Sightseeing Japan

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 VisitPodcast 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: HistoryCats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko MusumeCat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous catsCat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote CatPodcast 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!

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)Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)Edo Period (1600 - 1868)Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)Showa Period (1926 - 1989)Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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:HistoryMorning MarketGoryokakuKanemori Red Brick WarehouseMotomachiHakodate City Museum of Northern PeoplesMt. HakodateYunokawa OnsenOnuma Day TripFestivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku FestivalHow to get to/around HakodateJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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 akiyaHow to choose an akiyaHow to buy an akiyaHow to renovate an akiyaLiving in an akiyaIs 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:HistoryKinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them! Topics Covered:TakoyakiYakitoriIkayakiTaiyakiYakisobaYaki-imoYaki TomorokoshiTako TamagoKaraageKobe BeefGyozaKorokkeSenbeiSoft CreamKakigoriDangoCrepesChoco BananaBobaWhere to Find Street FoodJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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:PlanesTrainsHotelsFoodWalkable CitiesConveniencePolitenessCustomer ServiceBathroomsOnsenHistoryHikingCity LifeJoin 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:HistoryLoople Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle — Tohoku University Museum of Natural History — Miyagi Museum of Art — Osaki Hachiman Shrine — Jozenji-dori — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping District — Date no Gyutan HonpoOther Sights: Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum — Rinnoji — Dai Kannon — Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary SchoolSendai Port: Umino-Mori Aquarium — Mitsui Outlet Park — Sendai Port Central Park — Kirin Beer FactoryEvents: Sendai Tanabata Festival — Pageant of StarlightDay Trips: Matsushima Bay — Ishinomaki/Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune MuraHow to get to/around SendaiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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 SignificanceFamous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — SilkwormsSeasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — CricketsCommon Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — SpidersJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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:KonbiniTemples and ShrinesHanamiMaid CafesHikingEatingShoppingShinkansenArcadesJapanese GardensJoin 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:KamikochiMatsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori ParkOmiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway MuseumTokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Meiji JinguHakone: Yama no Chaya — Owakudani — Hakone CheckpointTokyo: Denimio — AkihabaraJoin 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 second week of sightseeing!Topics Covered:Nagoya: Coffee House Kako — Nagoya Castle — The Tokugawa Art Museum — SCMAGLEV and Railway ParkInuyama: Showa Alley — Dondenkan (Matsuri Museum) — Inuyama Castle — Urakuen — Momotaro ShrineHikone: Hikone Castle — Genkyuen — Rakurakuen — Yume Kyobashi Castle RoadOmihachiman: Kawara Museum — Hachimanyama Ropeway — Borderless Art Museum NO-MAYoro: Site of Reversible DestinySekigahara: Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum — Sengoku Armor MuseumTakayama: Hikaru Museum — Takayama Sky Park — Hida no Sato Open Air Museum — Squirrel Forest Hidayama Wild Grass Nature Garden (Risu no Mori) — Matsuri no Mori Museum — Miyagawa Morning Market — Takayama Showa-kan Museum — Tofu Cuisine Noguchiya — Funasaka Sake Brewery — Hida Takayama Retro MuseumJoin 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 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 YunosatoOsaka: Shin-Osaka Station — Tempozan Ferris Wheel — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — Namba ParksNagoya: Atsuta Jingu — Shirotori Garden — Osu Shopping Street — Osu Kannon Temple — Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology — Sky PromenadeJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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:UbazakuraRokurokubiJiu-Roku-ZakuraThe Goblin of AdachigaharaJoin 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 FurutaIssei SagawaKobe Child MurdersNevada-TanNinja of HeiseiPodcast 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.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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)UjiKoyasanHimejiOkayama and KurashikiKurama and KibuneNakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)HikoneOmi HachimanAmanohashidate and IneNagoyaListener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River — Kyoto Railway Museum — Umekoji ParkPodcast 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.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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 ShonenTerrace HouseOld EnoughIron ChefTakeshi’s CastleWafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator)Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not — Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist — Massage Chair Prank — Brain WallCan you get on Japanese TV?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.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!