Rambling Ramsbothams

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 of adventures (and mundane life stories) abroad! As mentioned, here are some ways you can support Western North Carolina after the recent de...

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 Ryokan, the world's oldest continually run family business (it opened in the year 718!) Plus, how did we get all our bikes and things ready for the fli...

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 hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or ide...

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 a bike ride there we visited Osorezan (literally Fear Mountain) and Bodaiji Temple, surrounded by sulfuric hot springs and said to be a gateway to ...

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, did you know that the most expensive grapes in the world are from Ishikawa Prefecture? Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "wor...

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 episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question o...

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 released a new Gundam model, themed after Tokugawa Ieyasu’s armor? Annie’s Full Ice Cream Bike Route: https://youtu.be/aYVjxeBvhFE?si=bC8KvIySJduP...

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/articles/15336010 Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on ...

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? New banknotes: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14899860 More about Disney's Fantasy Springs: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/topics/i...

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, residence tax in Japan, and how Himeji Castle might be quadrupling their ticket prices…but only for foreigners? More about the 50th anniv...

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 from the ride? During our weekend in Kushimoto, Wakayama, we also got to see Honshu’s southernmost point, Japan’s tallest waterfall, and the sho...

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 Program replacement. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to s...

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 end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have...

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, and see the Tokyo Coffee Festival. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingrams...

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 Hill Climb bike race: https://jbcfroad.jp/race/13910 Lake Suwa: https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id16505 Otaki Village: https://otakiexper...

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 share the things we learned to do next time. How’s the camping and biking on the Amaharashi Coast? Is mid-May the best time to visit Japan? And w...

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 Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send ...

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 to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at ramblingramsbothams@gmail.com, or visit our website: https://www.ramb...

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 journey! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Insta...

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 Noto Peninsula)! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see ...

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 compare them to American food and nutrition. Articles we mentioned: Economic impact of cherry blossoms: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/...

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/cycling/en-02.html Tobishima Kaido: https://setouchicycling-tobishima.jp/ Yumeshima Kaido: https://cycling-ehime.com/en/ro...

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://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15200878 Impact of the Line: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15201001 Anime statues in Tsuruga: https://ou...

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 time to share a big change in our life! But don’t worry - the podcast will still be focused on life in Japan content through August! Listen to...

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 station window! English info about the train here: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/train/berumonta/ We also talk about the origins of Mister ...

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 things we discussed: Wakayama farm from a listener’s email: https://www.ryunohara.com/Is Kanazawa really a “Little Kyoto”?: https://kanazawa--...

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://hakusan-geo.jp/en/area/234/ The first Japanese astronaut: https://neojaponisme.com/2011/06/07/japans-forgotten-first-astronaut/ Aizuchi: https://www....

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.com/2024/02/16/new-jr-shinkansen-inclusive-rail-pass-is-a-huge-bargain-great-way-to-help-out-a-region-in-need/JR Rail’s Announcement (in Japan...

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 concept of “third places,” and unique examples of these in Japan. Finally, we talk about describing cardinal directions in Japanese. Did you know...

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 begins! We celebrated by throwing beans at the devil and silently eating our ehōmaki (恵方巻). Japan Tourism Statistics: https://statistics.jnt...

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 can see the snowy photos Zeb took of Kenrokuen here: https://www.ramblingramsbothams.com/blog/a-kenrokuen-snow-day More info about the garden...

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: Where we learned about the Tokyo Dating App: https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/tokyo-government-to-release-official-dating-app...

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 Prefecture: https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en/news/regarding-the-2024-noto-peninsula-earthquake/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear o...

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 donating to Noto Earthquake relief fund can be found here (a non-exhaustive list): https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinio...

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 safe! ----- Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to se...

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://d-arch.ide.go.jp/je_archive/english/society/wp_je_unu9.html https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/way-shogun-180975196/ Listen to the e...

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 of these style episodes! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams...

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? How do you measure essay length in Japanese writing? And do you use a "Poke-ball" to catch Pokemon in Japan? The @niigata0252 instagram acco...

