Best Jet Programme Podcasts (2025)

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Family Christmas Abroad! Nordic Winter, Scenic Trains, Fjords, & Ferries 1:20:22

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about a year ago1:20:22

1:20:22

Surprise! We thought it would be fun to document our family holidays in a "field trip episode" style format! This time - what do Danes call danishes? What time can you buy alcohol in Norway? When does the sun set? Where's the highest train station in Northern Europe? What do salty licorice and Christmas cheese taste like? Plus lots of other mundane…

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6 Weeks Later Update! Changing Plans, Hurricanes, and Reverse Culture Shock 48:29

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about a year ago48:29

48:29

Hello again from North Carolina! Our microphones are still on a boat being shipped back to us from Japan (sorry for the lower audio quality), but we wanted to share an update about what we’ve been up to since moving, our changing plans, and what things stood out to us most when returning to the US. Thank you so much for joining us for 118 episodes …

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Japan Road Trip Week 3: Kyushu Scenic Train, Cat Temple, & World's Oldest Family Business 58:05

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about a year ago58:05

58:05

It's the final week of our road trip around Japan! We got to ride the 36+3 scenic train in Kyushu, and started our drive back through Honshu on the Sea of Japan coast. We visited a cat temple in Yamaguchi, saw the Tottori Sand Dunes, one of Japan's 3 great views, and 2 more original castles. At the end of the trip, we spent the night in Houshi Ryok…

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Japan Road Trip Week 2: Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Shikoku School Stay, and Hells of Kyushu 1:00:29

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about a year ago1:00:29

1:00:29

This week we've gone from the far north in Aomori Prefecture to the far south in Kyushu! We got to see the annual Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, stayed in an old elementary school on Shikoku, changed plans due to the Nankai Trough earthquake advisories, and took a ferry to the 7 Hells of Beppu on the island of Kyushu. Listen to the end of every episode to …

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Japan Road Trip Week 1: Hiking Hakusan, Akita Camping, and Osorezan 50:33

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about a year ago50:33

50:33

This week we started our road trip by hiking Mt. Haku (or Hakusan), one of Japan’s 3 holy mountains. After the hike we started driving north to the Tohoku region, camping in Akita Prefecture, and making our way to Aomori Prefecture. We got to see Hirosaki Castle (one of the 12 remaining original castles in the country!) and stayed in Mutsu. During …

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Moving Out, Cat Bus Bread, and Most Expensive Grapes in the World 48:38

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about a year ago48:38

48:38

Today we officially moved out of our apartment in Uchinada! We’ll talk about the moving process, what we did with all our furniture, and how moving is different in Japan vs. the US. We also talk about all-you-can-eat buffet differences, sweet beans, bread shaped like Totoro’s cat bus, and what we’re doing now that we don’t have an apartment. Plus, …

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Last Day of Work, Special Paper, and Lonely Vending Machines 45:51

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about a year ago45:51

45:51

Today was Zeb’s last day of work! He’s now the proud owner of a couple new certificates to commemorate his time working as a JET ALT. Speaking of special paper, this week we talk about the specific plant used to make paper for Japanese yen banknotes - plus lonely vending machines, buying love in a can, and WCW wrestling. Listen to the end of every …

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Giant Cream Puffs, Group Bike Ride, and Toshogu Shrine Gundam 45:15

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about a year ago45:15

45:15

This week we went on a bike ride to Himi in Toyama Prefecture with some of Zeb’s cycling teammates, and stopped mid-ride for giant choux cream puffs! We also talk about why Kanazawa is the “Ice Cream Capital of Japan”, and Annie finished her ice cream bike route with 12 different stops. Plus, did you know that the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko recently r…

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Disposing of Trash in Japan, New Laughing Rule, and Ice Cream Flavors 44:45

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about a year ago44:45

44:45

This week we talk about the holiday Tanabata, a new rule from Yamagata Prefecture about laughing once a day, and ice cream flavors. Would you try miso and cheese ice cream? What about mountain vegetable ice cream? Plus, how do you get rid of trash and recycling when living in Japan? The “laughing once a day ordinance”: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/art…

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New Yen Banknotes, Visiting Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney, and Taking Health Tests 47:41

