A few of our favourite things...

There are so many cool things in Japan.  Here are a few of our favourites.

Smoking Hubs

Although smoking is still quite prevalent in Japanese culture (all hotels still offer smoking rooms), some legislative changes have made it far more difficult to smoke around the city.  In Tokyo, “smoking hubs” have been set up to ensure that smokers don’t bother other pedestrians and that cigarette butts don’t litter the streets. 

Vending Machines

It is impossible to be thirsty in this city because there are vending machines absolutely everywhere.  You often cannot walk more than a block without having the option to buy a drink (including cold and hot coffees) or cigarettes or a snack.  There seem to be so many vending machines that some of the machines actually offer discounts just to draw in business.  We still cannot figure out who goes around to fill all of them – it would be a never ending job for thousands of people.

Hi-Tech Toilets

The toilets have all the bells and whistles you can imagine and make bathroom stops a full experience.  They can wash and dry, make flushing sounds while you go so no one has to hear anything, emit pretty odors after you are done and even have a radio for your entertainment.  But the best part is the heated toilet seat…a small way to make cold winters a little more tolerable.

8-Storey Stores with Awesome Gadgets

The Japanese have always been leaders in robotics and have also come up with so many other awesome and functional gadgets.  And so they have created stores, such as Tokyo Hands, to showcase all of them.  These stores can often be 8-storeys high, with each floor offering different themes of goods.  You could spend a whole day just looking at all of the innovative gadgets. 

Accessibility Features

Whether in the subway or hotel elevators, Japan goes beyond the norm to create an accessible city environment.  It was very common to see older people with walkers smoothly navigating the subway tunnels or tearing around the streets.  It certainly seems to be helping people stay active and engaged...