Insolite Japan – Interesting And Clever Things I’ve Noticed While Traveling
I could tell you all about the famous Japanese toilets, although I’m pretty sure they deserve a whole article of their own. Yes, that’s how fabulous they are, and they’ll become one of the highlights of your trip to Japan, just kidding (maybe), but they’re among the most extraordinary inventions I’ve ever seen.
If you don’t get it, just wait until you visit Japan one day and try this magical creation for yourself: comfort, cleanliness, and technology, all in one.
Anyway, I’ve gotten a little sidetracked, so let’s get back on topic and let me give you a list of all the insolite things I’ve noticed in Japan.
Save it for later!
1. Vending machines everywhere
Let me just say it: pure genius! No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be glad to find these vending machines on the street.
Forget the usual vending machines that sell drinks or snacks at the train station. In Japan, not only will you find them everywhere, even in some remote parts, but they offer a variety of goods you won’t find anywhere else.
From frozen food, to hot meals, ice cream, cigarettes, cake, and many other things, the vending machine culture is real.
And I personally love it, especially when you’re exploring the city in sub-zero temperatures, the convenience store is too far away (which is rare but can happen), your fingers are starting to turn red and go numb, and you come accross a vending machine selling both hot and cold drinks. Pure heaven: provided you can move your fingers enough to slip in your coins, of course!
2. Solo dining culture
In some cultures, eating alone isn’t frowned upon in and of itself, but you’ll quickly be categorized as a loner or someone who has no friends.
Some people can’t fathom the fact that you actually like your own company and would rather enjoy a meal alone with a good book, or your own thoughts, rather than amid the noise of a crowded table.
Not in Japan, though, where dining alone is seen as completely normal, with restaurants offering solo booths or a counter where you don’t have to share a table.
It goes even further than that, with dining alone being called and art, or even a trend.
3. A super efficient transport system
Do you come from a country where buses are never on time or trains are often late? Welcome to the club!
Japan is considered one of the countries with the most efficient transport system, and for good reason, as trains and subways are practically never late, they’re clean, and also run frequently.
Everything seems under control, and if there’s a delay, transit companies can even issue a delay certificate so you don’t get in trouble with your boss or your school.
In any case, such efficiency was new to me and much appreciated. Goodbye stress!
When I think that there are actually other countries as efficient as Japan, or even more so…
4. The Gashapon craze
You know those machines you’d spend all your savings and that contained your favorite cartoon character (if you were lucky enough to get it), colorful gums, and other toys when you were a kid?
Well, you’ll be happy to know that you can find them in Asia, especially in Japan, where gashapon are still everywhere, and where there are even stores entirely dedicated to them, with hundreds of machines in neighborhoods like Akihabara, Harakuju, Shinjuku…
Go on a treasure hunt to find fun and cute collectible capsule toys, and bring back a unique souvenir from Japan!
5. An insane number of bicycles
Denmark is known for its cycling culture, but why does no one ever talk about the number of bicycles in Japan?
And it’s not surprising, because when you think about it, and if you’ve ever watched a Japanese movie, TV series or anime, you realize just how often bicycles are shown as the main mode of transportation for certain characters.
But I didn’t expect Japan to actually have such a strong cycling culture. Which, in fact, makes total sense since there are so many people. Plus, it’s also a great way to avoid traffic jams and cut costs.
However, there aren’t always bike lanes in Japan, and you quickly understand that cyclists rule the sidewalks, which is fine by me since the sidewalks are often quite wide enough, leaving plenty of room for both pedestrian and cyclists.
Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car. And don’t get me started on the underground bike parking garages, which are just as big as the ones for cars. Crazy!
6. Take your time to pack your groceries
Another brilliant and simple invention that will make your life easier and help you de-stress at the checkout: the packing area.
I’d only ever seen this at airports, where you can repack your bag or suitcase in a designated area, but Japan has taken this ingenuity even further by introducing it to supermarkets, shopping malls, and other shops.
