What Your Japan Trip Would've Looked Like In 1970
Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations for people all around the world. Whether you love anime characters, breathtaking historical landmarks, colorful rural areas, or visiting temples and museums, Japan has something for everyone to enjoy during a lengthy vacation.
And while you might associate modern Japan with neon signs, cyberpunk city landscapes, and the fastest trains in the world, 1970s' Japan wasn't that different. Already on its way to becoming one of those places you had to visit at least once in your lifetime, its out-of-this-world fashion, culture, and food exceeded expectations for anyone living on the western side of the planet.
Not just a culture shock, Japan has always been a ground zero for landmarks and places everyone wants to see today. Here’s what your trip to Japan would’ve looked like if you went there in the seventies, and it’s surprisingly not that surprising.
Japan Street Food in 1970
Street food culture has been around for ages in Japan, although it has probably become more hygienic.
Japan first bullet train
Japan’s first bullet train was around since 1964, so you would’ve been able to ride it, if you could afford it.
Kid and Mom in Japan 1970
You could be easily out-dressed by a Japanese kid, and you had to be mentally ready for it.
1970 Japan Phone Operators
If you were making a phone call back then, know that these ladies were putting you through.
Girl with Pet Rabbit
While Shiba Inus were and still are the most popular pet in Japan, you could also see people walking with their rabbits, monkeys, and other exotic pets.
1970 World’s Fair Expo attendees
Everything about the World’s Fair Expo was imagining a future that never came, including futuristic clothes.
Tower of the Sun
If you were visiting for the World's Fair Expo in Osaka, you’d have been amazed (and a little creeped out) by Taro Okamoto's Tower of the Sun.
Battleship Mutsu wreckage
You could casually visit the wreckage of battleship Mutsu to see where a lot of the giant robot fiction inspiration came from.
Shinjuku in 1970
In 1970, Shinjuku became a car-free zone in Tokyo, turning into one of the world’s most popular tourist spots.
Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing 1970
Shibuya’s crossing was always one of the most popular spots in all of Japan, with thousands of people walking it every day.
Grocery shopping in Japan 1970
Grocery shopping just hits different when you’re in Japan, no matter what year it is.
Ginza Japan in 1970
Yes, Japan was already cyberpunk in 1970.
Sennin Gyoretsu parade
The Sennin Gyoretsu parade showcases samurai armors and traditions, which were Japan’s main selling point for most tourists in 1970.
Ginza street in 1970's Japan
While today it’s rare to find empty streets in Japan, in 1970 there were still a couple of towns with pretty quiet landscapes.
McDonald's lands in Japan
McDonald’s landed in Japan in the 70s so you wouldn’t have to worry about what you were going to eat.
Japanese Rock Concert in 1970
Smoking cigarettes and looking cool were mandatory in concerts back then, and you had to be up for it.
Tourist dining in Japan
Tourism wasn’t massive in the 70s and visitors wouldn’t bother locals with TikTok trends, so you could just share a cold one with the boys anytime.
Japanese fashion in the 70s
Fashion was quickly transitioning from the 60s to the 70s, and this is what most people dressed like back then.
Japanese Airport Hotel Menu
And if you stayed in an airport hotel, you’d have many breakfast options to choose from.
Japan Airlines 1970
If you had enough money to fly First Class, you’d start living the full Japan experience from the start thanks to Japan Airlines.