When we think of Japan, we usually picture cherry blossoms, sushi, and anime. But Japan isn’t just about that; it’s also full of wonderfully weird things that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Seriously, no one does quirky quite like Japan.

Here is a list of 7 bizarre but also quite interesting things that you will only find in Japan.

1. Vending Machines that Sell Everything (Yes, Everything)

We’re not just talking about drinks and chips. Japan has vending machines that offer hot meals, pizzas, umbrellas, eggs, surgical masks, flowers and even toys. There are over 5 million vending machines across the country.

According to Tech In Asia, as of 2014, there were 3.8 million “automatic sales” machines in the country, or about one for every 33 citizens.

If you can think of it, chances are there’s a machine for it. Who knew that a country so famous for its restaurants was also excelling in vending machines, too? Japanese people must never feel bored.

2. Cuddle Cafés

The Japanese are in the middle of a love drought. Young people in particular have become more prone to celibacy and say finding relationships is “too much trouble.”

In Japan, you can visit a “cuddle café” where you pay to lie next to a stranger, just to feel the warmth of human connection. No talking, no funny business. Just pure, silent cuddling. Some places even offer hand-holding or hair-stroking for extra yen.

The service was apparently “quite popular,” according to Japan Info, and by 2019, there were more cuddle cafes. Seen as a legitimate stress-reliever for office workers, the service even became an equal opportunity. These cuddle cafes won’t help Japan’s plummeting birth rate, but at least people are getting a bit of human contact.

3. Toilets that Feel Like Sci-Fi Gadgets

Japanese toilets are next-level. Think heated seats, music for privacy, built-in bidets, and even lids that open and close automatically. You might need a tutorial before using one, but once you do, regular toilets will never be the same again.

4. Hotels Run by Robots (Yes, Real Ones)

There’s a hotel in Japan where you’re greeted by a robot… or even a robot dinosaur. The place is fully automated from check-in to luggage storage. It’s called the “Weird Hotel” (and for good reason). You’ll either be amazed or mildly creeped out, or maybe both.

5. Capsule Hotels

Ever wanted to sleep in a spaceship-like pod? Capsule hotels in Japan offer tiny sleeping spaces stacked like boxes. It’s cheap, efficient, and strangely cosy, though not for the claustrophobic. But don’t expect any room service or balcony view; it’s for people who need a bed to spend the night while they are packed and can’t break their bank.

6. Square Watermelons

Yes, they grow square watermelons. Not because they taste better, but because they look cool and are easier to stack.

The Japanese see fruit as a special treat. The history of Buddhists in the country, leaving gifts of fruit for the gods, means it’s treated with respect, and fruit is also considered an important part of human-to-human gift-giving.

Giving fruits as gifts is not as miserly as it sounds, because in Japan, even basic fruits are stupidly expensive. It can get so pricey, families will often split a single fruit between everyone, rather than each having their own.

But their love has gotten a bit out of hand. Bruised or oddly shaped fruit never makes it to Japanese supermarket shelves. As if that’s not enough, high-end fruit stores sell luxury produce, where a single apple can cost $24.

And there’s a level up even from that. Watermelons grown in special shapes can run $1,500. And in 2016, a pair of Yubari King melons went for $27,000 at auction.

7. Ice Cream Flavours You Didn’t Know Existed

Forget chocolate and vanilla. In Japan, you’ll find ice cream flavours like wasabi, soy sauce, squid ink and even horse meat. Some are surprisingly tasty, others… not so much.

If you wish to be experimental and want to experience something out of the box, only then try these flavours. You never know, you might even be pleasantly delighted.

I think by now we all can agree that Japan is one of those places that will constantly surprise you in the best ways. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit, be ready for the unexpected and bizarre experience that might never leave your mind.

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