You know that feeling of being rushed by the customer behind you at the checkout because you’re supposedly taking too long to pack your groceries? Not in Japan, where you can take your products, and carefully pack them, without rushing, into your bag on the small table provided for that purpose, usually located behind the checkout counter.
Oh, the joys of efficiency!
7. Stamps
An insolite and unique souvenir from Japan? Look no further than the beautiful stamps and goshuin!
Stamps usually represent a city or landmark. While stamps are free, goshuin, which is a combination of a stamp and handwritten calligraphy usually cost between ¥300–1000. They’re commonly found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
Pro tip: Get a small notebook at Daiso just for stamps. It’s best to buy a Goshuin book at a shrine or bookstore.
8. Trust
I’ve seen this before in South Korea, but it’s still surprising to see how you can leave your belongings unattended in a café and find them untouched after a quick trip to the restroom.
In Japan, they even trust you to pay your fare at an isolated train station where there are no gates or staff to hand your money to. So yes, of course, you could say that everything is under surveillance, but do you think they’re going to review the footage to track you down if you didn’t pay your $2 ticket? I don’t think so!
That’s what you call unparalled trust!
9. Umbrella covers
I don’t think I’ve seen this anywhere but in Asia (so far), but I just had to include it here as it’s one of those simple little things that never fails to make me smile. I’m a simple girl, really!
Plus, you have to admit that it’s pure genius and perfect for keeping the store dry and preventing accidents.
Wouldn’t it be great if every country adopted this simple trick?
10. Cute tutorials
I love learning as much as I can about a culture and country before traveling there. But sometimes, no matter how much you read about a place, nothing beats the firsthand experience.
And when you find yourself in front of a traditional clothing with no clue on how to wear it properly, the experience isn’t quite as fun. Because I don’t want to spend hours watching tutorials on YouTube, and if no one’s available at the moment, you end up stuck in your room, considering giving up the idea of looking cute in a beautiful yukata.
But what I loved about Japan was just how much the Japanese love to share their culture and how easily I found helpful and cute “how to” everywhere, which, in my opinion is the perfect way to share your culture and avoid cultural faux pas.
11. Entertainment everywhere
In shopping malls, train stations, bus stops: nothing new or unexpected.
But when you come across tablets displaying ads specifically tailored to what you’re doing in the restroom stall, now that’s on another level! At least it’s a great way to hide the sound of your business, I guess!
12. Wet wipes
Going to 7-Eleven or FamilyMart to buy your favorite egg sandwich or melonpan? If you’re worried about leaving crumbs everywhere and ending up with sticky fingers after finishing your treat: not in Japan where they give you wet wipes every time you visit a konbini!
I don’t know about you, but I love it! Because you can never have enough wet wipes, and you can save them for future picnics or flights!
A simple gesture, but a very welcome one!
13. Women-only cars
Women-only cars: or how to feel safer in a country pretty famous for women being groped on trains.
Operating during the day, more particularly during rush hours, this is a smart and effective way to help women enjoy a tranquil morning free from unwanted attention.
14. Inclusive elevators
Reserved seats on public transportation weren’t anything new, but I think this was the first time I’d seen dedicated elevators for people with disabilities or pregant women.
Accessible and easily recognizable, this is another simple yet thoughtful system that makes life easier for many people.
15. Changing board
Smart and practical, and the kind of thing you’ve probably thought of when you’ve had to change your clothes after a little accident for example, the changing board found in toilets in Japan is amazing.
Especially when you consider how dirty toilets floor can be (even in a country when streets are super clean), it doesn’t really make me want to walk on it barefoot.
Well, thanks to this clever invention, you won’t have to!
And that’s a wrap on some of the things that made me smile or struck me as clever during my trip to Japan.
Insolite, fun, or simply practical, let me know about the best things you’ve seen abroad that you’d like to see adopted in every country.
Traveling to Japan for 3 weeks?
Ready to explore the gorgeous region of Kyushu and Okinawa? Check out my 3-Week Itinerary In Japan – Exploring Kyushu And Okinawa!
