Sightseeing Japan
Podcasts
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.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Podcasts
Description:
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.
Language:
English
Episodes
130. Akihabara
4/8/2024
Topics Covered:
History
Electronics (e.g. Yodobashi Akiba, BicCamera AKIBA)
Arcades (e.g. Namco Akihabara)
Anime Shops (e.g. Akihabara Kotobukiya, Mandarake)
Computer Shops (e.g. Tsukumo PC Honten)
Maid Cafes (e.g. Maidreamin)
Akihabara Dear Stage
Little TGV
Akihabara Gachapon Hall
2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
Yusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty Shop
Komaki Shokudo
Bars (Game Bar A-Button, Beer Pong Bar Grove, Hitachino Brewing Lab, Low-Non-Bar)
Weird Vending Machine Corner
Karaoke
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Duration:01:14:05
129. Day Trips from Tokyo
3/25/2024
Tokyo has all sorts of attractions to offer, but venturing outside the bustling city for a day trip can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many diverse experiences that can be had just beyond Tokyo’s borders!
Topics Covered:
Kamakura and Enoshima (Ep72)
Kawagoe (Ep46)
Nikko (Ep80)
Mt. Fuji (Ep10, also mentioned Arakurayama Sengen Park)
Amusement Parks (Ep 94)
Mt. Takao (Ep 119)
Utsunomiya
Hakone
Odawara
Omiya
Yokohama
Chiba
Shizuoka
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Duration:01:14:18
128. Mental Health
3/11/2024
Mental health issues are part of the human experience, and Japan is not immune to the complexities and struggles that individuals face. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the mental health concerns and social challenges that have gained attention in modern Japan.
Topics Covered:
History
Suicide
Karoshi
Hikikomori
Kodokushi
Gomi Yashiki
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Duration:01:16:43
127. The City of Sapporo
2/26/2024
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
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Duration:01:11:40
126. Red-Light Districts
2/12/2024
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
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Duration:01:16:26
125. Train Stations
1/29/2024
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
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Duration:01:22:25
124. The City of Matsumoto
1/15/2024
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
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Duration:01:16:33
123. Rice
1/1/2024
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
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Duration:01:22:33
122. What to Do if You Get Sick in Japan
12/18/2023
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)
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Duration:01:22:34
121. Car Culture
12/4/2023
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
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Duration:01:21:30
120.5. 2023 Halloween Special
10/30/2023
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
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Duration:01:13:19
120. Traveling to Japan with Children
8/14/2023
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
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Affiliate Links:
JR Pass
Fare Calculator
Regional Rail Passes
Duration:01:09:45
119. Multi-Day Hiking Trails
7/31/2023
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
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Duration:01:08:03
118. The City of Hiroshima (and Miyajima)
7/17/2023
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
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Become a member on Patreon!
Duration:01:03:28
117. Ume (The Japanese Plum)
7/3/2023
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!
Duration:01:05:15
116. Ninja
6/19/2023
Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history!
Topics Covered:
History
What were Ninja Hired for?
Skills
Clothes and Equipment
Supernatural Abilities
How Can You Defend Against a Ninja?
Where to Find a Ninja Experience in Japan: Ninja Tokyo Restaurant — Edo Wonderland — Odawara Fuma Ninja Festival — Jidai Academy Dojo — Bujinkan Dojo — Iga-ryu Ninja Village and Museum — Koka Ninja Village — Togakushi Ninja Village — Ninjadera
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Duration:01:26:38
115. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 3)
6/5/2023
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:
Day 15: Nikko (Taiyuin, Futarasan Jinja, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss)
Day 16: Nikko (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Trail)
Day 17: Kinugawa (Edo Wonderland, Tobu World Square)
Day 18: Tokyo (Tanuki Street, Kappabashi Street, Sogenji, Hitachino Brewing Lab)
Day 19: Tokyo (Yanaka Ginza, Animate Ikebukuro, Sunshine City, Akihabara)
Day 20: Tokyo (Akihabara, Iron Heart in Hachioji)
Day 21: Tokyo (Akihabara, flight home)
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Duration:01:17:03
Announcement - JR Pass Changes
5/29/2023
Changes are coming in October 2023 for the JR Pass. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the changes and their impact on the value of the pass!
Affiliate Links:
JR Pass
Regional Passes
Fare Calculator
Join our Discord community!
Become a member on Patreon!
Duration:00:07:02
114. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 2)
5/22/2023
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:
Day 8: Kagoshima (Sengan-en)
Day 9: Sakurajima (Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima)
Day 10: Kagoshima (Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Reimeikan, Cave of Saigo Takamori, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck)
Day 11: Kitakyushu (Kokura Castle, Yasaka Shrine, TOTO Museum, Aru Aru City, Manga Museum)
Day 12: Osaka (Sakuranomiya Park/Shrine, America-mura, Namba Yasaka Jinja, Shinsekai, Shitennoji, Pearls Cafe, teamLab at Nagai Botanical Gardens)
Day 13: Kobe (Port Tower, Nankinmachi, Ikuta Jinja, Kitanocho, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Nunobiki Falls, Motomachi Shopping Street)
Day 14: Nikko (Yuba, Shinkyo Bridge, Tamozawa Imperial Villa)
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Duration:01:17:15
113. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 1)
5/8/2023
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:
Day 1: Flights
Day 2: Onomichi (Temple Walk. Senkoji Park)
Day 3: Shimanami Kaido (Dolce Ice Cream, Kosanji, Hill of Hope, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami)
Day 4: Shimanami Kaido (Fuu, Michi-no-Eki, Dolphinfarm Shimanami, Sunrise Itoyama) - Matsuyama (Nagasaka)
Day 5: Matsuyama (Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, Dogo Beer Hall, Dogo Shopping Street, Botchan Karakuri Clock, Isaniwa Shrine)
Day 6: Takamatsu (Ritsurin Garden, Sanuki Udon Ueharaya, Shikoku Village, Omiya Hachiman Shrine, Waraya)
Day 7: Takamatsu Castle Park, Onomichi Temple Walk
Duration:01:15:01