72. The City of Kamakura

The view of Kamakura from Hase-dera.

Kamakura is a city steeped in history and tradition and is now a popular tourist destination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this former capital of Japan and learn about the many things to see and do there!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Near Kamakura Station: Wakamiya Oji — Dankazura — Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine — Komachi Street

• Hase: Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) — Hasedera

• Enoshima

• Temples: Hokokuji — Engakuji

• Festivals: Chona Hajime Shiki — Setsubun Matsuri — Kamakura Matsuri — Kusajishi-shiki — Fireworks — Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai

• How to get to Kamakura

71. Osorezan

Osorezan, or “Dread Mountain”, is an active volcano with a Buddhist temple in its caldera. It is one of Japan’s three most sacred places and is believed to be one of the gates to the underworld. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this other-worldly pilgrimage destination!

70. Kawaii

The concept of kawaii, meaning “cute” or “adorable”, is a prominent aspect of modern Japanese culture. Join Jason and Paul as they dive deep into the world of kawaii culture!

69. Valentine's Day and White Day

Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Japan, and they celebrate it in their own unique way. They even created a companion holiday called White Day! Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs and traditions surrounding these celebrations!

68. Denim

The pink selvedge ID and inseam on this pair of Momotaro jeans are references to the peach in the Japanese folktale about Momotaro, a.k.a. “peach boy”.

Jeans hanging over Kojima Jeans Street.

Fading on a slubby pair of jeans from Pure Blue Japan.

The leather patch on a pair of Oni Denim jeans.

Did you know that Japanese denim is widely considered to be among the best in the world? Join Jason and Paul as they learn about what makes Japanese denim so great!

67. Mochi

Yakimochi, a grilled piece of mochi filled with sweet red bean paste.

Mochi is a popular rice-based food in Japan that has been considered sacred since ancient times. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about how it is made, its cultural significance, and the many types of dishes that can be made with mochi!

66. The Tohoku Region

The Tohoku region of Japan, consisting of six prefectures in northeast Honshu, is known for its mountains, winter sports, onsen resorts, and natural scenery. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what there is to see and do in the Tohoku region!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Fukushima Prefecture: Oze National Park — Goshikinuma Ponds — Ouchi-juku — Kitakata Ramen

• Miyagi Prefecture: Jozenji-dori — Kokubuncho — Ichibancho Shopping Arcade — Sendai Daikannon — Tomizawa Site Museum — Zuihoden Mausoleum — Gyutan (Beef Tongue) — Zundamochi — Sendai Asaichi Morning Market — Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune Mura (Fox Village) — Ishinomaki — Zuiganji Temple — Matsushima Bay Islands

• Yamagata Prefecture:  Zao Onsen Ski Resort — Yamagata City — Somaro Maiko Teahouse — Ginzan Onsen — Yonezawa Beef — Yamagata Cherry Festival

• Akita Prefecture: Kanto Festival — Kakunodate — Namahage Museum — Nyuto Onsen — Kiritanpo — Akitakomachi Rice — Hinai Chicken

• Iwate Prefecture: Jodogahama Beach — Ryusendo Cave — Hiraizumi — Chusonji Temple — Geibikei Gorge — Kitakami Tenshochi Park — Wanko Soba — Maezawa Beef — Abalone

• Aomori Prefecture: Nebuta Festival — Shirakami-Sanchi — Sanriku Fukko — Oirase Stream — Aoni Onsen — Osorezan — Black Garlic

• How to get to/around the Tohoku Region

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/