169. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)

During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past. Japan built its whisky industry based on techniques imported from Scotland and they now produce some of the most sought-after whisky in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of Japanese whisky!

Long before the arrival of Buddhism, Japan's spiritual traditions revolved around nature, ancestors, and countless kami. Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the history and beliefs of Shinto.Topics Covered:HistoryKamiPurificationRites of PassageShrinesFestivalsThe Creation MythJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Can spending time in the forest actually improve your health and well-being? Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the Japanese practice of forest bathing and why it has gained attention around the world.Topics Covered:Books on Asia InterviewHistoryThe PracticeThe ScienceHow/Where to ParticipateKyoto In SoundJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities.Topics Covered:Structure of Education SystemThe Average School DayThe School YearJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city.Topics Covered:HistoryPeace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb MuseumUrakami CathedralSanno Shrine One-Legged Torii GateSuwa ShrineNagasaki Museum of History & CultureMegane BridgeKofukujiSofukujiNagasaki Shinchi ChinatownDejimaNagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of ChinaOura CathedralGlover GardenMt. InasaHuis Ten BoschGunkanjima (Hashima Island)Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki KunchiLocal Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko RiceHow to Get To/Around NagasakiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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!