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 practice. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-...

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 Annie used to study: https://www.unagibun.com/jlpt-online/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head t...

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 about the Kumano Kodo: https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," a...

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 broken pottery and glass with lacquer and gold. Annie was able to see master artist Yagi Shigeki in Kaga repair bowls with kintsugi. Fi...

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: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15049677 New Island Emerges: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/363ec4143c3a-new-island-eme...

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 from our hometown in North Carolina, who were all visiting Japan! Where did we take them during their time in Kanazawa? More about Noto's history and...

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-ghost-stories More about Okiku: https://yokai.com/okiku/ Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-...

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 Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at...

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 "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at ...

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 couple recent articles about mystery tsunamis and the plea for Japanese residents to eat more scallops. Thanks also to Sandy, Stev...

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 fall flavors. Finally, we'll talk about the Bike Messenger World Championship events that took place in Yokohama last week. 2023 Bike Messenger Wo...

This week we'll read an email from a listener about his interactions with a neighbor, talk about what weddings are like in Japan (both traditional Shinto style and "white" weddings) , and describe the unexpected things that Annie brought back to Japan from the US. (Hint, one thing could be described as the southern US version of edamame!) Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. ...

Tune in to this episode to hear about what Zeb did with his brother & sister in-law when they visited him in Kanazawa, Annie's trip to Asheville's River Arts District, and more. Thanks for sticking with us through all the travel and remote episode! Next week Annie returns to Japan and we'll finally be back to recording in our home. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-sce...

For the first time, Zeb and Annie aren’t recording from the same room! Zeb flew back to Japan and Annie has a little more time in the US - this week we’re talking about jet lag, taking the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), respect for the aged day (Keirō no Hi - 敬老の日), and gifts that centenarians receive in Japan. You can find more information about the online customs forms here: https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web-en Listen to the end of every episode ...

This week we've been enjoying some time in our North Carolina hometowns with family and friends - it got us thinking about the character mascots that some towns and regions have in Japan. These laid-back characters are called "Yuru-kyara" (ゆるキャラ) and advertise the specialties and attractions that an area is known for. What would the Yuru-kyara be like in our hometowns? We also talk about the Yuru Grand Prix, which was a huge mascot convention, and describe the two endearing masc...

Annie is now licensed to drive a car in two countries! This week we'll start by talking about the process in Japan, memorizing the course for the driver's license test, and differences that surprised us. We're also recording this episode from North Carolina, because we're back in the USA for the first time in over a year! It's been fun to catch up with family, drive around familiar places, and eat our favorite foods. What kind of foods did we miss the most? Listen to the end of e...

This one is all about our summer break bike touring trip! We cycled around 4 prefectures in Japan (Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu, and Nagano) for 7 days, covering 430 Miles and 34,824 feet (or 690 Kilometers, 10,601 Meters ). Our cycling route took us from Uchinada (outside Kanazawa) to Hida to Kanayama to Tsumago-juku to Matsumoto to Shirakawa-go and back to Uchinada. We talk about riding on the historic Nakasendo road, staying with a host who is the 14th generation to live in his hou...

Happy Mountain Day! We’re recording this in advance because we'll be heading out towards the Japanese Alps on our biggest bike touring trip yet. How do you plan a cycling trip? Zeb shares his tips on setting your goals, mapping your route, and finding lodging. Let us know what trips you've been on, or where you plan to ride! Also, did you know that Japan has 72 seasons? You can see them all and here: http://www.usjapanctn.net/72seasons.html Listen to the end of every episode to hear ou...

Earlier this year we hit our 1-year "podcast anniversary", but this week was our "Japan-iversary" which was more special! Join us as we celebrate one year of living in Japan, share some of our favorite sounds from life here, hit the highlights of each month, and touch on the hardest parts about life abroad. Thanks for listening to our ramblings so far, here's to the next year! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbotham...

