Japan is a country where tradition meets innovation, and even everyday life often surprises visitors with its uniqueness. From unusual foods and creative technologies to quirky cultural practices, Japan has countless things that can’t be found anywhere else. For travelers, these experiences are part of what makes a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun so memorable and exciting.
If you’ve ever traveled to Japan, chances are you’ll come across things that exist only in the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Professional “Pushers” in the Subway
Japanese subways get so crowded during rush hours that there’s actually a job specifically for pushing people into the trains. This unusual job was first assigned to part-time students.
2. The World’s Most Expensive Melons
Even Japan’s famous square watermelons don’t come close in price to the Yubari King melons. In a 2008 auction, two melons sold for a staggering $24,000. The high price is due to their rarity, as they are grown in limited quantities on Hokkaido Island. As soon as they are harvested, distributors rush to purchase them.
3. Candy Flavored with Sake, Wasabi, Sweet Potatoes, or Chili Peppers
In Japanese, the name “Kit Kat” sounds like the phrase “You will surely win.” That’s why they are often given to students as a lucky charm before exams. Like many Japanese foods, Kit Kats come in the strangest flavors in the world—from chili pepper and wasabi to green tea and pear.
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4. A Wide Variety of Trains
Japan offers every kind of train you can imagine: classic, double-decker, ultra-fast bullet trains, driverless trains, and even themed ones like Thomas the Tank Engine. Some subway cars are exclusively for women to ensure safety.
5. Vending Machines That Sell Almost Anything
Vending machines are so common in Japan that you can buy almost anything from them—even ordinary onions or handwritten love letters.
6. Robot Pets for Children
Owning a real pet in Japan can cost as much as buying a new car. Because of this, many children are given robotic pets instead of real animals.
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7. No Rules About Giving Up Seats
On Japanese public transport, you are not expected to give up your seat for women, children, or the elderly. Whoever gets there first simply takes the seat.
8. The Art of Plastic Food Models
In Japanese restaurants, you’ll often see realistic-looking food displays. But they aren’t real—these dishes are actually crafted from plastic.
9. High-Tech Toilets
The control panels of Japanese toilets look like something out of a spaceship. They feature dozens of buttons that activate bidets or sprays, warm the seat, and even play music.
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10. Ice Cream Flavored with Noodles, Meat, or Beer
A trip to Japan isn’t complete without trying some of the country’s bizarre ice cream flavors. From ramen and beer to horse meat, these unusual tastes never fail to surprise visitors.
11. An Island “Ruled” by Rabbits
During World War II, rabbits were brought to Okunoshima Island for secret scientific experiments. After the program was abandoned, the rabbits were released. Today, the island is home to hundreds of rabbits and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
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Whether it’s tasting unexpected flavors, discovering unusual customs, or simply observing the little details of daily life, Japan offers endless opportunities to be amazed. These peculiar yet fascinating aspects of Japanese culture not only entertain visitors but also reflect the creativity and distinct lifestyle of the country. For anyone planning a journey, keeping an open mind will make exploring Japan even more rewarding.
