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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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:

Day 15: Nikko (Taiyuin, Futarasan Jinja, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss)

Day 16: Nikko (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Trail)

Day 17: Kinugawa (Edo Wonderland, Tobu World Square)

Day 18: Tokyo (Tanuki Street, Kappabashi Street, Sogenji, Hitachino Brewing Lab)

Day 19: Tokyo (Yanaka Ginza, Animate Ikebukuro, Sunshine City, Akihabara)

Day 20: Tokyo (Akihabara, Iron Heart in Hachioji)

Day 21: Tokyo (Akihabara, flight home)

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Changes are coming in October 2023 for the JR Pass. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the changes and their impact on the value of the pass!

Affiliate Links:

JR Pass

Regional Passes

Fare Calculator

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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:

Day 8: Kagoshima (Sengan-en)

Day 9: Sakurajima (Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima)

Day 10: Kagoshima (Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Reimeikan, Cave of Saigo Takamori, Shiroyama Park Observation Deck)

Day 11: Kitakyushu (Kokura Castle, Yasaka Shrine, TOTO Museum, Aru Aru City, Manga Museum)

Day 12: Osaka (Sakuranomiya Park/Shrine, America-mura, Namba Yasaka Jinja, Shinsekai, Shitennoji, Pearls Cafe, teamLab at Nagai Botanical Gardens)

Day 13: Kobe (Port Tower, Nankinmachi, Ikuta Jinja, Kitanocho, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Nunobiki Falls, Motomachi Shopping Street)

Day 14: Nikko (Yuba, Shinkyo Bridge, Tamozawa Imperial Villa)

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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:

Day 1: Flights

Day 2: Onomichi (Temple Walk. Senkoji Park)

Day 3: Shimanami Kaido (Dolce Ice Cream, Kosanji, Hill of Hope, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami)

Day 4: Shimanami Kaido (Fuu, Michi-no-Eki, Dolphinfarm Shimanami, Sunrise Itoyama) - Matsuyama (Nagasaka)

Day 5: Matsuyama (Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen, Dogo Beer Hall, Dogo Shopping Street, Botchan Karakuri Clock, Isaniwa Shrine)

Day 6: Takamatsu (Ritsurin Garden, Sanuki Udon Ueharaya, Shikoku Village, Omiya Hachiman Shrine, Waraya)

Day 7: Takamatsu Castle Park, Onomichi Temple Walk

Nara is widely known for its friendly deer, but did you know it’s also the ancient capital of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Nara!

Topics Covered:

History

Central Nara: Heijo Palace —Toshodaiji Temple — Yakushiji Temple — Horyuji Temple

Deer

Nara Park: Kofukuji Temple — Nara National Museum — Yoshikien Garden — Isuien Garden — Todaiji Temple — Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Manyo Botanical Gardens, Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest) — Wakakusayama — Shinyakushiji Temple

Festivals: Heijo Tempyo Summer Festival — Himuro Shirayuki Shaved Ice Festival — Omizutori

How to get to/around Nara

Day Trips: Asuka — Yoshino

Planning a trip to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Join Jason and Paul as they walk step by step through the planning process for their spring 2023 Japan trip!

Topics Covered:

Where to Start

Passport/Visa

Budget

Booking a Flight

Booking Hotels

Assembling an Itinerary

Finishing Touches