Sightseeing Japan

Sightseeing Japan

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 every other week covering a range of topics, from geisha to vending machines and everything in between.

Episodes

June 30, 2025 56 mins

Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges.

Topics Covered:

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Kyoto is full of famous temples, but few are as iconic—or as confusingly named—as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Join Jason and Paul as they dig into the history behind these two landmarks, explore what makes each one special, and explain why the silver Pavilion isn’t actually silver.

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June 2, 2025 91 mins

Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them!

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Japan is full of things to love - and a few things that might drive you a little crazy. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the best and worst aspects of exploring Japan!

Topics Covered:

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May 5, 2025 85 mins

Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a great place to learn about the culture and history of northeastern Honshu. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the city and uncover the story of its founder—a samurai with the coolest nickname ever.

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April 21, 2025 92 mins

Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous!

Topics Covered:

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April 7, 2025 89 mins

Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan!

Topics Covered:

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December 23, 2024 119 mins

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:

Kamikochi

Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori Park

Omiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway Museum

Tokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaok...

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December 9, 2024 95 mins

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:

Nagoya: Coffee House Kako — Nagoya Castle — The Tokugawa Art Museum — SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Inuyama: Showa Alley — Dondenkan (Matsuri Museum) — Inuyama Castle — Urakuen — Momotaro Shrine

Hikone: Hikone Castle — Genkyuen — Rakurakuen — Yume Kyobashi Castle Road

Omihachiman...

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November 25, 2024 75 mins

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:

Kumano Kodo: Kii-Tanabe — Guest House Kiyohime — Takijiri Oji — Chikatsuyu — Guest House MUI — Kumano Hongu Taisha — Yunomine Onsen — Minshuku Yunosato

Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station — Tempozan Ferris Wheel — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — Namba Parks

Nagoya:...

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November 11, 2024 68 mins

Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!

Topics Covered:

Ubazakura

Rokurokubi

Jiu-Roku-Zakura

The Goblin of Adachigahara

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Japan may be one of the safest countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its share of chilling and horrific crimes. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the most shocking cases in Japan’s history.

Topics Covered:

Junko Furuta

Issei Sagawa

Kobe Child Murders

Nevada-Tan

Ninja of Heisei

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the eleva...

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October 14, 2024 70 mins

Kyoto and Osaka offer countless attractions, but venturing beyond these cities for day trips can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the diverse experiences waiting just outside Kansai’s largest metropolis!

Topics Covered:

Nara (Ep112)

Hiroshima (Ep118)

Kobe (Ep96)

Uji

Koyasan

Himeji

Okayama and Kurashiki

Kurama and Kibune

Nakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)

Hikone

Omi Hachiman

Amanohashidate and Ine

Nagoya

Listener Mail: ...

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September 30, 2024 85 mins

Japan has unique television programming that has gained a reputation internationally for being extremely wacky and sometimes even dangerous. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of reality TV and game shows in Japan!

Topics Covered:

What is TV like in Japan?

Denpa Shonen

Terrace House

Old Enough

Iron Ch...

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September 16, 2024 77 mins

Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!

Topics Covered:

The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress Jokwa

Momotaro, or the Story of the Son of a Peach

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elev...

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September 2, 2024 65 mins

Japan is known for its incredible train system, but did you know about the wide array of unique sightseeing and overnight trains? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss these exciting travel options that offer new perspectives on Japan’s diverse landscapes and cities!

Topics Covered:

Overnight Trains: Sunrise Express (Seto/Izumo)

Cruise Trains: Seven Stars in Kyushu — Shiki-Shima — Twilight Express Mizukaze — Royal Express

Sightseeing Tra...

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August 19, 2024 83 mins

Japan is full of “must-see” attractions, but which ones are most worth visiting? Join Jason and Paul as they rate some of Japan’s most popular attractions!

Topics Covered:

Shibuya Crossing

Sensoji Temple

Takeshita Street (Harajuku)

Akihabara

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Kiyomizu-dera

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Yasaka Pagoda

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Osaka Castle

Himeji Castle

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August 5, 2024 56 mins

Natto is one of Japan’s most divisive foods. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about — and sample — this slimy and smelly delicacy!

Topics Covered:

History

How is Natto Made?

Types of Natto

How to Eat Natto

Health Benefits

Taste Test

Where to Get Natto

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July 22, 2024 85 mins

The city of Kanazawa is rich in history and culture, famous for its Edo-era districts and traditional crafts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Kanazawa!

Topics Covered:

Check out our new itinerary store!

History

Omicho Market

Oyama Shrine

Nagamachi District: Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum — Nomura-ke Samurai Residence — Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall — Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum

Myoryuji (Ninja...

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May 27, 2024 40 mins

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various announcements and current events!

Topics Covered:

Season 5 Start Date

Patreon

Itinerary Store

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

Tourist Ban in Gion

Shohei Ohtani

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

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