50 Facts About Japan You Need to Know Before Traveling There

Japan is a country full of contrasts and surprises. From its bustling cities to its serene countryside, there is something for everyone in this unique and fascinating country. Before you pack your bags and head off on your adventure, there are some important facts about Japan that you should know.

Whether you’re interested in the rich history and culture of Japan or you’re looking for the best places to eat and shop, this article has got you covered. We’ve put together a list of essential facts about Japan that will help you make the most of your trip. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Japan.

1. Japan does not have janitors. Instead, students clean their own schools
2. 98.5% of Japan’s population is Japanese
3. 25% of the Japan population is older than 65
4. Sleeping at work is acceptable in Japan
5. Ronald McDonald is actually called Donald McDonald in Japan
6. Japan is the last country that has empire status
7. The oldest company in the world, Kongo Gumi, is in Japan and specializes in the construction of temples and shrines
8. Japan has the 11th largest population in the world with an estimated 126 million people
9. The life expectancy in Japan is 84, which is second only to Hong Kong
10. With 5 million vending machines, Japan has the highest density of vending machines in the world
11. Origami, the art of folding paper, originated in Japan
12. In Japan, farmers grow square watermelons which sell at insane prices
13. Japan has the world’s shortest and one of the oldest national anthems called “Kimigayo”
14. Japan is highly prone to natural disasters due to its location in the treacherous “Pacific Ring of Fire”
15. Japan has around 108 active volcanoes
16. The Japanese Alps run down the center of the largest island, Honshu
17. Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak and most famous mountain
18. More than a thousand earthquakes hit Japan every year
19. The ancient Shinto religion says natural features like mountains, waterfalls and forests have their own spirit or soul
20. About 136 species in Japan are listed as endangered
21. A full-contact wrestling technique called sumo was founded in Japan
22. Sushi and sashimi originated in Japan
23. The Japanese live up to 83 on average, one of the highest life expectancies in the world
24. Okinawa in Japan is often called the “land of immortals” as it has a large population of aged individuals
25. Japan is entirely composed of islands located in the Pacific Ocean
26. The country has spectacular landscapes
27. The Japanese culture has its distinct traits and the Japanese people are known for their friendly nature
28. There are four main islands – Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu
29. There are also nearly 4,000 smaller islands in Japan
30. Japan’s nearest mainland neighbors are the Siberian region of Russia in the north, and Korea and China farther south
31. Japan is one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries
32. It has a stable and prosperous economy
33. Japan has low crime rates
34. The country has a hard-working population
35. The seas around Japan are very rich in fish and other sea life
36. People first came to Japan about 30,000 years ago
37. The first society, called the Jomon culture, arose about 12,000 years ago
38. Around the same time, the Ainu people arrived by boat from Siberia
39. The Jomon and Ainu survived for thousands of years, hunting, fishing and gathering plants
40. In 300 B.C., the Yayoi people came to Honshu Island from Korea and China
41. The Yayoi were skilled weavers, tool makers and farmers
42. They were the first people in Japan to cultivate rice in flooded paddy fields
43. The Japanese people have a deep affection for the beauty of the landscape
44. The ancient Shinto religion says natural features like mountains, waterfalls and forests have their own spirit or soul
45. Japan is home to some wonderful wildlife
46. Some of the country’s most incredible creatures include the sika deer, red-crowned crane, stellar’s sea eagle and one of the coolest critters on the planet…the Japanese macaque monkey
47. Most of Japan is covered by countryside
48. With more than 100 million people living in such a small place, sadly, wildlife has suffered
49. Although pollution is now tightly controlled, over the years, road building and other human activities have harmed natural habitats
50. Today, about 136 species in Japan are listed as endangered