10 Fascinating Facts About Japan That Most Travelers Miss

Japan is a country rich in cultural heritage, traditions and nature. However, beyond the surface, there are many amazing but little-known facts about Japan.

In this article, we’ll go on an adventure into the lesser-known aspects of this remarkable island nation that often escape the tourist brochures. Prepare to see Japan from a new perspective as we delve into some interesting facts about Japan, from its iconic trains to ‘Cat Islands,’ unique fruits, special nature rituals and more.

The Archipelago of 6,800 Islands: Japan’s Hidden Geography

Most travelers only pay attention to the four main islands of Japan — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku — but not many people know that Japan has more than 6,800 islands. The majority of these smaller islands are remote and do not have much infrastructure, which is why more than 70% have 500 or fewer inhabitants.

These lesser-known gems offer intrepid explorers pristine beaches, untouched forests, and authentic glimpses into traditional Japanese life that have vanished from metropolitan centers.

From the subtropical Ogasawara archipelago (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the rugged Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan, these remote outposts tell the story of Japan’s remarkable geographic diversity. Many can only be reached by infrequent ferry services, creating natural sanctuaries where time seems to stand still and ancient customs endure.

Feline Paradise: Where Cats Outnumber Humans

Among Japan’s islands, travelers discover truly extraordinary havens like Aoshima Island in Ehime Prefecture. This tiny isle earned its “Cat Island” moniker for good reason—its feline population dramatically outnumbers humans, with approximately 200 cats to just 5 permanent residents. These semi-feral cats, originally brought to control mice in the fishing industry, now reign as the island’s undisputed rulers and premier attraction.

Aoshima isn’t Japan’s only feline kingdom. The island of Tashirojima in Miyagi Prefecture houses several hundred cats alongside its dwindling human population and features a charming cat shrine where fishermen once prayed for prosperous catches and safe voyages.

Ainoshima in Fukuoka Prefecture and Enoshima near Tokyo round out this collection of “nekojima” (cat islands) that have become pilgrimage sites for international cat enthusiasts. Many visitors bring treats and toys, creating a unique form of sustainable tourism that supports both the cats and remaining residents while preserving these living museums of rural Japanese life.

Land of Fire: Japan’s Volcanic Heart

There are more than 450 volcanoes in Japan, of which more than a hundred are active. The most popular volcano is, of course, Mount Fuji, which is considered a symbol of Japan and a national treasure. When traveling to Japan, be sure to get a souvenir of ‘Fuji-san’ to commemorate your trip — or even better, take a scenic day trip from Tokyo on the Fuji Excursion limited express train to see it in person.

Thanks to the influence of volcanoes and their waters’ therapeutic benefits, the culture of onsen (hot springs) is very prominent in Japan. These hot springs have been popular since ancient times and are still used for relaxation and recreation to this day.

Read More: Japanese Onsen Public Hot-Spring Etiquette

Bullet Train Legacy: Engineering Marvel of the East

If someone says speed train, most people instantly think of Japan’s iconic Shinkansen.

Japanese Shinkansen trains are considered the fastest, safest, and most efficient public transportation in the world. Since the Shinkansen began in 1964 (just in time for the Tokyo Olympics), there has not been a single fatality or accident in its 61-year history.

The Shinkansen network consists of more than 2,800 km (1,750 mi) of lines all around Japan and had an annual ridership of nearly 200 million passengers in 2021.

However, the Shinkansen’s main feature is its speed: trains can accelerate to 320 km/h (200 mph), which makes them one of the fastest trains in the world—and at the same time, they’re environmentally friendly.

In addition to speed, Japanese trains are incredibly comfortable. During the trip, travelers can visit the carriage restaurant to taste traditional Japanese dishes, relax in comfortable chairs, and enjoy panoramic views from the large windows.

Travel Guide to Japan

Luxury Harvests: Japan’s Perfect Fruit Obsession

Japan is famous for its beautiful and juicy fruits, which have become a symbol of luxury. The secret of perfect fruits is that they are grown with special care and under strict supervision. Japanese farmers dedicate countless hours to techniques like hand-pollination, selective pruning, and individual fruit protection—wrapping each growing specimen in foam nets or paper coverings to prevent blemishes from insects or weather damage.

In high-end stores, travelers can find various fruits that are ideally shaped or, on the contrary, unique, such as watermelons shaped in the form of cubes, hearts, or pyramids—grown in molds as they develop. Premium department stores display these prized specimens like fine jewelry, often presented in elegant wooden boxes with silk cushioning.

Such fruits are most often used as gifts for special occasions like business meetings, hospital visits or ceremonial events, where their perfection symbolizes respect and goodwill. They are highly valued by locals—particularly the first harvest of the season, which carries cultural significance beyond mere taste—and some can fetch prices of more than 20,000 USD, as seen with the record-breaking Yubari King melons or Ruby Roman grapes, which might sell for over $400 per individual grape at luxury fruit auctions.

