130. Akihabara

Akihabara is a unique district in Tokyo, renowned for its many electronics stores and its status as a mecca for otaku culture enthusiasts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo's iconic "electric town"!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Electronics (e.g. Yodobashi Akiba, BicCamera AKIBA)

• Arcades (e.g. Namco Akihabara)

• Anime Shops (e.g. Akihabara Kotobukiya, Mandarake)

• Computer Shops (e.g. Tsukumo PC Honten)

• Maid Cafes (e.g. Maidreamin)

• Akihabara Dear Stage

• Little TGV

• Akihabara Gachapon Hall

• 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

• Yusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty Shop

• Komaki Shokudo

• Bars (Game Bar A-Button, Beer Pong Bar Grove, Hitachino Brewing Lab, Low-Non-Bar)

• Weird Vending Machine Corner

• Karaoke

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129. Day Trips from Tokyo

Mt. Fuji

Tokyo has all sorts of attractions to offer, but venturing outside the bustling city for a day trip can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many diverse experiences that can be had just beyond Tokyo’s borders!

Topics Covered:

• Kamakura and Enoshima (Ep72)

• Kawagoe (Ep46)

• Nikko (Ep80)

• Mt. Fuji (Ep10, also mentioned Arakurayama Sengen Park)

• Amusement Parks (Ep 94)

• Mt. Takao (Ep 119)

• Utsunomiya

• Hakone

• Odawara

• Omiya

• Yokohama

• Chiba

• Shizuoka

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128. Mental Health

Mental health issues are part of the human experience, and Japan is not immune to the complexities and struggles that individuals face. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the mental health concerns and social challenges that have gained attention in modern Japan.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Suicide

• Karoshi

• Hikikomori

• Kodokushi

• Gomi Yashiki

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127. The City of Sapporo

Miso ramen, a Sapporo specialty

Mount Moiwa, a popular hiking spot in Sapporo

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is considered by many to be the most attractive city in Japan. As one of the snowiest cities in the world, it is also home to an extremely popular snow festival. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Sapporo!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Central: Kani Honke — Sapporo Clock Tower — Odori Park — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Nijo Market — Susukino — Ganso Ramen Yokocho — Sapporo Factory — Sapporo Beer Museum/Beer Garden

• Northeast: Moerenuma Park

• Southwest: Mount Moiwa

• Northwest: Sapporo Crab Market — Shiroi Koibito Park — Sapporo Tiene Ski Resort

• Southeast: Historical Village of Hokkaido — Hokkaido Museum

• Day Trips: Otaru — Jozankei

• Festivals: Snow Festival — Lilac Festival — Yosakoi Soran Festival — Autumn Festival — Christmas Market

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126. Red-Light Districts

Japan’s red-light districts have evolved over the centuries, but even today they offer a complex tapestry of nightlife, entertainment, and cultural nuances. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into the intriguing history, vibrant present, and often overlooked stories of Japan’s adult entertainment hubs.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Types of Establishments

• Safety

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• Become a member on Patreon!

125. Train Stations

A timetable of departing trains

Japan’s train stations are so much more than mere transit hubs. They also offer shopping, dining, cutting-edge technology, and a glimpse into national and local cultures! Japan is even home to the busiest train station in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many facets of these iconic transportation centers.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Sights and Sounds

• Notable Train Stations

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124. The City of Matsumoto

The city of Matsumoto is known for its iconic historic castle as well as for the natural beauty of the surrounding Japanese Alps. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Matsumoto!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Downtown Area: Matsumoto Castle (and Jokyo Gimin Memorial Museum) — Former Kaichi School — Takagi (Soba Shop) — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Street — Nakamachi Street — Matsumoto Timepiece Museum — Matsumoto City Museum of Art — Agatanomori Park

• North: Asama Onsen

• East: Matsumoto Mingeikan Folk Art Museum

• South: Koboyama Kofun — Matsumoto City Archaeological Museum

• West: Japan Ukiyo-e Museum — Matsumoto City Rekishinosato

• Day Trip: Daio Wasabi Farm

• How to get to/around Matsumoto

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

123. Rice

Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Cultural Significance

• Types of Rice

• Japan’s Rice Industry

• How is Rice Grown?

• How to Cook Rice

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• Become a member on Patreon!

122. What to Do if You Get Sick in Japan

Traveling is exciting and rewarding, but even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps along the way. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to handle health concerns when you're in Japan. From navigating the healthcare system to finding the right resources, this episode has you covered in case you ever need it!

Topics Covered:

• Emergency Services

• Vaccinations

• Travel and Health Insurance

• Japan’s Medical System

• Interview with Ryan Sandlin

• Vaccine Recommendations (CDC Website)

• Guidebook for when you are feeling ill (JNTO PDF)

• Search Medical Institutions (JNTO Website)

• Calling for Help (US Embassy Website)

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• Become a member on Patreon!

121. Car Culture

Japan’s automobile industry is world-renowned for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Join Jason and Paul as they explore car culture (and its unique subcultures) in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• History

• JDM (Japanese Domestic Market)

• Kei Cars

• Itasha

• Street Racing

• Other Subcultures: Kyusha Cars - Kaido Racers - Shakotan - Bosozoku - VIP - Grachan

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

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

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• 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

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• 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!

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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)

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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)

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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