Sightseeing Japan

By Jason Nieling and Paul BresinSociety & Culture Places & Travel

Sightseeing Japan episodes

November 02 173. Rating Popular Hikes
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)
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1 hr 33 min
October 19 172. 2026 Halloween Special - More Yokai
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 Yurei
Futakuchi Onna
Haradashi
Ubume
Zenihebi
Hone Onna
Uondo
Kage Onna
Shichinin Misaki
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1 hr 7 min
October 05 171. The Ainu
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:
History
Language and Identity
Society and Daily Life
Clothing and Material Culture
Cuisine
Beliefs and Traditions
Cultural Revival
Where to Learn More
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1 hr 29 min
September 21 95. Idols (Rerun)
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!
1 hr 27 min
September 07 107. Kappa (Rerun)
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:
History
What Do Kappa Look Like?
What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama
How to Defeat a Kappa
Public Perception
Are Kappa Real?
Folktales
Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)
1 hr 21 min
August 24 78. Whisky (Rerun)
During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past.
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!
56 min
August 10 170. Shinto
Long before the arrival of Buddhism, Japan's spiritual traditions revolved around nature, ancestors, and countless kami. Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the history and beliefs of Shinto.
Topics Covered:
History
Kami
Purification
Rites of Passage
Shrines
Festivals
The Creation Myth
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1 hr 24 min
July 27 169. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Can spending time in the forest actually improve your health and well-being? Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the Japanese practice of forest bathing and why it has gained attention around the world.
Topics Covered:
Books on Asia Interview
History
The Practice
The Science
How/Where to Participate
Kyoto In Sound
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1 hr 10 min
July 13 168. School Life
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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1 hr 15 min
June 29 167. The City of Nagasaki
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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1 hr 23 min

About Sightseeing Japan

From the publisher's feed

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,…