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about a year ago47:41

47:41

This week, Japan is releasing the newly designed bank note bills! What’s printed on the new yen bills, and how does this affect vending machines? We also talk about visiting the new Disney Sea park area (and how to get into Fantasy Springs), and our experience with annual health checks in Japan. How are the tests different than checkups in the US? …

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How the first convenience store came to Japan and Himeji Castle price increase 40:41

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about a year ago40:41

40:41

Did you know the first convenience store came to Japan 50 years ago in 1974? This week we’re talking about how the conbini arrived in Japan, the first item that was sold, and how it changed the way you can get cash, pay bills, and enjoy snacks. We’re also talking about the differences between the words “popular” and “famous” in Japanese and English…

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Cycling 500km in One Day, Wakayama, Nachi Taisha, and Japan’s Shortest River 48:35

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about a year ago48:35

48:35

This week we talk about how Zeb’s longest bike ride yet took him from the Sea of Japan across to the Pacific Ocean! He rode 500km (314 miles) to the tip of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture in one day. What would he change about the cycling route next time? What did he eat to fuel a 20 hour bike adventure? What were his biggest takeaways fro…

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Hello From The Park - 500km Ride Plans, JET Program Successor, and Moss Village 41:04

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about a year ago41:04

41:04

The weather has been so nice recently that we decided to record this week from our neighborhood park - hopefully you can enjoy some of the ambiance of suburban Japan along with us! This week we’re talking about Zeb’s 500km single day bike ride plan, Annie’s scenic hydrangea temple route, visiting a moss village, and getting to chat with Zeb’s JET P…

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JET Program Placements, Trash Balloons, and Kunrei vs Hepburn Writing Systems 48:22

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about a year ago48:22

48:22

It’s an exciting time for incoming JETs, since they’re starting to learn their placements in the program! This week we talk about trash balloons making news headlines, the Kunrei vs. Hepburn debate for romanizing Japanese writing, kaga yuzen fabric dying method, and what we wish we knew about the JET Program before arriving in Japan. Listen to the …

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Weekend in Tokyo, Rickshaw Ride, Coffee Festival and Museums - Field Trip Episode! 41:47

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about a year ago41:47

41:47

This week Annie's cousin visited Japan and we spent a weekend in Tokyo together! We recorded some throughout our trip, and have more of a "field trip style" episode this week. Join us as we visit the stairs from the "Your Name" anime movie, see a college friend's hometown, ride in a rickshaw, go thrift shopping, enjoy a few museums around Tokyo, an…

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Ontake Race Results, Cat Trading Cards, and Lake Suwa Bike Lanes 59:01

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about a year ago59:01

59:01

This week we share Zeb’s bike race results from the Mt. Ontake hill climb! We also talk about the Kiso Area and Annie’s bike ride around Lake Suwa, visiting a Showa era museum in Takayama, cat trading cards, and some Lawson Mt Fuji drama. Nameneko Cat Cards: http://nameneko.com/jp/products.html Showa Era Museum: https://showakan.jp/takayama/ Ontake…

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Business Card Etiquette, International Shipping, & Bikepacking Trip 47:29

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about a year ago47:29

47:29

This week Annie gets to visit an Elementary School and practice proper business card etiquette for introductions. Zeb is preparing for his biggest cycling race of the year this weekend, the Ontake Hill Climb, and Annie went on her first bikepacking trip in Toyama Prefecture. We also navigate the international shipping process for packages, and shar…

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School Field Trip, Visiting the Eye Doctor, and Driving Differences in Japan 56:03

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about a year ago56:03

56:03

This week we try to get rid of one yen coins, go on a school field trip to the Kanazawa castle park, visit the eye doctor, and talk about how drivers say thank you in Japan. Another week talking about new experiences, mundane errands, and all the things we learn in between while navigating life abroad. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our…

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Making Kites, Golden Week, and Wisteria Ice Cream 45:58

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about a year ago45:58

45:58

This week we share Zeb’s Ibukiyama cycling race result, share a listener email, talk about making kites, flying carp for children’s day, eating kashiwa mochi, and trying wisteria flavored ice cream. It’s Golden Week in Japan! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram t…

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Our 100th Episode! Are We Still Glad We Started This Podcast? 49:02

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about a year ago49:02

49:02

Can you believe we’ve recorded 100 podcast episodes? This week we’ll look back at things we wish we did better, things we’re planning, and what we hope for the podcast in the future. Plus, we’ll ramble about things like soot sprites, coffee, buying postage stamps, and “slice of life” manga. Thank you so much for listening along on our living abroad…

