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1. The Silence on Trains
One of the most surprising and unexpected moments during my trip to Japan was the overwhelming silence on trains. I had seen videos and travel vlogs showing Japan’s advanced train system, from the iconic Shinkansen to sleek metro lines. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was just how quiet the entire experience would be. As a traveler coming from a country where public transportation is often filled with chatter, music, or phone conversations, stepping into a Japanese train felt almost surreal.
Passengers sit or stand in near silence, many of them immersed in their phones, reading, or simply gazing out the window. Even during rush hour in Tokyo, when trains are packed wall-to-wall, there’s a remarkable level of calm and quiet. There’s no loud talking, no phone calls, and certainly no music blasting from speakers or earbuds. If someone receives a call, they’ll usually silence it and avoid answering until they’re off the train.
This social norm is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where public spaces are often treated with a high level of respect. The idea is not to disturb others or draw attention to oneself. Signs in the trains even request that passengers set their phones to “manner mode,” and many will discreetly cover their mouths if they have to sneeze or cough. It’s this kind of collective awareness that creates such a peaceful commuting experience.
At first, the silence felt a bit awkward. I instinctively reached for my phone to check something and felt oddly self-conscious about the tapping sounds of my fingers. But after a few rides, I began to appreciate the tranquility. It offered a chance to decompress, reflect, or simply enjoy the rhythm of the journey without distractions.
If you’re used to more vibrant and noisy transportation systems, this might be one of those “This is not what I imagined” moments. But it’s a quiet charm that quickly grows on you—and one that you’ll likely miss once you return home.
2. Vending Machines Everywhere
One of the most surprising discoveries during my trip to Japan was just how many vending machines are scattered across the country. I expected to see a few in train stations or near convenience stores, but the sheer density of vending machines was far beyond my imagination. They’re literally everywhere — on quiet residential streets, in the middle of rice fields, at shrines, on mountain trails, and even tucked into alleyways. It’s not uncommon to see two or three lined up side by side, each offering a completely different selection.
What really stood out to me was the incredible variety of items these machines dispense. While drinks are the most common — from hot coffee in cans to ice-cold matcha tea — some machines sell snacks, umbrellas, surgical masks, batteries, hot meals, and even fresh fruit or ramen. I once stumbled upon a vending machine that sold high-end wagyu beef, priced at ¥2,000 (approximately $13 USD) per package. It felt like a blend of convenience and innovation that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere.
Another unexpected detail was how well-maintained and fully stocked these machines were, even in remote or seemingly low-traffic areas. They’re almost never out of order, and the interface is clean and easy to use, often with English options for tourists. The prices are also quite reasonable, with most drinks ranging from ¥100 to ¥160 (around $0.65 to $1.05 USD), which is a small price for such easy access.
What makes this vending machine culture even more impressive is the low rate of vandalism or theft. It’s a reflection of the general sense of public respect in Japan. There’s a shared trust that allows these machines to function smoothly in such large numbers, often without visible security.
For travelers, it becomes an unexpectedly fun part of the journey — trying out new drinks or snacks from machines in random places. It’s also incredibly convenient when you’re tired, lost, or in need of a quick refreshment. You start to rely on them more than you’d think. What began as a novelty soon turned into a daily habit, and by the end of the trip, I found myself scanning sidewalks for vending machines like a local.
2. Vending Machines Everywhere
Before visiting Japan, I had heard about the country’s famous vending machines, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer number and variety I encountered. I expected to find a few here and there, maybe in train stations or near tourist spots. Instead, I found vending machines quite literally everywhere — tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, lined up outside temples, in the middle of hiking trails, and even standing alone in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.
These machines go far beyond the standard drink dispensers you might be used to. While you’ll certainly find a wide selection of beverages — including green tea, soda, canned coffee, sports drinks, and even hot soups — many vending machines offer much more. I came across machines selling ice cream, instant noodles, fresh fruit, umbrellas, neckties, batteries, toys, and even surgical masks. One machine in Tokyo’s Akihabara district was selling collectible mystery items, while another in Osaka offered hot meals like curry and rice. I even saw one selling slices of premium wagyu beef for ¥2,000 (about $13 USD)!
What really stood out was the cleanliness, maintenance, and reliability of these machines. Almost every vending machine was spotless, working perfectly, and stocked with a surprising variety of fresh items. Most machines are equipped with digital screens, accept IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, and even offer English-language options — making them extremely foreigner-friendly.
