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Japan is a country rich in cultural heritage, traditions, and nature. However, beyond the surface, there are many amazing but little-known facts about Japan.
In this article, we’ll go on an adventure into the lesser-known aspects of this remarkable island nation that often escape the tourist brochures. Prepare to see Japan from a new perspective as we delve into some interesting facts about Japan, from its iconic trains to ‘Cat Islands,’ unique fruits, special nature rituals, and more.
An Island Nation…
Most travelers only pay attention to the 4 main islands of Japan — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — but not many people know that Japan has more than 6,800 islands! The majority of these smaller islands are remote and do not have much infrastructure, which is why more than 70% have 500 or fewer inhabitants.
…With Cat Islands
Speaking of islands… Among the many deserted islands, travelers can also find plenty of interesting places — like Aoshima Island.
Also known as “Cat Island,” this tiny island in Ehime got its name thanks to its large population of felines. There are more cats than people on this island — about 200 cats to 5 human residents — and they have become a true local attraction.
Likewise, there are other cat islands in different parts of Japan. For example, the island of Tashirojima is home to several hundred cats and even has a cat temple. The islands have become popular with cat lovers who come to enjoy the company of these cute animals.
The Land of Volcanoes
There are more than 450 volcanoes in Japan, of which more than a hundred are active. The most popular volcano is, of course, Mount Fuji, which is considered a symbol of Japan and a national treasure. When traveling to Japan, be sure to get a souvenir of ‘Fuji-san’ to commemorate your trip — or even better, take a scenic day trip from Tokyo on the Fuji Excursion limited express train to see it in person.
Thanks to the influence of volcanoes and their waters’ therapeutic benefits, the culture of onsen (hot springs) is very prominent in Japan. These hot springs have been popular since ancient times and are still used for relaxation and recreation to this day.
The World’s Most Iconic Train
If someone says speed train, most people instantly think of Japan’s iconic Shinkansen.
Japanese Shinkansen trains are considered the fastest, safest, and most efficient public transportation in the world. Since the Shinkansen began in 1964 (just in time for the Tokyo Olympics), there has not been a single fatality or accident in its 60-year history. Amazing!
The Shinkansen network consists of more than 2,800 km (1,750 mi) of lines all around Japan and had an annual ridership of nearly 200 million passengers in 2021.
However, the Shinkansen’s main feature is their speed: trains can accelerate to 320 km/h (200 mph), which makes them one of the fastest trains in the world — and at the same time, they’re environmentally friendly.
In addition to speed, Japanese trains are incredibly comfortable. During the trip, travelers can visit the carriage restaurant to taste traditional Japanese dishes, relax in comfortable chairs, and enjoy panoramic views from the large windows.
Colorful & Unique Fruits
Japan is famous for its incredibly beautiful and juicy fruits, which have become a sort of symbol of luxury. The secret of perfect fruits is that they are grown with special care and under strict supervision.
In high-end stores, travelers can find various fruits that are ideally shaped or, on the contrary, unique, such as watermelons shaped in the form of cubes. Such fruits are most often used as gifts and are highly valued by locals — and some can fetch prices of more than 20,000 USD.
The Capital of Vending Machines
The only thing you’ll see more than sushi in Japan are vending machines — In fact, the country has almost 4 million vending machines. You can buy anything and everything from these colorful kiosks, from delicious snacks and drinks to everyday items like umbrellas, batteries, flowers, and even Wagyu beef.
While vending machines can be found almost anywhere, you’ll typically need to have physical money (such as coins or bills) to buy something.
Observing Nature Is An Entire Culture
Nature in Japan is incredibly beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom season. But for locals, it’s more than just pretty scenery — there are special words in Japanese to denote activities related to nature.
The custom of cherry blossom viewing is known as “Hanami,” while enjoying the fall leaves is called “Momijigari.” There’s even a word for moon-gazing, “Tsukimi,” which is part of honoring the autumn moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Imperial Calendar
Japan has two calendar systems: the regular Gregorian calendar we’re all familiar with, and the Imperial calendar, based on the date that Japan was founded (in 660 BC). This second calendar has a long history and plays a role in official, religious, and everyday life events.
For example, 2023 is known as Kōki 2683 when converted to the Japanese imperial year.
The Capital of Anime
Of course, how could we forget Japan’s most famous export? Anime (Japanese animation) can be traced back to the early 20th century, and nowadays, the country is responsible for creating more than 60% of the world’s anime.
The Japanese love for anime is visible as soon as you arrive in Japan: there are adorable characters almost everywhere, from billboards to subway cars, credit cards, and even packing in stores.
Many locals dream of breaking into the anime industry, whether as an artist, producer, or voice actor. There are more than 130 anime voice-acting schools in Japan.
Interesting Facts About Japanese Food
Food is an integral part of any culture, and Japan is no exception. Did you know that Japan is the largest importer of seafood in the world?
Despite their love of fish, the Japanese have an interesting tradition of eating KFC on Christmas. This unusual tradition dates back to 1970 when KFC launched a special promotion that offered the “Party Barrel,” an analog of the American Christmas dinner, but with chicken instead of turkey. The tradition has stuck ever since.
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