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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Limited edition Kit Kats -

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Quirky and utterly expensive fruits -

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Maid/butler cafés -

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

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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.

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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.

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Super fast bullet train cleaning -

In just seven minutes, the Shinkansen cleaning crew (pictured) manages to clean and prepare the trains for the following trip. That's fast!

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Automatic taxi doors -

Japanese taxi drivers can automatically open the door for passengers to get in. This catches many visitors by surprise!

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Themed trains -

In Japan, you will also find really cool themed trains. Pictured is the Genbi Shinkansen, which features installations by a number of artists.

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Foothbaths everywhere -

Hot springs are in no short supply in Japan. Free public footbaths, known as ashiyu, can be found in several places.

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Nomihodai aka all-you-can-drink -

Nomihodai, which roughly translates to "all-you-can-drink," is a popular cost-effective menu choice for groups.

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Drinking in public -

In Japan, you can crack open a beer and drink it on the street, anytime, anywhere.

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Purikura -

Purikura are photo booths where people can take pictures and retouch them on the spot. Think of it as a sort of instant Photoshop.

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Wet towels -

Wet towels are often found in restaurants and used before meals to clean one's hands before eating. This towel is known as an oshibori.

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Staying warm with a kotatsu -

A kotatsu is essentially a table with a blanket, and heating underneath. It goes back many years, but charcoal braziers have now been replaced by electric heaters.

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Wearing a mask is common -

While many people did not get familiar with masks until the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, wearing a mask in Japan has been socially accepted as normal for many years.

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Toilet slippers -

Toilet slippers are for bathroom use only. These can be found in some households, as well as at some traditional restaurants, ryokan inns, and chaya teahouses.

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Paid-for human contact -

If you're in need of human touch, head over to Soineya, a café in Tokyo where you can be cuddled while you sleep.

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Stay at a love hotel -

Japan's love hotels, aka boutique or fashion hotels, are lavishly decorated and intended for those who value privacy and a unique experience. There are usually two rates: "rest" for a romantic escapade during the day, and "stay" for those looking to spend the night.

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Elevator girls -

In Japanese department stores you will find women dressed in uniforms operating the elevators. The tradition dates back to the 1920s.

Sources: (Tsunagu Japan) (Grunge) 

See also: Matsuri: The traditional festivals of Japan

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