5 fun facts about Japan

We were so happy to finally cross a country in Asia off our travel bucket list in the spring with our first trip to Japan!

We knew Tokyo would be crowded, I was excited to get my hands on some souvenirs themed around my favorite anime, and we were so ready to eat everything in sight. But, I don’t think we were truly prepared for how different Japan would be compared to our everyday lives in the States.

There was definitely a sense of culture shock when we started exploring this amazing and beautiful country. We learned a lot about its history, its people, and its culture.

As we learned these things, we wanted to round up some of our favorite facts about Japan.

Japan fun facts

1. Japan has more than 5 million vending machines

Need a bottle of water? A can of soda? Tea? Sake? A snack? Batteries? An umbrella? A toy or keychain? There’s a vending machine for that!

Japan has millions of vending machines. Roughly one vending machine for every 24 people, which means there’s a vending machine every 330 feet. It’s the highest density of vending machines in the world and we definitely believe it. You couldn’t look down a city block without spotting a vending machine or five.

2. The number four is considered unlucky

Here in the US, we’re spooked by the number 13. In Japan? It’s the number four.

Four is pronounced as “shi,” and it sounds eerily similar to the word for death. Hospitals, especially in the maternity ward, avoid having room numbers with 4 or even omit a fourth floor to keep death away. And, when gifting in Japan, don’t gift something that comes in fours. Give three or five items instead.

3. Japan’s bullet trains can reach speeds of more than 370 mph

The bullet trains, Shinkansen, are so convenient and so speedy. Many speed along at more than 200 mph, with the fastest train achieving speeds of about 374 mph – making it the fastest train in the world.

Not only are the trains speedy, but they are always on time. If there’s a delay of a minute or two, you may get an apology from the service provider. Denver’s train service could learn a thing or two from Japan’s service and punctuality.

Also, good to know for the trains: There is no line jumping and you line up orderly. There is no mad rush onto the train. You’ll see people lined up two-by-two, and you get in the back of the line. And then be respectful while on the train and keep quiet.

4. You’ll carry trash in your pocket

This one definitely caught us by surprise! There are very few trash cans in Japan, but everything is so clean! It’s common to carry your trash and take it home with you to dispose of it.

The reason? Public safety.

There was a terrorist attack in 1995 and the Japanese government took away public trash cans to prevent any future attacks. So, people just learned to carry their garbage home.

5. There’s a whole subculture devoted to cuteness

We did have time to visit Harajuku, a neighborhood in Tokyo that is devoted to the Kawaii culture, which is a celebration of cute things. Unfortunately it was pouring rain and we really only had time to grab lunch before jetting off to our next stop.

Next time we go back to Tokyo, I do want to immerse myself in the Kawaii culture and buy some cute and colorful shirts, wigs, or souvenirs.

Even outside of Kawaii style, we noticed a general sense of youthfulness and somewhat childlike innocence to Japan’s culture. Ads on TV were likes ones here that are for children with bright colors or animation. It was nice having that sense of enthusiasm and embracing cuteness in everyday life, even for adults. Maybe that’s why Japan also has such a high life expectancy.