10 Eye-opening Facts About Japan That Leave Travelers in Awe
When we travel to places we’ve never been, we expect to get some culture shock or be immersed in a way of life totally different from what we know. If we don’t go with open minds, we don’t expect to see anything new. But if our minds are open, we’re also open to new experiences. That’s the beauty of travel: moving away from our comfort zone and seeing what’s on the other side of the fence.
In some cases, however, the places we visit are so different from what we know that the experience stays with us. Japan is a good example. It’s a beautiful country with some ways of life that wouldn’t make sense to someone from the U.S. but are totally normal for the Japanese. Many travelers find their culture interesting and share some of their experiences.
1. Wrong Turn
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
One night, a traveler and their friend missed the train and took a taxi to commute to their destination. Their total expenses came out to be about 20,000 yen, but their driver refused to take them all, insisting that he’d only take about 16,000 because he took a route that caused an overcharge and he wouldn’t take it. The visitor was shocked by the honesty of the Japanese people.
2. Ask Me Anything
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A visitor and their colleague returned from work one Friday evening and went to a cafe to relax. They approached the counter asking for a beer, and the bartender was so eager to help that they took them to look for a beer parlor meters away, leaving the counter to their colleague.
3. Why Would Anybody Do That?
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
An investor was walking down a country road when he saw buckets of freshly picked fruits and a jar of money. He asked his father-in-law, a native Japanese speaker, what it was for. The older man explained that the fruits were for sale, and the buyers left their money in the jar. He was amazed by this and asked other locals what if someone came and took some fruits without paying. They were surprised and replied, “Why would anybody do it?” It was just an alien idea to them.
4. I’ll Take You Anywhere, Sir
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A caregiver who had traveled for the first time went hiking on Mount Fuji. They lost their way and had no map or cell phone. So they approached a stranger and asked for directions to a railroad. The stranger gave them a ride to the train station, which took more than an hour, and refused any money they offered. This incredible act of service left them in awe.
5. Have Another One, Mister
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A visitor from India went to grab a bite with his friends at an eatery one evening. The server accidentally lost their balance and dropped the drinks on the floor, splashing some of the contents on their friend’s shirt. They apologized over and over for it and helped the visitor clean up. The group visited the same eatery to have breakfast the next morning, and the same server apologized again and presented the visitor with another shirt similar to the one that had been ruined the previous day. The group was shocked.
6. This Is My Safe Place
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
An international student studying in Japan marveled at the country’s safety level. It is not a rare thing to see children walking alone to school or women walking alone at night without fear of being attacked. A low crime rate and a strong sense of respect for others are deeply rooted in their culture. They confidently said that Japan is one of the safest places on earth.
7. For You Sir? Anything
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A computer programmer once went to a Japanese hotel with his patrons and told the servers that he was a vegan. They cooked special vegan food for him separately, and it was no inconvenience.
8. Advancement in Technology
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Japan is at the forefront of modern technology. They also have vending machines for almost anything. These machines dispense items including pizzas, canned shirts, umbrellas, snacks, soups, flowers, batteries, and other items.
9. Hands-Free
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Japan also has high-tech bathrooms. They are often equipped with heated automatic seats to keep people warm during the cold winter season. You don’t even have to use toilet paper to wipe yourself clean. The bidet toilets help wash and clean private areas. Toilets also have sensors that detect when the user leaves the seat, and the seats automatically return to their original position. They also have deodorizers ensuring that the bathroom smells fresh.
10. We’re Here for You, Stranger
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
On a bustling weekend night, a young man commuting by train had a co-passenger who was so intoxicated that she threw up on the train. The other commuters provided her with paper napkins and plastic bags. Regardless of her condition, the lady cleaned up the mess and apologized to the other passengers.
