TwinF readers know that we're a bit cynical about the tourist experience and look for the authentic things that make a place unique or different.  It only takes a few seconds on the streets of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto (or even in small towns) to feel that Japan is a very different place. Here are some of the things we've seen (or haven't seen):

Something that has bugged me is that there are very few trash cans in public places (compared to home). I sometimes carry trash around for 10 minutes looking for a proper receptical.  The Japanese are very particular about their trash and I think it's a good thing.  However, it does mean that some instruction is required.

 In every city there are buildings filled with tiny bars.  There are hundreds of them and one night we decided to check out a few.  Walking into one of these tiny bars is like walking into someone's living room and running one of their friends off the couch.  We were not welcome and it was obvious.  Signs like this display the bars by name:

 Another ubiquitous part of walking around is the prevalance of platic food.  The Japanese have mastered the art of creating plastic versions of the dishes served within a restaurant.  I rely on them and remain astonished at how good plastic food can look- and it never spoils!

 The Japanese have also made life easier for blind folks by providing a raised strip of sidewalk that leads to public transport, toilets, etc.  Not really remarkable, but truly ubiquitous.  They are everywhere.

 In Japan, you might see gas pumps that hang from the ceiling:

Or cantaloupes that cost  US$46.00.  This is an example of "omiyage", which is a present that someone brings back to friends after traveling.  Thanks to omiyage, the Japanese take gift shops to a whole new level.  It is the most perfect cantaloupe I've ever seen.

Or these contraptions, which must be some sort of bench.  I cannot find a comfortable way to sit in one.  Maybe I'm too big.

In Japan, you might even see hotels (often called Love Hotels) that display their rates as such.  Love Hotels are (supposed to be) used for couples who cannot get privacy at home, thanks to granny and the kids.

 My brother Randy went to Japan and one of his points was that every square inch of land is utililized for something productive.  He was right.  Outside of the cities you don't see yards beside houses.  Instead, you see rice paddies, which are much more productive than plain old grass.

The vending machines in Japan could be a whole other post.  Pocari Sweat is a bit like Gatorade and became one of my favorites.

 I heard about beer in vending machines so much, but we rarely saw any.  We figure a law must have changed.  Though, at one hotel we had vending machines for beer, whiskey and sake.  I like this quote from punk band The Ramones: "We came across a miracle, there was beer in the soda machine".  Some of the best and cheapest food comes from places where you pay a vending machine outside and take a ticket inside to be served.

In Japan, a constant source of hilarity is what some call "engrish", or English translated from Japanese that comes out a bit, um, off.  A perfect example.

 In Japan, you'll see heaps of young Japanese women struggling to walk with torturous high-heeled footwear.  I'm not sure if they don't know how to walk in heels or if their shoes are not meant for walking, but I truly feel sorry for them. Sometimes they fall down.

We're just hours from leaving at time of writing and I will miss Japan.  Quirky, beautiful, tasty, fun, Japan has it all.  I'll be back.