Japan is a country where tradition and technology, strict rules and a refined aesthetic all live side by side. In this article we’ve gathered 14 unusual facts we came across while researching our documentary, facts that will directly affect your trip. For routes and practical info, see our Japan travel guide.
Punctuality and order
1. The train that apologized for leaving 20 seconds early. In 2017, a rail company running trains between Tokyo and Tsukuba formally apologized to passengers because a train left 20 seconds early.
For travelers: Trains really are punctual; you can plan connections down to the minute, but get to the platform a few minutes early.
2. Hardly any trash cans on the street. Public trash cans are very rare, yet the streets are spotless. Everyone carries their trash with them.
For travelers: Keep a small bag in your backpack.
3. Vending machines everywhere. Japan has one of the highest numbers of vending machines per person in the world. Besides hot and cold drinks, there are even machines selling soup, ice cream and snacks.
History and tradition
4. A company more than 1,400 years old. Founded in 578, the construction company Kongō Gumi is known as one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the world; for centuries it built and restored temples.
5. A shrine rebuilt every 20 years. The main buildings of Ise Grand Shrine are rebuilt identically every 20 years, a tradition going back centuries. That way, both the structure and the craftsmanship are passed from generation to generation.
6. No tipping. Japan has no tipping culture; good service is simply the expected standard. Money you leave behind may be brought back to you.
7. Greeting with a bow. The depth of the bow depends on the person and the situation. Tourists aren’t expected to get it perfect, but a slight nod of the head is always appreciated.
Nature and geography
8. More than 14,000 islands. In a new count released in 2023, Japan’s island tally topped 14,000; the previous official figure was about half that.
9. More than a hundred active volcanoes. Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan has over a hundred active volcanoes. This geology is also the source of the hot springs (onsen) found all over the country.
10. Cat islands. On some small islands such as Aoshima and Tashirojima, cats outnumber people, and these islands have become destinations for cat lovers.
Food and drink curiosities
11. Hundreds of KitKat flavors. Hundreds of KitKat varieties have been released in Japan, from green tea (matcha) to sake. Because its name sounds like the Japanese phrase “kitto katsu” (“you’ll surely win”), it has become a popular gift during exam season.
12. Square watermelons. Square watermelons grown in molds in Japan are usually sold as decorative gifts rather than for eating.
13. Konbini culture. Convenience stores (konbini), open 24/7, offer everything from hot meals to bill payment. They’re your first stop for a budget-friendly meal.
Long life
14. One of the longest-lived peoples in the world. Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The Okinawa islands draw particular interest for their high concentration of people over 100.
Final word
Traveling in Japan is like observing a system with thousands of unwritten rules. Knowing those rules makes your trip both more comfortable and more meaningful. Before you go, don’t forget to read the etiquette section of our guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there no trash cans on the streets in Japan?
For security reasons and cultural habit, public trash cans are scarce. People usually take their trash home or use the bins at konbini convenience stores.
When can you climb Mount Fuji?
The official climbing season usually runs from early July to early September. Some trails may charge an entry fee and have quotas; check the current rules.
