Japan is a beautiful country full of wonders. This is one modern nation, but it still preserves many traditional aspects that are rare to see in today’s world. Japan’s long history and rich culture have created an environment where the contradictions between old traditions exist side-by-side with new innovations, which can be confusing for foreigners who visit this fascinating place called Japan!
The Japanese culture is so offbeat that it can take Westerners a while to get used to living there. Yet, for those who love being in this unique and fascinating country with its many offbeat things but also rules, the opportunity is worth exploring at least once in their lifetime.
Here are the top weird things you will see when you make your way to Japan.
Vending Machines
Vending machines are a common sight in Japan, located on almost every street corner. While it may be easy to dismiss them as just another mundane part of life in Japan, some of the products available for purchase (or rent) from these convenient boxes are downright strange.
Cans of Tobacco Cigarettes
For those times when you really need to look like an idiot walking around with two packs strapped to your arms, there is now a solution! The vending machine above features small cases that hold two packs each. They even come with separate compartments so you can carry them both simultaneously and really impress everyone watching. How long will it be before they release special “double pack carrying” vending machines? If anyone has seen one of these in action, please let me know.
Hi-Tech Toilets
Japanese toilets are known for having a wide range of functions, sometimes even including bidets. Toilets can be found with heated seats and a blow-dry feature to ensure that no matter what the weather is outside, you will always have warm places to wipe yourself down after doing your business. Another little-known fact is that Japan’s high-tech toilets feature facial recognition technology, smartphones, and remote control! Instead of getting up from your throne and walking over to the wall panel every time you want to flush or adjust the water temperature, wave at the camera above the toilet instead. It will recognize your face (unlike other things), return an affirmative “you’re right” response on its LCD screen, and carry out your command.
Capsule Hotels
Capsule hotels have been around for a while now, but they are still prevalent due to the relatively low rates. It is even possible to rent one for only a few hours, convenient if you happen to be in between trains or need someplace quick and easy to crash for the night. Some capsule hotel owners have recently become a little more forward-thinking regarding products they provide at their establishments. In addition to the small tube-shaped beds, guests can now purchase or rent things like VR headsets, portable DVD players, and high-speed internet connections for use inside their tiny sleeping quarters.
Square Watermelons
If you are one of those people who can’t seem to swallow the non-scented, unremarkable-looking watermelons that normally grace supermarket shelves in the Western world, then maybe this is for you. Square-shaped watermelons have been around since 2007 and are available from specialist stores; they were originally designed to be easier to stack than regular melons, but it also makes them ideal for decorative items or room accessories.
Melon Pan (melon bread)
When you look at a melon pan, there really isn’t anything too unusual about it. It has a slightly sticky brownish crust and white filling – pretty much like any other sweet bread roll that you can find in the West. Therein lies the allure of this odd Japanese food; it is very much like an ordinary bread roll, but at the same time, there are few Western cakes or sweets that taste the same. It was created by a French chef to be a type of dessert bread and has quickly spread through Japan, with almost every bakery featuring this item in its menu.
Human Soup? A Ramen Noodle Bath
These ramen noodle baths were created in response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, helping raise funds for those affected. Some consider the human soup experience (also known as “Ramu-soba” or “Human Ramen”) to be an acquired taste – worse than instant cup noodles. For those who haven’t tried it, you have to sit in a tub filled with steaming hot water and dried ramen noodles while wearing a bathrobe. People can enter these baths either individually or in groups – but may find themselves sharing spaces if there isn’t enough room.
Naki Sumo Baby Crying Contest
Are you one of those people who thinks that babies are adorable and would happily listen to their crying for hours on end? If yes, then Naki Sumo is the contest for you. It involves parents putting their infants into a ring and encouraging them to cry as loud as possible while competitors try to be the one baby that gets everyone else to stop crying first. All contestants compete in a knockout tournament, with only the strongest sobs surviving until there is a winner. The event takes place every year, is free to enter, and those who want to come along and watch can do so for just 500 yen (approx $5).
