10 Surprising Little Things About Taiwan That Amaze Japanese People

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Japan and Taiwan have close ties, with a large number of Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan every year. However, as each country has different customs and cultural nuances, there are many differences between the two. Here are ten things that amaze Japanese people about Taiwan, highlighting aspects that are quite surprising to them. This can help understand the subtle differences between Taiwan and Japan and serve as a reference for interacting with Japanese tourists.

1. Friendly Passersby
This is something praised not only by Japanese tourists but also by many foreign visitors to Taiwan. Even if you get lost in Taiwan, passersby are very willing to help, sometimes even guiding you personally. Moreover, many can communicate in Japanese, which makes Japanese tourists feel especially welcomed.
 
2. No Eating or Drinking After Entering the MRT Gate
Once you pass through the MRT gate, eating and drinking are strictly prohibited. This is quite different from Japan, where vending machines are commonly found in stations. While Japanese train etiquette also discourages eating strongly scented food inside train cars, people are generally allowed to eat before boarding or after exiting.
 
3. Barbecuing Is a Must During Mid-Autumn Festival
This is a custom that surprises and puzzles Japanese tourists. Due to an old advertising slogan, “Grilling at home fills the neighborhood with aroma,” barbecuing has become a traditional activity every Mid-Autumn Festival.

4. Many Families Have Altars or Buddhist Shrines
Some families in Japan also have small altars, mainly for ancestor worship, but in Taiwan, many people are devout followers of Buddhism or Taoism, so besides ancestral tablets, they also enshrine deities.
 
5. Bubble Tea Comes in Big Cups but Isn’t Expensive
Bubble tea is Taiwan’s most iconic drink and one of the favorite beverages of Japanese tourists. The portion size and price of bubble tea in Taiwan surprise and impress many Japanese visitors.
 
6. Extremely Stinky Stinky Tofu
Taiwan’s night market snacks are world-famous, and stinky tofu is one of the dishes that many Japanese tourists are eager to try—though opinions on it are highly divided.
 
7. A Wide Variety of Breakfast Options
As a food paradise, Taiwan not only offers diverse night market snacks but also a rich variety of breakfast choices that amaze and delight Japanese tourists. You can even find breakfast street vendors on the road, offering everything from Taiwanese to Western styles—all delicious.

8. Convenience Store Bags Are Mesh
In recent years, when buying hot food at convenience stores, customers are given mesh carry bags. This unique design also surprises many Japanese tourists.
 
9. Huge Number of Motorcycles
The large number of motorcycles leaves a deep impression on many Japanese tourists, especially during rush hours when dense packs of motorcycles move through the streets without colliding, which amazes Japanese visitors.
 
10. Street Food Looks Unappetizing but Tastes Amazing
Taiwan’s night markets, a must-visit for Japanese tourists, feature all kinds of street food. However, many vendors’ dishes may not look appealing at first glance, yet taste incredibly delicious—something that surprises many Japanese visitors.