Japan is on the high of everybody’s journey bucket listing, and for good purpose. We’ve visited Japan on a number of events and all the time appear to study one thing in regards to the nation once we are there. Positioned in East Asia within the Sea of Japan, the archipelago of Japan is an unimaginable nation to go to. Most individuals already know in regards to the improbable Japanese delicacies and its position in World Struggle II, however there may be a lot extra to the nation that we cowl right here.

Enjoyable Information About Japan

Do you know that Japan is thought to have the world’s second-highest life expectancy, subsequent to Hong Kong? In 2024, there have been 2.31 million Japanese individuals over the age of 90, with over 71,000 of them being over 100! So, have the Japanese found the key to perpetual life?

Japan is a rustic with a posh and historic cultural heritage, but in the present day, it is likely one of the most superior nations in know-how and innovation since 1950. Japan’s type of authorities is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary authorities. The forex utilized in Japan is the Japanese yen.

Japan offers an excessive amount of consideration to schooling, and the nation is likely one of the most literate on the earth. A particular consciousness of pure magnificence and curiosity in form and stability are apparent.

A few of these cool information about Japan and its habits might shock you. I do know it did that to us. For instance, Japan’s nationwide sport, sumo wrestling, has its roots in historic rituals to entertain deities, and the disciplined lives of sumo wrestlers present how essential the game is. I believe we are able to study rather a lot from their lifestyle. Additionally, pure sizzling springs, often known as onsen, are an enormous a part of Japanese tradition, not only for leisure and rejuvenation but in addition for ceremonial functions in Shintoism and Buddhism.

There may be much more to Japan than meets the attention, so let’s get into the Information about Japan that we actually discovered attention-grabbing.

1. Japan is Extraordinarily Clear

Streets in Japan are immaculate; even in Tokyo, the capital and a large megacity, all streets are spotless and litter-free. That being mentioned, how does Japan accomplish this? It’s all about their mindset. The Japanese individuals very seldom depart trash on the streets. Moreover, volunteers of all ages clear the streets for the easy purpose that they need to reside in a tidy metropolis.

2. Tokyo is the World’s Most Populated Metropolis

The better Tokyo metropolitan space encompasses three areas and is house to Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Tokyo is estimated to have 38.14 million, rendering it the world’s most populous megacity.

3. Japan has the world’s largest fish market in Tokyo

The world’s greatest fish market is the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan. It’s huge and busy. Having been working since 1935, Tsukiji is a world icon of the Japanese seafood business. It covers a substantial space and handles over 2,000 tons of seafood a day. It’s well-known not just for its dimension but in addition for its tuna auctions, the place consumers and sellers go head-to-head in high-stakes bidding wars for one of the best catches.

Though the inside wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji continues to be a must-visit. The outer market continues to be going robust with recent seafood, road meals, and all kinds of culinary goodies. That is Japan’s potential to stability custom with modernity, to maintain the previous whereas embracing the brand new.

4. Japan’s inhabitants is 98.5 p.c Japanese.

This may increasingly appear absurd, however the trendy world is turning into more and more multicultural. Nonetheless, this isn’t the case in Japan. That’s largely on account of stringent visa necessities and a cultural mindset retaining its distinctive and historic tradition steeped in previous traditions.

5. Japan Has Canned Meals Eating places

Japan can also be a terrific vacation spot for canned meals followers, as quite a few eating places and bars specialize on this meals tradition. Mr. Kanso is the most well-liked chain of such eating places. The cabinets of those eating places have a various array of canned meals from world wide. The range on the cabinets ensures that even essentially the most discerning visitor will discover one thing new to attempt.

And talking of canned meals, Japan is full of merchandising machines. You’ll discover them in every single place on the streets, promoting all the pieces from sake and beer to tea and meals.

6. Japan Has a Excessive Life Expectancy

Japan is nearly tied with Hong Kong when it comes to common life expectancy, at 83.6 years and 84 years. Financial stability and the usage of Japanese cash, particularly the Japanese yen, additionally contribute to longevity. Quite a few individuals attribute Japan’s lengthy life expectancy to the nation’s traditionally more healthy food plan than Western nations. Their food plan features a better quantity of fish, much less pink meat and extra greens, and smaller parts.

