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.
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!
Japan produces some of the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore these amazing feats of engineering!
Japan has many places where you can have unusual encounters with various types of animals. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s animal islands and animal villages!
Most people are familiar with wasabi as the green paste that is served with sushi, but did you know that it is actually very rare to see real wasabi outside of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about this mysterious condiment!
Koi are recognized around the world as symbols of Japan and are commonly found in Japanese gardens. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and culture behind these beautiful fish!
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples and one of the most recognizable sights in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic landmark!
Changes in our lives and our schedules have necessitated a change to the podcast schedule. Starting on August 3rd, new Sightseeing Japan episodes will be published every two weeks instead of every week. Thank you for your understanding!
Join Jason and Paul as they speak with Simon and Moo, the owners and operators of a Kyushu-based travel agency called Kyushu Journeys! Find Kyushu Journeys online: https://www.facebook.com/kyushujourneys https://www.instagram.com/kyushujourneys/ https://www.kyushujourneys.com/
Though Japan is a more secular society than it used to be, its customs surrounding death still incorporate many Buddhist and Shinto ideas. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs behind Japanese funerals and cemeteries.
Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan and was traditionally considered the country’s economic hub. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of this bustling metropolis! Topics Covered: History Umeda: HEP Five Ferris Wheel — Umeda Sky Building Shinsaibashi: Amerika-mura (America Town) Namba: Dotonbori — National Bunraku Theater — Kuromon Market — Nipponbashi Den Den Town Shinsekai: Nostalgia — Kushikatsu Shitennoji Temple Abeno Harukasu Sumiyoshi Taisha Osaka Castl...
Cherry blossoms (sakura) are famous around the world as a symbol of Japanese culture and history. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes these beautiful flowers so special.
Manga and anime are two of Japan’s most well-known and well-loved cultural exports. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and stylistic attributes of these media!
Japan is home to many themed restaurants where you can eat in a novel setting and even order food based on the theme. Join Jason and Paul as they explore some of Japan’s most unusual themed restaurants!
Bonsai is a Japanese art form in which trees are grown in containers and cultivated to keep them small and mimic the proportions of full-sized trees. Join Jason and Paul as the explore the history, cultivation techniques, and aesthetics of bonsai!
Tofu is an important food in many asian cultures and has strong ties to Japanese Buddhism. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the history, manufacturing, and the many different types of tofu!
Kawagoe is a historically significant city near Tokyo that still reflects elements of traditional culture and architecture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to experience in Kawagoe! Topics Covered: Crea Mall Kita-in Temple Warehouse District: Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum — Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) — Toki no Kane (Bell Tower) — Kimono Rental Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Kawagoe Castle Ruins Events: Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival — Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival — Kawagoe Hik...
Chopsticks have been used in Asia for thousands of years and these days almost a third of the world’s population uses them every day. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss one of the world’s most popular eating utensils!
Japan has many unusual experiences to offer that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss five of the most unusual places you can visit! Topics Covered: Yoro Park Toyama Bay Inakadate Tanbo Art Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Nagoro Village
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan and is the head shrine of the kami Inari. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and mythology behind this beautiful shrine!
The word onsen refers to Japan's hot springs as well as the many baths and resorts that use water from said springs. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of onsen!
The tanuki is a "raccoon dog" native to Japan and closely related to foxes. They have a long history in Japanese folklore as a sort of trickster youkai. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the role of tanuki in Japanese culture!
Ramen is a very popular meal in Japan but did you know that it was actually adapted from Chinese noodles and wasn't even known as "ramen" until the 1950s? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of ramen!
Jason and Paul provide an update on the coronavirus situation in Japan and its impact on the 2020 Olympics.
Baseball was introduced to Japan in 1872 and has since become one of the country's most popular sports. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the exciting world of baseball in Japan!
Taiko, or Japanese drums, have been used throughout Japanese history for all sorts of purposes, such as religious events, the military, traditional theatre, and more. They even play a role in Japanese folklore. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascination world of taiko!
The Kyushu Region is the southernmost region of Japan and stretches from the main island of Kyushu down to Okinawa. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many sights to see and things to do in the Kyushu Region! Topics Covered: Mount Aso Kitakyushu: Kawachi Wisteria Garden — Kokura Castle — Kitakyushu Manga Museum — Aruaru City — TOTO Museum Fukuoka: Yatai (Food Stalls) — Castle Ruins — Ohori Park — Sumo Tournament — Canal City Hakata (Shopping Mall) — Shofukuji Temple — Uminonakamichi Seaside...
The Olympic Games are the world's foremost sports competition and this year they are being held in Tokyo, Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the 2020 Summer Olympics!
