Japan, the land of the rising sun, is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and technological advancements. But beneath the surface, there lies a world of quirky and fascinating oddities that can only be found in this captivating country. Join us as we explore some of the weird and wonderful things that make Japan truly unique.
Houses with Nameplates: Personalizing Addresses
In Japan, navigating the streets can be a puzzling experience for foreigners. With ancient roads and a complex street system, individual street names often become redundant. Instead, neighborhoods are divided into blocks known as “chome” or “chomi.” This arrangement leads to houses on different streets sharing almost identical addresses. So, how do mailmen and delivery guys find the exact house they’re looking for? The answer lies in the use of personalized nameplates. Just like how kindergarten teachers learn the names of their students, these nameplates display the homeowner’s surname, either in Japanese characters or the English alphabet. They serve as a personal touch and even become a status symbol for some, with extravagant nameplates being seen as a mark of prestige.
Food You Didn’t Order: The Curious World of Otoshi Dishes
Getting served the wrong food at a restaurant can be frustrating, but in Japan, it’s a whole different story. When dining out, be prepared to receive food you didn’t order. Enter “otoshi” dishes, compulsory appetizers that act as a cover charge and bridge the gap between appetites and the main meal. These pre-prepared dishes can include spicy octopus, stewed edamame beans, potato salad, and more. While it may initially throw you off, embrace the element of surprise and let your taste buds embark on an unexpected culinary adventure.
Energy Drink Topia: A Nation Fueled by Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are popular worldwide, but in Japan, they reach a whole new level of obsession. Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores are stocked with an array of tantalizing energy drink options, often taking the form of small medicine-like tonics packed with vitamins and nutrients. From lipovatin d, loaded with taurine, vitamin B, and caffeine, to lemon and orange-flavored vitamin C supplements, these energy drinks provide a powerful kick of life to the drowsy worker or sleepless partier. So, when in Japan, embrace the energy drink topia and fuel your adventures with a boost of vitality.
All You Can Drink Alcohol: Cheers to a Bargain
Japan is known for its unique dining experiences, and “all you can drink” alcohol courses are no exception. Designed for friends and co-workers to have a good time without worrying about overspending, these courses offer a fantastic deal. For as low as 3000 yen (about $25), you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing beer, wine, cocktails, sours, and more. With food also included, it’s a hard bargain to pass up. Gather a group of friends, indulge in the vibrant nightlife districts like Shibuya and Roppongi, and raise your glass to a night of merry memories.
Public Intoxication: Where Drinking in Public is Embraced
In many countries, drinking in public is strictly prohibited, but in Japan, it’s a different story. While public intoxication can still lead to trouble, Japanese manners and a deep respect for others prevent most from going overboard. You’ll see travelers purchasing beer for the train, college students gathering for drinks in parks, and even impromptu street parties in nightlife districts. With Japanese streets being fun and safe places to be, drinking in public adds an element of conviviality and turns any time into a cause for celebration.
Uber Expensive Fruit: A Feast for the Eyes and Wallet
Japan takes fruit appreciation to a whole new level with its uber expensive fruits. In a country where presentation is paramount, it’s no surprise that square watermelons have become iconic – albeit expensive – delicacies, costing upwards of 15,000 yen (approximately $140) each. But the extravagance doesn’t stop there. From jet black Densuke watermelons selling for a record-breaking 650,000 yen ($6,000) to ping pong ball-sized Ruby Roman grapes starting at 40,000 yen ($365) per bunch, these fruits push the boundaries of taste and price. What makes them so costly? Well, that’s a story for another time.
Themed Trains: Traveling in Style and Whimsy
When it comes to train travel, Japan knows how to spice things up. Forget about mundane experiences; Japan’s themed trains take travel to a whole new level. From the Genbi Shinkansen, adorned with installations by prominent artists, to the Toriyo Tsubasa offering breathtaking scenic views, there’s a theme train for every taste. Anime and game-inspired trains, like Pokemon With You and Ken Sonuma, transport passengers into whimsical worlds. These trains feature everything from cozy fireplaces, open roofs, and playgrounds to gourmet meals, sake tastings, and more. So, hop on board and embark on a journey filled with creativity, comfort, and endless excitement.
