SURPRISING THINGS YOU’LL FIND IN JAPAN

THE VLOG

Watch: The Weirdest Things I Noticed in Japan

Before you scroll, here is the video that started this page. In it I run through the 40 things that surprised me most during my month-long trip, from spotless streets without bins and a high-pitched sound only I seemed to hear, to robot toilets, 3D billboards, purikura, capsule toys and maid cafés. The guide below takes the best of them, adds the context I did not have time for in the video and tells you where to find them.

ON THE STREET

Surprising Things You’ll Notice on the Street

1. Spotless Streets With Hardly Any Bins

One of the first things you notice in Japan is how clean the streets are, and then that there are almost no rubbish bins. Finding one starts to feel like a scavenger hunt. The answer is that people simply carry their rubbish with them and sort it at home or wherever they find a proper bin, so the streets stay clean without anyone sweeping up after visitors.

Part of the reason is history. Many bins were removed from stations and public spaces partly because of security concerns after terror attacks, including the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway. Over time, carrying your rubbish home simply became the norm.

Carry a small bag for wrappers and bottles, and look for bins beside vending machines and inside convenience stores. I go into the details of rubbish and other everyday etiquette in my Japan Dos and Don’ts guide.

2. Traffic Lights That Are Called Blue

You may hear people describe Japan’s green traffic lights as blue, and some of them really do look slightly bluish. The reason is language as much as engineering: the Japanese word ao has historically covered both blue and green, so the “go” light is called the blue light even though it is a shade of green, the same as everywhere else.

3. Manhole Covers Worth Photographing

Look down every now and then. Many towns decorate their manhole covers with local landmarks, flowers, mascots and, in some places, Pokémon. An everyday piece of infrastructure becomes a little portrait of the place, and some travellers plan entire routes around spotting them.

I photographed one on the old post road in Narai, which I write about in my Nakasendo Trail guide. Take your photo from the pavement rather than stepping into traffic.

4. 3D Billboards That Seem to Jump Out at You

Billboards in Japan’s big cities are not always flat. Some are curved, three-dimensional screens that make it look as though a giant animal or character is climbing out of the building. The most famous is the calico cat above Cross Shinjuku Vision near Shinjuku Station, and in Shibuya we also spotted a huge Akita dog peeking out of a clock frame.

They are part of a wider advertising culture that surprised me too: neon signs, video screens and posters everywhere you look, lighting the cities up in every colour at night. If you want to see the cat, head to the east exit of Shinjuku Station and look up.

5. A High-Pitched Sound Not Everyone Can Hear

This one genuinely made me think I was going mad. Several times in Tokyo I heard a painful, high-frequency ringing, and none of the people I was travelling with could hear it at all. It turns out I was not imagining things: devices that emit high-pitched tones, which younger ears tend to pick up more easily, have been used in parts of Tokyo to discourage people from loitering.

You will not hear it everywhere, and many people never notice it. If you suddenly hear a whine in a station passage or a quiet corner, you now know you are not the only one.

6. Taxi Doors That Open by Themselves

A common surprise for first-time visitors is that the rear door of a Japanese taxi opens and closes automatically. The driver controls it, so stand back as the cab pulls up and let it close behind you instead of slamming it. Many drivers wear suits and white gloves, and you will notice that quite a few of them are older. Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world, and many people keep working well past the usual retirement age. Staying active and part of the community is often seen as far better than retiring into isolation.

7. Advertising Trucks for Absolutely Anything

Spend an afternoon in Shibuya or Shinjuku and sooner or later a brightly wrapped truck will crawl past, covered from bumper to bumper in one giant advert and often blasting music from its speakers. These advertising trucks promote almost anything: a new anime series, the latest single from a boy band or girl group, a game launch or a job website. They loop slowly through the busiest streets so that as many people as possible see them, and they are hard to miss when they drive by.

