165. Themed Bars

From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan.Topics Covered:Is Camping Popular in Japan?When to CampWhat are Campgrounds Like in Japan?Types of CampingBest Places to CampGearWhat to EatEtiquette and RulesJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!Topics Covered:Science Bar INCUBATORDeathmatch in Hell8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)Record Bar AnalogThe Whales of AugustPlanetarium BarMuscle GirlsKiha (Train Bar)Kaiju Sakaba ShimbashiAxe Throwing BarHunters BarTaishu Shusen TerumaeDogenzaka ChurchBunny BarsJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan 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!

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: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!

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: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!

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: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!

Famous 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!

Designated 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!

Japanese 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!

Japan’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!