Signs

One of the more difficult parts of living where we do is the very obvious contradiction of being English speakers in a country where English is not the official language or spoken frequently by most of the population.

However, beyond this basic language difference is also a complete cultural shift in the way that information is presented. Said much more simply, signs are really weird in Japan. Here are a few from my aimless walk around Kyoto. I have a feeling this is not my last entry about the oddities seen on signs in Japan.

If you had to guess, what do you think this sign would be advertising?


It's for a pay by the hour parking lot. That's what winking turtles generally make me think of. Parking.

How about this one?

I have no idea what this one was for- sorry.

Here are a few more. Enjoy the joy of Japanese signage.