Advertise on podcast: Sightseeing Japan

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is considered by many to be the most attractive city in Japan. As one of the snowiest cities in the world, it is also home to an extremely popular snow festival. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Sapporo! Topics Covered: History Central: Kani Honke — Sapporo Clock Tower — Odori Park — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Nijo Market — Susukino — Ganso Ramen Yokocho — Sapporo Factory — Sapporo Beer Museum/Beer Garden Northeast: Moerenuma Park Southwest: Mount Moiwa Northwest: Sapporo Crab Market — Shiroi Koibito Park — Sapporo Tiene Ski Resort Southeast: Historical Village of Hokkaido — Hokkaido Museum Day Trips: Otaru — Jozankei Festivals: Snow Festival — Lilac Festival — Yosakoi Soran Festival — Autumn Festival — Christmas Market Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Japan’s red-light districts have evolved over the centuries, but even today they offer a complex tapestry of nightlife, entertainment, and cultural nuances. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into the intriguing history, vibrant present, and often overlooked stories of Japan’s adult entertainment hubs. Topics Covered: History Types of Establishments Safety Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Japan’s train stations are so much more than mere transit hubs. They also offer shopping, dining, cutting-edge technology, and a glimpse into national and local cultures! Japan is even home to the busiest train station in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many facets of these iconic transportation centers. Topics Covered: History Sights and Sounds Notable Train Stations Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

The city of Matsumoto is known for its iconic historic castle as well as for the natural beauty of the surrounding Japanese Alps. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Matsumoto! Topics Covered: History Downtown Area: Matsumoto Castle (and Jokyo Gimin Memorial Museum) — Former Kaichi School — Takagi (Soba Shop) — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Street — Nakamachi Street — Matsumoto Timepiece Museum — Matsumoto City Museum of Art — Agatanomori Park North: Asama Onsen East: Matsumoto Mingeikan Folk Art Museum South: Koboyama Kofun — Matsumoto City Archaeological Museum West: Japan Ukiyo-e Museum — Matsumoto City Rekishinosato Day Trip: Daio Wasabi Farm How to get to/around Matsumoto Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan! Topics Covered: History Cultural Significance Types of Rice Japan’s Rice Industry How is Rice Grown? How to Cook Rice Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Traveling is exciting and rewarding, but even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps along the way. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to handle health concerns when you're in Japan. From navigating the healthcare system to finding the right resources, this episode has you covered in case you ever need it! Topics Covered: Emergency Services Vaccinations Travel and Health Insurance Japan’s Medical System Interview with Ryan Sandlin Vaccine Recommendations (CDC Website) Guidebook for when you are feeling ill (JNTO PDF) Search Medical Institutions (JNTO Website) Calling for Help (US Embassy Website) Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Japan’s automobile industry is world-renowned for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Join Jason and Paul as they explore car culture (and its unique subcultures) in Japan! Topics Covered: History JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Kei Cars Itasha Street Racing Other Subcultures: Kyusha Cars - Kaido Racers - Shakotan - Bosozoku - VIP - Grachan Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Japan is home to a wide variety of eerie and mysterious tales of the supernatural, many of which take place in everyday settings like schools, bathrooms, and train stations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unsettling world of Japanese urban legends! Topics Covered: Kisaragi Station Kuchisake Onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman) Akai Heya (The Red Room Curse) Hitori Kakurenbo (One Man Hide & Seek) Teke Teke Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet) Ghost Taxi Passengers Aka Manto (Red Cloak) Jinmenken (Human-Faced Dog) The Curse of the Colonel Ghost Stories Anime Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

Visiting Japan with children can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it also raises unique challenges. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss tips and tricks to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible! Topics Covered: Planning: Hotels, attractions, meals, internet Packing: Stroller, food, supplies When In Japan: Transportation, food, navigation, attractions, entertainment, what to expect Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon! Affiliate Links: JR Pass Fare Calculator Regional Rail Passes

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 on Patreon!

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 — Children’s Peace Monument — Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall Okonomimura Hiroshima MOCA Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine — Toyokuni Shrine — Miyajima History and Folklore Museum — Daishoin — Mt. Misen — Shishiiwa Observatory — Momijidani Park How to get to/around Hiroshima Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!

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!