Japanese culture has been hugely influential on the world at large for hundreds of years. From fashion to technology to storytelling, it’s pretty hard to miss the impression Japan has made on the world.
Japanese cars are everywhere, and Japanese food is so commonplace in the States that people can easily forget where it even really comes from. However, these things are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Japan has to offer.
If you think you’ve seen everything there is to see from Japan, think again. These 16 Japanese innovations just might make you want to move the island nation yourself!
1.
In Japan, if you want to stay fit and healthy then you don’t need to join an expensive gym. Public exercise classes are available for free all over the country. You can usually find them in public parks, schoolyards, and even inside your office!
2.
The public transit is the primary way people travel in the big cities in Japan, so it’s best if you can understand the route map. Thankfully, you don’t need to be able to read Japanese to use it, either. These subway maps are color-coordinated with numbers and descriptions to help guide tourists around Japan’s cities.
3.
Going to the post office can be a real hassle, especially if you’ve got a busy day with lots of errands to run. Thankfully Japan has created mini post offices which allow you to mail your packages and letters right at the grocery store!
4.
Japan is known for its love of vending machines, but this vending machine has to be the best. Sealed cups of ice are available for purchase just in case you want to make iced coffee.
5.
Japan also has a lot of free-to-use hot water dispensers dotted around for hungry people who are purchasing instant noodle bowls! This way they don’t have to wait to get home to enjoy those tasty noodles.
6.
In Japan, there are countless walking and jogging paths set up adjacent to public parks. This means no more being knocked over by someone jogging while having a walk in the park.
