120.5. 2023 Halloween Special

Japan is home to a wide variety of eerie and mysterious tales of the supernatural, many of which take place in everyday settings like schools, bathrooms, and train stations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unsettling world of Japanese urban legends!

Topics Covered:

• Kisaragi Station

• Kuchisake Onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman)

• Akai Heya (The Red Room Curse)

• Hitori Kakurenbo (One Man Hide & Seek)

• Teke Teke

• Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)

• Ghost Taxi Passengers

• Aka Manto (Red Cloak)

• Jinmenken (Human-Faced Dog)

• The Curse of the Colonel

• Ghost Stories Anime

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

120. Traveling to Japan with Children

Visiting Japan with children can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it also raises unique challenges. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss tips and tricks to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Topics Covered:

• Planning: Hotels, attractions, meals, internet

• Packing: Stroller, food, supplies

• When In Japan: Transportation, food, navigation, attractions, entertainment, what to expect

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

• Affiliate Links:

• JR Pass

• Fare Calculator

• Regional Rail Passes

119. Multi-Day Hiking Trails

Mountain ranges along the Nakasendo

With its pristine natural scenery and picturesque countryside, Japan is home to extraordinary hiking trails. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the best multi-day hiking trails in the country!

Topics Covered:

• Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse

• Michinoku Coastal Trail

• Basho Trail

• Kanto Fureai no Michi

• Nakasendo Trail

• Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit

• Nakahechi Trail (Kumano Kodo)

• Shikoku Pilgrimage

• Kunisaki Trek

• Okinawa North to South Traverse

• Safety Tips

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

118. The City of Hiroshima (and Miyajima)

Hiroshima Castle

The Atomic Bomb Dome

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

The island of Miyajima

Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region of Japan. Nearby is the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima) which is famous for its “floating” torii gate. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this area as well as the many things to see and do there!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium

• Mazda Museum

• Shukkeien Garden

• Hiroshima Castle

• Hiroshima Museum of Art

• Atomic Bomb Dome

• Peace Memorial Park: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — Children’s Peace Monument — Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall

• Okonomimura

• Hiroshima MOCA

• Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine — Toyokuni Shrine — Miyajima History and Folklore Museum — Daishoin — Mt. Misen — Shishiiwa Observatory — Momijidani Park

• How to get to/around Hiroshima

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

117. Ume (The Japanese Plum)

The ume is a fruit commonly referred to in English as the “Japanese plum”. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss its cultural significance and the many ways that this fruit is enjoyed in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Ume Flowers

• Umeboshi

• Umeshu

• Other Uses

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

116. Ninja

Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history!

Topics Covered:

• History

• What were Ninja Hired for?

• Skills

• Clothes and Equipment

• Supernatural Abilities

• How Can You Defend Against a Ninja?

• Where to Find a Ninja Experience in Japan: Ninja Tokyo Restaurant — Edo Wonderland — Odawara Fuma Ninja Festival — Jidai Academy Dojo — Bujinkan Dojo — Iga-ryu Ninja Village and Museum — Koka Ninja Village — Togakushi Ninja Village — Ninjadera

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

115. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 3)

Mount Nantai and Lake Chuzenji

Edo Wonderland

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!

Topics Covered:

• Day 15: Nikko (Taiyuin, Futarasan Jinja, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss)

• Day 16: Nikko (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Trail)

• Day 17: Kinugawa (Edo Wonderland, Tobu World Square)

• Day 18: Tokyo (Tanuki Street, Kappabashi Street, Sogenji, Hitachino Brewing Lab)

• Day 19: Tokyo (Yanaka Ginza, Animate Ikebukuro, Sunshine City, Akihabara)

• Day 20: Tokyo (Akihabara, Iron Heart in Hachioji)

• Day 21: Tokyo (Akihabara, flight home)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

Announcement - JR Pass Changes

Changes are coming in October 2023 for the JR Pass. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the changes and their impact on the value of the pass!

Affiliate Links:

• JR Pass

• Regional Passes

• Fare Calculator

114. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 2)

Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu

Namba Yasaka Jinja in Osaka

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!

Topics Covered:

• Day 8: Kagoshima (Sengan-en)

• Day 9: Sakurajima (Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima)

• Day 10: Kagoshima (Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Reimeikan, Cave of Saigo Takamori, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck)

• Day 11: Kitakyushu (Kokura Castle, Yasaka Shrine, TOTO Museum, Aru Aru City, Manga Museum)

• Day 12: Osaka (Sakuranomiya Park/Shrine, America-mura, Namba Yasaka Jinja, Shinsekai, Shitennoji, Pearls Cafe, teamLab at Nagai Botanical Gardens)

• Day 13: Kobe (Port Tower, Nankinmachi, Ikuta Jinja, Kitanocho, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Nunobiki Falls, Motomachi Shopping Street)

• Day 14: Nikko (Yuba, Shinkyo Bridge, Tamozawa Imperial Villa)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

113. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 1)

Matsuyama Castle

Kosanji, a temple on the Shimanami Kaido

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!

