Himeji Castle
Kiyomizu-dera
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!
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
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"!
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
Magome, a post town on the Nakasendo
Mountain ranges along the Nakasendo
With its pristine natural scenery and picturesque countryside, Japan is home to extraordinary hiking trails. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the best multi-day hiking trails in the country!
Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse
Michinoku Coastal Trail
Basho Trail
Kanto Fureai no Michi
Nakasendo Trail
Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit
Nakahechi Trail (Kumano Kodo)
Shikoku Pilgrimage
Kunisaki Trek
Okinawa North to South Traverse
Safety Tips
Tofukuji’s Kaisando, the “Founder’s Hall”.
The north garden at Tofukuji’s hojo.
Tofukuji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto and is one of the city’s most popular temples for tourists. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic site and discuss the many things to see and do there!
History: Chan Buddhism — Five Mountain System — Meiji Restoration
Main Gate (Sanmon)
Main Hall (Hondo)
Priest’s Living Quarters (Hojo): Mirei Shigemori — Gardens
Tsutenkyo Bridge
Founder’s Hall (Kaisando)
Other Buildings: Former latrine (Tosu) — Meditation Hall (Zendo) — Sub-temples (Funda-In)
How to get there: JR Nara Line — Keihan Main Line — Tofukuji Official Website
Cosmo World, a theme park in Yokohama.
The main hall at Sensoji.
A multi-floor Taito Station arcade in Akihabara.
Taiko no Tatsujin, a rhythm game where you can play traditional Japanese drums along to music.
A SEGA game center near Akihabara Station.
Video game arcades are ubiquitous in Japan where they are known as “game centers”. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this innovative industry and learn about the many amazing games that can be found at Japanese arcades!
Osorezan, or “Dread Mountain”, is an active volcano with a Buddhist temple in its caldera. It is one of Japan’s three most sacred places and is believed to be one of the gates to the underworld. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this other-worldly pilgrimage destination!
A crowd of hungry cats at Tashirojima, a.k.a. “Cat Island”.
A crowd of hungry rabbits at Okunoshima, a.k.a. “Rabbit Island”.
The main hall of Kiyomizu-dera with the city of Kyoto in the distance.
The Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku features a show full of lights, robots, lasers, and dancers.
Japan has many unusual experiences to offer that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss five of the most unusual places you can visit!
Yoro Park
Toyama Bay
Inakadate Tanbo Art
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Nagoro Village
The Romon Gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
This is a private indoor onsen at Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei, a ryokan in Hokkaido.
A souvenir photo that Jason received on his visit to Maidreamin, a maid cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Cat Cafe Calico, a popular cat cafe in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Japan is home to all sorts of interesting cafes, from cat cafes to maid cafes and beyond. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many types of experiences you can have at Japanese cafes!
Himeji Castle.
Japanese castles are strategic defensive fortresses, but they were also built to be visually striking and impressive. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, architecture, and defensive capabilities of Japanese castles!
History
Architecture: Location — Main Keep (Tenshukaku) — Walls/Moats/Baileys — Yagura (Guard Towers) — Gates
How to Attack a Japanese Castle
Visiting Castles Today
The moss garden at Gioji, a small temple in Kyoto.
Japanese gardens are famous around the world for their ability to convey peace, harmony, and tranquility through the art of landscaping. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ancient art of Japanese gardening!
History
Elements of Japanese Gardens: Water — Stone — Bridges — Fish — Lanterns — Water Basins — Plants — Islands
Aesthetic Principles: Miniaturization — Concealment — Borrowed Scenery — Asymmetry
The view of Mount Fuji from the fifth station.
Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan and is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It even ties into the origins of the Shinto religion! Join Jason and Paul as they explore this beloved landmark.
Cultural Significance
How to Climb
What to Bring
What Will You See?
Aokigahara (Suicide Forest)
Byodoin, a Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.
Temples and shrines are everywhere in Japan, but did you know that they are two distinct types of structures belonging to different religions? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the significance of temples and shrines throughout the history of Japan!
Buddhism
Shinto
How is Religion Practiced
History
Buddhist Temples: Etiquette — Gardens — Jizo — Cemeteries — Omikuji (Fortune Telling)
Shinto Shrines: Torii Gate — Chozuya (Purification Basin) — Honden (Main Hall) — Ema (Wooden Plaques) — Amulets — Goshuincho (Stamp Book)
