Quirky things you can only find in Japan

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!

Some ideas, concepts, and customs are indeed fascinating, and in this gallery we bring you a glimpse into the quirkiness you can expect when visiting Japan. Click through to discover them.

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.

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.

Limited edition Kit Kats

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

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.

Quirky and utterly expensive fruits

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

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.

Maid/butler cafés

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

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.

Automatic taxi doors

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

Foothbaths everywhere

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

Drinking in public

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

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.

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.

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)