Pachinko parlors are a cornerstone of Japan’s entertainment industry, attracting millions of players annually. For curious foreigners or even locals who have walked past these neon-lit establishments without venturing inside, pachinko parlors can seem like an enigma. What exactly happens behind those doors? Let’s dive into the games, the culture, and the mysteries surrounding pachinko parlors.

What Are Pachinko Parlors?

Pachinko parlors are specialized gaming venues found throughout Japan. They house pachinko machines—devices that are part pinball, part slot machine. Pachinko has been a favorite pastime in Japan since the 1920s and remains a multibillion-dollar industry today.

How Do Pachinko Machines Work?

At first glance, a pachinko machine might seem overwhelming with its flashing lights and loud sounds, but the gameplay is relatively straightforward. Here’s how it works:

• Launching Balls: Players purchase small metal balls and launch them into the machine using a dial or lever.
• Navigating Pins: The balls fall through a maze of pins, and the goal is to land them into specific winning pockets.
• Winning Patterns: Landing balls in the right spots triggers a digital slot display. Matching symbols or completing certain patterns results in a jackpot.
• Tokens and Prizes: Winnings are not paid in cash due to gambling restrictions. Instead, players receive tokens, which can be exchanged for prizes or traded for cash indirectly at nearby exchange counters.

Typical Bets: Most players start with 1,000 yen (approximately $7), which buys a tray of balls. Some machines allow smaller bets, making pachinko accessible to casual and serious players alike.

What Is the Experience Like Inside?

Walking into a pachinko parlor is an assault on the senses. The venues are:

• Loud: The clattering of metal balls and the booming sounds of the machines create a cacophony.
• Bright: Neon lights and vibrant screens dazzle every corner of the room.
• Smoky: Despite Japan’s strict smoking regulations, many parlors have smoking sections, adding to the gritty ambiance.
• Intense: Rows of players focus intently on their machines, lost in a world of flashing lights and spinning reels.

For a first-timer, the environment might feel chaotic, but regular players often describe it as immersive and thrilling.

Are Pachinko Parlors Linked to Crime?

There’s a longstanding perception that pachinko parlors are linked to crime. While most parlors operate legally, there are some gray areas:

• Yakuza Connections: Historically, Japan’s organized crime groups, or yakuza, were rumored to have ties to the pachinko industry. Today, the industry is tightly regulated, but whispers of underworld involvement persist.
• Money Laundering: The unique prize-exchange system has occasionally been exploited for money laundering, though authorities are cracking down on these activities.
• Illegal Gambling: While pachinko skirts Japan’s anti-gambling laws by offering prizes instead of cash, the indirect exchange for money has raised ethical questions.

For the average player, pachinko parlors remain a safe and regulated environment, but these underlying issues add an air of intrigue.

Why Do Asians Love Gambling?

Gambling has deep cultural roots in many Asian societies, and pachinko is no exception. Several factors contribute to its popularity:

1. Social Aspect: Pachinko parlors often serve as gathering places where players can bond over shared experiences.
2. Entertainment: The sensory overload of lights and sounds provides an escape from daily life.
3. Cultural History: Gambling games like mahjong and pachinko have been ingrained in Asian entertainment for generations.
4. Low Barriers: Pachinko is relatively inexpensive to play, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Games Beyond Pachinko: Slot Machines and More

While pachinko machines dominate the scene, many parlors also feature:

• Pachislot Machines: A hybrid of pachinko and traditional slot machines, offering a different style of gameplay.
• Video Slots: Digital gambling games with themes ranging from anime to Hollywood movies.
• Skill-Based Games: Some parlors offer games requiring a mix of skill and luck, catering to more strategic players.

Are Pachinko Parlors Worth Visiting?

If you’ve never been inside a pachinko parlor, the experience is worth trying at least once. Here’s why:

• Cultural Insight: Pachinko offers a unique window into modern Japanese culture and entertainment.
• Fun and Thrills: The fast-paced gameplay can be exhilarating, even for novices.
• Low Stakes: With small bets and no pressure to win big, it’s a lighthearted way to spend an hour or two.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re planning to visit a pachinko parlor, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose a Beginner-Friendly Machine: Start with machines marked as “easy” or “low stakes.”
2. Don’t Overspend: Set a budget and stick to it.
3. Ask for Help: Staff members are often willing to explain how machines work.
4. Avoid Peak Hours: Pachinko parlors can get crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
5. Beware of Scams: Stick to reputable parlors and avoid anyone offering “special” deals outside the venue.

