Welcome to Sightseeing Japan! Join hosts Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin as they explore the land of the rising sun. New podcast episodes are released each week covering a range of topics, from geisha to vending machines and everything in between.
Topics Covered:-Announcements-Can I go to Japan yet? -Japan Travel subreddit -Japan National Tourism Organization -Kyushu Journeys (travel agency)-Tourism industry-Abe assassination-The idol who married her fan-The man who married Hatsune Miku-Nuclear power in Japan-Listener mail
Kyoto is a city bursting at the seams with temples, shrines, and history. It served as the capital for over 1,000 years and is the perfect destination for visitors that want to get in touch with the culture of ancient Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Kyoto!
The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. This method of preparing and serving matcha involves a set of prescribed movements, a specific setting, and specialized tools, among other important considerations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this ancient art form!
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!
Dogs are popular pets in Japan and have been for thousands of years. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about Japan's six native dog breeds and what role they have played in Japanese culture over the years!
Kobe is a city in the Kansai region that is famous for producing some of the best beef in the world, as well as for its sake tradition and international culture. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about the many things to see and do (and eat) in Kobe!
In Japan, the term “idol” refers to attractive young entertainers who primarily sing, act, dance, and model, among other things. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this unique aspect of modern Japanese society!
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!
The Chugoku region is located on the westernmost part of Honshu, Japan's largest main island. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do there!
Yakuza are members of organized crime syndicates that have been active in Japan for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the dark underbelly of Japanese society!
Sake, or nihonshu, is a rice-based alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed in Japan for over a millennium. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about how sake is made, its cultural significance, and just what makes it so delicious!
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is considered to be one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about the techniques and styles of this ancient practice!
Tokyo is the world's biggest metropolis, the capital of Japan, and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this megacity and discuss the many things to see and do there!
Welcome to the Halloween Special! Join Jason and Paul as they share some old Japanese ghost stories from Lafcadio Hearn's “Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things”, published in 1904.
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!
Various types of seaweed are used in all sorts of Japanese foods, from sushi to soups to okonomiyaki to desserts. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about this versatile ingredient!
Japan's bullet trains are famous around the world for their speed, efficiency, and masterful engineering. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes the Shinkansen so amazing!
Shikoku is one of the main islands of Japan and has a unique history, beautiful natural scenery, and a traditional feel. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the Shikoku region of Japan!
Masks have a long history in Japan and are used in everything from festivals to traditional theatre. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many different types of Japanese masks!
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that has played an important role in Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this delicious and healthy food!
Karaoke originated in Japan and has become a hugely popular pastime. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of karaoke and the reasons that its popularity has spread all over the world!
Nikko is a popular tourist destination for domestic and international tourists due to its natural beauty, important temples and shrines, and relaxing onsen. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic city!
Japan is a great place to visit as a tourist but there are also other ways to visit if you'd like to stay for an extended period of time. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various ways to work or study in Japan!
Japan built its whisky industry based on techniques imported from Scotland and they now produce some of the most sought-after whisky in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of Japanese whisky!
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!
Japan is a world leader in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence. Join Jason and Paul as they learn how these innovative technologies could change the future of Japanese society!
The Chubu region is located in central Honshu between the Kanto and Kansai regions. It is characterized by rugged mountains and also contains an important symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the amazing things to see and do in this oft-overlooked region of Japan!
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!
Soy sauce is a fermented liquid condiment that plays an extremely important role in Japanese cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, production, and uses of this versatile product!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Japan produces some of the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore these amazing feats of engineering!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Find Kyushu Journeys online:https://www.facebook.com/kyushujourneyshttps://www.instagram.com/kyushujourneys/https://www.kyushujourneys.com/
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.
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!
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
