Many parts of the culture of Japan are often viewed as a bit odd by western visitors. It is not only the language and customs you may find a bit different from back home, there are a few other odd parts to Japanese society that can make any trip to Japan fun, with a new experience around every corner.
In many high-traffic areas, especially around Shibuya and Shinjuku, tissue packs are a fascinating form of advertising. These small plastic packages, covered with promotional messages,…
The Japanese animated art form known as anime dates back to 1917, when Oten Shimokawa created the first anime film. This short, five-minute feature was…
Capsule hotels are one of the most unique forms of accommodation found anywhere in the world. They consist of small cubicles, typically less than a…
If you visit youth-focused areas like Tokyo’s Akihabara and Harajuku or Osaka’s Amerika-Mura, it won’t be long before you come across cosplay. Cosplay refers to…
The Japanese fascination with cute characters is everywhere, from shop signs to everyday objects. This love of all things adorable is known as “kawaii” culture,…
Seeing a sign that reads “Dog Café,” you might be alarmed and think, Oh no, they’re eating Fido!—but nothing could be further from the truth.
Gashapon are vending machine capsule toys that have become a beloved part of Japanese popular culture. Found throughout the country, these machines dispense small toys…
Hostess clubs, or kyabakura, have been a major part of Japan’s nightlife scene for decades and remain a popular form of entertainment for men. In…
You don’t have to be in Japan long before you encounter J-Pop—it’s blaring at full blast from almost everywhere. J-Pop has become an integral part…
Japan is renowned for its unique blend of modernity and tradition, but one of its more unique dining attractions lies in the heart of its…
Japan’s car scene isn’t just about cutting-edge technology and high-performance machines—it’s also home to some of the most delightfully odd and creatively styled vehicles in…
Any first-time visitor to Japan may experience a bit of cuteness overload, as it is quite common for Japanese companies, government agencies, and even the…
Some Japanese toilets are an attraction in their own right, boasting a range of technological features that can surprise—or even alarm—first-time users.
Karaoke is one of Japan’s most popular entertainment pastimes, with over 50 million people enjoying it at more than 15,000 karaoke box venues across the…
Love hotels are so named because they are typically used by young couples seeking privacy or by Japanese sex workers. These hotels often feature discreet…
Maid cafés are one of Japan’s most distinctive and quirky subcultures, offering a themed dining experience where staff dressed as maids serve customers with exaggerated…
Manga cafés, or manga kissa, are a unique aspect of Japanese culture, offering more than just a place to read comics. They serve as multifunctional…
Pachinko is a gambling device that combines elements of a pinball machine and a video poker machine. Pachinko parlours are widespread throughout Japan.
Many restaurants in Japan display plastic food models of their dishes outside the restaurant or in their windows. These incredibly realistic models look convincing enough…
Snack bars (スナックバー or simply “snakku”) are a uniquely Japanese style of casual drinking establishment that blend the roles of bar, lounge, and social club….
Sumo wrestling is a full-contact competitive sport in which two usually giant wrestlers, or rikishi, battle within a circular ring. However, sumo is more than…
The Japanese have a fascination with unique ice cream flavours, and we’re not just talking about chocolate or strawberry—there are some truly unusual and even…