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Ibukiyama Bike Race, Kanazawa's Oldest Shrine, and Fish Auctions 46:13

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about a year ago46:13

46:13

This week we talk about Zeb’s first bike race of the year (a hill climb up Ibukiyama!), Ishiura Shrine (the oldest shrine in Kanazawa with a cute dog mascot), and an evening fish auction on the Sea of Japan. We also talk about the mossy Natadera Temple, battle history at Sekigahara, and what Japan’s prime minister gifted to the US (from the nearby …

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Cherry Blossom Picnic in Kanazawa & the Japanese Food Pyramid 50:33

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about a year ago50:33

50:33

This week Kanazawa has been covered in pink cherry blossoms! We talk about getting to enjoy a hanami (flower viewing) picnic on the Sai River, where the tradition of these picnics started, and typical things you might eat and drink to celebrate. Speaking of food, we’ll also talk about the Japanese “food pyramid” or the dietary recommendations, and …

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Shimanami Kaido and End of the School Year 47:03

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about a year ago47:03

47:03

This week we’re talking about one of Japan’s most famous cycling routes (the Shimanami Kaido), soy sauce that spends three years in an open fermentation, and what the end of the school year is like here. It’s Spring Break in Japan, and the cherry blossoms are just starting to bloom! More about the... Shimanami Kaido: https://shimanami-cycle.or.jp/c…

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Riding the New Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension From Kanazawa to Tsuruga 46:13

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about a year ago46:13

46:13

The Hokuriku Shinkansen Line was extended for the first time since 2015, and we got seats on the very first train from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, the new end of the line! Why did we wake up at 4am? How was the train journey? What did we do in Tsuruga? We’ll talk about all that this week! Links to articles about Tsuruga that we mention: Why Tsuruga? https…

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Moving To A New Country - Vernal Equinox & Big Life Changes This Fall 50:46

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about a year ago50:46

50:46

We have a big life update this week - we’re moving to a new country in the Fall! We’ll talk about where we’re moving and some of the factors that led to our decision. We picked today to talk about this since March 20th is Vernal Equinox Day and the spring equinox is traditionally seen as a time of new life & renewal. We thought it would be a poetic…

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Scenic Berumonta Train, Eating Eel Bones, & Mister Donuts Truth 48:40

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about a year ago48:40

48:40

We got to ride the Berumonta, a scenic train in Toyama Prefecture! This train has a sushi chef on board, you can get sake delivered to your seat, and there are even local fans that wait along the line to wave as it goes by. Here’s more info about the train: http://berumonta.jp/ You can reserve seats for this train by asking at any green JR ticket s…

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Tourism Vocabulary, Friends’ Visit, and Mountain Biking in Japan 51:18

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about a year ago51:18

51:18

This week we read a listener email about a farm in Wakayama, talk about our friends visiting from Australia, and why there are so many “Little Kyotos” in Japan. We also talk about language in travel writing and tourism vocabulary, and mountain biking in Gunma Prefecture. Join our newsletter! https://www.ramblingramsbothams.com/newsletter Links to t…

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Japan's Unlikely First Astronaut, Kids Menus & Cycling the Tedori River 52:56

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about a year ago52:56

52:56

This week we talk about cycling along the Tedori River Canyon Road in Ishikawa, aizuchi, talking to yourself, food on kids menus around the world, nearly naked men, and the first person Japan sent to space. We have a new monthly newsletter! Sign up at www.ramblingramsbothams.com/newsletter More about… The Tedori River area in Ishikawa: https://haku…

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Sake, Samurai Swords, Giant Peach Babies, & Tiny Bars 48:33

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about a year ago48:33

48:33

We have a new monthly newsletter! Sign up at www.ramblingramsbothams.com/newsletter This week we’re talking about train deals to save money on a trip to Kanazawa, the emperor’s birthday, sake brewing, giant peach babies, samurai swords, and tiny bars. Here are some links to things we discuss: Hokuriku Ouen Ticket Announcement: https://soranews24.co…

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Third Places, Kanazawa Cafes, & Cardinal Directions in Japanese 46:28

