Japan's Ice Cream Capital, Gunma JBCF Cycling Race, and Spirited Away Bath House

06/13/23 • 52 min

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", and trying to stay cool during the rapidly approaching summer months.
Luckily we were able to "stay cool" during a language class placement test, and will be talking about our upcoming Japanese language lessons too!
More info about JBCF road races: https://jbcfroad.jp/

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 [email protected], or visit our website: https://www.ramblingramsbothams.com/

Previous Episode

Hyakumangoku Festival in Kanazawa & Guest Podcast Appearances

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 link below, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Japan Station Podcast: https://www.japankyo.com/2023/06/japan-station-road-cycling-in-japan-jet-programme-life/
Hyakumangoku Official Festival website: https://100mangoku.net/index.html

Next Episode

One Year Podcast Anniversary!

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!