Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Hanamaki and Tōno, two cities in Iwate prefecture known for being great places to visit if you're a fan of the supernatural and fantastic. 👉Topics Discussed * How to get to Hanamaki City from Tokyo Station * How long the bullet train to Iwate from Tokyo takes * About traveling by train from Hanamaki to Tōno About Tōno City and its spooky/supernatural vibe * About Tōno Monogatari (The Tale of Tōno) * What to expect at the Tōno Folktale Museum * What Goemon ramen is * About Hanamaki City * The Marukan Daishokudō (Marukan Grand Cafeteria) * The famous Marukan soft serve ice cream * An overview of the Miyazawa Kenji Dōwa Mura park (Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village) * About yakiniku in Hanakami * Why you NEED to try Iwate beef * Whether reimen in Iwate is worth trying * What makes reimen in Iwate different * And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB [https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB] 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content * Support on Patreon [https://patreon.com/japankyo] https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo [https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo] * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega [https://venmo.com/tonyrvega] * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega [https://paypal.me/tonyrvega] 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. * Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan [https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan] * Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com [https://mechanekosushi.com/] 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is a picture of the infamously "long" Marukan soft-serve ice cream: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1007880.html [https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1007880.html] 👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews [https://twitter.com/japankyonews] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social] * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega [https://instagram.com/tonyrvega] * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist [https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist] * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews [https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews] * Website: https://japankyo.com/ [https://japankyo.com/] * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony [https://x.com/thevegatony] *

Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 207

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Iwate Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food. 👉Topics Discussed * Where Iwate Prefecture is * About Iwate Prefecture's large size and sparse population * About the weather of Iwate Prefecture * About the dialects of Iwate Prefecture * About Fukuda Pan/Fukuda Bread, it's history and its many varieties * About wanko soba * About the supposed origins of wanko soba * About Morioka's three famous noodles * About jajamen * About the other meaning of soba * About Morioka reimen * How reimen in Iwate is different * The popularity of reimen * About the origins of reimen in Iwate Prefecture * And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB [https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB] 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content * Support on Patreon [https://patreon.com/japankyo] https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo [https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo] * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega [https://venmo.com/tonyrvega] * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega [https://paypal.me/tonyrvega] 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. * Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan [https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan] * Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com [https://mechanekosushi.com/] 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews [https://twitter.com/japankyonews] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social] * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega [https://instagram.com/tonyrvega] * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist [https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist] * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews [https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews] * Website: https://japankyo.com/ [https://japankyo.com/] * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony [https://x.com/thevegatony] *

A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73

This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan? Topics Discussed * About what it's like moving in Japan * When people in Japan usually move * What it costs to move in Japan * Why people in Japan usually move in March * Expenses associated with moving in Japan * About rent prices in Japan * Rent subsidies for JET Program participants * Setting up internet in Japan * About finding an apartment in Japan * About reikin/key money * The cost of hiring a moving company in Japan * Disposing of large garbage in Japan * Noticing the government that you have moved * And much more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! * Support on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32280122] If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. * Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/japankyo] Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan. * https://mobal.com/tonyjapan [https://mobal.com/tonyjapan] We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com [ichimon@japankyo.com]. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/apolxcore], Twitter [https://twitter.com/apolxcore], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/apolmusic], Fiverr [https://www.fiverr.com/apolxcore]) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) [https://www.facebook.com/japankyonews] * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) [https://twitter.com/japankyonews] * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) [https://www.instagram.com/japankyonews/] Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan [https://japankyo.com/category/podcasts/ichimonjapan/]

He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan's least populated prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed * Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture * What it's like living in rural Shimane Prefecture * Why Jake Davies started doing long distance walks in Japan * How Jake Davies walked over 30,000 km in Japan * Where Jake Davis sleeps while doing long distance walks in Japan * About walking the Sea of Japan costline * About walking Shikoku's 88 temple pilgrimage (Ohenro) * About sleeping outside during a typhoon while doing the Shikoku pilgrimage * How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Shikoku * How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Kyushu * About walking across Shodoshima * About walking the Oki islands in Shimane * About walking the Kunisaki Peninsula * About Jakes blog, ojisanjake.com * About the different regions of Shimane * And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB [https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB] 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content * Support on Patreon [https://patreon.com/japankyo] https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo [https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo] * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega [https://venmo.com/tonyrvega] * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega [https://paypal.me/tonyrvega] 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. * Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan [https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan] * Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com [https://mechanekosushi.com/] 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan. * ojisanjake.com: https://www.ojisanjake.com/ [https://www.ojisanjake.com/] 👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews [https://twitter.com/japankyonews] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social] * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega [https://instagram.com/tonyrvega] * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist [https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist] * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews [https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews] * Website: https://japankyo.com/ [https://japankyo.com/] * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony [https://x.com/thevegatony] *

This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204

On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks. 👉Topics Discussed * What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is * How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is * An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage * About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha * About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area * About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way * About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka * Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores * About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for * And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB [https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB] 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content * Support on Patreon [https://patreon.com/japankyo] https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo [https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo] * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega [https://venmo.com/tonyrvega] * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega [https://paypal.me/tonyrvega] 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. * Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan [https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan] * Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com [https://mechanekosushi.com/] 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles. * Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan's Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/ [https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/] * Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan's National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks [https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks] For more of Jennifer Bain's work: * Website: https://jenniferbain.co/ [https://jenniferbain.co/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/] 👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews [https://twitter.com/japankyonews] * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social] * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega [https://instagram.com/tonyrvega] * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist [https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist] * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews [https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews] * Website: https://japankyo.com/ [https://japankyo.com/] * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony [https://x.com/thevegatony] *