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about a year ago46:28

46:28

Thanks to National Foundation Day in Japan, Zeb had a day off from school this week! We got to spend the day in Kanazawa city, having lunch and checking out a new cafe. Annie also saw ten thousand dandelion puffballs in a small & interesting art gallery named Himito on the Saigawa River. Speaking of cafes and lunch spots, we also talk about the con…

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Celebrating Setsubun, Throwing Beans, and Travel Clickbait 43:53

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about a year ago43:53

43:53

Hello from snowy Ishikawa once again! We’re starting off this week by answering some listener questions - has the “coming of age day” cut off divided friend groups? We also talk about clickbait when it comes to travel and promoting Japan. Finally, February 3rd was Setsubun (節分), or the “seasonal division” marking the day that winter ends and spring…

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Snowy Kenrokuen Garden & Superstitions in Japan 52:14

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about a year ago52:14

52:14

This week we visit Kenrokuen (兼六園) in the snow, very early one morning! Zeb included some recorded soundbites from our walk - did you know that every morning there’s a time you can enter the garden for free? We also talk about a coworker’s tip for making supermarket sushi taste better, a kotatsu river boat, and some superstitions from Japan. You ca…

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Government Dating App, Kotatsu Train, and Japanese Idioms 37:09

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about a year ago37:09

37:09

This week we talk about a new dating app in Japan created by the Tokyo government, the history of kotatsu (& a kotatsu train), and a special stamp collecting event in Wakayama Prefecture for cyclists. We also talk about strawberry day, the phrase ichigo ichie (一期一会), and other Japanese idioms (or yojijukugo). Links for some things we reference: Whe…

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Burning New Years Decor, Your “Rebirth Year”, and University Entrance Exams 51:52

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about a year ago51:52

51:52

Should you visit Kanazawa right now? What do you do with New Years decorations after the celebrations end? When do you eat kagami mochi? We’re talking about these questions this week, plus the annual Japanese university entrance exams, soy sauce ice cream, why turning 60 is so special, and the unluckiest ages to turn. Tourism Updates From Ishikawa …

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Noto Earthquake Updates, Dragons, and Kanji of the Year 49:16

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about a year ago49:16

49:16

This week we’re happy to be recording from back in our apartment! We’ll start with an update on how things are going after the Noto Earthquake, and some news about the area. Donations for the Ishikawa Earthquake can be given to the prefecture directly through this link: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/suitou/gienkinr0601.html English information on…

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Our Ishikawa Update, 24 Hours After the Noto Earthquake 46:42

2 years ago46:42

46:42

This is a slightly different episode than normal, but here are some updates regarding the earthquake that happened here in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecuture, and spread widely across the west coast of Japan. We are safe and things are generally ok in Uchinada - we are thinking of those farther up the peninsula and hope that everyone stays …

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Shared Spaces, Snowmen & Ban on Wheels in Japan 51:36

2 years ago51:36

51:36

This week we talk about shared spaces that we wish existed, how you make a snowman in Japan, this year's JET Programme video contest, and the restriction on wheeled vehicles during the Edo Period rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu. JET Program Video Contest details: https://jetprogramme.org/en/videocontest/ More about the wheeled vehicle restrictions: https:/…

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Field Trip Bonus Episode: Snow Day In Kanazawa 17:55

2 years ago17:55

17:55

It's the first snow of winter here and we're taking you with us on a walk around Kanazawa City! Close your eyes and imagine you're joining us for a cozy train and bus ride, some cafe visits, walking through snowy shrines, playing gacha pon machines, and enjoying a soba lunch. We hope you like this "field trip" format - let us know if you want more …

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Pizza, Pass Hunting, and Bicycle History in Japan 57:54

2 years ago57:54

57:54

This past week was Zeb's birthday! We celebrated with pizza - but how is pizza in Japan different from pizza in the US? We also get into the history of the bike in Japan, when it first arrived, and how Japan popularized a niche version of cycling in the 70s called "Pass Hunting" (峠の狩り). Also this week, are city bikes called Mama-chyari or Chyarinko…

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Going to the Dentist in Japan, Godzilla, and High School Cycling Practice 53:13

2 years ago53:13

53:13

This week we visit the dentist for the first time in Japan - we found out what a tooth cleaning was like, how much it cost, whether anesthesia is an option for pain, and even had a filling replaced. We also saw the new "Godzilla Minus One" in theaters, and got to ride bikes with some of Zeb's high school students during a Saturday team cycling prac…

