Japan is one of our favourite countries in Asia. They just get it right in every way, whether it’s the outstanding customer service, the UNESCO listed cuisine (you read right!) or the jaw dropping temples. Japan’s nailed it.
There’s a quirky side to the country as well which adds to its charm. Here’s our 5 favourite interesting facts about Japan:
1. Make an X sign to get the bill
Instead of pretending to scribble something on a notepad with your hand to gesture to the waiter for the bill, in Japan do this X sign with your fingers and voila!
Make this X sign in a restaurant to signal for the bill
2. Vending machines
Japan has a 1:23 ratio of people to vending machines.
There are 5.6 million vending machines in the country to meet the needs of over 127 million people. They are everywhere and sell just about everything from cold coffee drinks, condoms, ice cream, pizzas and a whole lot more.
One of many pretty vending machines in Tokyo
3. Expensive fruits: $130 melon!
Fruit is big BIG business in Japan. They’re not just fruit, but super fruit, grown in such intricate and controlled conditions, to be given as a gift. The Japanese love giving gifts and these super fruit make the ideal present for someone to truly show your appreciation.
This was a $130 melon we stumbled on in a convenience store in Tokyo:
Sebastien holding up a 14,000 yen ($130) melon
4. Loud IN YER FACE advertising
Adverts in Japan are usually loud, camp, and extremely colourful. More often than not, it features young, excitable school girls, like some of these adverts.
Your commute in the busy Tokyo metro will be brightened up with ads like these:
One of many loud, bright adverts in the Tokyo metro
5. Futuristic toilets
The toilets in Japan are like something from the future.
Want to just flush and leave? Think again. You are faced with the option to have numerous different power sprays amongst other delights. Some of them even play music to hide any (ahem!) sounds.
Guess which button plays some Adele?
Read more about the Nomadic Boys’ Japanese adventures in their gay Tokyo article.
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