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20 Fun facts about Japan that will surprise you
From cat islands to KFC at Christmas, discover 20 fun facts about Japan, plus the customs travelers should know before visiting.
Fun facts about Japan range from a UNESCO-listed cuisine to a vending machine for every 25 people, an island where cats outnumber humans, and a Christmas tradition built around KFC. Japan is the largest island nation in East Asia, with more than 6,800 islands, over 100 castles, and bullet trains running at 200 mph.
Here are 20 interesting facts about Japan, from the etiquette that surprises first-time visitors to the records its cities hold.
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1. Japan has a UNESCO-listed cuisine
Washoku, or authentic Japanese cuisine, is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage for several reasons. The main ones include the diversity and freshness of ingredients, a well-balanced and healthy diet, and incorporating seasonal changes and the beauty of nature at the dinner table.
2. In Japan, removing your shoes before entering a home, inn, or temple is customary
Before traveling to Japan, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the many customs and traditions the people follow. For example, taking your shoes off is customary before entering a home, temple, shrine, traditional inn, and even certain schools.
Removing your shoes signifies respect and is deeply integrated into Japanese culture.
3. Japan is famous for its bullet trains or Shinkansen
Among the many interesting facts about Japan are its bullet trains, or Shinkansen, which represent the country’s technological advancement in travel. The trains run at up to 200 mph and achieve these high speeds through electric propulsion, a sleek aerodynamic design, and magnetic levitation.
The arrival of the bullet trains and the country’s hosting of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 signaled the beginning of a more modern Japan after the country’s defeat in World War II.
4. It’s polite to slurp your noodles and eat noisily in Japan
While eating noisily in public can be considered rude in Western countries, in Japan, it’s considered polite to make noise while you eat certain foods!
However, this only goes as far as eating Japanese noodles, like soba, udon, ramen, and somen, and drinking tea. So don’t feel you have to slurp over your sushi!
Considering the various cultural norms in Japan, it’s important to rehearse what to do and what not to do before you travel.
5. Japan has over 100 castles
Japan consists of over 100 castles, but there were around 5,000 long ago. Only 12 original castles remain untouched by reconstruction. From the majestic Himeji Castle to the historic Matsumoto Castle, each has a story to tell.
One of the best things to do in Japan is to visit its most famous castle, Himeji Castle, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Bowing is essential in Japan — even the deer do it
In Japan, bowing, or ojigi, is a form of greeting, showing respect, and expressing gratitude. This gesture is an important etiquette learned from a young age and taught in households and schools. It’s so integrated into Japanese culture that even the deer do it!
Feed the deer in Nara Park, one of the best places to visit in Japan, to experience this first-hand. Buy special biscuits for the deer, and give a bow before you hand over the treat. The deer will bow back!
7. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world
With an incredibly low crime rate, Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It seems there are more police officers than petty crime incidents. Strict laws, a strong sense of community, and respect for all make this possible.
In fact, many Japanese people would instead leave a wallet on the ground or turn it in rather than steal the cash.
8. Japan has some of the strictest safety food standards in the world
One fun fact about Japan is that it has some of the strictest food safety standards in the world. From perfectly packaged convenience store meals to fresh sushi, all food undergoes thorough inspection to maintain freshness, quality, and hygiene.
This means you can enjoy everything from the busy Tokyo street food stalls to high-end dining without having to worry about catching a stomach bug.
9. Tipping in Japan is considered disrespectful
Tipping is not only unnecessary, but it’s also considered disrespectful in Japan. It’s one of the most interesting facts about Japan because it represents the wider acceptance that excellent service and respect are a part of the job.
Workers take pride in providing professionalism without expecting extra compensation. If you do happen to leave a tip, this may cause confusion, and many will politely refuse it.
10. Japan has over 6,800 islands
Japan is the largest island nation in East Asia, comprising over 6,800 islands. There are four main islands, including Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, and countless hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Make sure to include the Okinawa and Ogasawara islands in your Japan travel guide for a more tropical atmosphere.
11. In Japan, there’s a vending machine for every 25 people
Japan is home to over 5 million vending machines, meaning there’s always an opportunity to grab snacks. The majority of the vending machines sell hot and cold drinks, juices, and a variety of teas, but you can also find ones that sell beers, snacks, and even fortune cookies.
You might come across a rare vending machine that dispenses cigarettes, noodles, rice, and even Japan SIM cards.
12. There’s a Cat Island in Japan
An island in Japan has more cats than humans. Aoshima, a small fishing island off the coast of Ehime prefecture, is home to around 120 free-roaming cats and about 20 people, nearly all of them elderly.
