Unique things about Japan

Japan is a complex and multi-faceted place. Its ancestral heritage and age-old traditions are the foundations of its rich culture. Some of the distinctive characteristics of the Japanese archipelago pose a striking difference to the European continent, and to France in particular.  As a complement to our Travel diary, we’ve made a list of uniquely Japanese features we noticed during our travels:

• Discipline and respect for one’s neighbor are so deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition that it can sometimes seem a little surprising to foreigners. For instance, when waiting in line in a public place or to board the metro, Japanese people will form an orderly queue according to their time of arrival, and patiently wait their turn. 

• All trains are on time, down to the second. This makes coordinating transport connections considerably easier and reduces stress on an itinerary with multiple stops. 

• Polite greetings (and apologies) are an art in their own right and follow a strict protocol according to the country’s social hierarchy. During our first trip, we distinctly remember a Japan Rail official issuing a public apology on the news by bowing deeply – for just a few minutes’ delay on the Shinkansen! 

• Serious crime is almost non-existent in Japan. We never once felt unsafe during our travels there. And while we wouldn’t think of leaving our phone or bag unattended at the breakfast table in a hotel in Europe or leave our wallet on the counter while bagging our groceries at the supermarket … this would not be a problem in Japan.

• In the large cities (particularly in Tokyo), trash cans are few and far between. Most locals would not throw their waste in a garbage can on the sidewalk. Very often, people will take their trash with them to throw it away and recycle it at home. And despite the difficulty finding bins, both public and private places are very clean.

• In most towns, you can find vending machines selling cold (and sometimes hot!) drinks – like water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks – for an affordable price, on virtually every street. They are always well-stocked and in working order.

• The Japanese language is very rich and full of subtleties. It can also express the inexpressible, while adding a touch of poetry and delicacy to fleeting things. The Japanese can precisely describe the world around them, and most particularly natural phenomena.

For example, the term komorebi refers to the light that filters through the trees, while kawaakari is the word for the reflections on the water’s surface at dusk or at night. Hanami stands for the ritual of watching flowers bloom (specifically cherry blossoms) in the spring. Wabi-sabi combines the art of imperfection with a love for modesty. Tsundoku means the practice of buying books just to have them, be able to touch them, put them on a bookshelf, on the stairs, or pile them up high on a nightstand..

• Restaurants often make a particular effort when plating and presenting appetizing dishes, with great attention to detail. Making the food aesthetically pleasing is important, since you eat with your eyes first.

• In Tokyo or Kyoto, there are striking contrasts in terms of clothing.  It’s not rare to see cosplayers (with colorful hair and outfits inspired by anime or manga characters) cross paths with salary men (easily recognizable in their dark suits) or an elegant geisha (in a traditional kimono)..

Don’t miss our Travel diary from Japan!