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5 Quirky and Interesting Facts about Japan

September 3, 2016 by Nomadic BoysLeave a Comment

Interesting facts about Japan Stefan

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!

Facts about Japan X sign for bill

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.

Vending machines one of 1 interesting facts about Japan

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:

Expensive fruit interesting fact about Japan

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:

Loud bright adverts Tokyo metro

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.

Interesting facts Japan futuristic toilets

Guess which button plays some Adele?

Read more about the Nomadic Boys’ Japanese adventures in their gay Tokyo article.

Related posts:

Visiting Narita and Tokyo Experience the Epic Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan On The Cheap – How Expensive Is Japan? Hanging out in Narita Japan The Pottery Village in the Mountains of Japan

Filed Under: Asia · Tagged: Asia, Coffee, Culinary travel, Ice Cream, Japan, Music, Restaurants

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