Prices were very reasonable. A cold bottled tea or can of coffee usually costs around ¥130 to ¥160 (roughly $0.85 to $1.10 USD), and even specialty drinks didn’t exceed ¥200 ($1.35 USD). The fact that these machines offer both hot and cold beverages side by side, sometimes in the same unit, was another small but delightful surprise.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d come to rely on these machines. Whether I needed a drink during a long walk, an emergency snack, or simply wanted to try something new and quirky, vending machines became an everyday part of my trip. They represent not just convenience, but also the creativity and efficiency that Japan is so well known for.
In the end, what I thought would be a simple curiosity turned into one of the most memorable and unique aspects of traveling in Japan. You never know what you’ll find — and that’s part of the fun.
4. Trash Cans Are Scarce
One of the most unexpected and slightly frustrating discoveries during my trip to Japan was the noticeable lack of public trash cans. As a tourist, especially one walking around all day and constantly picking up snacks or drinks from convenience stores or vending machines, I naturally assumed there would be trash bins on every street corner. But that wasn’t the case. In fact, finding a trash can in public spaces often felt like a scavenger hunt.
Despite how clean Japan is — and it truly is impressively clean — public trash cans are few and far between. I later learned that this scarcity traces back to a tragic historical event: the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks, after which many public bins were removed for security reasons. Since then, the norm has shifted toward personal responsibility when it comes to waste.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the absence of trash cans, but the fact that the streets remained spotless anyway. People in Japan typically carry their trash with them until they find a bin, often back at home, at a hotel, or inside a convenience store. This collective behavior really impressed me and made me reflect on how cultural norms shape public spaces.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are usually safe spots to find trash bins, especially for items purchased there. Sometimes you’ll also find categorized bins near vending machines for bottles and cans — clearly marked in Japanese and often color-coded. It’s worth noting that Japan is very particular about separating waste: burnable, non-burnable, PET bottles, and so on. Mixing your trash can result in confused looks or, in rare cases, gentle corrections.
During my stay, I got into the habit of carrying a small plastic bag in my backpack to hold any trash until I could properly dispose of it. It was a small adjustment but an eye-opening one. In Japan, cleanliness is not enforced by a system of public bins — it’s maintained through social responsibility and respect for shared spaces.
So if you’re planning a trip to Japan, be prepared to hold onto your trash for longer than you’re used to. It might be inconvenient at first, but it quickly becomes second nature — and it’s a small price to pay for walking through some of the cleanest urban environments in the world.
4. Trash Cans Are Scarce
One of the most surprising realizations I had while traveling in Japan was how difficult it was to find public trash cans. Before arriving, I assumed that a country as clean and orderly as Japan would have trash bins on nearly every street corner, especially in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka. But to my surprise, they were extremely rare. I often found myself walking around for blocks with empty coffee cups, snack wrappers, or tissues, just looking for somewhere to toss them.
The reason for this scarcity dates back to the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attacks, after which many public trash bins were removed for safety reasons. Since then, Japan hasn’t reintroduced them on a large scale. Instead, there’s a deep-rooted cultural habit of taking personal responsibility for one’s own waste. People will hold onto their trash — sometimes all day — and dispose of it when they get home or find a proper bin, usually inside a convenience store or near a train station.
Despite the lack of trash cans, Japanese streets are unbelievably clean. This is what makes the experience so unexpected. In many other countries, no bins often means litter everywhere. But in Japan, the opposite is true. The streets, parks, and even busy urban areas remain remarkably tidy. It’s not because of strict enforcement or heavy fines — it’s simply because people respect shared spaces.
When you do find trash bins, they’re often sorted by category: burnable, non-burnable, PET bottles, cans, and glass. Labels are usually in Japanese, but there are often icons to help you figure it out. If you purchase a drink from a vending machine, there’s usually a small bin next to it for bottles or cans only. Likewise, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart typically have trash bins for customer use, but only for items bought there.
Carrying a small plastic bag or pouch for trash became an essential habit during my trip. It felt odd at first, but it quickly became part of my daily routine. In a way, it made me more conscious of how much waste I was creating and reminded me to be more intentional with consumption.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, be prepared to hold onto your trash for a while and look for disposal points at convenient stores or train stations. It’s a small adjustment, but it reflects a fascinating cultural difference — one that helps keep Japan looking as clean and beautiful as it does.
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