The Japanese sizzling springs most likely have rather a lot to do with the lengthy lives in Japan. These sizzling springs, often known as Onsens, are frequented by the Japanese for his or her therapeutic properties. We visited a number of on our completely different journeys and you’ll learn extra about them right here: Japanese Ryokan – Our Keep in a Conventional Inn

7. Japan Has Many Energetic Volcanoes

There’s a complete sum of 110 lively volcanoes in Japan! Scientists observe 47 of those lively volcanoes on account of current eruptions or an eruption risk.

8. Every Yr There Are Over 1,500 Earthquakes

That’s right! Japan is positioned on high of or adjoining to 3 tectonic plates. The Eurasian, North American, and Filipino plates are the tectonic plates. Greater than a thousand earthquakes hit Japan every year on account of its place close to the convergence of those plates. (Facet observe: I used to be really in an earthquake in Japan whereas working years in the past in Yokohama. It was scary)

Japan is likely one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. Most of those earthquakes are minor and unnoticeable, however massive and damaging earthquakes do happen infrequently.

9. Forests Cowl 67 % of Japan

Once you consider Japan, you’re most likely considering of the nation’s quite a few cities or its fundamental islands. Surprisingly, 67 p.c of Japan is roofed in forest. 

It isn’t unusual to see indicators on forest trails warning to look out for black bears. Actually? Black bears in Japan? 

10. The Japanese are Extraordinarily Connected to Nature and Their Tradition

You will see that almost all Japanese have a profound appreciation and love of nature. That’s because of the ingrained spirituality of the traditional Shinto faith, which attributes spirits to pure options resembling rivers, mountains, and rocks. That’s one in all many Japanese information that we discovered on our final journey to the nation.

11. Japan Is Dwelling to the Deepest Underwater Postbox

A cool Japan truth is that Susami is house to the world’s deepest underwater postbox. Susami is a widely known fishing city in Wakayama Province. The Guinness World Information acknowledged the city’s deepest underwater postbox in 2002. The postbox is 30 toes underwater and has collected over 32,000 items of mail since 1999.

12. Mount Fuji is a Holy Website

Mount Fuji is just not solely Japan’s highest mountain; it has been a sacred web site for the Shinto faith for the reason that seventh century. The cool factor is that Princess Konohanasakuya is the Kami (divine individual) of Mount Fuji within the Shinto faith. The cherry blossom is her image.

Even if you’re not a follower of the Shinto faith, it’s mentioned which you can sense the realm’s tranquillity and eerie environment.

13. Japan Has Ice Cream That Does Not Soften

This is likely one of the Japan information for youths!

The title is slightly deceptive as a result of the ice cream will finally soften. The non-melting ice cream will apparently take a number of hours to soften. Think about that youngsters, that is undoubtedly one of the best one of many children Japan information! Yummy!

The invention occurred by chance whereas scientists had been experimenting with the chemistry of strawberries. That was to help farmers impacted by the 2011 earthquake.

14. Portugal Was the First European Nation to Go to Japan

The Portuguese had been the primary European nation to go to Japan in 1543 once they arrived at Nagasaki’s port. This preliminary Portuguese go to signaled the beginning of the Nanban commerce interval, which spanned from 1543 to 1614.

Throughout this time interval, the Japanese and Portuguese traded freely. Japan was launched to new applied sciences and cultural practices, resembling European weapons, European armor, and European ships.

One other stunning revelation from this period is that the Portuguese launched tempura to Japan. Tempura has since grown to be one in all its hottest dishes.

15. Japan Was Locked Down for a Entire Interval When the Shogun Closed Japan

After the large influence of European tradition on Japan since 1543, Tokugawa Lemitsu, the Shogun of Japan, closed Japan to all foreigners in 1635. The Shogun closed Japan by implementing a coverage of isolation, forbidding foreigners to enter and Japanese residents to journey overseas.

Anybody caught with European items can be punished. This was the Sakoku Edict of 1635.

16. Japan Has a Freeway that Passes By means of a Constructing

That’s right! In Osaka, the Hanshin Expressway runs straight by means of the fifth, sixth, and seventh flooring of the Gate Tower Constructing.

In actuality, the constructing’s workers are unaware of the freeway because the partitions and flooring are soundproof. Additionally, the freeway doesn’t bodily contact the constructing.

17. Japanese Observe a Wholesome Weight loss program

The Japanese food plan is extensively thought to be one of many healthiest diets on the earth. The food plan consists of conventional meals gadgets resembling rice, fish, and greens. 

