A depiction of the Buddhist hell at Edo Wonderland
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!
Yomi (Shinto Hell)
Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)
Hellish Places You Can Visit
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
Cats on Tashirojima, one of Japan’s many “cat islands”
Rentable cat cabins on Tashirojima
A cat at a shop in Magome-juku
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!
History
Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume
Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats
Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
Samurai armor at the Sengoku Armor Museum in Sekigahara
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!
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)
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!
History
Morning Market
Goryokaku
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Motomachi
Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
Mt. Hakodate
Yunokawa Onsen
Onuma Day Trip
Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
How to get to/around Hakodate
Join Jason and Paul in Sapporo for the 2026 podcast meetup!
Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)
Hikonyan — the mascot of the city of Hikone — in front of Hikone Castle
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!
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)
An abandoned house in Onomichi
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.
Why are there so many vacant houses?
Can foreigners buy akiya?
How to search for an akiya
How to choose an akiya
How to buy an akiya
How to renovate an akiya
Living in an akiya
Is it worth it?
Ginkakuji, the silver pavilion
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.
History
Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)
Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion)
Shioyaki, salt-grilled fish, from Inuyama
Goma dango from Hakone, roasted black sesame dumplings with a walnut miso glaze
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!
Takoyaki
Yakitori
Ikayaki
Taiyaki
Yakisoba
Yaki-imo
Yaki Tomorokoshi
Tako Tamago
Karaage
Kobe Beef
Gyoza
Korokke
Senbei
Soft Cream
Kakigori
Dango
Crepes
Choco Banana
Boba
Where to Find Street Food
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!
Planes
Trains
Hotels
Food
Walkable Cities
Convenience
Politeness
Customer Service
Bathrooms
Onsen
History
Hiking
City Life
Gyutan (cow tongue, a specialty of Sendai.
Tashirojima, “Cat Island”, a popular day trip from Sendai.
The Ishinomori Manga Museum in Ishinomaki.
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.
History
Loople 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 Honpo
Other Sights: Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum — Rinnoji — Dai Kannon — Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School
Sendai Port: Umino-Mori Aquarium — Mitsui Outlet Park — Sendai Port Central Park — Kirin Beer Factory
Events: Sendai Tanabata Festival — Pageant of Starlight — Jozenji Street Jazz Festival
Day Trips: Matsushima Bay — Ishinomaki/Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune Mura
How to get to/around Sendai
The jorogumo, one of the most common spiders in Japan
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!
Cultural Significance
Famous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — Silkworms
Seasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — Crickets
Common Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — Spiders
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a popular experience for locals as well as tourists
Ohori Park Japanese Garden in Fukuoka
Udon, a traditional noodle dish
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!
Konbini
Temples and Shrines
Hanami
Maid Cafes
Hiking
Eating
Shopping
Shinkansen
Arcades
Japanese Gardens
Matsumoto Castle
Kamikochi
Narai-juku
A view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone
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!
Kamikochi
Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori Park
Omiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway Museum
Tokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Meiji Jingu
Hakone: Yama no Chaya — Owakudani — Hakone Checkpoint
Tokyo: Denimio — Akihabara
The view of Hikone Castle from Genkyuen
Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum
The Site of Reversible Destiny in Yoro Park
Hida no Sato Open Air Museum
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!
Nagoya: Coffee House Kako — Nagoya Castle — The Tokugawa Art Museum — SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
Inuyama: Showa Alley — Dondenkan (Matsuri Museum) — Inuyama Castle — Urakuen — Momotaro Shrine
Hikone: Hikone Castle — Genkyuen — Rakurakuen — Yume Kyobashi Castle Road
Omihachiman: Kawara Museum — Hachimanyama Ropeway — Borderless Art Museum NO-MA
Yoro: Site of Reversible Destiny
Sekigahara: Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum — Sengoku Armor Museum
Takayama: 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 Museum
The view from Guest House Yunosato near Yunomine Onsen
A view on the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail in Wakayama Prefecture
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!
Kumano Kodo: Kii-Tanabe — Guest House Kiyohime — Takijiri Oji — Chikatsuyu — Guest House MUI — Kumano Hongu Taisha — Yunomine Onsen — Minshuku Yunosato
Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station — Tempozan Ferris Wheel — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — Namba Parks
Nagoya: Atsuta Jingu — Shirotori Garden — Osu Shopping Street — Osu Kannon Temple — Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology — Sky Promenade
Sakura (Cherry blossom trees)
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!
Ubazakura
Rokurokubi
Jiu-Roku-Zakura
The Goblin of Adachigahara
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.
Junko Furuta
Issei Sagawa
Kobe Child Murders
Nevada-Tan
Ninja of Heisei
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.
Nunobiki Herb Garden in Kobe
Magome, a post town on the Nakasendo
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!
Nara (Ep112)
Hiroshima (Ep118)
Kobe (Ep96)
Uji
Koyasan
Himeji
Okayama and Kurashiki
Kurama and Kibune
Nakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)
Hikone
Omi Hachiman
Amanohashidate and Ine
Nagoya
Listener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River — Kyoto Railway Museum — Umekoji Park
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.
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!
What is TV like in Japan?
Denpa Shonen
Terrace House
Old Enough
Iron Chef
Takeshi’s Castle
Wafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator)
Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not — Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist — Massage Chair Prank — Brain Wall
Can 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.