If you're planning to travel, stay tuned for Coliseu Geek because today we have 10 fascinating facts about Japan! The country is an incredibly fascinating country full of contrasts. With a rich history, vibrant culture and impressive technological advances, this island nation captivates visitors from all over the world. In addition to the well-known tourist attractions, Japan reserves a multitude of curiosities that make your experience even more interesting. In this article, we'll delve into 10 fascinating facts about Japan, revealing a unique and intriguing side to this extraordinary country.
monkey bathtubs
In the Nagano area, you'll find Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its “onsen” (hot springs) where Japanese macaques soak and relax. It's a peculiar sight to see these primates enjoying a nice warm bath, an unusual activity for wild animals.
vending machines
Japan is famous for its vending machines, which can be found virtually everywhere from busy streets to remote areas. In addition to traditional drinks, these machines offer an impressive variety of products, such as hot food, underwear, umbrellas and even machines that sell collectible toys.
rabbit island
On the island of Ōkunoshima, nicknamed “Rabbit Island”, you will find hundreds of fluffy rabbits roaming free. These bunnies are a popular tourist attraction and interacting with them has become a lovely pastime for visitors.
Most populous spot in the world
Tokyo's Shibuya neighborhood is home to the famous Shibuya crossing, where thousands of people cross the street simultaneously when the traffic light turns red. This intersection is considered one of the busiest spots in the world and, when viewed from above, it is an impressive vision of synchrony and order amidst chaos.
Floating Lantern Festival
The Floating Lantern Festival, known as “Tōrō Nagashi”, is a Japanese tradition that takes place in different regions of the country. During this festival, people throw paper lanterns with lighted candles into rivers to guide the souls of ancestors back to the spirit world. It is an incredibly beautiful and meaningful event.
Unique themed cafes
In Japan, you can find a wide variety of eccentric themed cafes. There are cat cafes, where you can enjoy a drink while interacting with cats, owl cafes, where you can experience observing and touching these majestic birds, and even robot cafes, where the attendants are humanoid robots.
fake food
As you stroll through some tourist areas in Japan, you're likely to come across display cases filled with deliciously realistic but inedible food. Japan is known for its “sampuru” (fake food), which is made of plastic and used by restaurants as a way to visually display their dishes.
Machines selling fresh eggs
In addition to the famous vending machines, Japan also has specific machines that sell fresh eggs. These machines are stocked with eggs directly from local farms and offer residents the convenience of buying eggs without having to go to a supermarket.
square watermelons
In Japan, you can find watermelons that are oddly rectangular in shape. These watermelons are not genetically modified, but grown in special molds, which make them grow in this unique shape. This technique was developed to optimize the storage and transport of these fruits.
Unmanned train stations
In Japan, there are several train stations that do not have staff. These stations are operated by automated systems and, although it may seem strange to visitors, the Japanese have adapted perfectly to this efficient form of transport.
Japan is truly a country of fascinating surprises and curiosities. From monkeys relaxing in hot springs to vending machines with unusual products, every corner reveals something unique and special. These curiosities only scratch the surface of all that Japan has to offer, and exploring this country full of traditions, contrasts and wonder is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any curious traveler.