The Future of Pachinko Parlors

As Japan’s gambling laws evolve, so too does the pachinko industry. While younger generations are turning to mobile gaming and online casinos, pachinko parlors remain a nostalgic and cultural staple. The integration of high-tech features, such as smartphone connectivity and digital rewards, is helping the industry adapt to modern times.

Pachinko parlors are more than just gaming venues; they’re a fascinating slice of Japanese culture. Whether you’re a local curious about what goes on inside or a tourist looking for an authentic experience, pachinko offers a blend of entertainment, history, and mystery. So next time you pass one of these neon-lit halls, consider stepping inside—you might just discover a new favorite pastime.

With its futuristic image, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and uniquely syncretic culture, Singapore attracts millions of tourists and business travelers each year. If you’re planning your first trip to Singapore, you’ll want to throw out all your assumptions about the country. As small as it is, Singapore’s culture is truly unique, with few real comparisons to be made with its neighbors or other highly developed nations. To ensure that your stay is pleasant and memorable for all the right reasons, be sure to follow these useful pieces of advice:

What it Takes for Foreigners to Start a Business

Starting a business in Singapore, often hailed as one of the world’s most business-friendly destinations, requires a strategic approach. To understand how to start a business in this city-state, you’ll first need to choose a business structure, such as a private limited company, sole proprietorship, or partnership. Singapore’s straightforward process involves registering your business name and incorporating it through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You’ll also need to ensure compliance with tax regulations, such as registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable and obtaining any necessary business licenses. With its robust infrastructure, favorable tax policies, and access to global markets, Singapore provides an ideal environment for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their ventures.

Bring an Unlocked Phone

Ensure you have an unlocked phone so that you can easily purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. Having a local number will give you access to affordable data plans and make it convenient to stay connected during your trip. Check out local metasearch engines to find the best SIM-only plan Singapore’s stores have for international travelers.

Familiarise Yourself with Local Laws and Customs

Respect the locals and take the time to learn about everyday Singaporean customs, such as removing your shoes before entering someone’s home, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites, and not staring directly at people. Importantly, be sure to also look up local laws governing public conduct, as Singapore is often called a “fine” city for good reason.

Dress for the Climate

Singapore technically has two seasons: a ‘dry’ season that lasts from March to August and a ‘wet’ season that lasts from September to February. However, despite the names of these seasons, it can rain at any time and can likewise be hot and humid throughout the whole year. Leave your winter boots and leather jacket at home and opt for breathable clothing and practical shoes to stay comfortable while exploring the city. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as well.

Purchase an EZ-Link Card

Invest in an EZ-Link card, a reloadable contactless smart card that can be used to pay for rides throughout Singapore’s excellent public transportation system. Interestingly, you can even use the card to pay for items at some retail outlets. If you’re moving around the city by yourself, the EZ-Link card will save you time and money compared to purchasing single-trip tickets.

Explore Singapore’s Hawker Centres 

Don’t forget to visit a few of the country’s world-famous hawker centers. These food centers house multiple food stalls, most of which serve signature dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow. Be sure to keep an eye out for stalls serving Peranakan dishes to partake in less-touristy and truly authentic Straits cuisine.

Embrace the Diverse Food Scene

While Singapore’s culinary soul lies in its homes and hawker centres, it is also a haven for international and fusion cuisine. The country lives for culinary thrills, so be sure to do some research and hit up restaurants, cafes, and hole-in-the-wall eateries that appeal to you.

Stay Hydrated

Between Singapore’s tropical climate and all the walking that you’re bound to do when exploring the country, it’s important to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle and make use of the many water coolers available throughout the city to refill it. Fortunately, most tap water in Singapore is also safe to drink, so you can refill your bottles at most taps unless there’s a sign that says otherwise.

Be Mindful of the Chewing Gum Ban

You might have thought that it was a joke but it’s true. The sale of chewing gum is mostly prohibited in Singapore except for therapeutic or dental purposes. While you can bring small amounts into the country for personal use, it’s hardly worth the trouble. As Lee Kwan Yew, the country’s first prime minister and the originator of the ban quipped, “If you can’t think because you can’t chew, try a banana.”

Carry Cash with You

While cashless payment methods are becoming more popular in Singapore, it’s still a good idea to carry some local currency for small vendors and the many establishments that are still strictly cash-only. In particular, many food stalls at hawker centres will only accept cash payments.

