Trash? What trash?

Japan is a wonderful country. It is mostly clean, people are considerate of others, and hey, they have public bins for recycling! I'm looking at you NYC!

In the United States, you don't really think about where to throw your trash because there are trash cans everywhere. No, I don't mean the whole landscape is a trash can, though certain places sure do look it. We definitely took that for granted in this trip.

If you're smart, you won't be carrying your trash around like I did!

Trash Generation 101

So how did we generate trash as we traveled anyway? Well, we like to pack snacks and eat as we go. See, we are grazers. We like to eat snacks. Lots and lots of wonderful, delicious, appetizing snacks. It does not help that there are konbinis (convenience stores) everywhere to buy snacks.

Such enabling. Much stores. Very clean.

At least trash can locations are predictable and consistent. They can often be found in konbinis, places that sell (street) food, and bathrooms. 

How about recycling? Recycling seems to vary by town or city. Some areas will require cans in one bin and bottles in another. Others will have them combined. It really just depends on the local municipality, but if you're ever in doubt, take a peek inside!

But why?!

If you're a fan of Japan or have been there, you'll probably know why. If you would like more information, the reasons are already covered in great detail by various sites in the world wide web (too lazy? click here!).

But you, our dear friend, will probably so lazy you didn't click the link above! (If you are not, then good for you! Don't join the lazy club, a club we both clearly are a part of)

Don't despair, here's a short explanation courtesy of Quora: You're not supposed to eat and walk anyway. 

The toast in mouth while running to school anime trope makes you think that can't be true... But, nope! It is considered improper or even rude to do so. There are some places that make an exception, though it is still common practice to stand or sit still to consume your goodies rather than walking. If you don't look Japanese and you forget about it, they will assume you know nothing of Japanese customs and will probably not get called out.

Finding a place to sit

Most places that provide food or drinks will have places for their patrons to sit. You will likely stand or find a place to rest your tired buttocks. If it is street food like nikumaki onigiri (meat-wrapped rice ball), you will likely finish it in a few bites and not need to search for Narnia (aka a place to sit).

The street food is fantastic! Sure, you don't get to move and eat at the same time, but it is very much worth stopping to eat and appreciate your food. It will be best for travelers to eat near the spot they purchased their food as there will be trash cans that will happily take the remnants of your goodies.