Visiting Japan might seem like going to an alien country! The country’s art, traditions, architecture, crafts, and culture are quite unique. The island country is submerged in a cultural ice bucket. From finding cartooned versions of everything to a permanently fixated smile on everyone, Japan can show you a galore of things, phenomena, and norms that may not feel normal to you. An unsuspecting tourist will be amused, enthralled, delighted, and awed by the technical wizardry, rich culture, spatial conundrums, and contradictions found here. Here is a compiled list of 30 unusual things that exist in Japan. 

1 Blue traffic lights are used instead of green in traffic signals in Japan.

When visiting Japan, if you find a blue traffic light instead of green, do not think that something is wrong with your vision! While for the rest of the world, green light means “go” and a red light means “stop,” in Japan, blue is used instead of green due to a strange language quirk. The reason for this is the fact that “midori”, the word for “green” in Japanese, did not exist until the 8th century. Traditionally, the color “ao” or “blue” was used to refer to both blue and green! (source)

2 In Japan, if a working day falls in between two public holidays, then it becomes an additional holiday by law. 

The Japanese are quite hard-working people, but they also know how to have fun and give time to their families. According to the “Act on Public Holidays,” implemented in 1948, a working day falling in between two public holidays automatically becomes a holiday by default. This additional holiday is also known as a “Citizen’s Holiday.” (source)

3 In Japan, smart, washlet toilets or “washlets” have features that even a very luxurious toilet won’t have.

The Japanese people are super-clean and efficient. Their smart, washlet toilets or “washlets” are only proof of that. It is normal to find a toilet equipped with a smorgasbord of features including temperature controls, perfumes, noise-covering sounds, and more! These futuristic toilets put other toilets to shame. The Japanese are “super-sophisticated” people even while exercising their daily bathroom rituals. (source)

4 Drainage canals in Japan are so clean that they even have koi fish swimming in them.

In most cities, drainage canals are the last place to expect thriving wildlife. But in Japan, everything is possible! The drainage canals in the city of Shimabara on Japan’s Kyushu Island are so clean that they are home to hundreds of pretty koi carp fishes. The volcanic activities of Mount Unzen resulted in an earthquake in 1792.

The tragic disaster triggered an abundance of freshwater springs. As a result, clean water began flowing in the city’s gutters. Koi fish need extremely clean water to survive. Their survival in these gutters is proof of the water quality. These fish further beautify the street gutters. This distinguished area is an example of the Japanese culture of harmony between man and nature. (1, 2)

5 Japan’s manhole covers are beautiful.

When in Japan, do not waste time on your phone while walking on the streets! You might miss little pieces of art that are literally everywhere! By everywhere, we even mean the manholes! The Japanese are so fond of art, beauty, and cleanliness that they have converted black metal manhole covers into beautiful pieces of art. Hinode Suido is the largest manhole manufacturer in Japan, producing almost 200 manhole covers in a day. (source) 

6 In Japan, “inemuri” is accepted and appreciated. It is the practice of sleeping in between work, meetings, or classes.

“Inemuri,” is a Japanese term that can be translated as the practice of sleeping in between work, meetings, classes, or in public. Sleeping at work is considered a sign of dedication to one’s work. It means that the person has stayed up late doing work or worked to the point of complete exhaustion. It is not only excusable but also appreciated. (source)

7 In Japan, you will find vending machines that sell everything.

You might have used a vending machine selling chips, snacks, or drinks, but have you ever come across vending machines that sell a new pair of underwear, a mask, hot and fresh pizza, a bouquet of flowers, and much more? Well, in Japan, you can find one just around the corner! Not only are they significant in making everything easily available to the people, but they also give a great side-business opportunity. (source) 

8 Capsule hotels are compact accommodations offering a clean bed to rest.

Capsule hotels in Japan literally take “compact” to the next level! These are cheap and cozy accommodations in the middle of crowded cities. The sleeping pods offer a clean, comfortable, and no-frills stay for those who are just seeking a place to crash. The first capsule hotel, “Capsule Inn Osaka,”  opened in 1979 in Osaka, Japan. These are very cheap accommodations usually priced between 18 to 37 USD per night. (source)

9 In Japan, it is common to find “love hotels” that provide much-needed privacy.

Japan’s infamous “love hotels” are unique and mysterious places charging prices per hour for a couple seeking privacy. Japan is way too crowded and to find some peace and seclusion is quite rare here. Tiny apartments and noisy neighbors can dampen your desires to bring someone home for a romantic escapade. Love hotels solve these issues, allowing discreet moments for intimacy and privacy. (source)

10 Kotatsu tables are eclectic-heated tables and blanket combos to help survive the Japanese cold in an energy-efficient way.

Most Japanese homes do not have a central heating system or insulated walls. But as the weather in winters gets too cold, the Japanese have come up with brilliant energy-efficient ideas to survive the chillness. “Kotatsu tables” provide an electric-heated table and blanket combo to anyone seeking a comfortable and cozy time to nap or refuel or both! (source)