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Taking the JLPT Language Test, Funerals in Japan, & Winter's Arrival 53:21

2 years ago53:21

53:21

December is here! Is it ok to talk about Cremation and Christmas in the same episode? This time we're talking about funerals in Japan vs. the US, taking the JLPT language test (and what Annie would do differently next time), and festive illumination events. It's time to settle in and get cozy for the arrival of winter in Japan! The JLPT mock test A…

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Camping and Biking in Wakayama, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, & Three-Legged Crows 55:30

2 years ago55:30

55:30

Today we’re talking about our first time camping in Japan! We went to Wakayama Prefecture for a camping and cycling trip - we'll talk about some scenic gravel biking, seeing parts of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, how a construction worker saved our ride, three-legged crows, important Shinto shrines, and yogurt lids inspired by leaves. More abou…

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Model Photoshoot in Kaga Onsen, Kintsugi, & Lolita Fashion 43:13

2 years ago43:13

43:13

Annie had a "modeling" opportunity to promote tourism in the Kaga Onsen area of Ishikawa Prefecture! This week we talk about the places where she was photographed, including Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Kakusenkei Kawadoko river cafe, Korogi Bridge, and The Museum of Snow and Ice. We also talk about the Japanese art of kintsugi, or repairing br…

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The Not-So-Useful News Report: Fun Facts From Life in Japan 31:01

2 years ago31:01

31:01

This week we're sharing a slightly shorter episode, featuring some recent news & fun (but maybe not so useful) facts about recent life in Japan! We'll talk about musical roads, silk making, Godzilla, Japan's first school, island names, nighttime heritage views, and more. Godzilla movie: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15047829 Mystery Tsunami: h…

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Noto Peninsula, Salt, and Coastal Cycling in Wajima 55:05

2 years ago55:05

55:05

We joined a monitor tour to help bring more cyclists and travelers to the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture! This week we'll talk about what makes Wajima great for biking, some of the cons of visiting the rural coastline of Japan, salt farms, ama divers, cliff-side rice paddies, and morning markets. We also got to hang out with four friends fro…

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Halloween in Japan, Cat Yokai, Yurei Stories, and Famous Graves 55:43

2 years ago55:43

55:43

What's Halloween like in Japan? This week we're talking about Halloween security measures in Tokyo, Japanese yurei (ghost) stories, and the Tokugawa Ieyasu's grave in Nikko. We also talk about three different kinds of Kaibyo, or cat yokai. British Institute of Film’s top 10 Japanese “Ghost Stories” https://www.bfi.org.uk/lists/10-great-japanese-gho…

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TeamLab in Kanazawa, Silvervine, and Tourism Stats in Japan 53:07

2 years ago53:07

53:07

This week we talk about visiting the TeamLab experience at the Kanazawa Castle, part of their Digitized City art projects. We also talk about a common plant in Japan that cats may like even more than catnip, and about recent tourism statistics in Japan (https://statistics.jnto.go.jp/en/graph/). Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanes…

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Pocket Money, Persimmons, & Horumonyaki 54:29

2 years ago54:29

54:29

It's persimmon season and we're discussing different kinds of the fruit (both Shibu-gaki and Ama-gaki), as well as where the first sweet persimmon tree came from in Japan. We're also talking about husbands getting monthly pocket money, and what "horumonyaki" is on the Yakiniku restaurant menu. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese…

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Eating Konjac, Goshuin Stamps, and Gunma's Onsen Water 57:30

2 years ago57:30

57:30

This week we're talking about collecting Goshuin (御朱印) seal stamps at shrines and temples, unique ways to eat konjac (konyakku or こんにゃく), and the different onsen (hot spring) water in Gunma Prefecture. We specifically discuss the mineral-rich water in Shima, the sulfuric water in Kusatsu, and the iron-rich water in Ikaho. Finally we'll mention a co…

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Date Day in Kanazawa, Conveyor Belt Sushi & Bike Messenger World Champs 54:57

2 years ago54:57

54:57

Today we're talking about what we did on our "date day" in Kanazawa! After a nice Fall bike ride from Uchinada, we took the train into the city for some conveyor belt sushi lunch. We also enjoyed coffee at one of the many nice coffee shops downtown, checked out some gacha pon machines, earned a chibi Gundam gunpla model, and enjoyed some seasonal f…