JAPANESE CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE
Are you curious about Japan? The country is full of surprises and rich in culture. These fascinating and quirky things can help satisfy your curiosity and you’ll learn a bit about this interesting country at the same time, whether you’re planning a visit or enjoy reading about other places. I recently had the pleasure of travelling around ‘the country of the rising sun’ and these are some of the things I found interesting about Japan.
1. Vending Machines
One of the things I found interesting about Japan is there are vending machines everywhere selling all sorts of things. You will find machines on every street, lane, walkway, laundromats, stations, car parks and almost anywhere.
They not only sell the usual items such as drinks and snacks, but have quirky and unusual products available also, such as meat, pizzas, cooked food, raw food, and edible bugs. Yes, I was very surprised.
Anyone can own a vending machine and doing so can be very profitable, with little outlay.
There is something like 3 million vending machines throughout Japan.
2. Motorbikes
Another thing I found interesting about Japan is there aren’t many motorbikes on the roads.
It’s far cheaper to travel by public transport than owning a motorbike in Japan. Plus, riding a motorbike is not culturally the norm nowadays and not favourably looked upon, which is surprising since Japan is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world with many popular brands – Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda.
3. Helmets
Cyclists not wearing helmets is another thing I found interesting about Japan.
As it is not punishable by law to ride without a helmet, people generally don’t bother, even though the law recommends they do so, for their own safety. People just don’t want the hassle of wearing it and carrying it around.
4. Fruit
Another one of the things I found interesting about Japan, fruit is in short supply and quite expensive. As such, fruit is a luxury item, mostly eaten on special occasions and given as gifts.
Fruit cultivation is very strictly monitored in Japan. Coupled with the fact there is limited space for growing and the huge cost of imported fruit, the country’s large population don’t eat much of the sweet juicy produce.
5. Rubbish
A lack of public rubbish bins is one of the many things I found interesting about Japan. Do people eat their rubbish? No, of course not, but they are expected to take it home and dispose of it there. This is part of the culture to take care of one’s own mess and respect the environment.
However, this is not always convenient for people, locals and tourists alike, and leads to some people stuffing garbage in bushes.
6. Courtesy
People are very polite and courteous everywhere in Japan. Bowing is a sign of respect and gratitude which is part of the norm in all walks of life. A custom I found delightful and warming, that made me feel very welcome. People go out of their way to help you, give way to you, etc.
7. Manholes
Manhole covers on roads often have colourful, artistic designs, with a large variety of different lids across the country. Usually they represent the city’s emblem or symbol, such as a turtle, castle, tree, or flower. A truly weird and wonderful feature about Japan.
8. Toilets
I have to mention the fancy Japanese toilets. Definitely one of the things I found interesting about Japan above all else is the electronic toilet seat which heats up and has a built-in bidet to wash and dry you. Buttons on the side panel or on the wall give you various cleaning options for your personal hygiene, without needing to use toilet paper or wetting the area around the toilet.
9. Dogs
Why are there no stray dogs on the streets? Controlling the prevention of rabies is important in Japan, as is cleanliness, so it’s no surprise dog poo on the street is non-existent.
At home, people keep dogs mostly indoors and there are strict laws on dog-ownership and taking them out in public.
Putting dogs in prams and wheeling them about is very much the ‘in-thing’ to do.
10. Kawaii
Kawaii culture is the love of anything cute and youthful, with big eyes and small noses, such as dolls, pets, children and toys. Cute clothes and accessories are equally popular. Anything packaged with cute faces and bright colours is a drawcard.
The ‘cute’ culture promotes happiness, positivity and friendliness and is one of the things I found very interesting about Japan.
11. Walking Whilst Eating
Eating and drinking whilst walking around is not a thing in Japan. You just don’t do it in the Japanese culture, not even takeaway coffee, as it is considered rude. You should sit down, or at least stand on the spot where you purchase it, such as at vending machines. This is one of the many interesting things about Japan and important etiquette to follow so as not to offend the locals.
12. Cash
Many restaurants and shops in Japan don’t take credit card payments, as cash is preferred and accepted everywhere. Hotels, large stores and restaurants give you the option of using cards. Rural areas are basically cash only.
Japan is predominantly a cash-based society because the locals prefer cash, even though the country is technologically advanced.
13. Animal Cafes
Another of the interesting things in Japan is the love of animal cafes, where you go to spend time interacting with animals. Many people can’t keep pets in their apartments, so this fills that void in their lives, I suppose.
