Podcast
Sightseeing Japan
Hosted by Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin · EN
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, from geisha to vending machines and everything in between.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
164. Why is Japan's Crime Rate So Low?
2w ago01:21:11Tap to summarizeJapan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.Topics Covered:Social CohesionBroken Windows TheoryEconomic FactorsLegislationKoban and Community PolicingJudicial SystemUnderreportingRecent TrendsJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →163. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 3)
May 402:06:30Tap to summarizeJason 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:Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping ArcadeYamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao OnsenMatsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish MarketSendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer FactoryTokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National GardenJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →162. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 2)
Apr 2001:31:25Tap to summarizeJason 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:Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path FestivalBibaiAsahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial MuseumBiei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum MisoraAbashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison MuseumSendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation TerraceJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)
Apr 601:29:34Tap to summarizeJason 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:Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef OnoHakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup CurryNoboribetsu: JigokudaniSapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris WheelJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →160. The Town of Hakone
Feb 901:02:51Tap to summarizeFamous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations.Topics Covered:HistoryHakone-YumotoRyokan and OnsenSightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)Hakone Kowakien YunessunHakone Open-Air MuseumOwakudaniPirate ShipHakone CheckpointBest View of FujiHakone ShrineHow to get to/around HakoneJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →159. Cycling Routes
Jan 2601:18:46Tap to summarizeDesignated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way.Topics Covered:What is a “National Cycle Route”?Shimanami KaidoBiwa-IchiPacific Cycling RoadToyama Bay Cycling RouteTsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring RoadTokapuchi400Tips for a Successful RideJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →158. Pro Wrestling
Jan 1201:08:51Tap to summarizeJapanese pro wrestling has carved out its own distinct identity, blending athleticism, storytelling, and a passionate fan culture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, styles, and stars that make puroresu so unique.Topics Covered:What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?HistoryHow Does Puroresu Work?Major PromotionsControversyHow to AttendJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →157. Service Culture
Dec 2901:14:58Tap to summarizeJapan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences.Topics Covered:What is Omotenashi?HistoryKeigoExamples of OmotenashiThe Dark Side of Customer ServiceJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →156. Cosplay
Dec 1501:26:11Tap to summarizeFrom anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.Topics Covered:HistoryHow to CosplayWhere to CosplayAre There Rules?ControversiesWhere to See CosplayPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
Transcribe →155. Soybeans
Dec 101:26:35Tap to summarizeSoybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!Topics Covered:HistoryJapan’s Soybean IndustryHow Soybeans are GrownHow Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — KuromameTypes of SoybeansHealth BenefitsWhere to get Soy ProductsPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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