Japan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has a rich history that can be brutal at times, but fascinating as well. There are so many little facts about this fascinating little island nation that make it truly unique.
By the way, if you do read these articles, you'll notice a lot of them have some of the same facts. So I only put the ones not already listed elsewhere
Listed below are the links where I found this information. Each link is above the section where that information came from
https://www.roughguides.com/articles/facts-about-japan/
-It might sound strange, but fear not. The Hen Na Hotel is completely run by robots. When checking in, a multi-lingual humanoid or even dinosaur-shaped receptionist will greet you. They use facial recognition to replace room keys and robotic arms store your luggage. Some places even employ robotic cleaners controlled by AI (artificial intelligence). It's a combination of bizarre sci-fi with futuristic convenience only in Japan for the time being
Capsule hotels are like sleeping pods
-These micro sized hotel rooms have just enough room for a mattress, small TV and mood lighting. Some of the more upscale capsule hotels come with smart controls, charging ports, privacy screens. These were intended originally for wage earners who missed the last train of the day. They are now a budget-friendly option for travelers who may have missed the last train
You can fish for your own dinner in Tokyo
-Zauo is a restaurant where diners can catch their own dinner. The restaurant is shaped like a giant wooden boat, and there diners don't just order their dinner- they catch it. With a fishing rod, you can catch your food and the onsite chefs will prepare it as sushi, sashimi or grill it into what they consider to be perfection
Kyoto has a street where photography is banned
-Kyoto is known for its geisha districts. The district of Gion, where most geisha can be found, is known for its iconic teahouses, where geisha can perform. Some streets completely ban photography, to protect privacy and prevent intrusive behavior from tourists. If you want to see geisha in action, book some time at a teahouse. Just don't expect a selfie with a geisha
Japan has a festival involving the throwing of beans at demons
-Called Setsubun, this marks the official start of spring and the unique ritual of throwing roasted soybeans while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" This translates into "Demons away! Luck in!" Families throw the beans at someone dressed like a demon while temples and shrines organize mass celebrations with celebrities. It's a fun, if slightly bizarre way to bring good fortune for the upcoming year
You can ride a bicycle in the sky
-Designed for people to see the Seto Inland Sea, this "Sky Cycle" is a set of bicycle-style carts that are suspended 50 feet in the air and allow you to pedal at your own pace. This is said to be a roller coaster in the sky, without the sudden drops. The only thrill you'll get is seeing the breathtaking beauty of the local area while pedaling along a narrow rail high off of the ground
Trains are so punctual that conductors offer apologies if they are late
-Japan is known for being a nation of punctuality. It's considered respectful to be on time. The average delay is less than a minute. If a train is late, even by as much as 30 seconds, station staff issue "delay certificates" so commuters can show their boss why there weren't at their place of employment on time. When trains leave earlier than expected, railway companies offer public apologies to the commuters for the inconvenience
You can watch snow monkeys enjoy an onsen (hot spring)
-Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in the Nagano mountain region, offers the chance to see snow monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques, soaking in an onsen (hot spring). During the winter months, these furry monkeys climb into the hot springs to keep warm, looking just as relaxed if not more relaxed than the human visitors. You cannot bathe with them; But you can enjoy watching them a few feet away as they bathe, groom each other and glare at the tourists
One village has more scarecrows than people
-In the remote village of Shikoku lies the village of Nagoro. This village looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie only because of the number of scarecrows inhabiting it. A local artist started creating them to replace the villagers who had moved out or passed away. Over 350 scarecrows inhabit this village and less than 30 human residents remain
Japan has the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world
-The winner of the Busiest Pedestrian Crossing in the World award goes to Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. This hive of activity sees around 3,000 people crossing the intersection without harm or incident. At night, with the flashing of neon lights, it makes one feel as though they entered a city of the future
Aoshima, Japan's famous "Cat Island" may be gone soon
-This island is well known as Japan's "Cat Island" due to the high number of felines living there. A spaying program began in 2018, where no new kittens have been born there. The cats, much like people, age and eventually pass away. There are only five human residents left on the island and the future seems unknown. Thankfully, there are other islands inhabited by cats for cat lovers. They include Tashirojima and Enoshima
You can rent fake family and friends
-It might sound strange, but fear not. Japan has services where you can hire out actors and actresses to play fake family members, boyfriends / girlfriends and more. It might sound strange, but it's comforting in a country where expectations can be high
There's a cafe in Tokyo where you can cuddle hedgehogs
-I must go here!! I love hedgehogs!!!!
