Crazy Japan

Here are some unusual and funny things I have seen or experienced:

1. In clothing stores, shoes are taken off before entering the fitting room. Additionally, a makeup guard (transparent cap) is worn when trying on clothes.

2. Many Japanese people use umbrellas not only in the rain but also for sun protection.

3. There is a vending machine on every corner (really, every corner). If there isn't one in sight, you will surely come across a small 24-hour convenience store (Family Market, Lawson, 7eleven).

4. You can find vending machines that dispense plastic balls with toys everywhere.

5. Next to the vending machines, you can find amusement arcades in many places. I caught glimpses of various game halls, from which deafening, shrill noise emanated. They always seemed to be very well attended.

6. The food. In summary: it is unique, not always for the eye, often displayed with plastic pieces, and very variable in price. At food markets, many things are completely fresh and can be bought or eaten on the spot.

7. Earthquakes are almost daily occurrences in Japan. Even in this short time, I felt very small quakes.

8. Some things in Japan seem a bit kitschy to me, but somehow cute. Plush toys, anime, childlike billboards, brightly colored and loud. By the way: Pokémon still seems to be trendy.

9. Queuing means standing in an exact line, even at train stations. Often, the whole thing is even marked with floor markings.

10. In the first few days, I searched in vain for trash cans in the cities. The reason: there are practically none. Trash cans can only be found at public transportation stations.

11. There are train compartments and hotel floors reserved for women only.

12. The fashion is completely different from ours. Japanese women often wear longer skirts and blouses.

These things are what make traveling so exciting. Let's see what awaits me in Taiwan=)