136. Day Trips from Kyoto and Osaka

Magome, a post town on the Nakasendo

Kyoto and Osaka offer countless attractions, but venturing beyond these cities for day trips can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the diverse experiences waiting just outside Kansai’s largest metropolis!

Topics Covered:

• Nara (Ep112)

• Hiroshima (Ep118)

• Kobe (Ep96)

• Uji

• Koyasan

• Himeji

• Okayama and Kurashiki

• Kurama and Kibune

• Nakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)

• Hikone

• Omi Hachiman

• Amanohashidate and Ine

• Nagoya

• Listener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River — Kyoto Railway Museum — Umekoji Park

• 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!

134. Sightseeing and Overnight Trains

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!

Announcements and Current Events

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!

129. Day Trips from Tokyo

Mt. Fuji

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!

122. What to Do if You Get Sick in Japan

Traveling is exciting and rewarding, but even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps along the way. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to handle health concerns when you're in Japan. From navigating the healthcare system to finding the right resources, this episode has you covered in case you ever need it!

Topics Covered:

• Emergency Services

• Vaccinations

• Travel and Health Insurance

• Japan’s Medical System

• Interview with Ryan Sandlin

• Vaccine Recommendations (CDC Website)

• Guidebook for when you are feeling ill (JNTO PDF)

• Search Medical Institutions (JNTO Website)

• Calling for Help (US Embassy Website)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

120. Traveling to Japan with Children

Visiting Japan with children can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it also raises unique challenges. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss tips and tricks to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Topics Covered:

• Planning: Hotels, attractions, meals, internet

• Packing: Stroller, food, supplies

• When In Japan: Transportation, food, navigation, attractions, entertainment, what to expect

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

• Affiliate Links:

• JR Pass

• Fare Calculator

• Regional Rail Passes

115. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 3)

Mount Nantai and Lake Chuzenji

Edo Wonderland

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)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

Announcement - JR Pass Changes

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

114. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 2)

Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu

Namba Yasaka Jinja in Osaka

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)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

113. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 1)

Matsuyama Castle

Kosanji, a temple on the Shimanami Kaido

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

111. Planning a Trip to Japan (Revisited)

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

110. Miyuki Seguchi (Interview)

Join Jason and Paul as they interview Miyuki Seguchi, licensed travel guide and host of the Japan Experts podcast!

Find Miyuki Seguchi Online:

• Grab the FREE Japan Travel Guide: The 7 steps to creating your unique immersive experience

• Learn more about her Japan travel program the Japan Travel Essentials

• Website

• Facebook Group

• Instagram

• Japan Experts Podcast

106. The Four Seasons

The four seasons in Japan each have their own distinct character, and the impact that seasonal changes have had on the country’s culture over the centuries is apparent in many aspects of their society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes Japan’s four seasons so special!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Weather

• Events/Holidays

• Food

• Decorative Motifs

103. Visiting Japan with Dietary Restrictions

Whether you have food allergies or if your diet is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc., Japanese cuisine can be difficult to navigate if you’re not able to eat certain common ingredients. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to enjoy Japan while adhering to various dietary restrictions!

Topics Covered:

• Modern Japanese diet

• Food allergies (18:29)

• Vegan diet (27:58)

• Vegetarian diet (45:22)

• Religious dietary restrictions (49:57)

• Gluten-free diet (53:36)

• Keto diet (1:01:42)

• General tips

101. Can I Go To Japan Yet?

Japan has been slow to open up to tourism since the beginning of the pandemic, but things are starting to change. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the current tourism situation as well as recent newsworthy events in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• Announcements

• Can I go to Japan yet?: Japan Travel subreddit — Japan National Tourism Organization — Kyushu Journeys (travel agency)

• Tourism industry

• Abe assassination

• The idol who married her fan

• The man who married Hatsune Miku

• Nuclear power in Japan

• Listener mail

85. Bullet Trains (Shinkansen)

Japan’s bullet trains are famous around the world for their speed, efficiency, and masterful engineering. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes the Shinkansen so amazing!

79. Working and Studying in Japan

Japan is a great place to visit as a tourist but there are also other ways to visit if you’d like to stay for an extended period of time. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various ways to work or study in Japan!

54. Kyushu Journeys (Interview)

Join Jason and Paul as they speak with Simon and Moo, the owners and operators of a Kyushu-based travel agency called Kyushu Journeys!

Find Kyushu Journeys online:

https://www.facebook.com/kyushujourneys

https://www.instagram.com/kyushujourneys/

https://www.kyushujourneys.com/

29. 20 Travel Tips

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss 20 helpful travel tips!

28. Trip Recap (Part 2)

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss Jason’s recent two-week trip to Japan!