Made in Butler Cafes: Where Fantasy Meets Reality
Step into the world of made in butler cafes, where impeccably dressed Japanese maids and butlers entertain guests with songs, dances, and performances. Found in Tokyo’s otaku hub of Akihabara, these cafes take service and cuteness to the next level. With super cute food covered in sauce illustrations of cats and love hearts, it’s a treat for both the eyes and taste buds. Experience the fusion of fantasy and reality as you immerse yourself in the charming and whimsical atmosphere of these unique establishments.
Yuru Kiara: The Mascot Mania
From schools and universities to sports teams, mascots are no strangers to representing organizations. In Japan, mascots, known as “yuru kiara,” take on a whole new level of popularity. Every single town and city in Japan has its own yuru kiara, representing everything from tourist attractions to regional products. These mascots range from cute and funny to downright bizarre, capturing the hearts of locals and garnering attention from around the world. While hit or miss, these mascots play a significant role in promoting various regions, and their influence and popularity should not be underestimated.
Blue Traffic Lights: Lost in Translation
When navigating the streets of Japan, you might notice something peculiar: the traffic lights appear green, but the locals refer to them as blue. This curious discrepancy stems from the Japanese language traditionally making little distinction between the colors green and blue. The word “ao,” translated as blue in English, was historically used to describe both green and blue. Even though modern Japanese uses the word “midori” specifically for green, the traffic light system still bears the influence of the blurred distinction. Technically, the color of the Japanese traffic light is a shade of green, but the perception remains that it’s more on the blue side. It’s a linguistic quirk that adds a touch of intrigue to Japan’s everyday life.
Free Tissue: Advertisement and Hospitality
Wandering the streets of Japan’s major transit hubs, you’ll likely come across a unique form of advertising: free tissues. Displaying a company’s logo and information, these tissues are a hospitable way to promote a brand while ensuring that you rarely find yourself without tissues while touring Japan. It’s a small gesture that showcases Japan’s commitment to hospitality and consideration for the needs of visitors.
Japanese Super Toilets: The Height of Toilet Technology
Japan is renowned for its technological prowess, and even its toilets boast impressive features. Washlets, as they are commonly known, come equipped with a smorgasbord of high-tech functions. With backside sprays, adjustable water temperatures, built-in perfumes, and even music to mask any noise, these super toilets put others to shame. While the initial experience can be overwhelming, using a washlet becomes a pleasant and hygienic affair. So, embrace the future of restroom technology and bid farewell to the need for toilet paper.
Crocodile Meat at School: A Unique School Lunch
Japan constantly surprises with its culinary offerings, and one standout example is the inclusion of crocodile meat in school lunches. Toyanaka, a city in western Japan, served crocodile patties and croquettes as part of a promotional event aimed at sparking children’s interest in school lunches. Inspired by the city’s mascot character, Mashikanekun, named after the extinct crocodile, this unique addition delighted students and added an adventurous touch to their dining experience. While not an everyday occurrence, indulging in crocodile meat at school is a rare opportunity that few can claim.
Prison-Themed Dining: From Alcatraz to the Lockup
Japan never shies away from unique restaurant concepts, and prison-themed dining establishments have captured the imagination of many. Alcatraz, a now-closed restaurant themed after the infamous prison, created an ambiance reminiscent of a prison hospital, complete with dining in cells and being served with hospital equipment. Although Alcatraz has closed its doors, the void was quickly filled by The Lockup, another prison-themed restaurant that embraces the same intriguing concept. And if sitting on a toilet while dining is more your style, Japan has that covered too. Quirky restaurants cater to all tastes and immerse diners in unconventional experiences.
Unveiling the eclectic and eccentric side of Japan is always an adventure. From personalized nameplates and unexpected otoshi dishes to themed trains and super toilets, this captivating country never ceases to surprise and delight. So, embrace the quirky, immerse yourself in the unique, and let Japan’s oddities unfold before your eyes. Discover a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the unconventional becomes the norm. Visit Japan, a land filled with unforgettable experiences and endless wonders.
