Top 10 Crazy Things That ONLY Exist in Japan

#10: Lack of Trash Cans

The source behind this entry isn’t necessarily what one might think. Cleanliness of Japan’s streets, parks, and so on basically falls within the realm of personal responsibility, since the country largely doesn’t employ many trash cans. The reason behind this stems from an infamous 1995 Sarin gas attack that caused Japanese legislators to rethink their garbage receptacle policies. Japanese citizens are generally expected to keep any trash on their person until they get home. This not only keeps streets free from loose garbage, but it also cuts down on bugs and pests that might be attracted to an open trash can.

#9: Live Animals at Markets

It’s important here to designate a difference between the sorts of markets found in Japan versus those “wet markets” that made headlines back during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The “live animals” for sale at these markets could be those of the “exotic” persuasion, such as hedgehogs or owls. Elsewhere, specialized cafes can provide interaction opportunities for those Japanese citizens who happen to live in one of the country’s many “no pets allowed” condos. Finally, some of the country’s niche markets offer certain, live reptiles for sale under conditions of… well, let’s go with “grey market” legality.

#8: Maid & Butler Cafes

It may seem like the subject of a romance novel or late-night movie, but no, role-playing cafes in Japan are definitely a thing. We’re speaking specifically of Akihabara and Ikebukuro cafes, where guests can receive the full monty of papered treatment. Have you ever dreamt of an “I Dream of Jeannie” fantasy, with a devoted maid referring to you as “master?” How about a dashing and debonair butler to sweep you off your feet while serving you the third course? It can all be yours at an Ikebukuro or Akihabara cafe… for a price.

#7: Double Valentines

We realize that Valentine’s Day means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but what if you got to celebrate it twice? Japan does acknowledge the February 14th holiday, and it’s here where women traditionally give their male partners chocolates or some other sort of present. A second holiday, known as “White Day,” then occurs a month later on March 14th, when those same men return the favor, usually with interest. This “double Valentine’s Day” has received some pushback from LGBTQIA+ activists within the country, who feel that the heteronormative tradition is exclusionary.

#6: Food You Didn’t Order

It’s known as otoshi: small plates or appetizers that are delivered prior to, or alongside, your first drink at one of Japan’s many specialized bars or cafes. Otoshi aren’t generally found at more traditional, sit-down restaurants, but are instead sort of micro-charges at places that make their money primarily from alcohol, rather than food. Tourists to the area might be taken aback at first by this tradition, but it’s important not to risk an awkward confrontation by trying to refuse otoshi. Just snack away and pay the extra fee at the end of your visit.

#5: Love Hotels

We all know what can go on in hotels, but who said all of that business needed to be risky business? There’s not really anything sleazy about Japan’s many “love hotels,” since they're designed with one very specific intention: privacy. These themed love nests are designed to be as discreet as possible, with no front desk clerks to deal with or awkward booking conversations. One simply selects, enters, and… well, does whatever they went there to do. We’re not here to judge. We just hope that both (all? every?) participant has a good time.

#4: Eating Whale

This one is very controversial, with a lot of socio-political discourse going around regarding the ethics of Japan’s history of whale-hunting and consumption. It’s also true that eating whale in Japan has decreased in popularity over the years, with some of the younger generation. That said, portions of whale meat can still be found within certain sections of the country for adventurous eaters, although tourists should be advised that whale meat contains mercury, which could prove dangerous. It’s unsure at this point how long Japan’s government-subsidized whaling lobby will continue to influence the country’s position on this contentious issue.

#3: All You Can Drink Booze

This is the sort of promotion that would probably be disastrous in other places, yet it somehow works in Japan. It’s known as nomihoudai, and provides guests of certain Japanese bars or lounges an “all you can drink” experience for a set period of time, usually around an hour-and-a-half or two hours. There are rules, however, i.e. no ordering four or five drinks at a time. Patrons must exchange their empty glass for a full one, with options such as beer, sake or mixed drinks included in the price. Elsewhere, some other bars might limit their nomihoudai menu to just one specific type of drink, but who cares? This practice sounds great to us. Where do we sign?

#2: Blue Traffic Lights

It’s tradition, once again, that dictates the usage of blue traffic lights for Japanese motorists. Actually, make that “bluish-green,” since the reason why the “go” sign for Japanese cars looks like this dates back to a 1973 order by the government. The nomenclature of “ao,” or “blue/green,” was one of the 4 main color designations from ancient Japan. That 1973 mandate ensured that traffic lights utilized a shade of “midori,” or green, that was as close to “ao” as possible… hence why it sort of looks like a mixture between the two colors.

#1: Beer & Smoke Vending Machines

Vending machine culture is a huge thing in Japan, a big business that totals over four million units. These machines make everything available at the touch of a button, including alcohol and cigarettes! This widespread availability also ties into the lenient Japanese laws governing both drinking in public as well as for smoking regulations in restaurants. It should be said, however, that tourists are unable to purchase smokes from a machine, since they require a certain card to prove the customer’s age. Meanwhile, public intoxication is actually quite common in Japan, a fact that not only ties into the availability of booze from a vending machine, but also that aforementioned nomihoudai!

Have you ever visited Japan? Let us know in the comments!