Folks in Japan eat much less fatty meals which can be greater in minerals and nutritional vitamins. One of many elements contributing to Japan’s lengthy life expectancy is its food plan. Uncover our favourite Japanese meals earlier than your subsequent journey.

18. The Final Emperor within the World

Japan is the world’s solely nation with an Emperor. Although the Emperor of Japan wields little energy and primarily serves as a symbolic determine, they continue to be an integral a part of Japanese custom.

Naruhito is the present Emperor of Japan. He ascended to the throne on Could 1, 2019, following his father, Emperor Akihito’s abdication on April 30, 2019.

19. Japan is a Hiker’s Paradise

Whereas mountain climbing is actually not the very first thing that involves thoughts for most individuals once they go to Japan, the nation has a good provide of mountains and mountain climbing trails. Moreover, because of the nation’s geographical range, there are a lot of various kinds of hikes to select from. 

You may put your bodily and psychological stamina to the check by mountain climbing up the majestic Mount Fuji. There’s a UNESCO-recognized route for trekking by means of the Japanese Alps on the most important island of Honshu.

20. Japan Has the World’s Sixth-Longest Shoreline

Japan has the world’s sixth-longest shoreline. It narrowly beats Australia, the USA, and Antarctica into the highest ten.

Japan’s shoreline totals 18,486 miles. It’s house to mountain climbing trails, cliffs, mountain climbing trails, quiet coastal cities, and a few of the world’s greatest fishing ports. Examine this beautiful seaside city 2 hours north of Tokyo Kamakura, Japan – The Final Seaside Escape

21. The Well-known Kitayamazaki Cliffs

Kitayamazaki Cliffs is a 5-mile stretch of the Rikuchu Shoreline within the Northern Iwate area, that includes 650-foot cliffs. The realm is known as a result of it received first place within the “pure useful resource: coast” class in 1999.

The Kitayamazaki Observatory supplies one of the best view of the shoreline. The Observatory options three distinct remark decks at various elevations. These decks permit for numerous views of the coast from a single location.

22. Distinctive Customs and Traditions in Japan

Japan is a rustic stuffed with wealthy customs and traditions. Probably the most noticeable is bowing. In Japan, you bow while you greet or say goodbye, and the depth and period rely on the state of affairs and the individual’s standing. It’s an indication of respect and is deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition.

The Japanese have a terrific respect for nature, and that is proven in a lot of their traditions. A kind of is cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, in spring. Throughout this time individuals collect underneath blooming cherry timber to admire the fantastic thing about the blossoms, it’s a logo of the impermanence of life.

Japanese meals is one other reflection of this respect for nature, with an enormous emphasis on seasonality and freshness. Many dishes function elements which can be solely accessible throughout sure occasions of the yr, so the meals is all the time recent and in sync with the seasons.

The normal Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, sado, or ocha, is a extremely ritualistic apply the place inexperienced tea is ready and served to company in a specifically designed room. It’s not nearly ingesting tea however a non secular and philosophical expertise that embodies concord, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Present giving is an enormous a part of Japanese tradition, presents are rigorously chosen and wrapped to point out respect and appreciation to the recipient. That is seen in lots of features of life, from enterprise to non-public relationships.

Respect for elders is one other huge a part of Japanese tradition. Many customs and traditions are centered across the care and reverence of older generations; they’re extremely revered.

In Japan, you take away your sneakers earlier than coming into a house or conventional constructing. Slippers or socks are sometimes supplied for company to maintain the place clear and respectful.

Japan additionally has many festivals and celebrations, every with its personal customs and traditions. Oshogatsu and Tanabata are celebrated with nice enthusiasm and are deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition.

Politeness and respect are extremely valued in Japanese society. It exhibits in the usage of honorific language and respectful conduct in every day life. The normal Japanese artwork of calligraphy, shodou, can also be extremely revered, and lots of artists have devoted their lives to mastering this historic artwork.

Japan An Fascinating Nation

There you’ve some attention-grabbing information about Japan! In fact, there isn’t any finish to those attention-grabbing information, and there are a lot of extra to disclose! Japan is a 2,000-year-old nation with an enthralling historical past and traditions. If something, we hope this text makes you notice simply how attention-grabbing Japan actually is, encompassing so many alternative layers to this tradition.