Japan is home to countless incredible hiking trails, from famous mountain routes to scenic walks through forests and along the coast. Join Jason and Paul as they rank some of the most popular hikes they’ve done in Japan and share what they loved, what surprised them, and how the trails stack up against each other.

Topics Covered:

Takaosan - Omotesando Trail (Tokyo)

Lake Chuzenji - Mt. Hangetsu Trail (Nikko)

Magome to Tsumago - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)

Yabuhara to Naraijuku - Nakasendo (Japanese Alps)

Kamikochi - Riverbank Trails (Japanese Alps)

Aokigahara - Ice Caves Trail (Mt. Fuji)

Yamadera (Yamagata)

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Japanese folklore can involve some very strange yokai, and not all of them are quite as well known as kappa or oni. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss some of the weirdest and most entertaining yokai they’ve come across.

Topics Covered:

Suppon no Yurei

Futakuchi Onna

Haradashi

Ubume

Zenihebi

Hone Onna

Uondo

Kage Onna

Shichinin Misaki

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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:

History

Kami

Purification

Rites of Passage

Shrines

Festivals

The Creation Myth

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During the break between seasons, Sightseeing Japan is revisiting some favorite episodes from the past.

Kappa are dangerous reptilian water creatures from Japanese mythology. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating folklore behind this odd, cucumber-loving yokai!

Topics Covered:

History

What Do Kappa Look Like?

What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama

How to Defeat a Kappa

Public Perception

Are Kappa Real?

Folktales

Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)

The Ainu are the Indigenous people of northern Japan, with a unique culture, language, and history that have long been intertwined with the island of Hokkaido. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Ainu traditions and beliefs, their relationship with nature, the history of Japanese assimilation and discrimination, and the ongoing revival of Ainu culture today.

Topics Covered:

History

Language and Identity

Society and Daily Life

Clothing and Material Culture

Cuisine

Beliefs and Traditions

Cultural Revival

Where to Learn More

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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 Interview

History

The Practice

The Science

How/Where to Participate

Kyoto In Sound

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