By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Japan and Taiwan have close ties, with a very large number of Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan every year. However, as each country has different customs and cultures, there are also many cultural differences. Here are ten things that seem quite surprising to the Japanese when they visit Taiwan, highlighting what seems particularly astonishing to them. This can help understand the subtle differences between Taiwan and Japan, and also serve as a reference for communicating with Japanese tourists.
(Photo provided / Christopher)
1. Friendly passers-by
This is not only praised by the Japanese but also by many foreign tourists. Even if you get lost in Taiwan, passers-by are very enthusiastic in helping you, sometimes even personally guiding you there. Moreover, there are quite a few people who can communicate in Japanese, which makes many Japanese tourists feel very welcomed.
2. No eating or drinking after entering the MRT gate
Once you pass through the MRT gate, eating or drinking is prohibited. This is quite different from Japan, where vending machines are often found in stations. Although in Japanese train etiquette, eating strongly scented food inside the train is generally avoided, people can eat before boarding or after exiting.
3. Mid-Autumn Festival means barbecue
This is a custom that surprises and puzzles Japanese tourists. Due to an early advertising slogan “One family’s barbecue fills a thousand homes with fragrance,” barbecuing has become a traditional activity every Mid-Autumn Festival.
(Image source / Chengcing Lake Scenic Area)
4. Many households have altars or Buddhist shrines
Some Japanese households also have small altars, but they are mainly for ancestral worship. In Taiwan, many people devoutly follow Buddhism, Taoism, and other faiths, so in addition to ancestral tablets, they also enshrine deities.
5. Bubble tea comes in large cups and isn’t expensive
Bubble tea is Taiwan’s most iconic drink, and also one of the favorite beverages of Japanese tourists. The portion size and price of bubble tea in Taiwan amaze and impress many Japanese visitors.
6. Extremely pungent 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 are quite divided.
７. A wide variety of breakfast options
As a food paradise, Taiwan has a rich and diverse selection of breakfast options besides night market snacks. This surprises and delights Japanese tourists. You can even find breakfast street vendors on the road, offering everything from Taiwanese to Western styles, all delicious.
Taiwan night markets (Photo / MOOK)
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. A very high number of motorcycles
The large number of motorcycles leaves a deep impression on many Japanese tourists. Especially during rush hours, the dense flow of motorcycles moves without colliding, which amazes Japanese visitors.
10. Street food looks unappetizing but tastes amazing
At Taiwan’s night markets, a must-visit for Japanese tourists, various street food stalls offer all kinds of snacks. However, many dishes may not look appealing but taste incredibly delicious, surprising many Japanese visitors.
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