This week we talk about our first appointment to convert our International Driver's Licenses to a Japanese Driving License, Annie's first bike race in over a year at the Shimano Biker's Festival, and cycling into the alps and across the Utsukushigahara Highlands in Nagano Prefecture. The 31st annual Shimano Biker's Festival was at Fujimi Panorama Resort, and it was a ton of fun with a huge variety of events. The area around the Venus Line road was a beautiful place to ride bikes in Jap...

This week we talk about some summer break activities at Zeb’s workplace, including his upcoming annual employee health check. What’s included in the standard yearly health exam? (Called Ippan Kenko Shindan or Ippan Kenshi 一般健康診断・一般健診) Annie talks about some art opportunities in Japan this past week, including a kutaniyaki (九谷焼) painting experience, and participating in a local flea market. How do you paint or make kutaniyaki? Where can you search online to find craft fairs and flea mar...

This week we talk about seeing Miyazaki's new movie, "How Do You Live?" (君たちはどう生きるか), or the english title, "The Boy and the Heron." Don't worry, no spoilers! What are Japanese movie theaters like? Did the marketing plan work well for Miyazaki's last film? We also talk about Zeb's weekend "mission" in town with other English teachers, how his debate contest practice went, and Marine Day. To celebrate Marine Day (or Ocean Day), we got to enjoy a beach barbecue party! Listen to the end of ever...

This week we're responding to a listener email about extraterrestrial life, talking about the Noto Abare Matsuri, or the "fire and violence rampage festival," and discussing the pay that language teachers receive while on the JET Program. We're also talking about Tanabata, the festival that celebrates long-distance relationships, and what Annie was surprised to see in a nearby Japanese pet store. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblin...

This week we talk about hydrangea flowers (one perk of rainy season!), discuss work culture with Japanese and American friends, and mention cool things we saw on our bike rides this weekend (including Wakutama-kun, the onsen egg mascot of Wakura, and Sekidousan, a nearby holy mountain). Here's the Honko-ji temple's website if you are in the area and want to admire some hydrangea flowers: https://honko-ji.jimdofree.com/ Here's the Wakura Onsen website for more about Wakutama-kun: https://www...

This week we're talking about cool new animals we saw on bike rides, anime recommendations from listeners, Japan's tourism statistics, debate contest judging, our new Japanese class, and saying goodbye to our futon! How long into the Ishikawa summer do you think we can last before turning on our AC for the first time?... Here's the article Zeb referenced about the movie Belle, and the real-life town in Kochi prefecture where the movie protagonist lives: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articl...

This week is our anniversary! Well, the anniversary of starting this podcast! We'll talk about why we started it, how our podcasting setup changed, revisit questions about Japan that we had in our first episodes, and share some plans we have for the future. We'll also read an email from a listener, and talk a little about Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture. What would you like to hear from this podcast in the future? Let us know, and thank you for listening! Listen to the end of eve...

This week we went back to Gunma Prefecture for another one of Zeb's JBCF road cycling races! We talk about how the racing went, and also the hotel we stayed in at Shima Onsen. We visited Sekizenkan, a Taisho Era bath house that is one of Japan's oldest, with a red bridge that is rumored to have inspired the bath house bridge in Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Back in the Kanazawa area, we've been sampling some of the many ice creams available in the so called "Japanese Ice Cream Capital", an...

We're starting this week's episode with a crazy update on the drone we found in the river! But, the main event from this past week was the Hyakumangoku Festival, an annual parade and weekend celebration in Kanazawa. We'll talk about the history behind the festival, the meaning of the name, and highlights from the parade. Also this week, we talk about Zeb's guest appearance on the podcast, "Japan Station." Thanks to host Tony Vega for the great conversation! You can find his show at the...

This week, we answer some listener questions! We'll talk about different types of kimono, whether there's a specific day of the week to visit shrines, and new grocery store staples for us. It's also about the time of year when other JET Programme participants are hearing back about their placements! If you're a 2023 JET, we'd love to hear where you got placed! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to se...

