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

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

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!

98. Tofukuji

The north garden at Tofukuji’s hojo.

Tofukuji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto and is one of the city’s most popular temples for tourists. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic site and discuss the many things to see and do there!

Topics Covered:

• History: Chan Buddhism — Five Mountain System — Meiji Restoration

• Main Gate (Sanmon)

• Main Hall (Hondo)

• Priest’s Living Quarters (Hojo): Mirei Shigemori — Gardens

• Tsutenkyo Bridge

• Founder’s Hall (Kaisando)

• Other Buildings: Former latrine (Tosu) — Meditation Hall (Zendo) — Sub-temples (Funda-In)

• How to get there: JR Nara Line — Keihan Main Line — Tofukuji Official Website

94. Amusement Parks

Japan is home to hundreds of amusement parks and theme parks, many of which offer experiences that can’t be had anywhere else. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the most popular and unusual parks in the country!

87. Sensoji Temple

Kaminarimon gate, at the entrance to the temple grounds.

The Sensoji Kannon Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest temple and an extremely popular tourist destination. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about this beautiful and historic spiritual site!

74. Arcades (Game Centers)

A multi-floor Taito Station arcade in Akihabara.

Taiko no Tatsujin, a rhythm game where you can play traditional Japanese drums along to music.

A SEGA game center near Akihabara Station.

Video game arcades are ubiquitous in Japan where they are known as “game centers”. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this innovative industry and learn about the many amazing games that can be found at Japanese arcades!

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!

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!

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!

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!

44. Five Unusual Places

Japan has many unusual experiences to offer that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss five of the most unusual places you can visit!

Topics Covered:

• Yoro Park

• Toyama Bay

• Inakadate Tanbo Art

• Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

• Nagoro Village

43. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan and is the head shrine of the kami Inari. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and mythology behind this beautiful shrine!

42. Hot Spring Baths (Onsen)

The word onsen refers to Japan's hot springs as well as the many baths and resorts that use water from said springs. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of onsen!

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!

18. Castles

Japanese castles are strategic defensive fortresses, but they were also built to be visually striking and impressive. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, architecture, and defensive capabilities of Japanese castles!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Architecture: Location — Main Keep (Tenshukaku) — Walls/Moats/Baileys — Yagura (Guard Towers) — Gates

• How to Attack a Japanese Castle

• Visiting Castles Today

13. Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens are famous around the world for their ability to convey peace, harmony, and tranquility through the art of landscaping. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ancient art of Japanese gardening!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Elements of Japanese Gardens: Water — Stone — Bridges — Fish — Lanterns — Water Basins — Plants — Islands

• Aesthetic Principles: Miniaturization — Concealment — Borrowed Scenery — Asymmetry

10. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan and is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It even ties into the origins of the Shinto religion! Join Jason and Paul as they explore this beloved landmark.

Topics Covered:

• Cultural Significance

• How to Climb

• What to Bring

• What Will You See?

• Aokigahara (Suicide Forest)

9. Temples and Shrines

Temples and shrines are everywhere in Japan, but did you know that they are two distinct types of structures belonging to different religions? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the significance of temples and shrines throughout the history of Japan!

Topics Covered:

• Buddhism

• Shinto

• How is Religion Practiced

• History

• Buddhist Temples: Etiquette — Gardens — Jizo — Cemeteries — Omikuji (Fortune Telling)

• Shinto Shrines: Torii Gate — Chozuya (Purification Basin) — Honden (Main Hall) — Ema (Wooden Plaques) — Amulets — Goshuincho (Stamp Book)