32 Awesome Things That Will Baffle First-Time Visitors In Japan

When former US President Barack Obama welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a White House visit, he expressed appreciation for some of the country’s cultural contributions and said “Thank you for all the things we love from Japan. Like karate and karaoke. Manga and anime. And,” the president added “emojis.”

The speech naturally won a lot of laughter from the audiences.

There are, of course, many other interesting stuff that are unique to the Land of the Rising Sun. For this blog, we’ll share with you 30 things that will likely grab your attention once you are in the country.

#1. Vending Machines

There are vending machines for basically everything in Japan. From soda, candy, ice cream, noodles, fruits, fresh eggs, rice, flowers, umbrellas, toy cars, neck ties, and – believe it or not – even used underwear!

#2. House Name Plates

Most of us have numbers posted outside our homes. Japanese families, on the other hand, have nameplates.

#3. Free Tissues

Pocket tissues are usually given for free on the streets as a marketing strategy of companies.

#4. Damp Towels

As a gesture of hospitality, you’ll usually get a damp towel for wiping so you can eat with clean hands.

#5. Otooshi

Think of it as a free appetizer of sorts. A waiter will serve an otooshi for you as you wait for your meal, whether you asked for one or not.

#6. Kotatsu

Everybody loves this wonderful home heater.

#7. Kairo

This pocket heater can be extremely useful during winter.

#8. Face Masks

Japanese residents are fond of wearing face masks, especially during winter.

#9. Bizarre Car Parking

With too many vehicles, Japan makes the most of parking spaces by this parking method.

#10. Capsule Hotels

Tourists love capsule hotels since they are affordable and secure. Plus they evoke a sci-fi vibe!

#11. Love Hotels

Ideal for couples, love hotels are available in various themes.

#12. Randoseru Backpacks

Widely used by Japanese kids, these sturdy bags can last up to 6 years.

#13. Yurukyara

Basically, yurukyaras are mascots – and they’re pretty ubiquitous in Japan.

#14. Purikura

Often used by teenage girls, these photo machines allow you to take photos and print photo stickers.

#15. Dekotora

Or decorated trucks. You’ll see them on the roads as you drive or commute in the country.

#16. Upside Down Restaurants

Because uniquely constructed restaurants are fun!

#17. Washlet Toilets

Your butt will be completely clean as this electric toilet washes it for you.

#18. Limited edition Kit-Kats

Japanese Kit-Kat versions offer a lot of unusual flavors you will never find elsewhere.

#19. Shinkansen

Used for sightseeing, the shinkansen also come with footbaths.

#20. Baby mops

Got a crawling baby in the home? Let him clean the floor at the same time.

#21. Unmanned vegetable stalls

Take what you want and just leave your payment. Yeah, that’s how it works in Japan.

#22. Rice Paddy Art

These huge picturesque fields are absolutely a must-see when you are in Japan.

#23. Square Watermelons

No, that’s not a mutant watermelon. It’s just produced that way for easier stacking.

#24．Automatic Taxi Doors

Most, if not all, taxis in Japan have this feature.

#25. Elevator Girls in Department Stores

Think of them as your tour guides for shopping so feel free to ask them for building information.

#26. Manga

Reading is not a lost art in Japan. Everyone, young and old, loves Manga.

#27. Otakus

Hardcore manga and anime fans who dress up as their favorite characters are common in Japan.

#28. Nose Hair Cutter

Nose. Hair. Cutters. Nuff said!

#29. Toilet Slippers

As the name implies, these footwear are exclusively for bathroom use.

#30. Independent Kids

Japanese kids usually travel to school alone. Many of them even take buses and subways.

#31. Super Umbrella

No need to worry about a wet uniform even if its raining hard.

#32. Dispen Pak

A convenient way to enjoy your favorite condiments.

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