As Covid-19 coronavirus has made travel just about impossible right now, we’ve turned to podcasts to fill the void. One of our favourite ways to discover more about the multilayered, mystical land of Japan – without having to deal with crowded trains and language barriers – is through podcasts. So many local customs and traditions can remain hidden beneath the surface of everyday life in Japan, whether you’re an aspiring tourist or a long-term resident.
Why are spider lily flowers found around graveyards and rice paddies in Japan? Who were Japan’s pioneering feminists? These podcasts dig deep into Japanese food, history and even ghost stories, answering the questions you never even knew you had.
So if you’re wishing for a trip to Japan, or even just wishing you could go outside, let these podcasts take you on a 15- to 60-minute sound journey through Japan.
Recommended: These top Japanese shows on Netflix have English subtitles
Still looking for more? Check out our definitive list of the best podcasts to listen to right now. Plus, we’ve got our very own podcast – ‘your city or mine?’ – in which Time Out Group CEO Julio Bruno talks to thought-leaders and pioneers about the innovations and ideas shaping our cities.