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.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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!
Transcribe →154. Souvenirs
Nov 1701:33:50Tap to summarizeTrying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.Topics Covered:Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — IncenseModern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — ElectronicsCollectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot MerchFood: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic FoodPodcast 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 →153. The City of Fukuoka
Nov 301:17:56Tap to summarizeFukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!Topics Covered:HistoryTochoji TempleKushida ShrineSumiyoshi ShrineCanal CityNakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)Tenjin Underground MallFukuoka Castle RuinsOhori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art MuseumMizuho PayPay DomeMomochi Seaside ParkFukuoka TowerUminonakamichi Seaside ParkEvents: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata DontakuLocal Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — MizutakiHow to get to/around FukuokaPodcast 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 →152. 2025 Halloween Special - Hell
Oct 2001:13:16Tap to summarizeShinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!Topics Covered:Yomi (Shinto Hell)Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)Hellish Places You Can VisitPodcast 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 →151. Cats
Oct 601:40:41Tap to summarizeCats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society! Topics Covered: HistoryCats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko MusumeCat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous catsCat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote CatPodcast 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 →150. A Brief History of Japan
Aug 11, 202501:15:26Tap to summarizeJapan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!Topics Covered:Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)Kofun Period (250 - 538)Yamato Period (250 - 710)Asuka Period (538 - 710)Nara Period (710 - 794)Heian Period (794 - 1185)Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)Edo Period (1600 - 1868)Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)Showa Period (1926 - 1989)Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!
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