29 Fascinating and Unusual Things You Can Only Find in Japan

1. Square Watermelons

In the 1970s, a Japanese graphic designer invented square watermelons, primarily to make them easier to store in a fridge and to simplify cutting. Farmers grow these watermelons inside square containers, which forces the fruit into that shape. While they are often more expensive than regular watermelons and are generally not eaten, they make for an attractive decorative piece or a quirky gift.

2. Ramen Noodle Bath

At the Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone, visitors can bathe in ramen noodles and pork broth. While this may seem odd to many, the Japanese believe that the collagen-rich pork soup provides benefits for the skin, making it a popular experience for those looking to relax while indulging in a distinctly Japanese bath.

3. Unusual Kit-Kat Flavors

Japan is famous for its inventive and unexpected Kit-Kat flavors. The country offers a vast selection of these chocolates in flavors like chili pepper, wasabi, sweet potato, grilled corn, and even salt watermelon. These unique variations highlight Japan's love for experimentation with food, making the ordinary chocolate bar a true adventure for your taste buds.

4. Fake Food Displays

In many Japanese restaurants, you’ll find hyper-realistic plastic or wax replicas of the dishes on the menu. These lifelike food displays are used to attract customers and often look just as delicious as the real thing. Surprisingly, these fake foods can cost more than the actual dishes they represent, showcasing the artistry and attention to detail in Japan’s culinary presentation.

5. Rabbit Island (Okunoshima Island)

Okunoshima Island, also known as "Rabbit Island," is home to a large population of wild rabbits that freely roam the island. These rabbits were initially brought to the island for scientific experiments in the 1940s but were later released and multiplied. Now, the island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who want to feed and interact with the fluffy inhabitants.

6. Purikura Machines

Purikura are photo booths with a twist. While photo booths exist all over the world, Japan’s purikura machines allow you to instantly edit your photos, adding fun stickers, backgrounds, and even texts. You can also send the edited photos to your phone, making it a social experience that has become a favorite pastime among friends.

7. People Pushers in Subways

During rush hours, Japan’s subway stations become incredibly crowded, often to the point where people are pushed into trains to make room for more passengers. Specially hired “pushers” help cram passengers into the train cars, ensuring that everyone fits before the doors close. This unique practice speaks to the efficiency and crowd management that Japan is known for.

8. Umbrella Parking

In Japan, umbrellas are treated with the same care and attention as bicycles. Many buildings, especially government offices, have umbrella racks where you can "park" your umbrella. These systems prevent puddles from forming on the floors and ensure that no one walks off with your umbrella in the process.

9. Vending Machines Galore

Japan is home to over 5 million vending machines. These machines are not limited to drinks and snacks; you can find vending machines selling everything from live lobsters to underwear! The vending machine culture in Japan reflects the country’s fast-paced lifestyle, where convenience is key.

10. Godzilla's Citizenship

In 2015, the city of Tokyo officially granted Godzilla citizenship in the Shinjuku ward. As part of his honorary role, Godzilla was made a tourism ambassador for the city, and a massive Godzilla head—171 feet above ground—was placed on the Toho movie studio building. This playful nod to pop culture shows Japan’s unique sense of humor and appreciation for iconic movie monsters.

11. Train Delays Make Headlines

Japan is known for its punctuality, and any train delay, even if it’s just five minutes, is taken very seriously. In fact, the railway company might issue an official certificate for passengers who were affected by the delay, and if the delay is longer than an hour, a public apology might be printed in newspapers. The country’s commitment to timeliness is a point of pride.

12. Silent Karaoke

For those who want to sing their heart out but don’t want to disturb others, Japan offers a solution: "silent karaoke." This is a special microphone with a cone that muffles the sound of your voice, allowing you to sing without disturbing the peace—perfect for shy karaoke lovers and those who want to practice in private.

13. Polite Slurping

In many countries, slurping while eating is considered rude, but in Japan, it’s the opposite. Slurping your noodles or soup is seen as a sign of appreciation for the food and is often done to indicate that the meal is delicious and enjoyed. If you don’t slurp, it may even signal that the food is cold or unappetizing.

