7 unexpected things you'll find in a hotel room in Japan

Japan is known for its quirkiness and love of gadgets and all things electronic. Take a trip to Japan, and you're bound to come across all kinds of new appliances and contraptions you've never seen before. And some of these may be lurking in your hotel room... Here are seven unusual things you may find in your accommodation that you might not be expecting:

1. Room Slippers

The Japanese always remove their shoes indoors, even in some public buildings, like schools and hospitals. Some hotels require you to take off your shoes at your guest room door, and slip on the special "room slippers" provided. At ryokan-style hotels, which are traditional Japanese inns, shoes are removed at the hotel entrance, where a collection of slippers in different sizes is kept ready for guests checking in. Then there are the special "toilet slippers" reserved for use only in the bathroom and meant to ensure that there's no contamination between "unclean" spaces, and living areas.

2. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are ubiquitous in Japan, found in many public offices and many homes. This is also a very common in-room amenity at many hotels. Air purifiers have several functions and are designed to remove pollen and dust particles from the air, reduce odors, and can double as humidifiers during dry Japanese winters. A variety of settings regulate the air flow, the level of noise produced, and complete tasks like "remove odors" or "destroy pollen." Some even talk and will let you know when suspicious air has been detected, and when it's done doing its job!

3. Pyjamas

While "yukata," a Japanese-style robe made of light cotton, is always provided in ryokan-style hotels, pajamas are a common extra found in many hotel rooms. These are either placed on the bed, or tucked in a drawer that's left open so you're sure not to miss them. The concept of many Japanese hotels is that a guest can show up with minimal luggage and find everything required for an overnight stay, including pajamas. These are usually available in several sizes, so if you don't find a pair that fits, just ask hotel staff.