Japan is a fascinating country where snow monkeys take spa days, vending machines outnumber people in some neighborhoods, and entire islands are ruled by cats. From UNESCO-listed shrines to square watermelons, Japanese culture thrives on the unexpected (something you can explore on our Japan tours). Let’s dive into some fun facts about Japan, looking at the traditions, culture and quirks of this unique destination
1. Square watermelons exist
You’ll find all sorts of premium fruit in Japan, but the country’s farmers took it to the next level with square watermelons. Originally grown in boxes to fit neatly in fridges, they’ve since become pricey novelty gifts. The melons are perfectly geometric but often less sweet. It proves Japanese culture has a playful knack for turning everyday items into conversation starters!
2. Vending machines sell almost everything
Where do you buy a square watermelon? Probably in a vending machine – there are over five million vending machines across the country. Yes, you’ll find cold drinks and snacks like any typical vending machine would have. But in Japan you can also dispense hot meals, umbrellas, flowers… you name it!
3. Sleeping on the job is socially acceptable
In Japan, dozing off at your desk isn’t a career-ending move – it means you’re working hard. The practice known as inemuri (meaning “sleeping while present”) signals that you’ve worked so hard you can’t help but nod off. Spotting commuters dozing on trains or office workers napping? Power naps are a socially acceptable norm.
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4. Baseball is the national pastime
Think sumo wrestling defines Japan? Baseball, introduced from the United States in the 1870s, has stolen the nation’s heart. Today it is Japan’s most popular sport and stadiums are packed with cheering fans waving team flags and singing coordinated chants. Though food wise expect bentos not hot dogs! The energy rivals any Major League game.
5. Tokyo has more Michelin stars than Paris
Tokyo is a certified food lover’s paradise. The metropolis has more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris (double, in fact) and the city offers everything from tiny, tucked-away sushi counters to avant-garde tasting menus. In a city this size, every meal is an adventure whether you’re slurping noodles in a tiny ramen bar (noisy slurps are good manners!) or enjoying a high-end feast. Food is serious business – but also lots of fun – in Tokyo.
6. Shinto shrines are everywhere
There are more than 80,000 Shinto shrines scattered across Japan, from towering torii gates in Kyoto to serene woodland temples. Here spirituality is deeply woven into everyday life. You can visit to offer prayers or admire centuries-old architecture in a peaceful moment. As modern as Japan can feel, it never shies from tradition.
7. Japan bounced back after World War II
After World War II, Japan’s economy underwent a remarkable transformation and by the mid-1950s, production levels had returned to prewar levels. From 1953 to 1965, GDP expanded by more than 9% per year, with manufacturing and mining growing by 13%, construction by 11% and infrastructure by 12%. This rapid recovery, often termed the “Japanese Economic Miracle,” was driven by strategic investments and a disciplined workforce.
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8. Snow monkeys love hot springs
One of our favorite fun facts about Japan is how the snow monkeys in Nagano have mastered the art of relaxation. Here Japanese macaques flock to steaming hot springs during winter to soak in the baths as snowflakes drift around them. It’s a quirky, almost-human scene. Even monkeys know how to take life a little slower.
9. Green tea is ingrained in the culture
From frothy matcha in tea ceremonies to bottled iced tea in vending machines, Japan is obsessed with green tea. But not because it’s trendy to drink it at your local brunch café – green tea and matcha is a centuries-old ritual. That said, you’ll find matcha Kit Kats and green tea-flavored everything across the country.
10. Bullet trains might be even faster than you think
Japan’s bullet trains, or shinkansen, can whisk you from north to south at speeds up to 320 km/h. The trains slice across mountains, tunnels and cities with astonishing precision – it’s said you can even balance a coin on the windowsill. Besides speed and smoothness, one of the more unbelievable fun facts about Japan is that its trains are impossibly efficient, with the average delay across Japan just over one minute. Don’t be late!
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11. Japanese people have a unique seal
Japan first borrowed its writing system from China around the 5th century, when Chinese characters and writing evolved into kanji. Over time, Japanese people added hiragana and katakana, creating a unique three-script system still used today. This writing tradition connects directly to the use of hanko – personal seals engraved with one’s name in kanji. Instead of hand-written signatures, Japanese adults often carry multiple seals – one for daily matters, one for banking, and one as an official identity mark.
12. Cat islands really exist
Wish you could live in a small universe filled with cats? Japan has islands where cats outnumber humans. Aoshima, Tashirojima and a few others are known for their thriving feline populations. They’ve become a small phenomenon – the cats attract tourists, which supports the local community in a quirky way. The purrrrfect day trip in Japan.
If you’re allergic to cats, maybe you could try the rabbit island.
13. Mount Fuji is an active volcano
Rising 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak and it’s classified as an active stratovolcano – though it hasn’t erupted since 1707. This bucket-list UNESCO World Heritage-listed sight is more than a pretty photo – the volcano influences the local climate, water sources and ecosystems that surround it, and it holds great cultural significance in Japan through art and religion. Don’t worry – scientists continuously monitor it closely for any seismic activity.
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14. Japan has the world’s oldest company
Kongo Gumi, founded in 578 AD, is recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating company. It specializes in temple construction and has survived more than 1,400 years through family succession and adaptation to changing economic conditions. Crazy! Its longevity illustrates Japan’s focus on craftsmanship and long-term planning.
15. High-tech toilets are everywhere
Want to poop in privacy? Japan’s high-tech toilets can blast a cheery tune or nature sounds to drown out unpleasant sounds. These modern toilets are found in homes, businesses and public spaces, and feature everything from heated seats to bidets with adjustable water pressure. Little things that make daily life better.
16. Love hotels are surprisingly common
Love hotels are everywhere in Japan – and they’re not as secretive as you’d think. These short-stay spots come with wild themes from spaceships to jungles to neon fantasy worlds, with high-tech features like karaoke, jacuzzis and mood lighting at the push of a button. While originally designed for couples needing privacy, they’ve become a playful part of Japanese culture. Curious travelers can book a night just to experience the over-the-top creativity.
17. Christmas calls for… a bucket of KFC
Instead of turkey or ham, millions of Japanese families celebrate with a bucket of KFC. The tradition began in the 1970s when the fast-food chain launched a “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign. Today, an estimated 3.6 million people order KFC’s special Christmas dinner, often booking weeks ahead or queueing for hours. What started as clever marketing has become one of Japan’s quirkiest modern traditions.
That’s our list of 17 fun facts about Japan… but there are so many more. Any cool facts to add to our list? Leave a comment…