“How is Japan so clean even though there are so few trash bins?!” This is something commonly heard by tourists visiting Japan. For many, it’s one of the first things they notice! So just how can such a large city stay clean without many places to throw away your rubbish?
The rules and manners revolving around waste disposal here are quite strict, so most Japanese people usually will just keep their garbage with them until they find a place to throw it away. Of course it proves to be inconvenient for most to carry around their waste wherever they go, so what should you do if you’re put in the situation of having nowhere to throw your trash away?!
The History Behind the Lack of Garbage Cans: The Sarin Gas Attack of 1995
In March 20th, 1995 during the morning rush hour, the Tokyo subway system fell victim to a deadly terrorist attack using extremely lethal sarin gas. This attack was organized by cult members of Aum Shinrikyo and injured over 5,000 people. Because sarin gas has no scent and is also colorless, many affected by the attack did not realize until they began having symptoms later on.
Although the cult members were eventually arrested, many were scared of further attacks. To ease these fears, trash cans were taken out of many public areas (especially train stations) because they could potentially hold terrorist weapons.
Fast forwarding to now, over 20 years later, Tokyo still has very few trash cans and train stations are still always on alert for suspicious items or anything that could be possibly linked to further incidents.
So...Where Can I Throw Away My Trash?!
1. Train Stations
Although you may have to search a bit, most train stations will have garbage bins that you can use in front of the ticket gates, and sometimes on the platforms. Some stations will have neither, so it might be best to be ready to carry your garbage a little bit longer!
2. Vending Machines
To the side of many vending machines you can find a designated garbage can for plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cans (basically for things you can buy in a vending machine).
3. At Parks
Because many Japanese people enjoy having picnics or drinking in the park, you can often find garbage cans without many issues at most parks! You may have to walk a while to get to one, but you will usually be able to find a rather large garbage bin fairly easily.
Bonus: Convenience Stores also Have Garbage Cans!
Sometimes you can find garbage cans at your local convenience store, but there have been some issues regarding them. These garbage bins aren’t considered public, so if you’d like to use them it’s best to buy something from the store beforehand.
Most convenience stores originally had the garbage cans outside of the store but had to move them because too many people would throw things away there making it problematic. It’s best to keep in mind that these are for customer use to avoid any issues!
Separating Garbage in Japan
Japan is very strict about separating their garbage. Garbage is most commonly separated here by the following: combustibles, incombustibles, cans, glass bottles, and plastics.
Most countries don’t separate as much as Japan does so it can be difficult at first, but it’s best to follow the rules while you’re here—sometimes they won’t collect your trash if it isn’t separated properly!
While it is likely that you will have to carry your garbage around at some point when you are here in Japan, knowing the information listed above can hopefully make your trip all the easier.
Written by Lindsey Schultz
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
-
Experience the Magic: Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival (August)
-
[Taste Test!] A New Product in the Popular 'Pikachu Tokyo Banana' Series! Adorable Special Cans Now Available
-
Top 10 Must-Visit Aquariums in Tokyo & Nearby Areas
-
5 Quirky Japanese Summer Festivals You Must See: Dancing, Fire, Bellybuttons & More!
by: Miyu Shimada
-
The Samurai Restaurant: An Insane, Energetic Night of Music and Lights
by: Cassandra Lord
-
Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024
by: Kaori Kimura
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
8 Scenic Hakone Lodgings with Breathtaking Views of Mount Fuji from Your Room
-
Make Your Tokyo Stay Comfortable! 10 Convenient Hotels with Airport Shuttle Service
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Breathtaking Views! Handpicked Tokyo Hotels with Tokyo Tower Views
-
Enjoy a Private Luxury Stay! Recommended Hotels with Night Views in Shinjuku
-
Stay Near the Cherry Blossoms! Hotels for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
-
Top Hotels Offering Free Shuttle bus to Tokyo Disneyland
-
Best Hotels with Extended Stay in Hakone for a Comfortable Experience
-
10 Asakusa Hotels Featuring Views of Tokyo Skytree®
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
Exploring Tokyo Station: 10 Must-Visit Spots Around the Heart of Tokyo
-
Japan Sakura Selection: Mouthwatering Spring Delicacies Offered by 16 of Tokyo’s Top Shops!
-
Kawaii Monster Cafe: Cute and Creepy Fun in Harajuku
-
Atami 1-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan's Castle & Hot Springs Resort Town Near Tokyo!
-
Ultimate Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary: What to Do With 48 Hours in Tokyo
by: Matt Vachon
-
First time in Shibuya Tokyo? Here's Your Easy Guide to the Shibuya and Harajuku Area!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks