Exploring Japan

Since we're on the topic of Japan, I thought I'd share a few experiences before I move onto the next culture/destination.


No Trash Bins
When I went to Japan, there were little to no trash bins. We carried most of our trash throughout the day until we came across a trash bin. However, we did come across recycle bins such as the ones shown below


After doing a bit of research for why there aren't many garbage disposals around, some of the more frequent answers were:

1. To prevent homeless bums from digging through the trash bins
2. To prevent a situation similar to the Tokyo subway sarin attack in 1995, where sarin (very harmful chemical) was discarded into public trash bins in the subway stations.

As a result, Japan is seen to be very clean and litter-free!


Nara Park
I also visited Nara Park, which was home to the city's deer. There were also small carts around the park for tourists to buy snacks and drinks, including crackers for to feed the deer.
When I went to Nara Park, I noticed the deer didn't crowd around the owner of the snack carts for crackers. Instead, they will monitor the people around the snack carts and once they purchase a bag of crackers, they horde around the person because they want to eat.
It was somewhat of a scary, yet exciting experience to be followed by a group of deer. If you run, they will come after you.

I remember there was this girl who bought a bag of crackers to feed the deer, but then she got scared after the deer crowded around her for the crackers. In reaction, she dropped the bag of crackers and ran away.




Botanical Gardens and more!
There is also some very beautiful scenery and gardens in Japan.