16 Bizarre things in Japan
Introduction
People don’t only love Japan for its deeply rooted culture and advanced technology but for the rules and regulations which are made according to the comfort zone of citizens living there. Besides this, Japan is famous for some weird and quirky things which are famous around the world. Tourists mainly come here to explore this fast paced country which is a memory of life time. Well there are uncountable of weird but amazing things in Japan, be it a festival, a train station or be it food serving machines. Although, here we are going to talk about 16 most bizarre but interesting things in Japan. I discovered this freakish stuff recently on my trip to Japan and I feel 14 days in Japan was full of surprises.
Vending machines
It must be weird to take foods well prepared from a machine, right? Well its not only food, there is a fully prepared meal like ramen, rice bowl, salads, drinks, ice creams, chocolates. Sometimes vending machines also contains comic books, umbrellas, ciggerates and a lot more things. Although most of them are filled with sodas, canned coffee with good range of products to choose from. Well this is actually bizarre but it is helpful for office and school going people which provides a whole meal with whatever cutlery and boiled water needed.
Smart washrooms
These smart washrooms in Japan can be found anywhere, being the personal choice of 99% of people. These washrooms are named as wash-lets, which is a mixer of high tech services. They have a lot of functions like backside sprays, water temperature controls, perfumes, and even noise-covering sounds, creating a future of its own without any shame. But this technology is hard to remember so do some basic learning at first or you will not be able to handle it.
Kit Kat
How many flavors have you ever tried in Kit Kat in India? 1 or 2 maybe? Well this is one chocolate which is enjoyed by everyone from all over the world. But Japan has done something extraordinary where they have revamped the kit-kat selection with so many different flavors. These flavors are unseen but when its Japan then Matcha flavor clicks right. Some of the more unique flavors are, sake, apple, pudding, cheesecake, yogurt, wasabi adzuki beans and Manju flavored kit-kats.
Capsule hotels
Capsule hotels are like compacted accommodation. You get everything in terms of luxury stay here from a pod for sleeping, shared bathroom to comic books, common television hall and food services. Japan has taken this to another level of compact from the outer world of Japan. These offer cheap cozy, no-frill and comfortable stay in this crowded stay. This is the future of accommodation and you can find it everywhere in Japan.
Drinking in Public
In many countries, the presence of strict regulations regarding open containers and public intoxication has effectively prohibited public drinking. But Japan is quite opposite to it as here the rules and regulations are quite unique from the world. Here you’ll see travelers purchasing beers for the trains, college students meeting friends in the park for drinks, impromptu street party at night in Shibuya, Roppongi like area. Well, this will be a nightmare for other countries. On the other hand, Japanese manners prevent most of them going on board, making the streets a fun and safe place to party.
Fake food display
Restaurants usually display fake food displays in front of the restaurant to give an idea to the customers what that dish looks like. This is an excellent trick to market the products to a passerby to tempt and let them know whats on the offer. This is also a big help to those who don’t know the particular language, well these plastic models are decorated in Japanese, Chinese and family restaurants to lessen the time-consuming of choosing task.
Creative food
In Japan you can find cafes that are inspired by anime and favorite characters from famous franchises like Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Demon slayer, Doraemon and a lot more others. These cafes cleverly design cakes, coffee, pancakes, ice-creams and other delights are intimidated with your favorite color, style and beloved character. These cafes are known as Otaku dreamland. Well these cafes are open around the whole year but some are seasonal which are opened for a limited period.
Maid cafes
Maid cafes in Japan has taken ‘wierd Japan’ on to the next level. You can only find maid cafes in Tokyo’s Otaku hub of Akihabara. In these cafe, girls are impeccably dressed as Japanese maids and they provide there services by singing, dancing and other such performances. The food here is also super cute, which is covered in cute illustrations of cats, love hearts and many more.
Themed trains
Japan’s themed trains have taken things up a notch. Here trains are decorated of beloved characters of known franchise making your travel an exciting journey with fun activities, exciting tie-ins and a lot more. Notable attractions include the Genbi Shinkansen, where prominent artists have created installations inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Niigata, and the Toreiyu Tsubasa, which provides a viewing window for passengers to enjoy the stunning scenery of Fukushima and Yamagata in ultimate comfort. Additionally, there are trains themed around anime and games like the “Pokémon with You” train in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture. Some of these trains also offer amenities such as wood fireplaces, playgrounds, kotatsu seating, gourmet meals, sake tasting sessions, open-air viewing areas, and more.
Matcha flavor everywhere
Here in Japan you will find matcha flavor everywhere as this is the healthy eating in form of powered green which is infused in all sorts of food, be it matcha flavored burger or matcha ice-cream. Matcha here is only thing which is used in all kind of places in Japan. Well it has become world-famous and is available online. Although making of matcha is a very beautiful technique.
Tipping is an insult
We usually give a tip in a restaurant after dinner, be it India or America. It is a gratitude for their services provided. But in Japan tipping the waiters is a big insult and is rude. Japanese people think that if you like the food and service it should be standard. Even though if you offer a tip, it might be refused on your face.
Punctuality
Japanese people are so particular with there needs, likewise, Japanese trains are the most punctual trains in the world. They wont be early and they wont be late as per there rules. Trains are expected to be so punctual that if it delayed for some reason, the railway company should issue an official delay certificate to provide proof for employers and appointments.
Blue traffic light
If you are driving around Japan, you’ll notice some weird things about traffic lights. All over the world we have seen red yellow green as a traffic signal light but in Japan it is red yellow blue because of some linguistic quirk. In old Japanese, the terms for green and blue colors were the same. So, due to this on many signals you’ll see aqua blue or turquoise colors.
Discipline
In Japan, there is discipline everywhere, be it restaurants or walking on the street. Specially if it is in a train station and anything related to this. Discipline holds a fundamental importance for the Japanese, and it is deemed essential to instill it in children from a young age. They maintain a line on an escalator like everybody stands on the left hand side, no one talks on the train, students clean there school by own, no janitors are hired in school.
Cuddle cafe
Nestled within the vibrant Akihabara district, there exists an intriguing establishment referred to as a “co-sleeping specialty shop.” Here, patrons have the unique opportunity to experience the comforting embrace and cuddles of charming young women while they slumber. While the cafe’s pricing may lean towards the extravagant side, for those exhausted and overworked souls yearning for even a glimmer of affection and solace, no price is too high to pay.
Manholes designs
In Japan, wherever you go, you’ll see a set of designs on streets. Every municipality takes pride in its distinctive manhole cover designs, drawing inspiration from specific regional features. These designs often showcase elements such as the local flora and fauna, renowned landmarks, festivals, significant historical events, or cherished pieces of folklore, allowing communities to showcase their identity and heritage. Manhole covers are a common sight globally, with each region’s unique characteristics often reflected in these distinctive covers.