This week's episode is about Zeb's most recent bike race weekend in beautiful Nagano Prefecture! He raced a hill climb event starting in Otaki and riding up Mt. Ontake (a sacred and active volcano) with 4000' of elevation gain. We also got to stay in an onsen ryokan (a hot spring inn) that's part of Japan's "Secret Hot Spring Society," and admired the beautiful turquoise water in Kiso River. The Nezamenotoko Gorge in Agematsu and the Atera Valley were both highlights. The Kiso Valley is the h...

This week we're reading a couple emails from listeners! One with tips on renting city bikes in Kanazawa, and another with a question about making friends in a foreign country. We're also talking about the Uchinada World Kite Festival this past weekend, what kids in Japan do with their baby teeth, and special birthdays in Japan. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have...

For the first time, this podcast episode is also available as a video! Check out our brand new YouTube channel @RamblingRamsbothams (the video quality will continue to improve as this was the first try!) :) As for the content, this week we're talking about a couple big earthquakes that happened here on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture (up to a 6.5 of 7 on the Shindo Scale out in Suzu!) We're also talking about bikepacking in Japan, getting your bike out of the airport, and res...

Giveaway News! In this episode we mention a postcard mailing for anyone who gives this podcast a review! The first 6 people to write reviews will get a hand-painted watercolor postcard mailed from Japan, with a frog on it for good luck (Kaeru means both frog and "to return" in Japanese, which is why they're seen as symbols of good fortune returning!) Anyone after those 6 will receive paper frog stickers as a small token of good luck as well! Make sure to email us (ramblingramsbothams@gmail.co...

This past week we went to the Tonami Tulip Fair in Toyama Prefecture, one of the biggest Tulip Festivals in Japan! There were 3 million tulips of 300 different varieties, and we also got to enjoy some new (to us) cycling routes in that prefecture. Also in this episode we talk about getting a library card, Zeb getting to meet the new First Year students, starting the drivers license process (International Drivers Licenses only last one year), and preparations for another cycling road race wee...

We finally got a car! We also immediately let the battery die... But aside from that mistake, it's been another great week in Uchinada. Zeb has a new school schedule with the JET Programme, some friends from the US visited, and we're enjoying spring weather (and sounds). One spring sound we're not enjoying so much are the "election cars" - more on that in the episode. Finally we'll talk about JR Pass pricing news, and the new My Number (my nyamber) cards for cats! Listen to the end of e...

This episode format is a little different than usual because we're taking the recorders out of the house and along with us on a trip! Not just any trip through Japan though...Annie's family is visiting from the USA! We'll bring you along through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa, so you can hear all the city sounds, nature noises, and first reactions to traveling in Japan. We start with the more modern sights in West Tokyo (Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku), and then head to more traditional t...

It's been peak cherry blossom week here in the Kanazawa area, and this week we're talking about hanami and enjoying the sakura blossoms on bike rides around town! We also talk about going to the new Ishikawa Prefectural Library, how you sort things in a language without an alphabet, our new car lease, and JET Programme results. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a que...

We rented a car, drove to Shizuoka Prefecture, and had our first Japan cycling road race experience! It was Zeb's first race with the Japan Bicyclist Club Federation (JBCF) - how did the races go? How is road racing in Japan different? How do you do a cycling road trip without a bike rack? We also talk about riding through tea fields in Shizuoka (this area is the leading producer of tea in the country!), what a kei car (keijidosha, 軽自動車) is, and how toll roads work. Here's more information...

We're recording this on Shubun no Hi (春分の日), or the Spring Equinox, which is also a public holiday in Japan! This week we talk about the arrival of cherry blossoms, sports day at school, and mask-wearing guidance being eased. We also got to try some new foods at an izakaya this week, including firefly squid, ochazuke (tea over rice), and bai-gai shellfish. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see be...