14. Face Napkins

Japanese fast-food chains have a clever solution for messy eaters: face napkins. When you order a burger, a special napkin is provided to cover your face, allowing you to eat without worrying about ketchup or mustard stains. It’s a fun and practical way to enjoy a meal without the embarrassment.

15. Water-Saving Sinks

In Japan, sustainability and efficiency are important. Some toilets feature water-saving sinks that are positioned right above the toilet tank. After washing your hands, the water flows into the tank, which is then used to flush the toilet. This clever system helps conserve water and promotes eco-friendly practices.

16. Strange Mayo

Japanese mayo isn’t very different in terms of ingredients, but it’s often used in unusual ways. While most people use mayo for salads, sandwiches, or dressings, the Japanese often use it as a topping for ice cream or pancakes. This surprising use of mayo highlights Japan’s creativity in food pairings.

17. Naps at Work (Inemuri)

In Japan, taking a nap at work is not only accepted but encouraged. Known as "inemuri," these power naps are seen as a sign of dedication and hard work. The belief is that if someone is tired enough to sleep at their desk, they must be putting in long hours and showing commitment to their job.

18. World's Shortest Escalator

The escalator at More’s Department Store in Kawasaki holds the record for being the shortest in the world. With only five steps and a height of just 33 inches, it offers a quirky and humorous attraction for visitors in the city.

19. Canned Food Restaurant

Japan has embraced the idea of canned food restaurants, where diners can enjoy a wide variety of food—only from cans. The restaurants serve up over 300 different varieties of canned meals from around the world, allowing visitors to try everything from baked beans to fish stew without ever having to open a can themselves.

20. Doll Village in Nagoro

Nagoro, a small village in Japan, has a population of less than 40 people, but it is home to over 300 life-sized dolls made by local artist Tsukimi Ayano. The dolls represent former villagers and are displayed in different scenes, including a classroom of students and people engaged in various activities. The dolls are both a tribute to the past and a way to remember the community's history.

21. Avoiding the Number 4

In Japanese culture, the number 4 is considered unlucky because its pronunciation is similar to the word for death. As a result, buildings often skip the fourth floor, and certain products and services avoid using the number in their designs or offerings.

22. Blue Traffic Lights

Instead of green, traffic lights in Japan are blue. The reason for this dates back to ancient times when there was no distinction between blue and green in the Japanese language. The traffic lights were originally green but were referred to as blue, and to maintain consistency, the government used the bluest shade of green possible.

23. Cleaning Classes for Kids

In Japan, children are taught to clean as part of their education. Schoolchildren clean their classrooms, hallways, and even bathrooms, as it is believed to promote responsibility and teamwork. The practice is an essential part of shaping young, diligent citizens.

24. Footbath Train

On the Tsudoi tourist train from Nagoya to Yunoyama Onsen, travelers can enjoy a relaxing ride with a footbath. The train is equipped with aromatic cypress wood footbaths filled with warm spring water, allowing passengers to soak their feet while enjoying the scenic journey.

25. Futuristic Toilets

Japanese toilets are famously high-tech. These toilets have multiple functions such as heated seats, bidet-like sprays for cleaning, and even built-in music players. These advanced features offer comfort and privacy, making bathroom time a more enjoyable experience.

26. Unusual Ice Cream Flavors

Japan is home to some of the most unusual ice cream flavors you’ll ever encounter. From horse meat to cactus, squid ink, and even garlic, the Japanese embrace bold combinations and quirky tastes in their frozen treats.

27. Space-Saving Parking Lots

Given Japan's dense population and limited space, parking can be a challenge. The solution? Multi-level, space-efficient parking systems that can store cars in a relatively small area. These smart parking lots maximize space without sacrificing functionality.

28. Robot-Run Hotels

In Nagasaki, the Henn-na Hotel (meaning "strange" in Japanese) is staffed almost entirely by robots. These humanoid robots greet guests, carry luggage, clean rooms, and even serve coffee. While there are still human workers on-site to supervise and maintain the robots, this hotel is an example of Japan’s fascination with robotics.

29. Café Companions

In Japan, it’s not uncommon to sit down alone in a café and be accompanied by a giant plush toy. Some cafes provide large Moomin dolls for customers to sit with, creating a unique social experience for those who want a comforting companion while they eat.