Quirky things you can only find in Japan

[jw5]

Japan is a fascinating country, but a culture shock can be experienced by visitors, especially those traveling from the West. Indeed, the Land of the Rising Sun is more than what one could hope for, and then some!

 

[jw5]

Lots of vending machines...selling lots of things! -

Vending machines are abundant in Japan. And by abundant, we mean there are over four million of them in the country! In these machines you'll find a wide range of products for sale, from the usual sodas and coffees, to umbrellas, action figures, soup, and anime merchandise, to name a few.

 

[jw5]

Washlet toilets -

These smart toilets, or washlets, are very popular in Japan. The high-tech on these can totally transform your toilet experience with their water sprays, fragrances, and even noise-canceling sounds.

 

[jw5]

Free tissues -

Don't be surprised if someone hands you free tissues on the street. This is actually a popular form of advertising. The concept of tissue-pack marketing is known as Tisshukubari.

 

[jw5]

Passenger pushers -

So you think your average peak-time commuter train is packed? Think again. In Japan, professional passenger pushers known as oshiya make sure everyone gets (squeezed in) on board.

 

[jw5]

Limited edition Kit Kats -

Only in Japan can you find such an array of Kit Kat flavors, including matcha, wasabi, and even sake!

 

[jw5]

Blue traffic lights -

When traffic lights were introduced in Japan, the green light had a blueish tinge, and many people started to simply refer to it as blue. Since 1973, the green light has an official blue shade, so people can also call it blue.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Any SYT Nip chicks in nipland?

 

[jw5]

You can stay at a capsule hotel -

Capsule hotels, aka pod hotels, are Japan's answer to a growing population and soaring prices in busy cities. The pods are just large enough for guests to sleep in and relax. Expect to share a bathroom and other facilities.

 

[k1976]

You can stay at a capsule hotel -

Capsule hotels, aka pod hotels, are Japan's answer to a growing population and soaring prices in busy cities. The pods are just large enough for guests to sleep in and relax. Expect to share a bathroom and other facilities.

Piakability is limited sia

 

[jw5]

Yuru-kyara -

Yuru-kyara are essentially mascots. The Japanese love them, and use them all the time to promote all sorts of things, from cities to events and products.

 

[jw5]

Quirky and utterly expensive fruits -

The market for luxury high-end fruit in Japan moves a lot of money!

 

[jw5]

Quirky and utterly expensive fruits -

Examples include Densuke watermelon and Ruby Roman grapes, both of which can set you back quite a few hundred dollars.

 

[cocobobo]

Last time I went to their 7-11 in Tokyo pre-covid, there was an old Japanese auntie at the counter. Behind her were stacks of softporn magazines featuring very young girls in bikinis on the cover (age of consent 13 then). Weird place.

 

[jw5]

Fake display food -

In Japan, some restaurants display realistic plastic models of their dishes, so that clients have an idea of what they look like.

 

[jw5]

Anime and character cafés and restaurants -

If you're into anime, you're almost sure to find a café or restaurant inspired by your favorite characters.

 

[jw5]

Maid/butler cafés -

Japanese maids and butlers sing, dance, and serve clients in specialty cafés, wearing full costumes.

 

[jw5]

Lots of energy drinks -

Energy drinks and tonics packaged in small medicine-like bottles are common in Japan. Pictured is a popular one called Lipovitan D.

 

[jw5]

Randoseru backpacks -

These cute and sturdy backpacks are traditionally used by Japanese elementary school children. In 2022, one of these would set you back around 56,000 yen (around US$387), so expect to pay even more now.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Randoseru backpacks -

These cute and sturdy backpacks are traditionally used by Japanese elementary school children. In 2022, one of these would set you back around 56,000 yen (around US$387), so expect to pay even more now.

Why these backpacks more ex than military back packs?