Where Are All the Trash Cans?! A Survival Guide to Japan’s Streets (Trash, Toilets & Vending Machines)
You’ve arrived in Tokyo. The streets are spotless. There is no litter anywhere. It’s beautiful. You finish your bottle of green tea, look around for a trash can, and…
Nothing. You walk a block. Nothing. You walk a mile. Still nothing.
Welcome to Japan’s biggest mystery. As your friend, I’m here to guide you through the quirky, high-tech, and sometimes confusing rules of the Japanese street. Here is your survival kit.
Shock #1: The “Invisible” Trash Cans
The Reality: Japan has almost zero public trash cans on the street. The Reason: It’s a mix of cultural habits (we take our trash home) and security measures (anti-terrorism policies from the 90s).
Your Survival Strategy:
- The “Pocket Trash Bag”: This is essential. Always carry a small plastic bag (from a convenience store) in your backpack. You will carry your trash with you all day. It’s not fun, but it’s the local way.
- The Secret Dump Spots: There are trash cans, if you know where to look:
- Next to Vending Machines: (Only for bottles and cans!)
- Inside Convenience Stores: (Usually near the entrance or counter).
- Train Stations: (On the platform).
- Park Toilets: (Sometimes).
Friend’s Warning: Do NOT stuff your Starbucks cup into a “Bottles Only” bin. It makes the cleaning staff very sad.
Shock #2: The “Spaceship” Toilets
You really need to go. You find a public bathroom (luckily, they are everywhere and usually clean). You sit down, look to your side, and see a control panel that looks like a cockpit. Spray? Bidet? Sound? Powerful Deodorizer?
Don’t panic. Here is your button guide:
- The “Stop” Button (止): Usually a Red square or Orange button. Memorize this. If things get too wet, press this.
- The “Spray” Button (おしり): Usually an icon of a butt with water spraying. This cleans you. (Start with low pressure!).
- The “Music” Button (音姫): An icon of a music note. It plays a fake flushing sound to hide any… noises you make. It’s polite!
The Most Important Button (The Flush): Sometimes, the flush is NOT on the panel. Look for:
- A sensor on the wall (wave your hand).
- A silver lever on the tank.
- Or sometimes, it flushes automatically when you stand up. (Magic!)
Shock #3: The Vending Machine Utopia
You will never go thirsty in Japan. There are over 4 million vending machines here. You can find them on mountain peaks, in rice fields, and on every city corner.
Why they are amazing:
- Hot & Cold: Look at the labels under the drinks.
- Blue = Cold (Tsumetai).
- Red = Hot (Attakai). Yes, you can buy hot coffee, tea, or even Corn Soup in a can!
- The Price: Usually 130-160 JPY ($1).
- How to Pay: Most accept your Suica/Pasmo card. Just tap and grab.
Shock #4: The “Smoking” Rules
If you are a smoker, listen carefully. You cannot smoke while walking on the street. In many cities (especially Tokyo and Kyoto), it is illegal and you can be fined (about 2,000 JPY).
Where to smoke: Look for designated “Smoking Areas” (often near train stations or inside some cafes/arcades). They look like glass boxes or fenced-off corners.
Summary: Walk Like a Local
- Keep a plastic bag in your pocket for trash.
- Don’t fear the toilet buttons (but know where the “Stop” button is).
- Enjoy the hot corn soup from a vending machine.
- Smoke only in the boxes.
The streets of Japan are clean, safe, and convenient—once you know these invisible rules.
Still confused? Or maybe you just want someone to hold your empty coffee cup until we find a bin? (Just kidding… sort of). Join our walking tours. We know exactly where all the hidden trash cans and the cleanest bathrooms are!