Politics gets the same treatment. During election campaigns, candidates’ cars drive through neighbourhoods with loudspeakers on the roof, repeating the candidate’s name and asking for your vote. To a visitor it can feel loud and a little old-fashioned, but in Japan it is a normal part of campaigning. If you hear music or a voice getting closer before you see anything, look up, because it is usually worth a photo.

8. Trains So Quiet You Can Hear a Pin Drop

Step onto a busy Tokyo train and the first thing you notice is the silence: hundreds of people, and barely a sound. Phone calls are considered rude on public transport, and announcements regularly ask passengers to switch their phones to “manner mode”, so most people read, scroll or doze instead. Conversations do happen, just in low voices. Talking loudly or taking a call is the quickest way to collect a few disapproving looks, so keep your voice down and save calls until you are off the train.

EVERYDAY LIFE

Everyday Conveniences That Feel Futuristic

9. Toilets With More Buttons Than Your TV Remote

Forget everything you know about toilets. Many Japanese toilets have heated seats, water jets, adjustable pressure and temperature, dryers and a button that plays a flushing sound for privacy. They take bathroom luxury to a whole new level; just be careful not to accidentally activate a setting you were not asking for.

Find the stop button before you experiment, and do not expect every toilet to be the same: traditional squat toilets still exist, especially in older buildings and some stations. JNTO’s guide to Japanese toilets explains the features.

10. Vending Machines Selling Almost Anything

Vending machines are everywhere in Japan, from city corners to quiet country roads, and most sell hot and cold drinks. The more unusual ones are what make people stop: in my vlog I mention machines selling fresh produce, collectibles, photographs, sake, bento lunches and even edible insects. Those are individual machines in particular locations rather than something you will find on every street.

Hot drinks come with a red label and cold ones with blue, and many machines take IC transport cards as well as coins. If you are chasing a specific novelty machine you have seen online, check that it still exists before travelling across the city for it.

11. Convenience Stores That Feel Like Mini Kitchens

Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, are on a different level. 7-Eleven alone has more than 20,000 stores in Japan, and they are everywhere, from busy Tokyo streets to quiet countryside lanes. Two things stopped me in my tracks. The first was a heated cabinet that keeps drinks properly hot, not tepid; it was the first time I had ever seen anything like it. The second was the self-serve smoothie machine at 7-Eleven: you take a cup of frozen fruit from the freezer, pop it in the machine, press a button and your smoothie is ready.

Beyond snacks, many branches have ATMs that accept foreign cards, printers, ticket machines and parcel services, although the exact services vary from store to store. Not every 7-Eleven has the smoothie machine either, so treat it as a fun find rather than a guarantee.

12. Elevators With Half Floors and an Undo Button

Some buildings in Japan have elevator buttons for half floors, like 1.5 or 2.5. Even better, in many elevators you can cancel a floor you pressed by accident by pressing the button again. Revolutionary, if you ask me. The exact method depends on the manufacturer, so if a double press does not work, try holding the button down.

13. Counters Made for Eating Alone

In many countries, eating out on your own can feel a little lonely, but Japan has turned solo dining into an art form. Plenty of ramen shops and casual restaurants have counters designed for one person, and some even have small dividers between seats. No awkward glances, just you and your bowl. In smaller places, look for a ticket machine at the entrance: you pay first, hand over the ticket and wait for your food.

One small thing I noticed in restaurants: the basket under your chair is not decoration. It is there for your bag, so you can keep your things off the floor while you eat.

14. The Number Four Is Unlucky

Watch out for the number four. One way of reading it in Japanese is shi, which sounds like the word for death, so you may notice it being avoided: some buildings and hotels skip a fourth floor or room number, and gift sets tend to come in threes or fives. It is a superstition many people treat lightly, but it explains why some lifts jump straight from three to five.

