What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities.

Topics Covered:

Structure of Education System

The Average School Day

The School Year

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From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city.

Topics Covered:

History

Peace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb Museum

Urakami Cathedral

Sanno Shrine One-Legged Torii Gate

Suwa Shrine

Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture

Megane Bridge

Kofukuji

Sofukuji

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Dejima

Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

Oura Cathedral

Glover Garden

Mt. Inasa

Huis Ten Bosch

Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki Kunchi

Local Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko Rice

How to Get To/Around Nagasaki

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From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan.

Topics Covered:

Is Camping Popular in Japan?

When to Camp

What are Campgrounds Like in Japan?

Types of Camping

Best Places to Camp

Gear

What to Eat

Etiquette and Rules

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Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!

Topics Covered:

Science Bar INCUBATOR

Deathmatch in Hell

8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)

Record Bar Analog

The Whales of August

Planetarium Bar

Muscle Girls

Kiha (Train Bar)

Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi

Axe Throwing Bar

Hunters Bar

Taishu Shusen Terumae

Dogenzaka Church

Bunny Bars

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Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.

Topics Covered:

Social Cohesion

Broken Windows Theory

Economic Factors

Legislation

Koban and Community Policing

Judicial System

Underreporting

Recent Trends

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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:

Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade

Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen

Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish Market

Sendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer Factory

Tokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National Garden

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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:

Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival

Bibai

Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum Misora

Abashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison Museum

Sendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation Terrace

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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:

Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono

Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup Curry

Noboribetsu: Jigokudani

Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris Wheel

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Famous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations.

Topics Covered:

History

Hakone-Yumoto

Ryokan and Onsen

Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Owakudani

Pirate Ship

Hakone Checkpoint

Best View of Fuji

Hakone Shrine

How to get to/around Hakone

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Designated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way.

Topics Covered:

What is a “National Cycle Route”?

Shimanami Kaido

Biwa-Ichi

Pacific Cycling Road

Toyama Bay Cycling Route

Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road

Tokapuchi400

Tips for a Successful Ride

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