- Have you ever been across the sea to Japan?
The weirdest things about Japan are pretty different from here in the US. Did you know about these Japan-specific things?
Security Assistants On The Platform In The Morning
Mornings in the major cities become somewhat of a battlefield when it comes to catching the train. It seems impossible to get in bit an assistant will come and push you in. Crazy right? But railway companies actually hire extra security assistants, helping hundreds of thousands of passengers. Seems a little wild right, but they know what they’re doing so just let them.
Flushing A “V” Sign When Taking Photos
This weird body gesture has become world famous and yes, it really does happen once the camera comes out. Using this gesture in photos may actually make you feel like you’ve become Japanese. So what do you think? Would you try this “look” for pictures as one of the weirdest things that people in Japan do?
Holding Doors Open For Others
This is something you won’t see in Japan. No one thinks you will hold the door for them and no one will do it for you either. If you’re in Japan and you hold the door for someone, they will most definitely be surprised. You don’t even have to open and close your own taxi door, it’s automatic, and will open and close for you.
“Irasshai Mase” Shouting In A Restaurant
This is a century old tradition for workers at restaurants to welcome guests but shouting “Irasshai Mase.” Sometimes you won’t even get a smile, but you’re sure to get a shout! As you exit, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear another shout, “Arigato gozaimashita!” as a farewell. This is one of the weirdest things about going out to eat in Japan but it seems festive and fun! What do you think?
Best Food In Basement Drug Stores
You know that saying about “hole in the wall restaurants with the best food” here in the states? Apparently, that applies to Japan as well. The best food can be found underground in Japan, especially if you’re after exclusive food and drinks. You can visit the “Depachika,” also known as basements of department stores. The best of the high end department stores with great Depachika include Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya and Iseta.
Wearing A Mask In Public
This is not strange overseas and has been a regular practice for a long time. People with a “surgical mask” on are either protecting others from their own germs or protecting themselves from other germs. However, because of the pollution, this practice has been standard forever and not one of the weirdest things about Japan, at least not to the people who live there.
Naked Hot Springs And Public Bathhouses
In various countries, you can visit hot springs or bathhouses in a swimsuit. But, that’s not the case for Japan. You are expected to go in your birthday suit and observe the basic rules, being:
- Take off ALL your clothes before going inside an onsen room.
- Wash yourself thoroughly first, ideally with a wash towel, before entering the water.
- Enter the water quietly (never jump in) and NEVER take the wash towel inside the water with you (except that you have it on the top of your head, not touching the water).
Would you visit one of these in Japan, knowing all the rules?
What do you think of the weirdest things about Japan? Let me know in the comments!