FOOD

Unusual Food Experiences in Japan

15. Fake Food That Looks Ready to Eat

That beautifully arranged bowl of noodles in a restaurant window may be made of plastic or resin. These food samples show exactly what each dish looks like, and they have been part of Japanese dining since the early twentieth century. Some are so realistic that you have to look twice, and they are incredibly handy for tourists, because you can simply point instead of trying to translate the menu.

If you want to see how far the craft goes, Tokyo’s Kappabashi kitchenware street has specialist shops selling replica food, from full displays to sushi magnets and keyrings.

16. Queuing for Food Is Completely Normal

From popular ramen shops to fluffy pancake cafés, long lines are part of eating out in Japan. Many smaller places do not take reservations, so you just have to show up and hope the wait is not too long. We queued for around two hours for soufflé pancakes in Tokyo, and while I would not do that every day, good things do come to those who wait.

Arrive just before opening, or go on a weekday, if you want to avoid the longest queues. You will find more of our favourite dishes in my What to Eat in Japan guide.

17. No Eating While Walking

In many countries, eating a snack on the go is completely normal. In Japan, eating while walking is generally frowned upon. People usually eat right where they bought their food, standing beside the stall or shop, or find somewhere to sit down. It keeps the streets clean and avoids bumping into others with food in hand. You will still see people with crêpes on busy snack streets, but when in doubt, step to the side and finish before moving on.

18. Kit Kat Flavours You Won’t Find at Home

Japan takes the humble Kit Kat to another level. Nestlé has released hundreds of limited and regional flavours there over the years, from matcha and sakura to wasabi and even potato. Part of the appeal is that the name sounds like the Japanese phrase kitto katsu, “you will surely win”, which has made them a popular good-luck gift for students before exams.

Flavours change constantly, so the ones you see in a video may no longer be on sale. Convenience stores, supermarkets, Don Quijote and airport shops are all good places to look for whatever is current.

19. Food That Looks Like a Little Character

Food presentation was one of the ways we experienced kawaii culture ourselves. We visited spots serving little bear-shaped treats and beautifully decorated desserts, where the way it looked was half the fun. A familiar sweet feels completely different when it has been turned into a tiny character staring back at you. I go deeper into why cute matters so much in my Kawaii Culture Guide.

KAWAII

Kawaii Fashion and Photo Booths

20. Clothes That Make You Look Like a Little Doll

Kawaii, meaning cute, is not just a word in Japan; it is everywhere, from mascots and packaging to fashion. We felt it throughout the trip, because we were travelling with my nephew Noah, who was one at the time, and people frequently stopped to tell him he was “kawaiiiiii”. In Tokyo we also tried on clothes that made us look like little dolls, which was a fun way to experience the style ourselves instead of only admiring it in shop windows.

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is the best-known place for kawaii fashion, but it also has goth, grunge and vintage shops, so you will see plenty of styles side by side. GO TOKYO’s Takeshita Street page gives an overview. Remember that a striking outfit is someone’s personal style, not a costume for your camera, so always ask before photographing a stranger.

21. Purikura Photo Booths That Transform Your Face

Purikura are photo booths with a twist. Inside, the machine smooths your skin, widens your eyes and can even change your face shape, and afterwards you decorate the pictures with stickers, frames and messages before printing them out. They are basically real-life Photoshop, and I came away with a sheet of pictures of myself with cat ears and bows.

You will find rows of purikura machines in arcades and dedicated photo-booth shops, especially around Harajuku and Shibuya. Most take coins, so carry some change, and note that some floors in purikura shops are reserved for women and couples.

COLLECTING

Arcades, Collectibles and Fan Culture

22. Capsule Toys That Adults Collect Too

If you have ever walked past a wall of capsule-toy machines, you will know how hard they are to resist. Called gachapon or gashapon, they dispense small toys and trinkets in round plastic capsules, and you never know exactly which design from the series you will get. They are not just for children: miniature food, animals, characters and oddly specific everyday objects attract plenty of adult collectors.

Check the price on the front of the machine, decide how many tries you will allow yourself and keep some coins handy. Many items are tiny, so they are not suitable souvenirs for very young children.

