Japan: The land of a thousand conveniences

TOKYO: Heated toilets that spray users clean, train seats that revolve so passengers can admire the scenery and a convenience store on every corner: welcome to Japan, where hospitality and customer service form part of the country’s DNA.

Visitors readying to flock to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics can expect a dizzying array of services in Japan where quirky, futuristic gadgets and everyday conveniences ease the passage through the stresses of daily life.

“Attention to others is at the root of Japanese culture,” said Kazuhiro Watanabe, a consumer trends analyst at Nikkei BP consulting group.

It even has its own word in Japanese – omotenashi – or a focus on hospitality. “Here, we anticipate customers’ desires,” stressed Watanabe.

Don’t believe it? How about this typical – if not exhaustive – day in Tokyo.

The alarm goes off. Bleary-eyed, you head to the washroom. It’s chilly but don’t worry: the toilet seat is heated.

Enjoyed by foreign celebrities and legions of tourists alike, Japan’s multi-function toilets have an astonishing range of other features too, from jets to wash yourself, deodorisers or a flushing noise button to cover up embarrassing sounds.

But what if you’re alone with a child and nature calls? Many public toilets (spotlessly clean, of course) have infant seats inside the stall. Park baby in the holder and you’re good to go.

Back at home, you’re late for work and there’s no time for breakfast.

So you head to the konbini – Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores – for some food. While you’re there, why not pay that electricity bill and pick up fresh socks or underwear while you’re at it.

Grab some yen from the everpresent ATM, which itself has a handy umbrella and beverage holder.

Needing a caffeine fix, you can buy a canned coffee – hot or cold – from a vending machine. You won’t have to go far: Japan has more than two million drinks vending machines.

Eating out in Japan is also an exercise in convenience.

Most restaurants come complete with realistic plastic versions of the meals in the windows so the hapless tourist can just point.

And why wait to actually order your lunch? Many eateries have vending machines outside, so you can order your meal before even going in -- speeding up the whole process considerably.

Most places also give you a basket so your bag doesn’t get dirty on the floor. A hot or cool hand towel – depending on the season – is standard and if you don’t have a glass of iced water within a couple of minutes of entering, something has gone very wrong.