Sightseeing Japan

Episodes

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  172. 2026 Halloween Special - More Yokai 19.10.2026 1h 6m

  Japanese folklore can involve some very strange yokai, and not all of them are quite as well known as kappa or oni. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss some of the weirdest and most entertaining yokai they’ve come across.Topics Covered:Suppon no YureiFutakuchi OnnaHaradashiUbumeZenihebiHone OnnaUondoKage OnnaShichinin MisakiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  171. The Ainu 05.10.2026 1h 28m

  The Ainu are the Indigenous people of northern Japan, with a unique culture, language, and history that have long been intertwined with the island of Hokkaido. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Ainu traditions and beliefs, their relationship with nature, the history of Japanese assimilation and discrimination, and the ongoing revival of Ainu culture today.Topics Covered:HistoryLanguage and IdentitySociety and Daily LifeClothing and Material CultureCuisineBeliefs and TraditionsCultural RevivalWhere to Learn MoreJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  95. Idols (Rerun) 21.09.2026 1h 26m

  During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. 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!
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  107. Kappa (Rerun) 07.09.2026 1h 20m

  During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past.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:HistoryWhat Do Kappa Look Like?What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — ShirikodamaHow to Defeat a KappaPublic PerceptionAre Kappa Real?FolktalesWhere to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)
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  78. Whisky (Rerun) 24.08.2026 55m

  During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. Japan built its whisky industry based on techniques imported from Scotland and they now produce some of the most sought-after whisky in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of Japanese whisky!
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  170. Shinto 10.08.2026 1h 23m

  Long before the arrival of Buddhism, Japan's spiritual traditions revolved around nature, ancestors, and countless kami. Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the history and beliefs of Shinto.Topics Covered:HistoryKamiPurificationRites of PassageShrinesFestivalsThe Creation MythJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  169. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) 27.07.2026 1h 9m

  Can spending time in the forest actually improve your health and well-being? Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the Japanese practice of forest bathing and why it has gained attention around the world.Topics Covered:Books on Asia InterviewHistoryThe PracticeThe ScienceHow/Where to ParticipateKyoto In SoundJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  168. School Life 13.07.2026 1h 15m

  What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities.Topics Covered:Structure of Education SystemThe Average School DayThe School YearJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  167. The City of Nagasaki 29.06.2026 1h 22m

  From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city.Topics Covered:HistoryPeace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb MuseumUrakami CathedralSanno Shrine One-Legged Torii GateSuwa ShrineNagasaki Museum of History & CultureMegane BridgeKofukujiSofukujiNagasaki Shinchi ChinatownDejimaNagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of ChinaOura CathedralGlover GardenMt. InasaHuis Ten BoschGunkanjima (Hashima Island)Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki KunchiLocal Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko RiceHow to Get To/Around NagasakiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  166. Camping 15.06.2026 1h 5m

  From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan.Topics Covered:Is Camping Popular in Japan?When to CampWhat are Campgrounds Like in Japan?Types of CampingBest Places to CampGearWhat to EatEtiquette and RulesJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  165. Themed Bars 01.06.2026 1h 14m

  Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!Topics Covered:Science Bar INCUBATORDeathmatch in Hell8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)Record Bar AnalogThe Whales of AugustPlanetarium BarMuscle GirlsKiha (Train Bar)Kaiju Sakaba ShimbashiAxe Throwing BarHunters BarTaishu Shusen TerumaeDogenzaka ChurchBunny BarsJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  164. Why is Japan's Crime Rate So Low? 18.05.2026 1h 21m

  Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.Topics Covered:Social CohesionBroken Windows TheoryEconomic FactorsLegislationKoban and Community PolicingJudicial SystemUnderreportingRecent TrendsJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  163. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 3) 04.05.2026 2h 6m

  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:Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping ArcadeYamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao OnsenMatsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish MarketSendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer FactoryTokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National GardenJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  162. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 2) 20.04.2026 1h 31m

  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:Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path FestivalBibaiAsahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial MuseumBiei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum MisoraAbashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison MuseumSendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation TerraceJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1) 06.04.2026 1h 29m

  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:Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef OnoHakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup CurryNoboribetsu: JigokudaniSapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris WheelJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  160. The Town of Hakone 09.02.2026 1h 2m

  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:HistoryHakone-YumotoRyokan and OnsenSightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)Hakone Kowakien YunessunHakone Open-Air MuseumOwakudaniPirate ShipHakone CheckpointBest View of FujiHakone ShrineHow to get to/around HakoneJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  159. Cycling Routes 26.01.2026 1h 18m

  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 KaidoBiwa-IchiPacific Cycling RoadToyama Bay Cycling RouteTsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring RoadTokapuchi400Tips for a Successful RideJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  158. Pro Wrestling 12.01.2026 1h 8m

  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?HistoryHow Does Puroresu Work?Major PromotionsControversyHow to AttendJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  157. Service Culture 29.12.2025 1h 14m

  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?HistoryKeigoExamples of OmotenashiThe Dark Side of Customer ServiceJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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  156. Cosplay 15.12.2025 1h 26m

  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:HistoryHow to CosplayWhere to CosplayAre There Rules?ControversiesWhere to See CosplayPodcast 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!