Have you ever visited Japan before?
Even if not, there are probably many things that instantly come to mind when you think of this East Asian country. Anime. Samurai. Banzai trees. Cherry blossoms.
But the land of the Rising Sun has so much more to offer than just these things. Japan is actually one of the most livable countries in the world, and if you’ve ever thought about living outside of the U.S. either part time or for part of the year, Japan should be one of the top countries that you consider.
Here are the top 18 reasons why living in Japan is so much better than the U.S.:
1 – The Toilets Are From the Future…Almost Literally
Okay, the toilets aren’t literally from the future. But they certainly look like they are. Japanese toilets are well-known for high-tech capabilities, with lights and a remote control of buttons and switches on the side. Depending on the toilet, these buttons can do tasks such as clean out the toilet bowl, heat the seat, or even check your blood pressure. Who knew that toilets could be so practical beyond their, well, intended use?
2 – The Crime Rate is Extremely Low
Japan has consistently had some of the lowest crime rates of any developed country in the world. The streets of the major cities are safe to walk at any time during the day or night, which will help give you a greater peace of mind and sense of security as you explore or go about your day.
3 – Bullet Trains Make Travel Very Efficient
Have you ever taken a bullet train before? Long story short, these are trains that are capable of going over 200 miles per hour, and they are among the most efficient, clean, and reliable public transportation systems anywhere in the world. You can get anywhere you need to go around Japan super easily.
4 – There Are Vending Machines Everywhere
That’s no exaggeration! Almost everywhere you go in Japan you will find vending machines. But it’s not just the fact that vending machines are all over the place, it’s also the fact that you can get just about anything you want out of vending machines in Japan too. Hot meals, beer, sake, batteries, toilet paper, flowers, toys, clothing…just about all of life’s necessities.
5 – The Koban System Helps Make Sure Everyone is Safe
One reason why Japan has such a low crime rate is because of their Koban system. Basically, this system places numerous small police boxes around in neighborhoods. Each box is staffed by police officers who can provide assistance and information and offer a constant security presence in the area.
6 – You Can Lock Up Your Umbrellas Like a Bike
You know how you can often lock up your bicycles outside before walking into a building? Well, in Japan you can do the same thing with your umbrellas after walking into a public building. This way you don’t need to carry around your umbrella while you’re shopping or at work.
7 – Japanese Cocktails Are Like Works of Art
Go to any Japanese cocktail bar and you’ll see why. You don’t just go to a cocktail bar for a drink in Japan. Instead, you go for an entire experience where you’ll get to see firsthand the intricate and precise work that goes into making a single drink.
8 – Health Care is Very Affordable
Japan is well-known for having some of the most inexpensive healthcare services in the world. Japanese citizens have to pay around 30% of their medical expenses themselves, but these expenses are closely regulated by the government so they never become too expensive. The same system is available for foreigners who are staying in Japan for more than a year.
9 – The Country is Well Prepared For Disasters
When it comes to disaster preparation, Japan is one of the most well-prepared countries in the world. The country has several well-planned and maintained evacuation routes in the event of a tsunami or earthquakes, as well as regular natural disaster drills so the population is ready to act.
10 – The Crowds Are Not Chaotic
The cities of Japan are incredibly busy with millions of people, but despite that, everything usually proceeds in a very organized manner due to the country’s effective crowd management systems. Look no further than the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, which is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the entire world and always operates very smoothly with literally thousands of people crossing at once.
11 – Convenience Stores Make Daily Life, Well, Convenient
There are numerous Japanese convenience stores that are open 24/7, including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. These convenience stores offer a wider range of services than convenience stores in other countries, including inexpensive hot meals and bill payments. Let’s put it this way, Japan just like to make things as convenient as possible!
12 – The Mottainai Culture Keeps Everything Clean
Japan is also one of the cleanest countries in the world. This is largely because of the country’s Mottainai culture; the word ‘Mottainai’ can be best translated as “What a waste.” In other words, the Japanese don’t like to allow anything to go to waste, which is why there is a meticulous focus in the country on recycling, sustainability, and keeping the streets as clean as possible.
13 – Hospital Food is Actually Good
It’s well-known that most food offered in hospitals leaves a bit to be desired…except, perhaps, for Japan. If you ever find yourself in the hospital in Japan for an injury or illness, you’ll be relieved that you won’t have to suffer through poor meals in the process. That’s because the cuisine offered in Japanese hospitals is widely considered to be some of the very best hospital food that the world has to offer.
14 – You Can Go For Walks or Picnics By the Cherry Blossoms
The numerous cherry blossom parks in Japan are easily among the most impressive in the world. Cherry blossom season in the country is each year throughout the spring time. You can go for a regular afternoon stroll or enjoy a picnic in one of the cherry blossoms parks during the spring time and it will be a regular experience you won’t get to enjoy anywhere else.
15 – It’s A Very Pet-Friendly Country
The Japanese people have a well-deserved reputation for being very affectionate and loving towards their pets. It’s a part of the culture in the country to be very friendly and nice with animals, and several dog breeds that originated in the country have become recognizable worldwide, such as the Shiba Inu.
16 – You Can Enjoy An Onsen Whenever You Feel Like It
Another very big part of Japanese culture is the presence of onsens, which are spas or resorts that revolve around natural hot springs. Spending time in these springs is a rich cultural experience, and also provides numerous relaxation and therapeutic-related benefits as well
17 – Parking Your Cars Is Very Easy
Parking your car in the middle of a busy city in Japan should be a very easy experience. That’s because all you have to do is arrive with your car in a parking garage or facility, and then the automated system will park your car for you. The cars are automatically stacked over one another like a vending machine.
18 – Public Baths (Sentos) Are Widely Available
Sentos are easily accessible public bathhouses in Japan that are a common presence in many towns and neighborhoods. Each sento is very clean and well-maintained, and they offer an excellent place to kick back and relax after a long day.