Vending Machine Nation: Convenience at Every Corner

The only thing you’ll see more than sushi in Japan might just be vending machines. With nearly 4 million of them scattered across the country, they’re an iconic part of the urban landscape—tucked into alleyways, train stations, temples, mountain trails, and even remote villages. These colorful kiosks offer far more than just soft drinks and snacks. You’ll find everything from piping hot coffee and ice cream to fresh flowers, umbrellas, batteries, ramen, and even premium cuts of Wagyu beef—all at the push of a button.

Vending machines are a reflection of Japan’s love for convenience, innovation, and trust. Most of them are immaculately maintained, often themed or seasonal, and rarely vandalized. While they’re incredibly accessible, many still only accept physical currency like coins or small bills, so it’s always a good idea to keep some yen on hand.

Japan Tours & Excursions

Nature Appreciation: The Art of Seasonal Observation

Nature in Japan is incredibly beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom season. But for locals, it’s more than just pretty scenery — there are special words in Japanese to denote activities related to nature, reflecting the deep cultural connection between Japanese people and seasonal changes.

The custom of cherry blossom viewing is known as “Hanami,” a centuries-old tradition where families and friends gather under blooming sakura trees to share food, drinks, and conversation while appreciating the delicate pink blossoms that symbolize life’s fleeting beauty. While enjoying the fall leaves is called “Momijigari,” literally “maple hunting,” which involves traveling to mountainous areas where Japanese maple trees transform landscapes into brilliant canvases of red, orange, and gold.

There’s even a word for moon-gazing, “Tsukimi,” which is part of honoring the autumn moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where people set up viewing spots with traditional foods like tsukimi-dango (round rice dumplings) and seasonal decorations to contemplate the perfectly round harvest moon—a practice dating back to the Heian period over a thousand years ago.

Dual Calendars: Measuring Time in Ancient Ways

Japan has two calendar systems: the regular Gregorian calendar we’re all familiar with, and the Imperial calendar, based on the date that Japan was founded (in 660 BC). This second calendar has a long history and plays a role in official, religious, and everyday life events, reflecting Japan’s deep connection to its imperial heritage and traditional sense of time.

The Imperial calendar, or Kōki (皇紀), marks its beginning from Emperor Jimmu’s mythical founding of Japan, giving each year a numerical designation that connects modern Japanese citizens directly to their ancient past. Official documents often display both dating systems, creating a seamless bridge between Japan’s participation in the global community and its distinct cultural identity.

For example, 2023 is known as Kōki 2683 when converted to the Japanese imperial year, a reminder that while Japan embraces modern technological advancement and global integration, its cultural foundations remain rooted in traditions that span millennia, longer than almost any other continuously existing nation on earth.

Animation Empire: The Global Anime Phenomenon

Of course, how could we forget Japan’s most famous export? Anime (Japanese animation) can be traced back to the early 20th century, and nowadays, the country is responsible for creating more than 60% of the world’s anime, making it not just a cultural phenomenon but a significant economic force that generates billions in revenue annually.

The Japanese love for anime is visible as soon as you arrive in Japan: there are adorable characters almost everywhere, from billboards to subway cars, credit cards, and even packing in stores. Popular characters like Pikachu, Hello Kitty, and Totoro appear on everything from government safety posters to limited-edition luxury goods, blurring the line between commercial products and cultural ambassadors.

Many locals dream of breaking into the anime industry, whether as an artist, producer, or voice actor. There are more than 130 anime voice-acting schools in Japan, where aspiring seiyū (voice actors) train rigorously to master the distinct vocal techniques that bring animated characters to life—a career path that can lead to celebrity status, with top voice actors achieving fame comparable to Hollywood stars, selling out concert venues and appearing on mainstream television shows.

Unexpected Food Traditions: From Seafood to Festive Fried Chicken

Food is an integral part of any culture, and Japan is no exception. Did you know that Japan is the largest importer of seafood in the world? This massive seafood appetite supports everything from high-end sushi restaurants to neighborhood izakayas, with the famous Tsukiji Fish Market (and its successor, Toyosu Market) handling over 2,000 tons of marine products daily—a dazzling array of species that many Westerners have never even heard of.

Despite their love of fish, the Japanese have an interesting tradition of eating KFC on Christmas. This unusual tradition dates back to 1970 when KFC launched a special promotion that offered the “Party Barrel,” an analog of the American Christmas dinner, but with chicken instead of turkey.

The tradition has stuck ever since, creating such demand that Christmas orders must be placed weeks in advance, with long lines forming outside KFC locations across Japan on December 24th and 25th—a remarkable marketing success story that transformed what was once a non-event in largely non-Christian Japan into a nationwide cultural phenomenon centered around a distinctly American fast-food chain.

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