Sightseeing Japan

Japan is home to countless incredible hiking trails, from famous mountain routes to scenic walks through forests and along the coast. Join Jason and Paul as they rank some of the most popular hikes they’ve done in Japan and share what they loved, what surprised them, and how the trails stack up against each other.Topics Covered:Takaosan - Omotesando Trail (Tokyo)Lake Chuzenji - Mt. Hangetsu Trail (Nikko)Magome to Tsumago - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)Yabuhara to Naraijuku - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)Kamikochi - Riverbank Trails (Japanese Alps)Aokigahara - Ice Caves Trail (Mt. Fuji)Yamadera (Yamagata)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japanese folklore can involve some very strange yokai, and not all of them are quite as well known as kappa or oni. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss some of the weirdest and most entertaining yokai they’ve come across.Topics Covered:Suppon no YureiFutakuchi OnnaHaradashiUbumeZenihebiHone OnnaUondoKage OnnaShichinin MisakiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

The Ainu are the Indigenous people of northern Japan, with a unique culture, language, and history that have long been intertwined with the island of Hokkaido. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Ainu traditions and beliefs, their relationship with nature, the history of Japanese assimilation and discrimination, and the ongoing revival of Ainu culture today.Topics Covered:HistoryLanguage and IdentitySociety and Daily LifeClothing and Material CultureCuisineBeliefs and TraditionsCultural RevivalWhere to Learn MoreJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. 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!

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past.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:HistoryWhat Do Kappa Look Like?What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — ShirikodamaHow to Defeat a KappaPublic PerceptionAre Kappa Real?FolktalesWhere to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)