photo by Moyan Brenn
Sometimes Japanese people deal with things in a quite different way than in other nations’ way. It may be because Japan is separated from other lands by the sea. These things are nothing unusual for Japanese people but they often astonish foreigners. Here is a list of 10 incredible things about Japan that have surprised travelers from overseas. Check these out when you visit Japan.
High-tech Lifestyle
Toilets in Japan are often described as art objects in overseas and draw high praise for the cleanliness. Surprisingly, in the United States, there is a TV show that introduces Japanese toilets. Shower toilets and warm toilet seats, which are in most of Japanese homes, are not so common in other countries. It is rumored that the soft warmth of these Japanese toilet facilities captures the hearts of foreigners. In addition to toilets, an automated parking system, conveyor belt sushi, and vending machines seem to surprise travelers from overseas.
Top Grade Hospitality
Japan’s hospitality is renowned as world number one. No tip required to get a respectful customer service with smile. They never make customers uncomfortable. For example, a waiter/waitress regularly visits your table to pour water in your glass, or sets a high chair for your little one in a restaurant. Also shop staff makes all the paper money face the same way, or put the hand under the other hand holding coins when she gives a customer change. Also, it is not just shop staff who are polite. Customers thank shop staff for their service too and they don’t even count the change. Such common habits and trust to shop staff also seem very surprising for foreigners.
Exactly on Time
You might think Japanese people are very punctual. However, some says they used to be quite tardy up to around 1940. In complete contrast, modern Japanese have become an exceptionally punctual nation in the world. It may come from the accuracy of public transports in Japan. As you know, Japanese bullet train Shinkansen arrives and departures exactly on time without a single minute delay. This might feel a little crazy for travelers from overseas.
Super Clean Cities
The cleanliness of Japanese cities without rubbish tossed on the streets seems to be a great surprise for many foreign tourists. Most Japanese people feel guilty if they litter on the street. They are so biddable that they just put rubbish in a trash can if they can find one. Such characteristics of the nation may be the reason why cities in Japan are so clean and tidy.
Careless Behaviors on the Train
It is most likely that you witness people sleeping on the train during the night in Japan. Some throw themselves on the floor drunk, some are reclining toward a passenger sitting next to them. Foreign travelers might wonder “Wow, is it acceptable?” at such a series of bizarre scenes. However, other Japanese passengers generally stay tolerant of them. They kindly let those over tired sleepers rest, pass around those who sleeping on the floor not to step on them, and even let them rest on the shoulder… Of course, most of the sleepers wake up with all their valuables safely on them. It is only in Japan people can behave like this.
Vending Machines Everywhere
Not just in a city, but even in a remote rural area, you have an access to vending machines. This is just a common daily scene but seems quite surprising to foreigners. Juices, cigarettes and alcohol drinks are most common items. Even “oden” – kind of hot-pot, ramen noodles or bananas are available from vending machines 24/7. Also those vending machines are well maintained and reliable. You never get disappointed by troubles like items or change are not coming out from a slot, food or drink at inappropriate temperature, or expired items.
Wild Drinking Habit
Japanese people often go wild when they get drunk. It may be because they work too hard then get quite stressed-out. A typical image of Japanese drunk is a guy with his necktie tied around his head. No one knows why it is so, but this image has certainly been passed down for generations.
Rush Hour Madness
So packed, so orderly and so quiet. It is almost spooky to foreigners.
The Lowest Crime Rates
Japan is renowned for its well-maintained law and order. Japan has exceptionally lower crime rates compare to the other advanced countries. Women can walk around by themselves at night time. Lost properties often get returned to its owners.
Truly Convenient Convenience-Stores
You know what. There are 50,000 convenience-stores squashed into Japan’s tiny land. More than that, the number of convenience-stores in this country is still growing. You can get whatever you want whenever you want it. They provide ATM, process bill payments and courier service. They are great 24 hours service providers in our local town.
That’s All Folks
Japanese people are well-organized as well as shy. But they are keen to welcome people from outside Japan. Occasionally they might act in an unexpected way, but let’s be willing to overlook it.
