culture
Sumo is an ancient martial art and the national sport of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of sumo wrestling! Topics Covered: History Sumo in Modern Japan How to Become a Rikishi (Sumo Wrestler) Sumo Match: Dohyo (Platform) — Attire — Rules — Prizes
Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan and is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It even ties into the origins of the Shinto religion! Join Jason and Paul as they explore this beloved landmark. Topics Covered: Cultural Significance How to Climb What to Bring What Will You See? Aokigahara (Suicide Forest)
Temples and shrines are everywhere in Japan, but did you know that they are two distinct types of structures belonging to different religions? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the significance of temples and shrines throughout the history of Japan! Topics Covered: Buddhism Shinto How is Religion Practiced History Buddhist Temples: Etiquette — Gardens — Jizo — Cemeteries — Omikuji (Fortune Telling) Shinto Shrines: Torii Gate — Chozuya (Purification Basin) — Honden (Main Hall) — Ema (Wooden Pla...
Convenience stores in Japan have everything you could ask for! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the convenience stores of Japan and why they are among the best in the world. Topics Covered: Food: Bread — Onigiri (Rice Balls) — Sandwiches — Bento — Instant Noodles — Sushi — Fruits and Veggies — Hot Foods — Snacks — Beverages Other Products Services: ATM — Multi-Use Terminal — Free Wifi — Takuhaibin (Delivery Services)...
Japan is known for having incredible cuisine! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss all kinds of Japanese food and where to find it! From fugu to okonomiyaki, there’s something for everyone! Topics Covered: Rice Traditional Food Tsukemono (Pickles) Sushi Noodles: Soba — Udon — Ramen Okonomiyaki Bento (Boxed Lunch) Tofu Yakitori (Skewered Chicken) Yakiniku (Grilled Meat) Curry Kaiseki Kobe Beef Shabu Shabu Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Fugu (Pufferfish) Beverages: Tea — Beer — Sake — Whisky — Wine Eating ...
There are many options for transportation in Japan! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the various modes of transportation: Walking, driving, trains, and buses! Topics Covered: Walking Car Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) JR Trains Private Train Lines Buses Paying for Public Transportation: JR Pass — IC Cards...
Did you know that the oldest hotel in the world is in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the different types of accommodations available in Japan! They cover all price ranges and styles: Internet cafes, capsule hotels, hostels, business hotels, luxury hotels, as well as traditional Japanese options like ryokan, minshuku, and shukubo! They even mention love hotels… Topics Covered: Manga Cafes/Internet Cafes Hostels Capsule Hotels Business Hotels Luxury Hotels Traditional Accommodations: R...
Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the airports of Japan! This episode focuses on the history of Haneda and Narita airports and what they are like today. Topics Covered: Main International Airports: Narita Int’l Airport — Haneda Airport Regional Airports: Kansai Int’l Airport (Osaka) — Chubu Centrair Int’l Airport (Nagoya) — New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) — Naha Airport (Okinawa) — Fukuoka Airport (Kyushu) History Narita Int’l Airport: Transportation to/from (Narita Express, JR Sobu Line, Keisei...
The Kansai region is the second most populated and second most visited area of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and other amazing cities in Kansai! Topics Covered: History Culture: Food — Sake — Baseball Kyoto: Culture/Arts/History — Temples/Shrines — Festivals — Fushimi Sake District — Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove/Monkey Park) — Imperial Palace — Nijo Castle — Theatre/Geisha/Tea Ceremony — Philosopher’s Path Osaka: Food (Okonomiyaki/Takoyaki) — Museums/Theaters/Shoppin...
The Kanto region is the most populated and most visited part of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the greater Tokyo area and the fun things to do there! Topics Covered: What is Kanto? Kanto Fureai Trail Tokyo: Harajuku (Fashion) — Akihabara (Electronics/Anime/Manga) — Asakusa (Museums/Temples/Gardens) — Shinjuku/Shibuya (Nightlife) — Odaiba (Malls/Entertainment/Convention Center) — Roppongi Hills (High-End Shopping) — Ueno (Zoo/Ameyokocho) Yokohama: Maritime Culture — Cup Noodle Museum ...
Have you ever thought about going to Japan? Don’t know where to start? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss all the things to consider when planning a trip to Japan! Topics Covered: Time of year Passport Booking a flight Booking hotels Pocket Wifi (Affiliate link) JR Pass ( Affiliate link) Events Restaurants Money Language Etiquette Packing...
Jason and Paul introduce themselves and the subject matter of the podcast.