-Harry Hedgehog Cafe in Tokyo allows customers to cuddle hedgehogs. In addition to the various cat cafes, you'll find places including owls, micro-pigs and now hedgehogs. You can hold and even feed these tiny prickly forest-dwelling critters while sipping your coffee. It's a relaxed experience, but exercise caution for the occasional quill poke
https://www.airalo.com/blog/15-fun-facts-about-japan?srsltid=AfmBOooITJZQJdPySka8LSN1cJ-lEp9amyxmLY39zYSYm4K6QJGz7Zh7
Sumo wrestling is the national sport in Japan
-Most people know of sumo wrestling as two large men pushing each other to knock the other out of a ring. The origins of sumo wrestling date back to ancient times. Sumo wrestlers, or sumotori, as they are known by properly in Japanese, live in highly routined stables, where every part of their lives from what they eat to their daily activities, is designed with strength and flexibility in mind. The sport is a mind blowing sight of power and strategy. It's just one part of the rich culture that makes Japan's culture one of a kind
Japan's food is even UNESCO-listed
-UNESCO is the organization that preserves sites of great importance. There is the traditional Japanese cuisine called washoku. This food puts great emphasis on using seasonal ingredients, flavor balancing out and even presentation. 2013 was the year that washoku was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In Japan, meals reflect the changing of seasons and celebrate the wealth of the land and sea. It perfectly utilizes the philosophy of living in harmony with nature
Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan
-This majestic mountain, so iconic that when you first think of Japan, this mountain comes to the mind first. This mountain stands at a height of 3,779 meters or 12,389 feet. Climbing Mount Fuji is not only a spiritual journey but a physical challenge. It's importance in the spiritual world strengthens the status it holds in Shinto tradition
It's customary to remove your shoes prior to entering a home, ryoukan (inn) or temple
-Japan is a nation that prides itself on high sanitation and high cleanliness. As such, it's customary to remove shoes prior to entering one's home, a temple or a ryoukan (traditional Japanese inn). This custom is strongly out of respect, with the intention of keeping the indoors clean and tidy. Genkan, an entrance area in many homes and buildings, is where shoes are taken and stored in a cabinet. This shows respect for cleanliness and respect for the environment of the area and the homes of others
Japan has the iconic Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
-This train is able to travel 200 mph. There is a new bullet train in testing, able to max out at 374 mph. Japan is a strong believer in being on time. And if there is a delay by as much as 18-30 seconds, a "delay certificate" is issued to commuters to hand to their boss explaining why they aren't exactly on time
Hanami is the name for the tradition of viewing the cherry blossoms
-In Japan, there is a tradition called hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. This tradition involves family and friends gathering together to enjoy food, drinks and enjoy the natural beauty of the cherry blossom, or sakura, as it's known by in Japanese. This tradition is strongly representative of the concept mono no aware, which translates into the idea of being aware of something and appreciating it in the time it has and that it will pass
There are thousands of onsen (hot springs) scattered throughout the country
-Onsen, or hot springs, are popular activities for relaxing in Japan. Because of the volcanic activity in Japan, geothermal activity heats these hot springs up and creates a relaxing atmosphere. These hot springs are not only a relaxing way to soak away the stress, but they are a much beloved part of Japanese culture. They are strongly linked to Shinto and Buddhist practices of purification. Each onsen is unique. Each one offers different experiences, depending on the minerals contained within the water, the location and the ryoukan (traditional Japanese inn) that it may be part of
Just a warning. If you have tattoos, it would be wise to call ahead and find out what the policy is on tattoos. Tattoos have a strong cultural connection to the form of organized crime called the Yakuza, or Japanese Mafia. These gangsters are known for heavy body tattooing and, as such, a lot of business owners are hesitant to see tattoos on display. If you plan on going to an onsen, please call ahead and find out what the policy is on displaying tattoos. Let them know you have tattoos and are inquiring about information, to make sure you respect their wishes and avoid offending their customers. The owner may ban you from entering or request that you cover them up
Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world
-The reason being the long lives in Japan is a combination of healthy diets, active lifestyles and a vibrant social community. It's a sense of one looking out for the other. Everyone keeping consideration of their health and that of their neighbors, friends and loved one. Japan is known for having people live into their nineties and even one hundreds
Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world
-The capital of Japan, Tokyo is the number one most populous city in the world. As of the 2021 census, Tokyo is home to 37 million people, bypassing that of other countries. This city is a vibrant, sprawling expanse of various districts, each district with its own unique, quirky charm and personality
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