173. Rating Popular Hikes

The post town of Magome

Lake Chuzenji from the overlook on Mt. Hangetsu

Japan is home to countless incredible hiking trails, from famous mountain routes to scenic walks through forests and along the coast. Join Jason and Paul as they rank some of the most popular hikes they’ve done in Japan and share what they loved, what surprised them, and how the trails stack up against each other.

173. Rating Popular Hikes

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Takaosan - Omotesando Trail (Tokyo)

• Lake Chuzenji - Mt. Hangetsu Trail (Nikko)

• Magome to Tsumago - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)

• Yabuhara to Naraijuku - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)

• Kamikochi - Riverbank Trails (Japanese Alps)

• Aokigahara - Ice Caves Trail (Mt. Fuji)

• Yamadera (Yamagata)

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172. 2026 Halloween Special - More Yokai

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.

172. 2026 Halloween Special - More Yokai

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Suppon no Yurei

• Futakuchi Onna

• Haradashi

• Ubume

• Zenihebi

• Hone Onna

• Uondo

• Kage Onna

• Shichinin Misaki

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171. The Ainu

Ainu necklaces at the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

Bear sculptures at the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum in Asahikawa

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.

171. The Ainu

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• History

• Language and Identity

• Society and Daily Life

• Clothing and Material Culture

• Cuisine

• Beliefs and Traditions

• Cultural Revival

• Where to Learn More

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95. Idols (Rerun)

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!

95. Idols (Rerun)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

107. Kappa (Rerun)

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!

107. Kappa (Rerun)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• History

• What Do Kappa Look Like?

• What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama

• How to Defeat a Kappa

• Public Perception

• Are Kappa Real?

• Folktales

• Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)

78. Whisky (Rerun)

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!

78. Whisky (Rerun)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

170. Shinto

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.

170. Shinto

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• History

• Kami

• Purification

• Rites of Passage

• Shrines

• Festivals

• The Creation Myth

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169. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

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.

169. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Books on Asia Interview

• History

• The Practice

• The Science

• How/Where to Participate

• Kyoto In Sound

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168. School Life

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.

168. School Life

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Structure of Education System

• The Average School Day

• The School Year

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167. The City of Nagasaki

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.

167. The City of Nagasaki

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• History

• Peace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb Museum

• Urakami Cathedral

• Sanno Shrine One-Legged Torii Gate

• Suwa Shrine

• Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture

• Megane Bridge

• Kofukuji

• Sofukuji

• Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

• Dejima

• Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

• Oura Cathedral

• Glover Garden

• Mt. Inasa

• Huis Ten Bosch

• Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

• Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki Kunchi

• Local Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko Rice

• How to Get To/Around Nagasaki

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166. Camping

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.

166. Camping

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Is Camping Popular in Japan?

• When to Camp

• What are Campgrounds Like in Japan?

• Types of Camping

• Best Places to Camp

• Gear

• What to Eat

• Etiquette and Rules

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• Become a member on Patreon!

165. Themed Bars

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!

165. Themed Bars

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Science Bar INCUBATOR

• Deathmatch in Hell

• 8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)

• Record Bar Analog

• The Whales of August

• Planetarium Bar

• Muscle Girls

• Kiha (Train Bar)

• Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi

• Axe Throwing Bar

• Hunters Bar

• Taishu Shusen Terumae

• Dogenzaka Church

• Bunny Bars

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164. Why is Japan's Crime Rate So Low?

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.

164. Why is Japan's Crime Rate So Low?

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Social Cohesion

• Broken Windows Theory

• Economic Factors

• Legislation

• Koban and Community Policing

• Judicial System

• Underreporting

• Recent Trends

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163. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 3)

Yamadera, a mountain temple in Yamagata

“Snow monsters” at Zao Onsen

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!

163. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 3)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade

• Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen

• Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish Market

• Sendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer Factory

• Tokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National Garden

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162. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 2)

The Aurora ice breaker ship

Drift ice in Abashiri

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!

162. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 2)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival

• Bibai

• Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

• Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum Misora

• Abashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison Museum

• Sendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation Terrace

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161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)

The night view of Hakodate from Mt. Hakodate

A snow castle at the Sapporo Snow Festival

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!

161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono

• Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup Curry

• Noboribetsu: Jigokudani

• Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris Wheel

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160. The Town of Hakone

The sulphur vents of Owakudani

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.

160. The Town of Hakone

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• History

• Hakone-Yumoto

• Ryokan and Onsen

• Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)

• Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

• Hakone Open-Air Museum

• Owakudani

• Pirate Ship

• Hakone Checkpoint

• Best View of Fuji

• Hakone Shrine

• How to get to/around Hakone

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• Become a member on Patreon!

159. Cycling Routes

One of the bridges along the Shimanami Kaido

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.

159. Cycling Routes

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• What is a “National Cycle Route”?

• Shimanami Kaido

• Biwa-Ichi

• Pacific Cycling Road

• Toyama Bay Cycling Route

• Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road

• Tokapuchi400

• Tips for a Successful Ride

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• Become a member on Patreon!

158. Pro Wrestling

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.

158. Pro Wrestling

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?

• History

• How Does Puroresu Work?

• Major Promotions

• Controversy

• How to Attend

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

157. Service Culture

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.

157. Service Culture

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin

Topics Covered:

• What is Omotenashi?

• History

• Keigo

• Examples of Omotenashi

• The Dark Side of Customer Service

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• Become a member on Patreon!