10 Interesting Facts about Japan

Into the Wild
Feb 19, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Mar 15, 2021

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is a mix of rich culture and modern design. Nestled in between buildings are Shinto shrines which are frequented by the locals. The Japanese, while a modern nation, continue to hold onto their traditions and pass them down from generation to generation.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Japan:

You Must Remove Your Shoes Inside

It is expected that you remove your shoes while inside. Even before you enter some shared common spaces in apartment complexes. When you enter a home in Japan, there is an entrance area called a genkan where you are met with an elevated area that is usually covered in a different flooring. The lowered area is where you take off your shoes and put them away, the elevated area is where you change into slippers which you wear in the house.

Some households offer special bathroom slippers so as to not contaminate the rest of the house.

Slurping Is Considered Polite

Slurping your ramen is encouraged. It is a sign to the Chef that you are enjoying your meal.

Interestingly enough, it's also been said to enhance the taste of your food so go ahead and slurp!

It’s Rude To Eat & Drink While Walking

In Japan, it is unusual to see people walking and eating or drinking. It’s considered rude. This is changing a bit with the younger generation and also as fast food has become increasingly popular in recent history.

In Japan, meal time is an important time of the day where you sit down and eat as a family. It is still common practice to sit down on a tatami mat.

There Are Vending Machines EVERYWHERE

You can find EVERYTHING in vending machines. Alcohol, electronics, adult toys etc. They will line the street corner and you can find just about everything you need in them.

You Can Take A Bath In One Of Japans Many Onsens

Onsens are traditional Japanese hot spring baths and are popular with tourists. If you plan to visit one of the resort Onsens and have tattoo’s, make sure you will be able to enter the Onsen without issue.

Tip: most Onsen’s have an entrance fee but if you do desire, there are naturally occurring Onsens which you may visit for free.

Tattoos Are Not Widely Accepted

I got my first tattoo right before I went to Japan. It was small and not readily visible so I didn’t have much issues.

Tattoo’s are not favoured in Japan because they are associated with the Yakuza, an organized crime group originating in Japan. While the attitude towards tattoo’s is changing, there are some places where tattoo’s are still banned such as ryokan's (Japanese inn's).

There Are Paid Attendants To Push People Onto The Trains

I got to experience this one first hand. The train stations are VERY busy during rush hour and there are attendants who are actually paid to push people onto the trains.

Japan Is A Very Safe Country

Japan puts an emphasis on teaching children what is morally right and wrong from a young age. As a result Japan remains a very safe country.

There is a big focus on crime prevention in Japan which includes gun control, zero tolerance knife crime and removing ‘easy targets’ like ATM machines which will usually be located inside a building.

The Japanese Bidets Are No Joke

I have never seen so many buttons! I had to figure out the Japanese bidet at 3 am after a 10 hour flight and navigating the train system. In many cases, the flush is mixed in with the bidet functions so make sure you know which button you are pressing or you might end up with a surprise.

The Japanese Trains Are The Most Punctual In The World

The average delay for a Japanese train is 18 seconds. If you do miss a train, another train is likely not far behind. The Japanese train system is fantastic so you might have to re-jig your plans slightly but there are always more than one way to get to your destination.

Tip: Look out for the express trains that are not stopping, they go through the train station at full speed so stand clear.