"Why did you come to Japan?" is both a popular tv show and a question I get asked a lot from my students. So why DO people come to Japan and what do they enjoy about it?

Here are 10 things that foreigners love about Japan (in random order...)


Toilets

Of course, Japan is famous for its high-tech toilets. Many foreigners say they can't imagine going back to their Western style toilets without heated seats or washlet function. I know I couldn't! Hopefully one day everyone in the world will have the pleasure of owning a Japanese-style toilet...
 

Restaurant Prices

At least in Europe and America, restaurants are expensive. Eating out every day is something only rich people can afford and so eating out is seen as a treat. So many foreigners are surprised at how cheap it is to eat out. My Dad (who loves to eat cheap...) always comments on how reasonable the food is.

Convenience Stores

I am constantly amazed by convenience stores. They seem to have everything you would ever need. Not only that but they offer a wide range of services including package shipping, ticket collection and more! All hail the mighty conbini!


Public Toilets

Yes, toilets are on this list twice! In the Uk, public toilets are hard to find and are often dirty (even the paid ones!). Not so in Japan. Public toilets are easy to find, clean and free (there seems to be a debate as to whether you should buy something in a convenience store if you use their toilets). This is wonderful for elderly citizens and those who have perhaps had too much to drink...


Customer Service

Japan is also famous for it's wonderful customer support. Polite, helpful service that often goes above board to make sure the customer is satisfied. I am amazed at the professionalism here in Japan, even for low-paid positions. I can't say the same for my native country...


Train system

God aren't trains wonderful. At least they are in Japan...in the UK it's common for trains to be delayed, crowded and rather cramped. In Japan (although the trains are crowded too), the trains are always on time, meaning you can actually reliable tell which time you are arriving. The Shinkansen is also a fast and convenient way to travel around the country (I just wish it was a little cheaper...).


Cherry Blossom

No list would be complete without the cherry blossom! It's the time when most foreigners visit Japan. Recently popular spots like the Meguro river have become extremely crowded during this time, but there are plenty of other spots where you can see the beautiful blossoms. Personally I'm more of an autumn fan, but the cherry blossom is nice too.


Hiking

Did you know the highest mountain in the UK is under 1500m? On the other hand Japan has 21 mountains over 3000m! This makes it a great hiking country and I love getting out into the mountains where the views are stunning. Mt Fuji is often crowded with foreigners during the hiking season and Mt. Takao is also popular.


Japanese Food

Japanese cuisine is a national obsession. From sushi to ramen, soba to okonomiyaki, Japan has so many delicious national dishes. Seafood in particular is a big draw for tourists. The quality of the food in Japan is unmatched and is loved worldwide.


Otaku-culture

Okay, bit of a strange one to end with here. But one thing I like about Japan is that when people are interested in something, they go all in. Whether it's building enourmous model train sets or making wonderful American style diners with all the memorabilia you could imagine, otaku-culture is a fascinating thing to behold. 

Did I miss something? If so let me know in the comments.

If you'd like to have a chat about Japanese culture, or foreigners reactions to it, check out my 30 minute conversation lesson.