It's finally spring, and this past weekend we got out the bike bags again for another cycling trip through the Japanese countryside! This time we were heading to Fukui Prefecture, to the city of Ono. We rode by Hakusan National Park, along the Tedori River, on the Tedori Canyon Cycle Path, and hiked up to see the view of the Ono Castle. We'll talk about why we chose this location, how we pack the bikes, what route we took, Ono's castle and dinosaurs, and the guesthouse we stayed in. Li...

If you listened to last week, we have an update on Zeb's Japan Pro Cycling opportunity! We're looking forward to traveling to some races - hopefully starting at the end of this month! We also talk about the high school graduation ceremony at Zeb's school, and what getting a haircut is like in Japan. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an em...

Zeb got a new road bike, and he might have a new team soon! This week we're talking more about bike racing in Japan, importing bikes & fees, and his potential opportunity with a Japan Pro Tour cycling team. We're also talking about holidays in Japan! Last week was the emperor's birthday (天皇誕生日, Tenno tanjobi) so we had a free day to explore Kanazawa and try a new coffee shop. This week "Girl's Day" will be celebrated (雛祭り, Hinamatsuri). How do you celebrate girl's day in Japan? Wh...

Did you know that Japan discovered 7,000 new islands this week? What's the person to vending machine ratio here? When did the first Japanese cyclist participate in a Grand Tour? How was Pocari Sweat invented? Why is there a train station famous for dancing cats? This week we're doing something a bit different with a "fun facts" format, where we share some interesting things about Japan with each other! Have a fun fact about Japan that you'd like to share? Let us know! Listen to t...

We're talking about the Snow Festival in today's part 2 episode about our trip to Sapporo. Which snow sculpture won "best in show"? What did we eat in Hokkaido? What's Noguchi's Play Mountain? Plus, we talk about how you celebrate Valentine's Day in Japan (who gives chocolate, and why?), and Zeb gets to ride his bike with some new friends. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes ...

This week we talk about our trip up to Hokkaido for the 2023 Sapporo Snow Festival (held again for the first time in 3 years!) In part 1, we're talking about our first stop in the nearby town of Jozenkei for the Yukitouro (雪灯路 - Snow Candle Way) Event. Thousands of candles were lit around the snowy shrine to illuminate the winter atmosphere ( 定山渓神社 - Jozenkei Shrine). We also talk about enjoying outdoor onsen, tasty omurice & baked goods, a frozen waterfall, and tips that Annie wished sh...

We're coming to you from our newly cozy Japanese apartment, thanks to a second layer of curtains to protect us in Ishikawa's latest winter storm! This week we have an update on bike racing and cycling licenses in Japan, pro tips on buying prescription glasses when you visit, then end of the school year for graduating high school students, and getting ready for our Sapporo trip this week! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsboth...

This week we talk about staying warm by eating Nabe (hot pot) dishes, finding a Totoro-like shrine with Shinboku, and the very unique screams of the brown-eared Bulbul bird. We also talk about bike racing in Japan, and Zeb's research on how to register for a cycling road race. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at ramblingram...

This week we were served some foods we've never tried before while at an Izakaya with friends, but not all of them were dishes we'd choose to eat again... We also talk about the nationwide University entrance exams which happened this week, and the very friendly feature of Zeb on the front page of his high school's website. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a q...

This week we had Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi), felt our first earthquake, learned how to prepare matcha, tried Oshiruko (sweet bean soup with mochi) at our Japanese class party, and bought some Kutaniyaki. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at ramblingramsbothams@gmail.com, or visit our website:...

This episode is all about New Years celebrations in Japan! We welcomed the year 2023 (and also Reiwa 5), talked about hanging Shime-kazari on front doors, mailing Nengajo, foods you eat to celebrate the New Year, and shrines for Hatsumode. Plus, Annie goes to a police station (or Koban) for the first time! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? S...

We've been feeling festive this week, and this episode is all about Christmas celebrations and winter storms! Zeb's winter break at school started with a proper snowstorm, where the Kanazawa area received nearly 3 feet of snow. Unfortunately that canceled Zeb's "bonenkai" or work party, but it made for a cozy holiday weekend at home! We also talk about our Christmas gift exchange, lunch with friends, a special Christmas Cake delivery, and more! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our J...

