65. Pachinko

Pachinko is a pinball-like game that is extremely popular in Japan both as a recreational game and as a gambling device. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the bright and noisy world of Pachinko!

64. Shirakawa-go

Furusato, one of the many gassho-zukuri farmhouses where you can stay overnight!

Shirakawa-go is a quaint mountain village nestled in the Japanese Alps that is known for its beautiful views and a unique architectural style called gassho-zukuri. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many things to see and do in this picturesque village!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Gassho Zukuri Houses

• What to see/do: Open-Air Museum — Wada House — Kanda House — Nagase House — Shirakawa Kaido Street — Shiroyama Viewpoint (Tenshukaku Observatory) — Tajima House Museum of Silk Culture — Myozenji Temple — Hachimangu Shrine — Shirakawa-go no Yu (Foot bath)

• Events: Snow-Dyeing Ceremony — Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami) — Rice-Planting Festival — Doburoku Matsuri

• Food: Doburoku (Unrefined sake) — Hida Beef — Suttate Nabe (Hot pot) — Fish — Gohei Mochi — Tochimochi — Soba

• Travel Tips

63. 2020 Tokyo Gubernatorial Election

The 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election was described by the media as “a circus” due to the attention-seeking antics of some of the candidates. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the factors that made this year’s election so unusual!

62. Halloween Special - Oni and Tengu

Oni and tengu are two of the most recognizable youkai (monsters) in Japanese folklore. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the rich mythology behind these mysterious beings!

61. Tattoos (Irezumi)

Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is an advanced art form with a distinctive style that incorporates intricate designs, recurring motifs and a great deal of symbolism. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the colorful world of Japanese tattoos!

60. Folklore

Ancient Japanese folktales can help provide insight into Japan’s philosophies and culture. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two popular stories that have been passed down through the centuries!

59. Toilets

Japan produces some of the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore these amazing feats of engineering!

58. Animal Islands and Villages

A crowd of hungry cats at Tashirojima, a.k.a. “Cat Island”.

A crowd of hungry rabbits at Okunoshima, a.k.a. “Rabbit Island”.

Japan has many places where you can have unusual encounters with various types of animals. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s animal islands and animal villages!

57. Wasabi

Most people are familiar with wasabi as the green paste that is served with sushi, but did you know that it is actually very rare to see real wasabi outside of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about this mysterious condiment!

56. Koi

Koi are recognized around the world as symbols of Japan and are commonly found in Japanese gardens. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and culture behind these beautiful fish!

55. Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples and one of the most recognizable sights in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic landmark!

Announcement - New Schedule

Changes in our lives and our schedules have necessitated a change to the podcast schedule. Starting on August 3rd, new Sightseeing Japan episodes will be published every two weeks instead of every week. Thank you for your understanding!

54. Kyushu Journeys (Interview)

Join Jason and Paul as they speak with Simon and Moo, the owners and operators of a Kyushu-based travel agency called Kyushu Journeys!

Find Kyushu Journeys online:

https://www.facebook.com/kyushujourneys

https://www.instagram.com/kyushujourneys/

https://www.kyushujourneys.com/

53. Funerals and Cemeteries

Though Japan is a more secular society than it used to be, its customs surrounding death still incorporate many Buddhist and Shinto ideas. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs behind Japanese funerals and cemeteries.

52. The City of Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan and was traditionally considered the country’s economic hub. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of this bustling metropolis!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Umeda: HEP Five Ferris Wheel — Umeda Sky Building

• Shinsaibashi: Amerika-mura (America Town)

• Namba: Dotonbori — National Bunraku Theater — Kuromon Market — Nipponbashi Den Den Town

• Shinsekai: Nostalgia — Kushikatsu

• Shitennoji Temple

• Abeno Harukasu

• Sumiyoshi Taisha

• Osaka Castle

• Osaka Bay: Universal Studios Japan — Kaiyukan (Aquarium) — Maishima Pottery Museum

• Food: Takoyaki — Okonomiyaki — Udon — Oshizushi — Ramen

• How to get to/around Osaka

51. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

Cherry blossoms (sakura) are famous around the world as a symbol of Japanese culture and history. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes these beautiful flowers so special.

50. Manga and Anime

Manga and anime are two of Japan’s most well-known and well-loved cultural exports. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and stylistic attributes of these media!

49. Themed Restaurants

Japan is home to many themed restaurants where you can eat in a novel setting and even order food based on the theme. Join Jason and Paul as they explore some of Japan’s most unusual themed restaurants!

48. Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese art form in which trees are grown in containers and cultivated to keep them small and mimic the proportions of full-sized trees. Join Jason and Paul as the explore the history, cultivation techniques, and aesthetics of bonsai!

47. Tofu

Tofu is an important food in many asian cultures and has strong ties to Japanese Buddhism. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the history, manufacturing, and the many different types of tofu!