Here are some quirky and fascinating things you can only find in Japan that you should know about.

Japan is renowned not only for its rich traditional culture and refined lifestyle but also for its surprising and unique quirky things found only in Japan. If you ever visit Japan, be prepared to be amazed by the country's modern, distinctive way of life. In this article, Mytour highlights some of the fascinating features that are exclusive to Japan.

1. Foot bath on the Shinkansen Bullet Train

Not many people know that the Yamagata Shinkansen, which connects Fukushima and Shinjo, offers a special compartment with scenic views through the train window. This unique cabin even features a foot bath, allowing passengers to relax their feet while enjoying the stunning landscape outside. This is one of the quirky things found only in Japan that many tourists are unaware of.

Not everyone gets the chance to experience a foot bath on the Shinkansen Bullet Train (Image source: Collected)

2. Children in Japan go to school by themselves

If you're used to seeing parents escorting their young children to school in Vietnam, this is not the case in Japan. Children in Japan are taught independence from a very young age. They travel to and from school on their own without the need for parents to accompany them or take care of them.

Japanese children develop a strong sense of independence early on (Image source: Collected)

3. Elevator attendants

In Japan, when you visit a shopping mall, there's no need to press the elevator button to go up. Elevator attendants are already stationed, ready to take you to your requested floor. All you need to do is tell them where you want to go, and they'll escort you to the right floor. Although this is one of the quirky things only found in Japan, most visitors are highly impressed with the exceptional service provided.

Elevator attendants are always present to assist visitors (Image source: Collected)

4. Square-shaped melons

Square-shaped melons were first created 50 years ago by farmers in Kagawa Prefecture. However, due to their unique and eye-catching shape, square melons have gradually become a new symbol of Japan. To grow this distinctive fruit, farmers shape the melon inside a square iron mold, each side measuring 19 cm.

Square melons have become a trademark of Japanese culture (Image source: Collected)

However, the process of creating square melons presents more challenges and difficulties than regular melons. Specifically, there's a high risk of pests, cracking, deformation, and scratches. As a result, square melons are typically much more expensive in the market. According to the Japanese, square melons are considered a premium fruit and are often given as gifts to loved ones or business partners on special occasions.

5. Free tissue paper distribution

If you happen to receive a free pack of tissues while walking on the streets of Japan, don't be too surprised! These tissue distributors are often stationed on busy streets in Japan, both day and night.

This isn't just a free sample you might get at a supermarket; it's actually a clever advertising tactic used by companies. In fact, businesses have smartly used tissue packs to promote their brands. Every year, Japan spends about 100 billion yen (close to 1 billion dollars) on 5 billion tissue packs. It's safe to say that this is one of the quirky things only found in Japan that you won't find in any other country in the world.

In reality, distributing tissues on the streets is understood as a form of company and brand promotion (Image source: Collected)

6. Rice paddy art

It’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the unique arts you can only find in Japan. The combination of rice cultivation and fine art to create stunning rice paddy paintings has become a traditional cultural beauty in Japan. To produce these masterpieces, rice farmers carefully plant rice stalks interwoven with each other.

These paintings vary in theme and shape, and are skillfully created by farmers. Today, rice paddy art has become widespread throughout Japan. Over time, the art of carving pictures in rice fields has become one of the quirky things only found in Japan.

The art of painting in rice fields in Japan has a long history (Image source: Collected)

7. Smart toilets

You’ll be amazed by the incredible functionality of Japan’s high-tech toilets. Not only do they have basic features like a warm water spray, but some models come with advanced, modern functions. For instance, they include features like odor elimination, drying, heating, and even music. Many visitors returning from Japan can’t help but rave about, or even become ‘addicted’ to, these smart toilets.

8. Name plaques at house entrances

Some single-family homes in Japan still maintain the tradition of displaying a small nameplate of the household owner at the gate. You may notice this in European and American countries, where they also display house numbers and family names on mailboxes. However, you won’t find anywhere else where family names are carved into plaques in front of homes like in Japan.

The tradition of carving name plaques helps mail carriers deliver letters more easily (Image source: Collected)

9. KitKat in various versions

Although KitKat first debuted in the United Kingdom, Japan is the country with the highest consumption of KitKat. The Japanese love KitKat so much that the brand has had to create numerous limited-edition versions to satisfy their cravings.

These limited-edition flavors have contributed to the image of KitKat being a rare treat in Japan. Over the past 20 years, KitKat Japan has introduced 400 different flavors. On average, 40 new flavors are released each year.

Collecting KitKat when traveling in Japan has become one of the most popular experiences for international tourists (Image source: Collected)

It’s the rarity of KitKat’s limited-edition versions that makes it one of the most sought-after souvenirs for international travelers visiting Japan. In fact, many people have a hobby of collecting the unique flavors that can only be found in Japan's KitKat offerings.

