15 amazing facts about Japan that will make you want to book a trip

Japan has fascinated travelers for centuries. While its traditions and cultural attractions remain unchanged, it is also a world leader in technology, design and pop culture. Ancient shrines juxtapose with neon-lit skyscrapers, and quiet tea ceremonies contrast with the chaos of Shibuya Junction. Whether you're drawn to its samurai history or its obsession with vending machines, Japan never fails to surprise you.

From rabbit-filled islands to cafés where you can cuddle hedgehogs, here are 15 fascinating facts about Japan you probably didn’t know.

1. You can stay in a hotel run by robots

Japan’s Henn na Hotel is staffed almost entirely by robots. At check-in, a multilingual humanoid or even a dinosaur-shaped receptionist will greet you. Facial recognition technology replaces room keys and robotic arms store luggage. Some places even have robotic cleaners controlled by artificial intelligence. It's part futuristic convenience, part bizarre sci-fi experience — only in Japan (at least for now).

2. There’s an island overrun by bunnies

Ōkunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is home to hundreds of wild but friendly rabbits. It was originally a secret World War II chemical weapons dump, but the island has since been reclaimed by nature and rabbits. In the absence of predators, they thrive, jumping in with visitors in search of a snack. You can stay overnight, rent a bike and explore the island with its furry inhabitants.

3. Capsule hotels are like futuristic sleeping pods

If you want to spend time in a unique place, be sure to try Japanese capsule hotels. These compact capsules have enough room for a mattress, a small TV, and mood lighting. Some upscale versions come with smart controls, charging ports, and privacy screens. Originally intended for wage earners who missed the last train home, capsule hotels are now a budget-friendly, high-tech treat for travelers.

3. Japan has over 4 million vending machines

Japan’s obsession with vending machines means you’ll find them everywhere, even in remote mountain villages. While you can grab a standard soda, things get weird fast — hot soup, fresh eggs, canned bread, or even a mystery toy are all available at the push of a button. 

5. You can fish for your own dinner in Tokyo

At Zauo, a restaurant designed like a giant wooden boat, diners don’t just order food — they catch it. Armed with a fishing rod, you'll try your luck in the restaurant's large indoor aquarium. After you catch your dinner, the chefs will prepare it as sushi, sashimi or grilled to perfection.

6. Kyoto has a street where photography is banned

Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, is known for its traditional tea houses, wooden buildings and chance encounters with geisha. But in some streets, photography is strictly forbidden to protect residents' privacy and prevent intrusive behavior from tourists. If you want to see a real geisha, book a performance or visit a teahouse — just don’t expect to snap a selfie with one.

7. Japan has a festival where people throw beans at demons

Every February, Setsubun marks the beginning of spring with a unique ritual: throwing roasted soybeans while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons away! Luck in!”). Families throw the beans at a person dressed as a demon, and temples and shrines organize mass events with celebrities. It’s a fun, slightly bizarre way to bring in good fortune for the year ahead.

8. You can cycle a roller coaster in the sky

The "Sky Cycle" in Okayama’s Washuzan Highland Amusement Park is a roller coaster with a twist — you pedal it yourself. Suspended 50 feet in the air, these bicycle-style carts move at your own pace, offering breathtaking views of Seto's inland sea. Unlike traditional coasters, there are no sudden drops, only the thrill of pedaling along a narrow rail high above the ground.

9. Trains in Japan are so punctual they apologize for being seconds late

Japan’s trains are the most punctual in the world, with average delays of less than a minute. If a train is late — by even 30 seconds — station staff will issue "delay certificates" so commuters can prove to their bosses why they weren’t exactly on time. When a train departs earlier than scheduled, railway companies issue public apologies for the inconvenience.

10. You can soak in an onsen with snow monkeys

In the mountains of Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for its hot-spring-loving residents — wild Japanese macaques. During winter, these monkeys climb into steaming natural onsens to stay warm, often looking more relaxed than the human visitors. You can’t bathe with them, but you can watch from just a few feet away as they soak, groom each other, and occasionally glare at tourists.

11. There’s a village where scarecrows outnumber people

In Nagoro, a remote village in Shikoku, life-sized scarecrows fill the streets, bus stops, and even classrooms. A local artist started creating them to replace villagers who had moved or passed away. Now, with over 350 scarecrows and fewer than 30 actual residents, the village feels like an eerie but charming time capsule of Japan’s rural past. 

12. Japan has the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is the ultimate urban spectacle. With every light change, around 3,000 people cross the intersection in perfect harmony, moving in all directions without collisions. It’s best viewed from above — cafés like Starbucks offer a perfect vantage point to watch the mesmerizing chaos. At night, with neon billboards flashing, it feels like stepping into a futuristic city scene.

13. Japan’s famous Cat Island may soon be gone

Aoshima, one of Japan’s well-known "cat islands," is home to more felines than humans — but not for much longer. Since a spaying program in 2018, no new kittens have been born, and the aging cat population is slowly dwindling. With only five human residents left, the island’s future is uncertain. As tourism declines, ferry services may stop altogether. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting, go now — before Aoshima becomes just another lost piece of Japan’s history.

Not all hope is lost for cat lovers, though. Other cat-filled islands, like Tashirojima and Enoshima, still have thriving feline populations and are well worth a visit.

14. You can rent fake family and friends

Need a wedding guest, a fake boyfriend, or a stand-in parent? In Japan, rental services provide actors who will play any role you need. Some people hire fake family members for social events, while others use them to practice dating or even to stage a happier family life for personal reasons. It’s a surreal but common business in a country where social expectations can be intense.

15. Tokyo has a café where you can cuddle hedgehogs

Japan takes animal cafés to the next level. Beyond cat cafés, you’ll find places dedicated to owls, micro-pigs, and even hedgehogs. At Harry Hedgehog Café in Tokyo, you can hold and feed these tiny, spiky creatures while sipping coffee. It’s a surprisingly relaxing experience — just watch out for the occasional quill poke.

Planning your trip to Japan

If these fascinating facts about Japan have you itching to visit the country, it’s time to start planning. Whether you want to sip tea alongside geisha, soak in an onsen with snow monkeys, or wander through centuries-old temples, Japan offers something for every kind of traveler.

Tokyo dazzles with its futuristic skyline and endless entertainment, while Kyoto remains a cultural treasure trove of shrines, gardens, and traditions. If you prefer fewer crowds, Kanazawa — often called "Little Kyoto" — is an underrated gem worth visiting. Love Japan’s quirks? Stay in a capsule hotel, fish for your own dinner, or visit Aoshima before the famous "Cat Island" disappears forever.

For a deeper dive, Japan’s islands offer a different experience, from Okinawa’s white-sand beaches to Naoshima’s open-air art museums. And no trip is complete without indulging in Japan’s incredible food scene — whether it’s sushi, ramen, or something straight from a vending machine.

Before you go, make sure you’re covered. Travel insurance is a must, and Heymondo offers great value with 24/7 support. Now, the only question is: Where will your Japan adventure begin?

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