Visit Only the Attractions That Interest You

Even though it’s as small as it is, Singapore offers hundreds of unique attractions, catering to all tastes and interests. There’s so much to do that many locals have not fully explored their own country themselves. If you’re only going to be in the country for a week or so, avoid visiting popular places for the sake of visiting them; instead, choose places that are more likely to be more meaningful to you.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

While Singapore is admittedly quite an expensive country to visit, it also offers several free attractions that are worth exploring. Places like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Merlion Park, Fort Canning Park, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, and the various ethnic enclaves are an excellent way to experience the city without breaking the bank.

Don’t Forget to Flush

Singapore is known for its strict regulations when it comes to cleanliness, and this extends to public restrooms as well. One notable requirement is the legal obligation to flush any toilet that you use. If you think you can get away with not flushing, think again. Undercover police have been known to check stalls and issue fines to offenders.

Singapore is a melting pot like no other. With its modern attractions, rich mix of cultures, and innovative spirit, the city-state has more than enough to offer. By following the tips above, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your first—and probably not your last—visit to Singapore.

The Fethiye Fish Market is the perfect place to stock up on fresh seafood. Located in the picturesque harbor, the market offers a wide variety of fish, ranging from common favorites like tuna and salmon to more exotic options like swordfish and lobster. In addition to being a great place to buy seafood, the market is also a popular tourist destination.

Visitors can enjoy watching the fishermen unload their catch, bargaining for the best prices, and sampling some of the fresher-than-fresh seafood on offer. Whether you’re a local looking for a great deal on dinner or a tourist searching for a unique experience, the Fethiye Fish Market is definitely worth a visit.

Seafood and local markets. Two things that we love to devour and explore when we are traveling. Combine the two into one evening at the Fethiye Fish Market, and you have us salivating at the very thought.

Eating at the Fethiye Fish Market

While we were in Turkey last year for ANZAC Day and our epic Busabout Sail Turkey cruise, we found one of the best restaurants we have ever been to.

We are always on the lookout for excellent food when we travel. And when a recommendation is handed to you from a local at your accommodation, you should listen. Our Fethiye Guesthouse hostel told us that the freshest, tastiest, and cheapest seafood in Fethiye was to be found at the local Fethiye fish market.

We didn’t need much convincing.

We were ready for a giant meal after a crazy and unique Hamam Turkish bath with semi-naked Turkish men.

But finding the local fish markets in Fethiye is just the beginning.

Walking the streets of Fethiye, you wouldn’t realize that tucked away in one of the squares is a fish market. From the outside, the square looks like a regular block of shops. Jewelers, tour companies, and local supermarkets sit side-by-side, hiding the gem inside.

It isn’t until you walk through one of the four arched entrances into the open-aired courtyard that the Fethiye fish market is revealed in all its glory.

Fethiye Fish Market

As you step from under the awnings, your mind begins to piece together the scene in front of your eyes.

Surrounding the square are tables covered with white linen and sparkling dinner sets—each lit from above with paper lanterns.

In the middle of the square sits a brightly lit stand with local fishers jostling together, selling their fresh bounty from that day’s expedition on the Aegean Sea. Each fisher takes up a small shelf of shaved ice piled high with squid, fish, mussels, and prawns.

The seafood stand in the middle is where all the action is.

Seeing the confusion spreading across our faces, we were approached by one of the English-speaking waiters. He quickly explained that we were to select and pay for our dinner from any fishermen. They would prepare our seafood to our liking, whether prawns with shells off, chopped calamari, or whole snapper.

We would then bring our bounty in plastic bags back to the restaurant of our choice, where for a measly 6 – 8 Turkish Lira (US$4 – 5), they would cook our seafood. Included in the price was all-you-can-eat salad and bread—a bargain.

Strolling around the stand several times, we were waved in with friendly smiles and broken English.

While the fishers were all competing, they were all friends. The mixed banter between them as they enticed us to their stalls was good-natured, and there was a lot of it.

With so many options, it was hard to decide on what we wanted to eat. We were eyeing the sailor-style mussels But as a sucker for calamari, that was immediately diced and thrown into our bag. As well as king prawns, a side of quickly filleted fish, and a couple of pieces of tender salmon.

Handing our bags of fresh seafood over to our waiter, we began downing the local Turkish beer, Efes, and watching as other locals and tourists joined the crowds in the square.

It wasn’t long before we were tucking into our meals. Each plate was perfectly cooked to our specific liking. Each morsel is as succulent as the next. And with 8 of us in our group, there was a lot of sharing and mixing of meals as we all wanted to try what others had.

The Fethiye fish market was the perfect way to finish another incredible day in Fethiye.

What do you think of the Fethiye fish market? Sound amazing?!