Although every country is charming in its own way, Japan is one of those countries that surprises travelers. It’s the home of a lot of cities and a little bit of countryside, ancient temples and modern technology, with an air shower to remove the pollen from your hair or fried chicken in the vending machine. Japan is a country of over 123 million people, over 14,000 islands and iconic Mount Fuji, where there is an abundance of discoveries to be made.
Cake in a can via vending machine
Japan’s vending machines sell far more than drinks. One traveler found a can filled with layered cake, a sweet treat that has become one of the country’s more unusual vending machine finds.
Dinosaur benches in Fukui
Fukui Prefecture takes its dinosaurs seriously. Around 80% of Japan’s dinosaur fossils have been found there, and the region celebrates that history everywhere, including on benches shaped like prehistoric creatures and at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
Pop-out Customer Service at Japanese Train Stations
At some Japanese train stations, help can appear almost out of nowhere. A small window in the wall slides open and a staff member pops out to assist confused travelers, a design that surprises plenty of first-time visitors.
Tokyo public air shower clears pollen for allergy sufferers
Pollen allergies are a major problem in Japan each spring. In Tokyo, a public air shower was set up to blast pollen off people’s clothes, offering a little relief to hay fever sufferers on the go.
Train etiquette posters in Seibu railway
Quiet is expected on Japanese trains. A Seibu Railway etiquette poster reminds passengers to turn down their volume, part of a long-running series of creative manners posters seen across the country’s rail networks.
Ghibli Museum film-strip tickets
Tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, are made from real strips of film showing frames from Studio Ghibli movies. Every visitor gets a different scene, turning a simple ticket into a treasured souvenir.
A naturally heart-shaped lake
Toyoni Lake in Hokkaido is surrounded by forest and, seen from above, forms an almost perfect heart shape. It has become a popular spot for photographers and couples alike.
A deer couple in Nara
Nara is home to more than 1,000 free-roaming deer, which have long been considered sacred in local tradition. One photo shows a pair of them standing side by side, looking like an affectionate couple.
KitKat goes in paper
Nestlé Japan began switching some KitKat packaging from plastic to paper as part of an effort to reduce plastic waste. The paper wrappers can even be folded into origami, adding a playful touch.
Batman on a Chiba expressway
One driver in Chiba spotted Batman riding along the expressway. The costumed rider has become something of a local legend, often turning up at events and charity appearances in full superhero gear.
A pet hotel diary
One pet hotel in Japan goes the extra mile by keeping a journal of each pet’s stay, complete with notes and photos. Owners receive the diary when they pick up their pets, so they know exactly how their furry friend spent the time.
Phone-cleaning boxes
At some local fast food restaurants, shared smartphones and devices are cleaned in special disinfecting boxes. It is one of many examples of Japan’s strong focus on hygiene in public spaces.
A surprising orchestra in Shiga
In Shiga Prefecture, one traveler came across an unexpected orchestra of figures set up outdoors. It is the kind of quirky, creative display that makes exploring Japan’s smaller towns so rewarding.
A vending machine Statue of too much Liberty
Japan’s capsule toy machines, known as gachapon, sell all kinds of miniature collectibles. One traveler picked up a quirky, over-the-top take on the Statue of Liberty from one of these machines.
Life-size Gundam statues
Japan has built several life-size statues of the giant robots from the Gundam anime series. One fan proudly shared that they had finally visited all three, completing a dream mission for anime lovers.