Television Station For Cats
Animal lovers in Japan can watch programs created especially for their pets thanks to the kitty channel, run by Tokyo’s publicly funded TV station. It broadcasts some shows designed to cater to cats’ daily activities and interests, including one show that features a man playing the piano while wearing white gloves (in order not to tickle the cats) with another featuring a chef making food just for them. The television station also has its very own cat café where you can relax with your feline friends while watching television or surfing on your laptop computer.
The Nekobiyori television station broadcasts cat-friendly show 24-hours a day. Not only does it play footage of things like birds, mice, and other small critters, but the environment within the studio is also warm and welcoming, with plenty of comfy cushions for them to lie on.
Godzilla Is An Official Citizen Of Japan’s
The Japanese like to show their love for things that they feel are wonderful, and this is something that goes back generations. Because of this, even the most absurd things have been able to enter the list of people who officially reside in Japan – take Godzilla, for example; a giant green monster from an old Japanese sci-fi movie series. There are actually over 860 non-human residents registered with their local government, such as cartoon characters (Hello Kitty), animals (Doraemon), and even inanimate objects such as Mount Fuji, the national flag, and the rising sun logo. Even if these items aren’t citizens of Japan by birth, they were allowed to become so through special legislation passed by Parliament between 2005 and 2008.
Rabbit Island
What’s up with Japan and rabbits? They love the bunnies so much that they have an entire island dedicated to them. The Shikoku island, also known as “Rabbit Island,” is home only to feral rabbits. You can visit there if you want but don’t try to take any of those cute animals back home!
Akihabara 18+
Akihabara is a district of Tokyo that’s famous for being the center of Japanese pop culture and home to many electronics stores. It has also been referred to as “Electric Town” or “Akiba.” Recently, it has been gaining popularity for its anime, cosplay, and manga culture as well. The district is full of stores that sell everything from electrical appliances to pornography (yes). Many otakus or “geeks” hang out there since it’s a mecca for them, and it’s convenient because Akihabara also houses many restaurants.
Cute Food
One of the cutest foods in Japan would have to be onigiri, or “a rice ball.” It’s usually wrapped in seaweed and filled with a savory filling like katsuo (dried bonito) or ikura (salmon roe). It may sound a little weird, but we couldn’t get enough of it during our trip to Tokyo!
One of the cutest foods in Japan would have to be onigiri, or “a rice ball.” It’s usually wrapped in seaweed and filled with a savory filling like katsuo (dried bonito) or ikura (salmon roe). It may sound a little weird, but we couldn’t get enough of it during our trip to Tokyo!
Take a gamble in any Pachinko Restaurant
If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at pachinko! Don’t worry; it’s free. Pachinko is a popular Japanese game that is similar to pinball. You must pull the lever on the machine and have your little metal ball land in a hole to win prizes (like candy). Betting is optional, but you can use cash or tokens worth a certain amount of money. Just don’t lose your tokens!
If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at pachinko! Don’t worry; it’s free. Pachinko is a popular Japanese game that is similar to pinball. You must pull the lever on the machine and have your little metal ball land in a hole to win prizes (like candy). Betting is optional, but you can use cash or tokens worth a certain amount of money. Just don’t lose your tokens!
Maid cafés
Akihabara is the best place for these ”type coffees. The women with lolitas can always get them in some bars and stop men on the streets. Here kids have birthday parties, but they also are booked by middle-aged Japanese guys seeking kawaii. We asked about these cafés by a local, and they said that these are good for foreigners and tourists, but Japanese men shouldn’t go unless they consider it creepy and inappropriate. They said that it is a good place for vacation visitors, but it doesn’t work for Japanese because it’s too creepy for them to go there.
KFC for Christmas
The tradition was first started in the 1970s when the head of the first KFC manager heard that foreign people did not want any turkey Christmas. Not many Japanese people have the fun of the holidays, but the manager hopes they’d come across an ideal substitute. Good marketing kept the tradition alive, and you might have to order your KFC Christmas dinner weeks ahead or spend hours waiting at a table to get. In other Japanese food news, look at what made Japanese food great by eating some of the best school lunch menus in the world.
