Japan is a country that fascinates everybody, from its ancient history to its innovative ideas. It’s a hub for cultural traditions, cutting-edge technology, and lifestyles that continue to shape and inspire the world. Everyone wants to explore Japan at least once in their lifetime!

If you’re thinking of traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, here are 20 fun facts about Japan you need to know first!

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What Are Some Fun Facts About Japan?

When we think of Japan, we picture a country where ancient traditions coexist with the most modern futuristic concepts. It has the fastest bullet trains, lovely cat cafes, vending machines with the weirdest items, KFC for Christmas, and cherry blossom parties every spring.

Here are some fun and interesting facts about Japan to show how unique the country can be —some of these facts may even seem a bit weird!

 

Japan Had a Long Period of Isolation

The history of Japan is a long-lasting one, thousands of years back. But, did you know it was closed off from the world for over 200 years? During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Japan’s Tokugawa shogunate enforced the Sakoku policy, which involved closing its borders and allowing only limited trade with China, Korea, and the Netherlands.

This is an interesting fact because Japan’s time of isolation allowed it to shape its own unique identity and culture.

 

Tokyo Is the World’s Largest City

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is the most populated city in the world with over 37 million in its metropolitan area, surpassing other highly populated cities like Delhi in India (31 million), and Shanghai in China (26 million).

Thinking of Visiting Tokyo? Don't travel without your Yoho Mobile eSIM

 

97% of Japan’s Area Is in Four Islands

Japan is an island country with over 6,800 islands. However, Japan's land is mainly made up of four big islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. These islands cover 97% of the country’s area.

 

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Japan's Rabbit Island, known as Okunoshima, is home to hundreds of free-roaming rabbits.

 

Mount Fuji Is an Active Volcano

Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain at 3,776 meters, but did you know it is also an active volcano? Interesting fact, isn’t it? It last erupted in 1707 and is a symbol of Japan for culture, spirituality, and climbing.

Image by Pexels and Vecteezy

 

Japan Avoids the Number Four

Japanese people avoid the number four ("shi") because it is considered unlucky and sounds like the word for death. In fact, many buildings in Japan skip the fourth floor, and gifts are often sold in sets of three or five to avoid using the number four.

 

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Kit Kats Are Considered Good Luck as they sound like "surely win," (Kitto Katsu)

 

Japan Lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire

Japan faces several natural disasters like earthquakes to tsunamis. This is due to Japan's geographic location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates shift and 100 active volcanoes exist.

Despite this, Japan has developed ways to make earthquake-resistant buildings and systems to monitor and prepare for disasters.

 

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Tokyo skyscrapers use earthquake dampers, to absorb energy during earthquakes, reduce building movement, and keep structures stable.

 

The Japanese Flag Symbolizes the Sun

The Japanese flag, called "Nisshoki" or "Hinomaru," shows a red circle on a white background that represents the sun. It is not only a clear reference to Japan's name, "Land of the Rising Sun," but also to its national identity and Shinto traditions.

Image by Vecteezy

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Japan Has a Cherry Blossom Season

One of the most well-known yet unique traditions in Japan is Cherry Blossom Season, or "Hanami," which lasts from March to May. People meet under cherry trees for picnics and to enjoy the short-lived blooming flowers.

Image by Pexels

Learn More Here: Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2024

 

Kimonos Are Worn Only for Special Occasions

Kimonos are those iconic long Japanese robes tied with an obi belt made from silk. They are mainly reserved for cultural special events like weddings and festivals.

 

School Uniforms Include Sailor Suits

In Japan, many middle and high schools require uniforms, known as seifuku. Boys typically wear black jackets with standing collars, while girls often wear sailor-style uniforms. These uniforms are part of school traditions and promote a sense of community and discipline among students.

 

Karaoke Began in Japan

Karaoke started in Japan in the 1970s when musician Daisuke Inoue invented it. It involves people singing along to instrumental tracks with lyrics on a screen. It grew from small bars and clubs in Tokyo to private rooms called karaoke boxes.

 

Japan’s Bullet Trains Are Never Late

Japan’s bullet trains, known as Shinkansen, have been operating on time since 1964, with delays of less than a minute. These trains, whose speeds exceed 200 mph, connect major cities with great efficiency. Its drivers also are trained to maintain strict schedules.

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Train companies apologize for delays as short as one minute.

 

Manga Symbols Inspired Emoji Designs

Emoji designs come from manga symbols. Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese designer, created the first set of emojis in the 1990s. These symbols express emotions visually, like sweat drops for anxiety, hearts for love, and cross veins for anger. They are now widely used online as a digital way to share feelings and ideas without using words.

 

Sumo Is Japan’s National Sport

Sumo, a form of wrestling, is Japan's national sport, rooted in ancient rituals meant to entertain the gods. Wrestlers, or sumotori, fight in a circular ring and try to push each other out or to the ground.

Sumo is beyond a mere test of strength; it reflects the ritual ceremonies of Shintoism.

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Japan’s Life Expectancy Ranks Among the Highest

Japan's life expectancy is on average 85 years, one of the world's highest. It is due to several unique reasons, such as a good diet, active living, easy access to an advanced healthcare system, and strong social ties.

 

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Okinawa has one of the highest life expectancy in the world, with more than 600 confirmed centenarians.

 

Sushi Originated as Street Food

Sushi began as street food in Japan during the Edo period. It was served in bite-sized portions with vinegared rice and fish and was easy to eat. This early form, known as "nigirizushi, grew into the famous sushi we know today.

Image by Pexels

Japan Has One Vending Machine for Every 23 People

This interesting fact about Japan is about its vending machines. There are over 5 million vending machines! That means there is one machine for about every 23 people. Nonetheless, they allow people to buy drinks, snacks, meals, and other unusual items.

 

Another Fun Fact About Japan: Japan's vending machines often sell weird items, such as fresh eggs, umbrellas, toys, books, hot meals, and even live crabs.

 

KFC Is a Christmas Eve Tradition

In Japan, eating KFC on Christmas Eve is a popular way to celebrate the holiday. This tradition began in the 1970s with a smart marketing campaign. Customers order meals or stand in long lines to buy the KFC special holiday meal.

Related: Christmas in History: Unique Traditions Around the World

 

Japan's Capsule Hotels Save Space and Money

Capsule hotels in Japan offer travelers a small and cheap place to sleep. Each capsule has a bed, light, and outlet, plus shared bathrooms and lockers. These futuristic capsule hotels are common in cities as a low-cost choice for short stays or late-night travelers.

  

Japan Has Cat Cafes For Pet Lovers

Did you know Japan has cat cafes? Cat cafes are a fun and popular fact about Japan. You read that right! These cafes let cat lovers enjoy coffee and spend time with furry friends. What an amazing way to relax and have fun in Japan!

Cat cafes let people who can’t have pets enjoy time with cats. They also help cats find homes by teaming up with animal rescue groups. This type of cafe has become popular with both locals and tourists.

 

Want to Know More Fun and Cool Facts About Japan?

• Japan Has a Naked Festival (Hadaka Matsuri): Men wear minimal clothing for good fortune.
• Japan Had Anti-Ninja Floors: Some homes had squeaky floors to detect intruders in the past.
• Traffic at Shibuya Crossing Is Chaotic: Thousands of pedestrians cross at once.
• Japan Has An Eel-Flavored Ice Cream: Unique Kit Kat and ice cream flavors are common there.
• Napping at Work Is Encouraged: In fact it is called "inemuri," and shows dedication to work.
• Japan Host Crying Baby Festivals: Known as "Nakizumo," sumo wrestlers compete to make babies cry for good luck.

 

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