We celebrated Zeb's birthday this past weekend and Annie made her first reservation over the phone in Japanese to have pizza dinner at a restaurant in Kanazawa! We also talk about kimono fitting and Annie's opportunity to wear an iro uchikake, enjoying a nomihouidai (all-you-can-drink) dinner with a friend, a cozy wine bar in Kanazawa, upcoming Christmas plans, and the first snow of the season in Uchinada. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," an...

This week, we attend a futomaki (maki sushi roll) cooking class, enjoy a huge wine pour, learn about international standard paper sizes, see a Kamoshika (serow deer) on a scenic bike ride, and start getting used to winter weather here in Ishikawa Prefecture. Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes photos. Have a question or idea? Send us an email at ramblingramsbothams@gmail.com,...

December has arrived, and so has the chilly weather! Zeb saw snow for the first time on his bike ride this week, and we started getting some hail here in Uchinada! Annie successfully finished her first half-marathon, and Zeb's students are in the middle of exams. What was the half-marathon like in Kanazawa? What's new on our website? Listen to this week's episode to find out! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams on...

We were embarrassingly late about realizing that our Japanese microwave has a true "oven" function, something we've never seen on the microwaves back home! Luckily we learned this just in time for Thanksgiving, so we could make a good ole American pumpkin pie - or a kabocha pie in this case. This week we also talk about Zeb's "report card" from his Principal, and our new website redesign! Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ram...

This week, we're talking about Annie's visit to one of the local elementary schools in Uchinada for the "Cultural Exchange Assembly", and joining a cooking class in Kanazawa! (Annie even somehow made it in the newspaper for one of the elementary school visits!) What did we cook in the class? What American song did the elementary school-ers sing? Who is big mama? Answers to all this and more in this episode! Plus...BIG NEWS! We have a new website! Check out the link below to see the redesign...

This past Saturday was unseasonably warm - the perfect weather to enjoy the Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle! While Zeb went on his favorite ride route yet, Annie took her mamachari into town to admire the fall leaves in the famous garden. We met up for ramen dinner and walked around the castle for the beautiful lights festival and lantern event! Also...what are paper pants? Listen to the end of every episode to hear our Japanese "words-of-the-week," and head to @ramblingramsbothams o...

This past weekend we had planned a fun stay at a guesthouse in the neighboring prefecture of Toyama. The fall foliage is nearing it's peak here in Japan and we wanted to admire it by bike! 55 miles into our 67 mile route though...we had to turn back home. Find out what went wrong on our latest cycling adventure! This week we also discuss the final day of the Uchinada high school festival, and the new hinoki wood futon palette, which is Zeb's favorite purchase yet. Listen to the end of ev...

This past week was filled with a lot of good bike riding and food (like black ramen!), but it was also Halloween time! Halloween has only recently begun to be celebrated in Japan, and we talk about getting to dress up and volunteer at a festive party for local kids here in Uchinada. The dress-up fun continued with Zeb's high school festival, where he was asked to participate in their comedy fashion show - dressed as a little girl from a popular anime show! Listen to the end of eve...

This time last year, Zeb had submitted his application for the JET Programme and we began to anxiously await the results. Fast forward to today, where we've been lucky enough to have lived in Japan for 90 days already! Is Uchinada what we had hoped for? How's Japanese language study going? Did we just have rose-colored glasses thinking about Kanazawa from our honeymoon? What are our favorite parts about our new daily routines? Join us on this podcast as we review the "4 Stage of Culture&nb...

After three years, F1 racing has returned to Japan - and we got to witness it! In this episode (part 2 of our anniversary trip to Osaka), we talk about the F1 race at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, how NOT to use the trains in Japan, second hand shopping in Osaka, and the best okinomiyaki . Didn't hear last week's episode yet? Go back to listen to part 1 about how we got to Osaka, the surprise stay at Lake Biwa, our private onsen, and a kaiseki dinner. Listen to the end of eve...