There are 80 real hotsprings in downtown Tokyo, including one in Azabu-Juban and another in Shinjuku. (source: Metropolis)

It took Minoru Mori 17 years to buy all the land needed to build Roppongi Hills. (source: Metropolis)

The Oedo line is the safest subway line in Tokyo in an earthquake because of its depth and design.  (source: Metropolis)


T
he word "Sushi" actually means "vinegar" (su) and "rice" (meshi).  In old Japan, fishermen use vinegar to preserve raw fish and wrap them with rice. 

T
okyo's temperature hit 39.5 degrees Celsius on July 20, 2004 - the highest ever recorded in the city.

T
wo billion packs of tissues are handed out every year in Japan as an advertising medium. (source: Japan Times)

B
ig Issue Japan magazine helps homeless in Japan by selling the publication on the street - a way to help them stand on their feet and integrate into the society.  Homeless people registered as vendors earn 100 yen for every 200 yen-copy sold.  Big Issue was first launched in London in 1991 and is now sold by homeless people in 25 countries.  It was brought to Osaka in 2003. (source: Japan Times)

Koban, or police box, is common in Japan.  In Tokyo, you can find a Koban in every major crossing.  One to two policemen are assigned to each Koban.  Their duties includes giving directions, checking the ID of people who look suspicious, and helping the local community in general.

Everyone knows Japan is a safe country - so safe that sometimes local peple have unbelievably low awareness.  It is not uncommon for Japanese to leave their bags unattended when they buy drinks or use the bathroom in Starbucks.

The last serious earthquake that hit Tokyo was the 1923 "Great Kanto Earthquake" that killed 140,000 people.  Tokyo  is expecting another "Big One" to come any minute.

During an earthquake when most phone lines are down, residents in Tokyo can dial "171" and follow instruction to leave and retrieve phone messages to family members.

School teaching seems far from perfect in Tokyo.  Nearly every student here goes to juku, or tutorial class, after school.

In a 2002 survey, children in Japan were asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?". 30% of boys answered "sports player" and 26% of girls answered "bakery and candy store owner". (source: Kuraray Co. Ltd.)

Chikan, or men who grope women on trains, is a long-standing problem in Tokyo.  Some rail companies reserve at least one wagon on night services for women.

Toilets in Tokyo are remarkably clean.   There are also many facilities that are unique in Japan.  "Washlet" automatically wash your butt after you finish your business.  Small sound boxes are installed in toilets for women.  When a Japanese lady does her businesses, she sometimes feels embarrassed to let others hear the sound of her "activities".  So she will press that little button on the sound box which automatically plays flushing sound. 

On Valentine's Day, Japanese women give chocolates to men.  One month later on March 14, men return gifts to women.  That day is called "White Day".

Tokyo remains the world's most expensive city in 2004 (London comes second and Mosco third).  It costs 30% more to live in Tokyo compared to New York. (source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting)

Taxi is expensive in Tokyo - 660 yen for the first 2km, and then 80 yen for every 274m.  Taxi fare from Narita airport to Tokyo downtown costs about 20,000 yen (about US$185).  About 30% midnight service charge will be added between 11pm and 5am.

Although commuting is expensive in Japan, most people live one hour to one hour and a half of commute from work.  The cost of transportation doesn't bother them too much probably because most Japanese companies pay for employees' commutation.

Going to the cinema is expensive in Tokyo.  A movie ticket costs around 1,800 yen.  Wednesdays are "Ladies' Day", and costs a woman only 1,000 yen to watch a movie.

Mirrors were first installed opposite selected platform on JR Chuo line to discourage people from jumping rail.   Chuo line is plagued by frequent suicides, on average 1 incident every 10 days. (source: Japan Times)

Until 1853, 80% of Japanese did not have family names. (source: insidejapantours.com)

The most common last name in Japan is "Sato".  About two million people share this last name, mostly in East Japan.

Robots in Japan have their own trade union. (source: insidejapantours.com)

Japan is one of the very few places where it is common for people to wear clinical masks in public.  People who are allergic to pollen wear masks in spring. 

It is considered impolite for Japanese to look directly into someone's eyes during a conversation.

Many Japanese avoid giving "yes" and "no" answers because it is considered rude to be direct in speech.  When a Japanese sucks in air between his teeth, makes some hissing sound, with his head cocked to one side, he actually means to say "No".

Japanese invention "Dog Translator", that translates woofs into human language, is chosen as one of the "Best Inventions of 2002" by Times Magazine.

Cutting hair in QB House is an eye-opening experience.  It's a 10-minute-cut-only service.  You pay 1,000 yen for a ticket and then wait in line.   The cutting itself is nothing special, but after that comes the biggest surprise.  From nowhere, the barbar pulls out a mini-hoover and give your head a good vacuum-cleaning!  The whole process takes only 10 minutes.

Japanese farmers grow "Square Watermelons" because they fit better into the refrigerators.

Bicycles are available for rental in Muji store in Yurakucho, Tokyo.  It costs 500 yen (weekdays) or 1,000 yen (weekends) to rent a bike for one whole day.

Velotaxis are three-wheeled pedicabs that run around Omotesando area.  These environmental friendly taxis are operated by NGO Ecological-Cities Promoting Association.  The charge is per person 300 yen for the first 500m and 50 yen for every 100m after.  Drivers measure the distance in a straight line on a map and fare shall be paid in advance.

Makumi, or one act viewing, is a good way to experience Japan's traditional performing arts Kabuki.   Each Kabuki show is divided into several acts.  Viewers can pay around 1,000 yen to see just one act.  Tickets are available on sale about 20 minutes before the opening of each act.  Kabuki Theater is located in Ginza, Tokyo.

Manga, or comic, magazines in Japan are as thick as phonebooks.  Salarymen read them on the train and then leave them on the overhead racks before getting off the train.  There are old men "patrolling" inside train wagons during rush hours to collect these abandoned magazines for reselling.
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