A geisha about to begin a taiko performance. The hanging drum is a byou-uchi-daiko and the smaller drum is a shime-daiko.
Tokashiki-jima, one of the many beautiful islands of Japan’s Kyushu region.
37. The Kyushu Region
The Kyushu Region is the southernmost region of Japan and stretches from the main island of Kyushu down to Okinawa. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many sights to see and things to do in the Kyushu Region!
Topics Covered:
Mount Aso
Kitakyushu: Kawachi Wisteria Garden — Kokura Castle — Kitakyushu Manga Museum — Aruaru City — TOTO Museum
Fukuoka: Yatai (Food Stalls) — Castle Ruins — Ohori Park — Sumo Tournament — Canal City Hakata (Shopping Mall) — Shofukuji Temple — Uminonakamichi Seaside Park — Seaside Momochi — Hakata Machiya Folk Museum — Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine — Kyushu National Museum
Oita: Beppu Onsen — Takasaki Mountain — Usuki
Nagasaki: Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) — Nagasaki Peace Park — Mount Inasayama — Glover Garden — Suwa Shrine — Dejima — Huis Ten Bosch
Kumamoto: Kumamoto Castle — Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Miyazaki: Ikime Burial Mounds — Udo Shrine — Kaeda Valley — Obi Castle Town — Takachiho Gorge
Kagoshima: Yakushima
Okinawa: Naha — Kokusaidori Street — Shuri Castle — Former Japanese Navy Underground HQ — Fukushuen Garden — Churaumi Aquarium — Kerama Islands — Yaeyama Islands (Taketomi Island, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island)
The most well-known origami model, the paper crane (orizuru).
A full set of samurai armor.
Sencha and a cookie served at Daienin, a temple in Koyasan.
This building in Naha, Okinawa displays some of the elements of traditional architecture. Notice the sliding shouji doors, tatami mats on the floor inside, the veranda (engawa), storm shutters, and the construction method that raises the entire building off of the ground.
Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture’s largest city and capital, as seen from the ferris wheel on top of NORBESA, a shopping complex in the Susukino District.
30. Cosplay Cafes and Animal Cafes
A souvenir photo that Jason received on his visit to Maidreamin, a maid cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Cat Cafe Calico, a popular cat cafe in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Japan is home to all sorts of interesting cafes, from cat cafes to maid cafes and beyond. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many types of experiences you can have at Japanese cafes!
Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery, located in the temple town of Koyasan.
Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island, Okinawa.
Gachapon Giveaway!
Some examples of gachapon that can be found in Japan. (These specific gachapon are not included in the giveaway.)
Sightseeing Japan is excited to announce the Gachapon Giveaway! The first ten listeners to review the podcast will receive a free gachapon! To enter, follow these two simple steps: (1) Submit a review of Sightseeing Japan to any podcast provider where the podcast is available. (2) Send an email to feedback [at] sightseeingjapanpodcast.com. Be sure to include (i) your review, (ii) the name of the podcast provider where you submitted your review, and (iii) your mailing address. That’s it!
A bamboo grove at Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden.
Kagami mochi, one of the many decorations traditionally displayed in the home for New Year.
A Christmas tree at a shopping mall in Hiroshima.
Decorative Japanese swords for sale at a shop in Kamakura. (Real functional swords are much more expensive)
An informational panel at the Kawagoe Festival Museum about matsuri floats.