Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!

Topics Covered:

The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress Jokwa

Momotaro, or the Story of the Son of a Peach

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Japan is known for its incredible train system, but did you know about the wide array of unique sightseeing and overnight trains? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss these exciting travel options that offer new perspectives on Japan’s diverse landscapes and cities!

Topics Covered:

Overnight Trains: Sunrise Express (Seto/Izumo)

Cruise Trains: Seven Stars in Kyushu — Shiki-Shima — Twilight Express Mizukaze — Royal Express

Sightseeing Trains: Tokaido Shinkansen — Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi — Kurobe Gorge Railway — Kyo-Train Garaku — Sagano Scenic Railway — Pokemon With You Train — Hisatsu Line — Sanriku Railway Kotatsu Train — Hakone Tozan Line — Fujisan View Express — Furano Biei Norokko Train — Takayama Main Line — Chiba Monorail

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Japan is full of “must-see” attractions, but which ones are most worth visiting? Join Jason and Paul as they rate some of Japan’s most popular attractions!

Topics Covered:

Shibuya Crossing

Sensoji Temple

Takeshita Street (Harajuku)

Akihabara

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Kiyomizu-dera

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Yasaka Pagoda

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Osaka Castle

Himeji Castle

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Natto is one of Japan’s most divisive foods. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about — and sample — this slimy and smelly delicacy!

Topics Covered:

History

How is Natto Made?

Types of Natto

How to Eat Natto

Health Benefits

Taste Test

Where to Get Natto

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

The city of Kanazawa is rich in history and culture, famous for its Edo-era districts and traditional crafts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Kanazawa!

Topics Covered:

Check out our new itinerary store!

History

Omicho Market

Oyama Shrine

Nagamachi District: Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum — Nomura-ke Samurai Residence — Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall — Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum

Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)

Nishi Chaya District: Ninjabuki Museum — Dolls Museum — Kanazawa Nishi Chaya Museum

South of Kenrokuen: Ishiura Shrine — 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art — Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art — Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum — National Crafts Museum — Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum —

Kenrokuen: Seison-kaku — Kanazawa Shrine

Hakuichi Kenrokuen Store

Kanazawa Castle Park

Higashi Chaya District: Geisha House Shima — Kaikaro — Geisha Evenings in Kanazawa

Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum

How to get to/around Kanazawa

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various announcements and current events!

Topics Covered:

Season 5 Start Date

Patreon

Itinerary Store

Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

Tourist Ban in Gion

Shohei Ohtani

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Akihabara is a unique district in Tokyo, renowned for its many electronics stores and its status as a mecca for otaku culture enthusiasts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo's iconic "electric town"!

Topics Covered:

History

Electronics (e.g. Yodobashi Akiba, BicCamera AKIBA)

Arcades (e.g. Namco Akihabara)

Anime Shops (e.g. Akihabara Kotobukiya, Mandarake)

Computer Shops (e.g. Tsukumo PC Honten)

Maid Cafes (e.g. Maidreamin)

Akihabara Dear Stage

Little TGV

Akihabara Gachapon Hall

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

Yusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty Shop

Komaki Shokudo

Bars (Game Bar A-Button, Beer Pong Bar Grove, Hitachino Brewing Lab, Low-Non-Bar)

Weird Vending Machine Corner

Karaoke

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!

Tokyo has all sorts of attractions to offer, but venturing outside the bustling city for a day trip can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many diverse experiences that can be had just beyond Tokyo’s borders!

Topics Covered:

Kamakura and Enoshima (Ep72)

Kawagoe (Ep46)

Nikko (Ep80)

Mt. Fuji (Ep10, also mentioned Arakurayama Sengen Park)

Amusement Parks (Ep 94)

Mt. Takao (Ep 119)

Utsunomiya

Hakone

Odawara

Omiya

Yokohama

Chiba

Shizuoka

Join our Discord community!

Become a member on Patreon!