Sightseeing Japan

Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin host Sightseeing Japan, a biweekly podcast that takes a wide-angle look at Japanese culture and destinations. With 173 episodes and a 4.7-star rating from 146 reviews, this show has carved out a loyal following among Japan enthusiasts and travelers. The format is simple and effective: each episode picks a specific topic and the two hosts talk it through with a mix of research, personal experience, and genuine curiosity. Topics range from the expected (cherry blossoms, ramen, temples) to the wonderfully specific (the history of Japanese vending machines, the culture of train station bentos, the geisha districts of Kyoto). Jason and Paul have an easy chemistry that keeps episodes moving without feeling rushed, and their back-and-forth often surfaces interesting tangents and details. Recent episodes have covered Hakone, Japanese castles, and the logistics of getting around rural areas. The show works well for people in the early research phase of a Japan trip because it introduces destinations and cultural concepts in a way that is thorough but never dry. At roughly an hour per episode, each installment gives you enough depth to actually learn something rather than just skimming the surface. The biweekly schedule and the size of the back catalog mean there is plenty of material to work through, and the episode titles make it easy to jump to whatever interests you most.