Japan’s clean streets, no trash cans: What’s secret?

Professor Chris McMorran, a Japanese studies expert at the National University of Singapore, often hears the same question from students and tourists alike: why are public trash cans so scarce in Japan?

This puzzle is common among the growing number of Western visitors, who wonder how the country stays remarkably clean despite limited public garbage bins, Caliber.Az reports via CNN.

Earlier this year, a survey by the Japanese National Tourism Organisation revealed that 22 per cent of tourists found the lack of trash cans their biggest logistical challenge—more than issues like language barriers or overcrowded attractions. The answer lies partly in Japanese social etiquette.

McMorran explains, “This [lack of trash cans] can be a nuisance particularly for budget-conscious young travelers. Instead of sitting down for a meal, they grab food from convenience stores but then struggle to find a place to dispose of waste.” Unlike tourists, locals rarely eat while walking, as eating on the street is seen as impolite—some cities have banned it outright. Most carry small bags to store trash until they can dispose of it at home or work.

Mass tourism has also stressed public waste management, especially in places like Nara, famous for its wild deer. Trash left by tourists has harmed animals, leading the city to remove park trash cans in 1985, only to reinstall solar-powered bins later due to growing litter problems.

Tokyo’s Shibuya district has tackled litter by banning public alcohol consumption during rowdy events to reduce trash and noise.

For some visitors, the scarcity of bins is a charming cultural quirk; for others, it’s frustrating. Hong Kong tourist Rubin Verebes recalls, “It is infuriating to walk around Tokyo all day and not find a single bin to throw away your plastic wrapping.”

Travel experts like Paul Christie say Japan’s cleanliness is rooted in respect and community cooperation. “Japanese communities have made the decision to avoid the nuisance and cost of public garbage cans,” McMorran adds.

Beyond culture, safety concerns also play a role. After the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, trash cans were removed or replaced with clear bags for security reasons. Similar measures followed terror threats abroad, like in London and Madrid.

For tourists, a traditional Japanese solution exists: furoshiki cloths can be used to carry trash during the day and repurposed as souvenirs later. This blend of cultural respect and practicality keeps Japan clean—even without many public trash bins.

By Naila Huseynova