The cats weren’t planned. They arrived to control mice on fishing boats, then stayed and multiplied after most of the island’s younger residents left for work on the mainland following World War II.
Word spread, and day-trippers now outnumber residents. A daily visitor cap keeps things manageable for the islanders, both human and feline. There are no shops, no restaurants, and no vending machines, so bring your own food and take your rubbish home.
Two ferries a day run from Nagahama Port, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes.
13. Having KFC is a Christmas tradition in Japan
An interesting fact about Japan is that KFC is not just a fast-food delight but also a Christmas tradition. Although Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, many families celebrate by enjoying a crispy meal.
This tradition dates back to a marketing campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas” in the 1970s, and it has now become an annual custom.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure you’re prepared by researching what to pack for Japan, including comfortable walking shoes, long-sleeved T-shirts, and thermal underwear. While Japan doesn’t get snow during Christmas, the weather is cold, but you’ll still get to enjoy the sun during the daytime. Remember to get a KFC sweater to enjoy Christmas like the locals do!
14. In Japan, you can eat special lunch boxes on trains
If you’re getting on a bullet train in Japan, the only other thing you can be excited about is Ekiben, bento boxes. Now, you can sample the amazing local cuisine and also use the efficient railway network.
There are various types of Ekiben sold across Japan, and each type reflects the local produce and flavor palettes.
15. Tokyo is home to 17 famous public toilets
In Japan’s capital city, there are 17 famous public toilets by creators from around the world. Toilets are a symbol of Japan’s hospitable culture. Not only are these toilets functional, but they’re also architectural masterpieces that turn from transparent to opaque when occupied.
Navigate the city and find one of these unique toilets using the right travel apps for Japan.
16. Japanese people don’t favor tons of soy sauce with sushi
In Japan, it’s considered bad etiquette to douse sushi in soy sauce. The traditional Japanese way only allows a light touch, as soy sauce can overpower the intricate flavors of the fish and rice.
In certain restaurants, the sushi chef will go as far as to brush on the perfect amount of soy sauce for you so you don’t get carried away.
17. Tokyo is home to 13 three-star Michelin restaurants
Tokyo is home to the most three-star Michelin restaurants worldwide. Japan’s capital city is a foodie’s dream, with 13 eateries receiving the esteemed three-star grade. Tokyo’s cuisine is a fusion of tradition and innovation, offering everything from fine kaiseki dining to top-notch sushi.
18. Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest train station
Japan’s Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the world, with over 3.5 million passengers visiting daily. Connecting multiple train lines, including subways and bullet trains, Shinjuku Station is a blessing for commuters and travelers.
19. Tokyo boasts the largest population in the world
Tokyo holds the title of having the largest population of any city in the world. Home to more than 37 million people in the greater Tokyo area, the city is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Efficiency, cleanliness, and surprisingly orderly crowds are what make up Tokyo’s culture.
20. The world’s largest fish market is in Japan
Japan is home to the world’s largest fish market, which sells some of the most popular ingredients and seafood. The market is located in Tsukiji and is nearly 100 years old. One of the most popular activities to enjoy here is watching the tuna auctions in the morning that now take place in the nearby Toyosou Market.
Bonus: Cool facts about Japan that don’t make the guidebooks
The big Japan fun facts get all the attention, but the small ones tell you more. Trains apologize when they leave 20 seconds early. Convenience store food is genuinely good. Napping in public reads as a sign you’ve been working hard, not slacking off.
Cool facts about Japan like these surprise first-time visitors more than the temples do. Learn a handful before you land and the country makes far more sense once you’re in it.
Explore Japan’s fun facts and curiosities with Holafly
Japan rewards travelers who look past the obvious. The bowing deer, the cat island, the Christmas KFC — these are the things you find when you’re free to wander and look things up as you go.
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FAQs about fun facts about Japan
Kids tend to love that deer bow back in Nara Park, that cats outnumber people on Aoshima Island, and that bullet trains reach 200 mph. Japanese schoolchildren clean their own classrooms, farmers grow square watermelons to fit in fridges, and vending machines sell everything from hot soup to fortune cookies.
Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, but many families celebrate it with a KFC bucket, a tradition sparked by a 1970s “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign. Strawberry shortcake is the seasonal dessert of choice, cities stage elaborate winter illuminations, and Christmas Eve is treated more as a romantic date night than a family occasion.
Tokyo has the world’s largest urban population at over 37 million, and Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest, moving more than 3.5 million passengers a day. The city holds more three-star Michelin restaurants than anywhere else, and 17 of its public toilets are architect-designed attractions in their own right.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
