On this episode, Ben and Burke look back at things that surprised them when they arrived in Japan, as well as things that are still surprising to them today. Some of those are fashion trends, such as high school girls getting frost burn on their legs from wearing short skirts in the dead of winter and only wannabe movie stars wearing sunglasses. They also cover quite a bit on love hotels and "bosozoku" biker gangs, beauty features in Japan like having a small face or "tall" nose, out-of-date tech like DVDs and CDs still being widely enjoyed in rental stores, and much much more! A lot of jokes and laughs in this fun episode!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Rusutsu Lodges
Open all year round. Located 5 minutes walk to the main Rusutsu Ski Resort Gondola. There are Japanese, Western, and apartment style rooms with breakfast packages available. There’s a Japanese sento (public bath), two convenience stores less than a minute walk, ski room and tune up tables, free pick up available from the bus stop, plenty of free parking space, and summer BBQ packages available. Check out the website for more booking and availability.

http://rusutsulodges.com

Bearfoot Bar
12 different types of Japanese made craft beers, both bottles and on tap. A range of whiskeys and basic cocktails also available. Tapas style menu and burgers. Friendly English and Japanese speaking staff. Open 7 days a week. Located in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. Why not pop in for a drink if you are in town!

https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbar

The Red House Rusutsu
Located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, the restaurant features a mix of Japanese, Asian fusion, and western Style dishes, including shabu-shabu with wagyu beef and Hokkaido wagyu beef steak. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner, with prices ranging from under Yen 1000 to about Yen 5000.

https://theredhouse.jp/

Hokkaido Guide
Established over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available.

https://hokkaidoguide.com

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