161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)

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!

From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.Topics Covered:HistoryHow to CosplayWhere to CosplayAre There Rules?ControversiesWhere to See CosplayPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!Topics Covered:HistoryJapan’s Soybean IndustryHow Soybeans are GrownHow Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — KuromameTypes of SoybeansHealth BenefitsWhere to get Soy ProductsPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.Topics Covered:Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — IncenseModern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — ElectronicsCollectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot MerchFood: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic FoodPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!Topics Covered:HistoryTochoji TempleKushida ShrineSumiyoshi ShrineCanal CityNakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)Tenjin Underground MallFukuoka Castle RuinsOhori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art MuseumMizuho PayPay DomeMomochi Seaside ParkFukuoka TowerUminonakamichi Seaside ParkEvents: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata DontakuLocal Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — MizutakiHow to get to/around FukuokaPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!Topics Covered:Yomi (Shinto Hell)Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)Hellish Places You Can VisitPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!