10 Fun Facts About Japan You Probably Didn’t Know

Planning a trip to Japan? From ancient temples to futuristic cities, Japan is a fascinating land full of surprises. Whether you're sipping matcha in Kyoto or navigating the neon streets of Tokyo, there's always something to discover.

Here are 10 fun and surprising facts about Japan to inspire your next adventure!

1. There Are Vending Machines for Everything

Japan has over 5 million vending machines—you’ll find them on almost every street corner. But they don’t just sell drinks or snacks! You can buy umbrellas, hot meals, t-shirts, batteries, and even flowers from these machines.

2. Japanese Trains Are Punctual to the Second

The Shinkansen, or bullet train, isn’t just fast—it’s also incredibly punctual. The average delay is less than one minute per year. If a train is late, expect a sincere apology from the staff.

3. Slurping Noodles Is Considered Polite

In many countries, slurping might be seen as bad manners, but in Japan, it’s actually a sign that you’re enjoying your meal. It also enhances the flavor of the noodles and cools them down as you eat.

4. There Are More Pets Than Children

Japan has one of the world’s lowest birth rates, and as of recent years, pets outnumber children under the age of 15. You’ll find pet cafés, pet hotels, and even pet spas!

5. It’s Common to Take Off Your Shoes Indoors

Whether you're entering a home, certain restaurants, or even some hotels and schools, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes. In many places, you'll be given slippers to wear instead.

6. You Can Sleep in a Capsule Hotel

Japan is famous for its capsule hotels—tiny, efficient sleeping pods stacked side by side. They’re great for solo travelers or anyone who wants to experience Japan’s innovative hospitality.

7. Cherry Blossoms Are a National Obsession

Every spring, the country celebrates hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. Parks fill with picnickers enjoying the brief but beautiful bloom, which is seen as a symbol of life’s fleeting nature.

8. Toilets Are High-Tech Wonders

Japanese toilets come with heated seats, built-in bidets, music, and deodorizing features. Even public restrooms often have more buttons than a spaceship!

9. You Can See the Future and the Past Side by Side

In Tokyo, you might see a centuries-old temple standing next to a glass skyscraper. Japan blends the ancient with the ultra-modern in a way few countries do.

10. There’s a Word for Buying Too Many Books (and Not Reading Them)

The Japanese have a word—tsundoku—which describes the habit of buying books and letting them pile up unread. Sound familiar?

Final Tip Before You Go 

Want to stay connected while traveling Japan? Forget expensive roaming fees and slow airport Wi-Fi. The Mossroam eSIM for Japan lets you enjoy fast, reliable data from the moment you land. Just scan a QR code, and you're online—no physical SIM card needed.

Ready to explore the Land of the Rising Sun?