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🍜 1. Food from vending machines costs less than cafes
Japan has about 5.5 million vending machines — more than anywhere else in the world. They sell not only beverages, but also hot ramen, onigiri, takoyaki, and even live crabs. A plate of ramen from a vending machine in Tokyo metro costs around 890–1070 rubles (800–1200 yen) — cheaper than in most cafes.
🚽 2. Toilets here are a separate attraction
Japanese Toto Washlet toilets heat the seat, produce sounds, and have up to 38 functions on the control panel. They can be found even in small roadside cafes. The control panels are often only in Japanese — be prepared for experimentation.
🌸 3. Cherry blossom blooming is an exact science
The Japan Meteorological Agency publishes a "cherry blossom front" map (sakura zensen) every year — a forecast of blooming across the country with accuracy of just a few days. In Tokyo, the peak usually falls at the end of March — beginning of April. The best places for hanami: Ueno Park and Meguro waterfront.
Japan has more than 600 varieties of cherry blossoms. Some bloom in January, others — in May. The "season" lasts almost half a year depending on the region.
🏨 4. Capsule hotels are not cramped, but well thought out
The first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979 — and the format is still going strong. Modern capsules are equipped with USB charging, curtain, outlet, and individual lighting. A night in a capsule in central Tokyo costs from 2670–3560 rubles (3000–4000 yen) — 3–4 times cheaper than a standard room.
🚄 5. Shinkansen is late on average by 54 seconds per year
The average delay of the Shinkansen high-speed train is less than one minute per year. If a train is delayed more than 5 minutes, passengers receive an official certificate for their employer. A Tokyo–Osaka ticket (550 km) costs around 14,400 rubles (16,340 yen).
💴 6. MIR cards don't work — you need cash
Japan remains predominantly a cash country: many restaurants, temples, and small shops don't accept cards at all. MIR cards are not serviced in Japan — exchange rubles for yen in advance in Russia or at exchange offices upon arrival at Narita or Kansai airport. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major chains and hotels.
🦌 7. Deer in Nara are officially considered national treasures
In the city of Nara (45 minutes from Osaka by train) about 1,200 spotted deer roam freely. They bow to people in response to a bow — and immediately try to eat your map, brochure, or bag. Special crackers for deer — shika-senbei — cost around 180 rubles (200 yen) per pack.
📶 8. Without internet in Japan is like without hands
Navigation, translator, transport maps — everything requires a stable connection. It's most convenient to activate an eSIM before your flight: on e7m.ru there are plans for Japan from 131₽, activated online in just a few minutes. Local SIMs at the airport are also available, but more expensive and require a passport.
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