Topics Covered:

• Day 1: Flights

• Day 2: Onomichi (Temple Walk. Senkoji Park)

• Day 3: Shimanami Kaido (Dolce Ice Cream, Kosanji, Hill of Hope, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami)

• Day 4: Shimanami Kaido (Fuu, Michi-no-Eki, Dolphinfarm Shimanami, Sunrise Itoyama) - Matsuyama (Nagasaka)

• Day 5: Matsuyama (Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, Dogo Beer Hall, Dogo Shopping Street, Botchan Karakuri Clock, Isaniwa Shrine)

• Day 6: Takamatsu (Ritsurin Garden, Sanuki Udon Ueharaya, Shikoku Village, Omiya Hachiman Shrine, Waraya)

• Day 7: Takamatsu Castle Park, Onomichi Temple Walk

112. The City of Nara

Todaiji Temple

Lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Nara is widely known for its friendly deer, but did you know it’s also the ancient capital of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Nara!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Central Nara: Heijo Palace —Toshodaiji Temple — Yakushiji Temple — Horyuji Temple

• Deer

• Nara Park: Kofukuji Temple — Nara National Museum — Yoshikien Garden — Isuien Garden — Todaiji Temple — Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Manyo Botanical Gardens, Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest) — Wakakusayama — Shinyakushiji Temple

• Festivals: Heijo Tempyo Summer Festival — Himuro Shirayuki Shaved Ice Festival — Omizutori

• How to get to/around Nara

• Day Trips: Asuka — Yoshino

111. Planning a Trip to Japan (Revisited)

Planning a trip to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Join Jason and Paul as they walk step by step through the planning process for their spring 2023 Japan trip!

Topics Covered:

• Where to Start

• Passport/Visa

• Budget

• Booking a Flight

• Booking Hotels

• Assembling an Itinerary

• Finishing Touches

Announcement - Season 3 and Tokyo Meetup

A quick announcement regarding season 3 of the podcast as well as a reminder about the podcast meetup in Tokyo on April 5th!

Come hang out with with Jason and Paul! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo on April 5th, 2023, stop by for a drink and a chat!

Details:

• When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm

• Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)

110. Miyuki Seguchi (Interview)

Join Jason and Paul as they interview Miyuki Seguchi, licensed travel guide and host of the Japan Experts podcast!

Find Miyuki Seguchi Online:

• Grab the FREE Japan Travel Guide: The 7 steps to creating your unique immersive experience

• Learn more about her Japan travel program the Japan Travel Essentials

• Website

• Facebook Group

• Instagram

• Japan Experts Podcast

109. Martial Arts

Martial arts have a long history in Japan, and over time they have evolved to integrate philosophical and religious ideas with the physical aspects of warfare. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of Japanese martial arts!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Koryu Bujutsu: Sumo — Jujutsu — Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu, Battojutsu, Iaijutsu) — Naginatajutsu — Sojutsu — Shinobi no Jutsu

• Gendai Jutsu: Judo — Kendo — Iaido — Aikido — Kyudo — Karate — Shorinji Kempo

• Concepts: Aiki — Kokoro — Courtesy — Kiai — Hard/Soft Methods — Shuhari

• 2023 Meetup Event: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm at Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)

Announcement - 2023 Meetup Event

Jason and Paul will be in Japan in April and are announcing a meetup event in Tokyo! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo, stop by for a drink and a chat!

Details:

• When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm

• Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)

108. Beer

Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese beer!

Topics Covered:

• History: Kirin — Sapporo — Asahi — Suntory

• How is Beer Made?

• Types of Beer in Japan: Happoshu — Daisan no Biiru — Seasonal Beer — Craft Beer

• Beer Tasting

• Where to Experience Beer in Japan

107. Kappa

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!

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)

106. The Four Seasons

The four seasons in Japan each have their own distinct character, and the impact that seasonal changes have had on the country’s culture over the centuries is apparent in many aspects of their society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes Japan’s four seasons so special!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Weather

• Events/Holidays

• Food

• Decorative Motifs

105. Love Hotels

Homes in Japan are often multi-generational and may not offer enough privacy for certain intimate activities…but fortunately the love hotel industry provides a solution to this problem. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide variety of love hotels in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Where to find love hotels

• Appearance/Amenities

• Rates

• Examples: Hotel Sara — Hotel Bali-An Resort — Hotel Ikutama Love — Hotel Blan Chapel Christmas — Hotel Artia Dinosaur — Hotel Togenkyo Isehara — Hotel Us Keibajo — Hotel Renaissa

• Controversy