The city of Matsumoto is known for its iconic historic castle as well as for the natural beauty of the surrounding Japanese Alps. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Matsumoto!

Topics Covered:

History

Downtown Area: Matsumoto Castle (and Jokyo Gimin Memorial Museum) — Former Kaichi School — Takagi (Soba Shop) — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Street — Nakamachi Street — Matsumoto Timepiece Museum — Matsumoto City Museum of Art — Agatanomori Park

North: Asama Onsen

East: Matsumoto Mingeikan Folk Art Museum

South: Koboyama Kofun — Matsumoto City Archaeological Museum

West: Japan Ukiyo-e Museum — Matsumoto City Rekishinosato

Day Trip: Daio Wasabi Farm

How to get to/around Matsumoto

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Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan!

Topics Covered:

History

Cultural Significance

Types of Rice

Japan’s Rice Industry

How is Rice Grown?

How to Cook Rice

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Traveling is exciting and rewarding, but even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps along the way. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to handle health concerns when you're in Japan. From navigating the healthcare system to finding the right resources, this episode has you covered in case you ever need it!

Topics Covered:

Emergency Services

Vaccinations

Travel and Health Insurance

Japan’s Medical System

Interview with Ryan Sandlin

Vaccine Recommendations (CDC Website)

Guidebook for when you are feeling ill (JNTO PDF)

Search Medical Institutions (JNTO Website)

Calling for Help (US Embassy Website)

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Japan’s automobile industry is world-renowned for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Join Jason and Paul as they explore car culture (and its unique subcultures) in Japan!

Topics Covered:

History

JDM (Japanese Domestic Market)

Kei Cars

Itasha

Street Racing

Other Subcultures: Kyusha Cars - Kaido Racers - Shakotan - Bosozoku - VIP - Grachan

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Japan is home to a wide variety of eerie and mysterious tales of the supernatural, many of which take place in everyday settings like schools, bathrooms, and train stations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unsettling world of Japanese urban legends!

Topics Covered:

Kisaragi Station

Kuchisake Onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman)

Akai Heya (The Red Room Curse)

Hitori Kakurenbo (One Man Hide & Seek)

Teke Teke

Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)

Ghost Taxi Passengers

Aka Manto (Red Cloak)

Jinmenken (Human-Faced Dog)

The Curse of the Colonel

Ghost Stories Anime

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Visiting Japan with children can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it also raises unique challenges. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss tips and tricks to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Topics Covered:

Planning: Hotels, attractions, meals, internet

Packing: Stroller, food, supplies

When In Japan: Transportation, food, navigation, attractions, entertainment, what to expect

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Affiliate Links:

JR Pass

Fare Calculator

Regional Rail Passes

With its pristine natural scenery and picturesque countryside, Japan is home to extraordinary hiking trails. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the best multi-day hiking trails in the country!

Topics Covered:

Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse

Michinoku Coastal Trail

Basho Trail

Kanto Fureai no Michi

Nakasendo Trail

Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit

Nakahechi Trail (Kumano Kodo)

Shikoku Pilgrimage

Kunisaki Trek

Okinawa North to South Traverse

Safety Tips

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Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region of Japan. Nearby is the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima) which is famous for its “floating” torii gate. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this area as well as the many things to see and do there!

Topics Covered:

History

Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium

Mazda Museum

Shukkeien Garden

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Museum of Art

Atomic Bomb Dome

Peace Memorial Park: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum — Children’s Peace Monument — Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall

Okonomimura

Hiroshima MOCA

Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine — Toyokuni Shrine — Miyajima History and Folklore Museum — Daishoin — Mt. Misen — Shishiiwa Observatory — Momijidani Park

How to get to/around Hiroshima

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The ume is a fruit commonly referred to in English as the “Japanese plum”. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss its cultural significance and the many ways that this fruit is enjoyed in Japan!

Topics Covered:

History

Ume Flowers

Umeboshi

Umeshu

Other Uses

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Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history!

Topics Covered:

History

What were Ninja Hired for?

Skills

Clothes and Equipment

Supernatural Abilities

How Can You Defend Against a Ninja?

Where to Find a Ninja Experience in Japan: Ninja Tokyo Restaurant — Edo Wonderland — Odawara Fuma Ninja Festival — Jidai Academy Dojo — Bujinkan Dojo — Iga-ryu Ninja Village and Museum — Koka Ninja Village — Togakushi Ninja Village — Ninjadera

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