These cafes have an array of cute, and not so cute, creatures for you to sit and have coffee with, pat and cuddle. There are dogs, cats, mini-pigs, snakes, owls and hedgehogs in various cafes around Japan. But don’t be surprised if these animals do their business in front of you.
Some of these establishments serve more than just coffee, offering food and cocktails as well.
14. Stealing
Stealing is very uncommon in the Japanese culture. There is respect for other people and their belongings, making it a safe and honest country to visit.
15. Phones
It’s uncommon for people to talk on their phones in restaurants, cafes or on trains, so as not to disturb others around them.
16. Road Through A Tower
Osaka has a building with a highway running through it. Yes, you read that right.
The Gate Tower Building in Fukushima-ku is a 16 storey office building with a road running through the 5th, 6th and 7th floors. A truly remarkable sight. The road company is the tenant for those floors and pays rent.
17. Punctuality
Punctuality is very important in Japan, drilled into people from a young age. In fact the Japanese are usually 10 minutes early. Being late for business or social meetings in Japan is disrespectful to the other person and demonstrates a lack of discipline.
18. Canned Coffee
Japanese people love coffee, specifically canned coffee, for the convenience of grabbing it on the go. No need to wait in line for it to be made, comes either hot or cold, is very cheap, and can be purchased from one of the many vending machines in handy locations.
Canned coffee has been popular in Japan for many decades.
19. Capsule Hotels
Japan invented capsule hotels. The first in the world was in Osaka and now they exist in other countries too. Perfect for a night’s rest when you find yourself stuck for accommodation in the city. They provide a bed to crawl into, aircon, charging facility and a locker.
These pod-like hotels are a very budget-friendly option with communal bathrooms. However, some capsule hotels in Japan now have a few little luxuries, like adjustable beds and tv screens.
20. Taxis
Taxis are spotless in Japan and drivers often wear a suit and white gloves!
Taxi doors are opened by the driver, and automatically close for you, providing a nice touch to the service also.
21. Fake Food
Many restaurants in Japan display plates of fake food in the window at the front of the premises showing dishes available.
I found this rather amusing at first, but it’s actually helpful in deciding whether to dine there and what to order, particularly if you can’t read Japanese menus.
22. Grafitti
Japan doesn’t really have any vandalism and graffiti. Strict laws against defacing public places and a strong culture respecting property has largely suppressed any form of graffiti or street art from developing.
However, some graffiti tourism does exist, visitors to the country wanting to leave their mark.
23. Heating
Homes generally don’t have central heating in Japan. Instead, individual heaters are used in each room as needed. I find this interesting, as it does get quite cold in Japan and snow falls in most parts of the country in Winter.
24. Maid Cafes
Finally, Japan has a quirky type of cafe, called Maid Cafes. These establishments are very popular, mainly in Akihabara, Tokyo, where you are served by girls dressed in cute little maid costumes, who call you Master/Mistress. They engage in fun conversation whilst serving food, and some also sing and dance for you. Maid Cafes usually charge an entry fee, and give you a limited time. The food on the menu is a little pricier than other cafes.
Maid Cafes became part of the Japanese culture in 2001.
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13 Comments
I find some much fascinating about Japan, the fruit though, I eat SO much so would hate it there lol
An awesome list of things to know about Japan in my opinion. It is crazy to think that there are 3 million vending machine in the country.
I find it really strange that fruit is imported and therefore expensive and eaten at special occasions.
OMG! I have always wanted to go to Japan ever since seeing it on television, and hearing about it through stories of people I know who’ve been. It is so interesting that stealing is not common at all over there, I wish it was like that here. LOL!
I love Japan! Everything about Japan is just amazing. I love how innovative they are. And their courteousness is way above standards.
I really want to go to Japan! I want to see the manhole covers that are Pokemon. There are so many cool things there.
My kids are interested in all things Japanese! My brother has been to Japan twice now and went to a few animal cafes including an owl cafe!
Japan is my dream country. I want to visit Japan with my family, I am saving this for our plans.
Thank you for this post. I adore learning the facts about different cultures and countries. Japan is one of the most fascinating cultures out there. Truly mesmerizing.
Oh, wow. I would have never thought that fruit would be so hard to come bay. Very interesting read!
The manhole thing is really cool! I had no idea about most of these. This was a fun read.
I found this really interesting my daughter has always had a love of Japan and we have promised her a trip there one day
Fantastic article! I’ve learned so much about Japan’s unique culture and beauty. Your passion for travel shines through, and I appreciate the insider tips. Can’t wait to try all the delicious food and drinks you mentioned!