23. Arcades With Whole Floors of Claw Machines

Japanese arcades can have entire floors of crane games filled with plush toys, figures and snacks, alongside rhythm games and purikura. We tried our luck in a few, from ME Tokyo in Shinjuku to a Taito Station arcade.

Each attempt is a game, not a purchase, so set a spending limit before you start. Staff will often reposition a prize if you ask, and if you really just want the toy, it is usually cheaper to buy it in a shop.

24. Anime Merchandise Far Beyond Posters

In Akihabara, whole buildings are covered in anime billboards, and the shops inside sell much more than posters and plush toys: acrylic character stands, badges, keyrings, illustrated cards and incredibly detailed figures. To an outsider, a shelf of tiny clear standees can look puzzling, but for a collector the character, the artwork and the edition are what matter. We spent four hours in Akihabara and it still was not enough.

Shops usually separate general merchandise from adult-oriented products, which are kept in clearly signed, age-restricted sections. If you buy a figure, check what is included and the condition of the box, especially for secondhand items.

25. Shops and Machines Selling Photographs of Idols

In my vlog I mention vending machines selling pictures of women, and if you have not come across idol culture before, photographs like these can be confusing, so here is what is going on. In Japan, collectible portrait photographs of singers, actors and idols are known as bromides, a name that took hold in the 1920s, when the company Marubell began selling celebrity portrait cards and the photo paper’s name stuck. Today many idol groups release official nama-shashin, literally “raw photos”: real photographic prints, often sold in random packs so that fans trade to complete a set.

Fans collect particular members, outfits, concerts or release periods, much as sports fans collect trading cards. Collector shops in Akihabara and Nakano Broadway often stock idol goods; Mandarake’s Nakano Broadway shops alone are split into more than 30 specialist stores, and staff can point you to the right one. Idol photos are not adult content in themselves; adult-oriented products are sold separately in age-restricted areas, so read the signs rather than assuming every photo shop is the same.

26. Secondhand Shops That Feel Like Collectors’ Archives

Secondhand hobby shops can be packed floor to ceiling with older toys, figures, manga, games and memorabilia, sorted into very specific interests. For collectors, the thrill is finding something from an earlier release rather than the latest product, so a small, faded item may be worth far more than it looks.

Nakano Broadway is the classic place to explore this side of Tokyo, with dozens of small specialist shops under one roof. GO TOKYO’s Nakano guide introduces the area. Follow the photography signs, as many shops do not allow pictures of their stock.

27. Don Quijote and Its Wonderful Chaos

A trip to Don Quijote, or Donki, is an experience in itself. Shelves piled high with snacks, cosmetics, household goods, costumes, electronics and novelty items make it easy to go in for one thing and come out an hour later with a bag of things you never knew you needed. It is also a good place to hunt for unusual Kit Kat flavours and souvenirs.

Branches vary in size, stock and opening hours, so check the specific store rather than assuming every one is open all night. Large branches usually offer tax-free shopping for visitors with a passport.

CAFÉS & NIGHTS

Themed Cafés, Nights Out and Unusual Stays

28. Maid Cafés and Other Themed Cafés

Maid cafés, especially around Akihabara, are staffed by women dressed as maids who greet you as their master or mistress, perform songs and dances and serve impossibly cute food. You are paying for an entertainment format as much as a drink, so expect a cover charge, a time limit and rules about photography. In my vlog I also mention cuddle cafés, which are a very different, more niche kind of business.

If you want to try a maid café, at-home cafe is one of the best-known operators, with several branches in Akihabara as well as Osaka and Nagoya. Respect the staff’s boundaries; touching, personal questions and unauthorised photos are not part of the experience.

29. Animal Cafés, From Cats to Hedgehogs

Japan has cafés for almost every animal lover: cats, dogs, rabbits, owls and hedgehogs. We visited HARRY, a hedgehog café in Harajuku, where you hold the hedgehogs in protective gloves. They are adorable, but they are also prickly, and one of us did get bitten.

