Japan Visitors Cite Lack of Trash Cans as Biggest Inconvenience

In a survey conducted by the Japan Tourism Agency, visitors to Japan pointed to the lack of trash bins as their biggest inconvenience during their trip. This includes the lack of bins in both public areas and train stations.

Over 4,000 visitors were surveyed at New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka Airports upon departure this past December and January.

21.9% of these respondents cited the lack of trash bins as their biggest frustration, followed by communication and language barrier struggles with staff (15.2%) and overcrowded tourist spots (13.1%). The poll noted that many respondents mentioned having to return their trash to their accommodation.

The lack of trash cans was also the biggest point of inconvenience during last year’s survey.

Japan used to have an abundance of trash cans back in the 20th century. Most of them were removed, however, for security reasons relating to the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attacks and other terrorism events.

Speaking from experience, the lack of trash cans in Tokyo and the rest of Japan is very real. This is one of the few areas where I always long for the trash disposal convenience back in New York City. I’m able to find multiple bins on the subway platform, one or two on every block, and plenty in parks. Not the case at all when I’m in Tokyo, though.

I’m well aware of the “Japanese people have manners and bring their own trash home” argument that people like to make. However, as I said, Japan used to have plenty of trash bins throughout until the 2000s. Security concerns definitely pushed the removal of them originally, and I also do think that it’s now an area for the Japanese government to simply save a few bucks on.

All photos taken by the author.