10. Wearing face masks regularly

One of the quirky things only found in Japan is how frequently the Japanese use face masks, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. Especially during Japan’s pollen season, people are required to wear masks outdoors to protect themselves from pollen, dust, and bacteria. The habit of wearing face masks grew even more during the pandemic, gradually becoming a common practice for the Japanese when going outside.

Wearing face masks was already a common habit in Japan before the Covid-19 pandemic (Image source: Collected)

11. Wet towels

In Japanese restaurants, it's common to be offered a wet towel, known as “oshibori.” This soft, damp cloth is provided for guests to clean their hands and face while dining. Although this is a quirky tradition unique to Japan, the towel is considered a symbol of Japanese hospitality extended to visitors from afar.

12. Multi-story parking lots

Don't be too surprised if you come across a parking lot with dozens of cars stacked on top of each other. This is a common sight in Japan, where the country's small size and densely populated urban areas make multi-story parking lots a necessity to meet the needs of local residents.

Multi-story parking lots help the Japanese save more space and area (Source: Collected)

13. Randoseru backpacks

If you're a fan of anime or Japanese cartoons, you're probably already familiar with the Randoseru backpacks. Every elementary school student in Japan carries a Randoseru backpack to school, as it helps prevent poor posture and back problems.

These backpacks are made from the finest leather, giving them a lifespan of up to six years. Considered one of the quirky traditions unique to Japan, this is something you won't find in other countries.

14. Kotatsu Heating Table

A Kotatsu is a special heating table used in Japanese households, consisting of a low table covered by a thick blanket with a heater beneath. The Kotatsu helps keep the body warm during cold winter days.

The Kotatsu heating table has become more widely known around the world, thanks to its appearances in Japanese animated films. To foreign visitors, it is considered one of the quirky features unique to Japan that they encounter for the first time.

The Kotatsu heating table keeps you warm when the weather gets cold (Source: Collected)

15. Cold-Resistant Stickers

Kairo is the common name for cold-resistant stickers in Japan. These stickers are quite practical and are widely used by the Japanese, becoming an essential item during the cold seasons.

16. Dekotora Trucks

Dekotora is short for “decorated truck,” a term used to describe uniquely styled trucks. These vehicles are brightly painted, adorned with lights, and accessorized in extravagant ways. While the number of Dekotora trucks is decreasing, they still remain one of the quirky features unique to Japan.

Dekotora trucks are known for their unique and eye-catching designs, making them one-of-a-kind creations you won't find anywhere else (Source: Collected)

If you take a stroll around the streets of Japan, you'll still spot a few of these trucks on the highways. The owners of these Dekotora trucks often decorate them based on their personal tastes and aesthetic preferences. Each truck can be considered a one-of-a-kind creation, as no two are alike.

17. Capsule Hotels

When asked about one of the quirkiest things unique to Japan, a common answer would be the “capsule hotel.” At first glance, you might imagine tiny rooms resembling the shape of a capsule. And that's exactly what it is—a distinctive type of accommodation designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.

Although capsule hotels are relatively small in size, they offer great convenience and comfort (Source: Collected)

The capsule room was first introduced at the 1970 Osaka World Expo. This unique type of accommodation quickly attracted international visitors due to its affordability and high safety. Furthermore, staying in a capsule room gives guests an almost surreal feeling, as if they're traveling into a science fiction world.

18. Self-Service Vegetable Stalls

Though this quirky feature unique to Japan can only be found in rural areas, it has become a distinctive cultural trait. These vegetable stalls have no attendants. You simply pick out the vegetables you want and leave the money behind as payment. This system, based entirely on mutual trust, often surprises foreign visitors.

Customers can buy vegetables without the presence of a vendor (Source: Collected)

19. Love Hotels

As the name suggests, these hotels are a perfect haven for couples in love. What's more, the love hotels in Japan are designed with unique themes, including: a spinning lantern, a waterfall right in the room, a space shuttle, a train, and more.

One distinctive feature of these love hotels is that after selecting a room, customers simply pay through a window and receive the room key. In this scenario, neither the hotel staff nor the guests ever meet face-to-face. This not only ensures privacy but also helps guests feel at ease. Nowadays, many love hotels have even added automatic payment machines outside the rooms.

20. Otooshi-Style Ordering

Otooshi is a serving style where no order is needed. Thus, first-time visitors to Izakaya restaurants may be surprised or confused by this practice. A meal in an Otooshi restaurant typically begins with a small cup of sake. However, after a few sips, guests may be treated to additional tempting dishes. The Otooshi ordering method is also a way for restaurants to treat their customers as true "VIPs".

The Otooshi ordering style is sure to please any guest (Source: Collected)

This concludes the detailed information about quirky things that only exist in Japan. We hope that with the valuable insights from Mytour, you'll have a wonderful experience in the Land of the Rising Sun. For those interested in booking a Japan tour, please call our hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!