Book ahead if you can, as popular slots fill up; HARRY’s website lists its branches, opening hours and age rules. Choose cafés that limit handling and give the animals space to rest, and leave if the conditions do not feel right to you.

30. Manga Cafés Where You Pay by the Hour

A manga café is somewhere to read comics, use a computer, have a drink and relax in a booth or reclining seat, and you pay for the time you spend there rather than per coffee. Many are open 24 hours, and JNTO’s nightlife guide describes them as a place to rest until the first train leaves.

Facilities vary a lot, from open seating to small lockable booths with showers available. You may need to register with ID, so bring your passport, and check the time packages before you settle in.

31. Karaoke in Your Own Private Room

If you imagine karaoke as singing in front of a bar full of strangers, Japan’s version may be a relief. Most karaoke venues rent private rooms by the hour, so it is just you and your group, and some offer all-you-can-drink plans or rooms for solo singers. Rates are usually cheapest during off-peak daytime hours.

32. Drunk Office Workers on the Last Train

After-work drinking with colleagues, known as nomikai, is a big part of office life in Japan. On a Friday night in areas like Shinjuku or Shimbashi, it is not unusual to see office workers in suits who have had a few too many, swaying towards the last train or asleep on a bench. What surprises many visitors is how little fuss is made about it. A night out with colleagues is often seen as an extension of work, and behaviour after a few drinks tends to be quietly overlooked the next morning. Still, keep an eye on your belongings and be prepared for packed last trains.

33. Sleeping in a Capsule Instead of a Room

A capsule hotel gives you a private sleeping pod rather than a room, with shared bathrooms, showers and usually a lounge. Your bag goes in a locker and large suitcases often stay at reception. JNTO’s capsule hotel guide notes that many now offer female-only floors as well as mixed options.

Capsules suit travellers who mainly need a bed, but they are not soundproof and can feel cramped if you are tall or claustrophobic. They are also not always the cheapest choice for your dates, so compare them with business hotels before booking.

34. Hotels With Robot Receptionists

The Henn na Hotel chain became famous for its robot staff. At its Maihama Tokyo Bay property, guests have been greeted by robot velociraptors at the front desk, while other branches have used humanoid receptionists. It is a quirky concept rather than the norm, and the chain has reduced the number of robots at some hotels since it first opened, so check what your specific property currently offers before booking for the novelty.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Where to Find These Experiences

You do not need to zigzag across Tokyo to see all of this. Grouping your days by neighbourhood saves a lot of time.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the place for the 3D cat billboard, neon signs, big arcades and late-night entertainment, including karaoke and manga cafés. In the evening you can continue to the tiny bars of Golden Gai.

Harajuku and Shibuya

Takeshita Street brings together kawaii fashion, colourful sweets and purikura shops, and several animal cafés, including HARRY, are a short walk from Harajuku Station. Shibuya adds more 3D billboards, arcades and photo-booth shops.

Akihabara and Nakano

Akihabara is the centre for anime shops, figures, arcades, idol goods and maid cafés. For secondhand collectibles, Nakano Broadway is a quieter but even more specialist alternative a short train ride west of Shinjuku.

Kappabashi and Asakusa

Combine the food-sample shops of Kappabashi with a visit to Asakusa, which is within walking distance.

Everywhere Else

Toilets, vending machines, konbini, solo-dining counters and manhole covers will find you wherever you go, including in the countryside. For more ideas on what to do in the city, see my Things to Do in Tokyo guide.

VLOGS

Watch More of My Japan Vlogs

If you enjoyed the weird and wonderful side of Japan, the videos below show more of our trip, from Tokyo and the Nakasendo to Kyoto, Osaka and the food we loved along the way.

KEEP EXPLORING

More Japan Guides

Watch the rest of my Japan series on my YouTube channel, and browse the guides below for every destination.