Unsplash: Jezael Melgoza
There is something special about Japan that attracts you… I’m not sure what it is because this charm is different for everyone. However, it is possible that the magnificent cherry blossoms are the ones that you will love. It is also possible that the delicious and varied Japanese cuisine will be the one that tempts you. And it is quite possible that the beauty and simplicity of Japanese culture is what makes you want an unforgettable getaway throughout Japan.
For many adventurous and not-so-adventurous travelers, Japan is a must-see destination. It is an island country filled with wonderful natural landscapes, majestic ancient and modern architecture, and more magical experiences than you can imagine. Let’s not forget that this country has Studio Ghibli, Tokyo Disneyland and anime… a lot of anime. You can definitely tell that there is a little something for everyone to love in Japan! There is much more to learn about this certain East Asian country. Read on and find out.
-
Tokyo was originally called Edo.
-
The busiest train station in the world is Shinjuku Station.
- Tourists can shop duty free in Tokyo.
-
Shibuya Crossing is the busiest crosswalk in the world
-
The oldest operating business in the world is in Japan.
-
There is at least one vending machine for every 23 people in Tokyo.
-
There is a Japanese meat dish made from horses.
Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, served as the seat of government during the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Edo then became the capital of Japan and the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning “Eastern Capital.” .
There are 36 platforms at this railway station, which sees around 3.5 million passengers each day.
Foreign tourists can shop duty-free at some licensed shops, as long as you have your passport as proof. One more thing, you need to spend more than 5,000 yen at the store to qualify for tax exemption.
As soon as the lights at the Shibuya Crossing turn green, about 2,500 people walk across the huge crosswalks from all sides of the street. When crossing, watch out for pedestrians and watch your step.
Kongo Gumi is the oldest company in the world, located in Osaka, Japan. The construction company was founded in the year 578 AD. C. and its area of expertise is the design, construction, maintenance and repair of cultural heritage buildings.
In Japan, there are over 5 million vending machines, with one located every 12 meters or so. These vending machines sell a variety of items such as soft drinks, candy, bananas, apples, live crabs, clothing, prayer cards, hamburgers, underpants, umbrellas, and much more. With so many vending machines across the country, the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association says there is at least one vending machine for every 23 people living in the city.
Due to its rich reddish-pink hue, horse meat is also known as “sakuraniku” and can be prepared in a number of ways:
Basashi – thin strips of horse meat that is like horse sashimi
Sakura Nabe: horse meat is cooked at your table in a pot of miso-based broth
Basashi, also known as raw horse meat, is a specialty in Kumamoto. This horse dish is beef sashimi served with garlic, sliced onions, and ginger and dipped in sweet soy sauce. This unique Japanese food can be found at various izakaya bars and other specialty restaurants throughout Japan.
About 1,500 earthquakes occur each year.
Japan is right next to the Pacific Ring of Fire, so the country is very prone to earthquakes. Japan is reported to average between 40 and 50 tremors daily, or about 1,500 per year.
There are 6,852 Japanese islands.
Japan is an island country, so it is made up of several islands: 6,852 to be exact. However, only 421 of these islands are inhabited according to ScienceDirect. 4 of the 421 islands are the main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.