10 Surprising Japan Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Japan is often associated with bright lights, fast technology, and sushi. But there’s so much more to this beautiful country! Here are 10 surprising Japan facts you probably didn’t know.
1. Capsule Hotels
If you’re traveling to Japan on a budget, you may want to consider staying at one of their capsule hotels. Each “room” consists of a small capsule-like space just big enough for a bed. While they may seem a bit strange, they’re actually quite popular among budget-conscious travelers.
2. Bowing is an Art Form
In Japan, bowing is more than just a sign of respect. It’s actually an art form! Bowing can convey different meanings depending on the angle of the bow and the length of time it is held. A longer bow shows more respect and humility.
3. There are No Public Trash Cans
You may be surprised to find out that Japan has very few public trash cans. This is because they prefer to keep the streets clean and encourage people to take their trash home with them.
4. KFC is a Christmas Tradition
While in many countries people may enjoy turkey or ham for Christmas dinner, in Japan it’s KFC! This tradition started in 1974 when KFC launched a marketing campaign featuring a “Kentucky Christmas Dinner.”
5. Japan is Home to the Oldest Restaurant
Located in Kyoto, Japan, the restaurant called “Ichiwa” has been serving traditional Japanese soba noodles since 1465. That means it has been in business for over 550 years!
6. The Japanese Have a Word for “Death by Overwork”
Karoshi is a Japanese term used to describe death by overwork. Unfortunately, it’s a real phenomenon in Japan, where it’s not uncommon for employees to work so much that they experience physical and mental exhaustion.
7. The Vending Machines in Japan Sell Everything
From hot ramen to fresh sushi, you can find just about anything in the vending machines in Japan. In fact, Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita in the world!
8. Japan Has More Than 1,500 Earthquakes Each Year
Due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan experiences a high number of earthquakes each year. However, due to the country’s advanced infrastructure and technology, they’ve become very good at dealing with them.
9. Many Japanese Wear Surgical Masks in Public
While some may think it’s odd to see people walking around in surgical masks, it’s actually quite common in Japan. People wear them as a way to prevent the spread of illness or to protect themselves from pollution.
10. Japan is Home to a Robot Hotel
If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience, look no further than Japan’s Henn-na Hotel. The hotel is staffed entirely by robots, from front desk check-in to room service! It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.
Conclusion
Japan is a fascinating country full of surprises and unique traditions. From capsule hotels to robot-run hotels, there’s no end to the interesting things you’ll find there. So the next time you’re planning a trip, consider Japan for an unforgettable experience!
