Japan - small intelligent ideas

I was sad and I was glad that it was over. How else could I describe my up and down of feelings towards Japan? There were moments where I really liked things (e.g. the order, the structure that can be so reassuring) and in other moments I was thinking of leaving right away (e.g. when I got yet another comment on me being different, not intended badly, but still).

But this trip brought also so many new perspectives by simply travelling with friends who haven't been before. Starting with the luxury you get on a long-distance flight (several meals, inflight entertainment system, alcohol!), cute animal pictures everywhere, the understanding that I despite being a tourist have a huge advantage by being able to read stuff, the kindness and so on. This is the awesome crew that showed me a new side of Japan:


The following is a funny compilation of "small intelligent ideas" collected by Nils over the course of our journey. So many things are just normal to me, reading this list made me appreciate Japan's attention to details once again:

• USB docks on the airplane
• Free Wifi everywhere
• Convenience stores ("Spätis" with everything, everywhere)
• Adjustable seats on the train to form group seats
• Warm toilet seats and washing function
• New toilet water is used to wash hands - basin is on top of toilet
• Pay when you exit the bus
• Plug socket at restaurant tables
• Umbrella locker everywhere
• Countdown for traffic lights turning green
• Oshibori - a hot, wet towel you get before every meal
• They count your change every time
• Pull-out straws
• No ticket control on the train
• ATMs everywhere
• Pay by stations on the bus

Where's the intelligent solution for this?!

Disclaimer: photographs taken by Nils