135. Reality TV and Game Shows

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)UjiKoyasanHimejiOkayama and KurashikiKurama and KibuneNakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)HikoneOmi HachimanAmanohashidate and IneNagoyaListener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River — Kyoto Railway Museum — Umekoji ParkPodcast 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!

Japan has unique television programming that has gained a reputation internationally for being extremely wacky and sometimes even dangerous. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of reality TV and game shows in Japan!Topics Covered:What is TV like in Japan?Denpa ShonenTerrace HouseOld EnoughIron ChefTakeshi’s CastleWafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator)Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not — Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist — Massage Chair Prank — Brain WallCan you get on Japanese TV?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!

Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!Topics Covered:The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress JokwaMomotaro, or the Story of the Son of a PeachPodcast 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!

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 ExpressSightseeing 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 MonorailPodcast 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!

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!Topics Covered:Shibuya CrossingSensoji TempleTakeshita Street (Harajuku)AkihabaraNikko Toshogu ShrineKiyomizu-deraFushimi Inari TaishaYasaka PagodaArashiyama Bamboo GroveOsaka CastleHimeji CastleJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Natto is one of Japan’s most divisive foods. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about — and sample — this slimy and smelly delicacy!Topics Covered:HistoryHow is Natto Made?Types of NattoHow to Eat NattoHealth BenefitsTaste TestWhere to Get NattoJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

The city of Kanazawa is rich in history and culture, famous for its Edo-era districts and traditional crafts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Kanazawa!Topics Covered:Check out our new itinerary store!HistoryOmicho MarketOyama ShrineNagamachi District: Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum — Nomura-ke Samurai Residence — Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall — Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan MuseumMyoryuji (Ninja Temple)Nishi Chaya District: Ninjabuki Museum — Dolls Museum — Kanazawa Nishi Chaya MuseumSouth of Kenrokuen: Ishiura Shrine — 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art — Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art — Kanazawa Nakamura Memorial Museum — National Crafts Museum — Ishikawa Prefectural History Museum — Kenrokuen: Seison-kaku — Kanazawa ShrineHakuichi Kenrokuen StoreKanazawa Castle ParkHigashi Chaya District: Geisha House Shima — Kaikaro — Geisha Evenings in KanazawaKanazawa Phonograph MuseumKanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf MuseumHow to get to/around KanazawaJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various announcements and current events!Topics Covered:Season 5 Start DatePatreonItinerary StorePodcast 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 GionShohei OhtaniJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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"!Topics Covered:HistoryElectronics (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 StageLittle TGVAkihabara Gachapon Hall2k540 Aki-Oka ArtisanYusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty ShopKomaki ShokudoBars (Game Bar A-Button, Beer Pong Bar Grove, Hitachino Brewing Lab, Low-Non-Bar)Weird Vending Machine CornerKaraokeJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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)UtsunomiyaHakoneOdawaraOmiyaYokohamaChibaShizuokaJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!