Fun Facts About Japan

Here are Some Fun Facts about Japan that is often known as “Land of the rising sun.”

Map of Japan

An East Asian country Japan, comprises a chain of Islands located in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth (Asia Continent). These islands fall between the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean on the eastern coast of the Asian Korean Peninsula. Japan shares its borders with China, Russia, the Philippines, South and North Korea, and Taiwan.
Japan is often referred to as the home of islands as it comprises more than 4000 islands. These islands stretch across the pacific coast of Asia. The four major islands of Japan are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.
Honshu, the largest island of Japan, is stretched at 180 miles. This island of Japan has many volcanoes and mountains.
Fact: In March 2011, the massive earthquake moved Honshu 7.9 ft (2.4m).
Hokkaido is the second-largest and northernmost island of Japan. Kyushu is in the southwest, and Shikoku is the smallest island of the four.

A long ridge of rugged mountains with tree-lined slopes is seen in Japan. They have deep valleys on the side of the Pacific Ocean and mountains and low hills near the Sea of Japan.
The main mountain ranges of Japan are Akaishi, Hido, and Kiso.
Mt Fuji is the highest point of Tokyo that lies in the southwest of Tokyo. It is a volcano that rises 12,388 ft. (3,776 m).
Japan suffers from violent earthquakes because the islands are located on the ring of fire. Japan’s archipelago comprises 108 active volcanoes. These volcanoes are known to bring devastating earthquakes and tsunamis.
You can see small planes situated near coastal areas and rivers flow from the mountains to this coastal area.

Shinano is the largest river in Japan.
Japan is divided into 47 regions. These regions are further divided into sub-regions.
Tokyo is the largest and capital city of Japan. It is located northwest on the Pacific coast of central Honshu Islands

Japan Flag Facts

It is said that Amaterasu, goddess of the Sun, founded Japan in the 17th century BC. Amaterasu is said to be the ancestor of the first emperor Jimmu. Japan’s emperor is hence known as the “son of the sun” even today.
The first recorded use of a son flag dates from 1184. However, the first-ever use of the flag of japan is mentioned in the “Shoku Nihongi,” a classical Japanese history text and dates back to 701. It credits Emperor Mommu to using the flag.
The current flag of Japan came into existence on August 5, 1854. On August 13, 1999, the Japanese parliament, The Diet formally adopted the flag to regularize the flag laws.
In the earlier years, the flag of Japan represented the Japanese ships and naval vessels abroad.
The flag of Japan has a hot red circle in the center that represents a white background. The pole on which the flag is hoisted should be natural bamboo. On the top of the pole, there is a shiny gold ball.
3 to 2 must be the ratio of height and length of the flag, and the circle must be of 3/5th width of the flag. The circle must be at the center of the flag.
The color of the Japanese flag isn’t red and white, it is crimson and white.
日章旗 (“nisshoki) is the official name of the Japanese flag. But people still call it の丸 (“Hinomaru,” meaning “circle of the sun”).

Seasons of Japan

In Japan there is a custom to forecast the day when cherry blossoms start blooming.
Japan’s rainy season “Tsuyu” occurs in June and July, and the humidity level at this time is extreme.
There are no rains in Hokkaido because by the time rains reach Hokkaido, the pacific causes it to disappear.
West Japan experiences quite a lot of snowfall. Tokyo’s winter air is dry, and there’s hardly any snowfall.
In olden times people used to look at Mount Fuji and predict the weather. For example, if clouds were formed at the foot it meant a sunny day.

Japan Famous Places

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and has notable attractions like the electronics city of Akihabara, Tokyo Tower, Kaminarimon at Asakusa, and Tokyo Disneyland.
Osaka is known for its unique food and culture and is the commercial center of Japan. The castle park for cherry blossom viewing is popular among tourists.
Kyoto is a cultural city of japan where streets are lined with ancient temples. It is an architectural joy for tourists.
Nagoya is centrally located and the 4th largest city of Japan Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, Nagoya Castle are main attractions of Nagoya.

Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs and ski resorts. You can visit here anytime during the year.
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain of Japan that opens in July and August. You can go there for campaigns, hot springs, and resorts.
Hakuba Village is in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Matsumoto castle, the oldest castle in Japan, is situated in Nagano Prefecture.
Okinawa: it is known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful water. It is a perfect place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Popular Japanese Dishes

Sushi

Sushi was born in ancient times and is almost the national dish of Japan. It is served with vinegared rice and fish.

Tempura

It is battered fried fish, seafood and vegetables. It is crispy and can be eaten with dipping sauce.

Yakitori

It is a chicken grilled on a skewer. Every part of chicken is used in this dish, even the chicken comb and it has been eaten since the 17th century.

Tsukemono Pickles

Tsukemono pickles have been eaten in Japan since prehistoric times. They can be made with vegetables like radish eggplants and plum, they are bright and healthy.

Udon

It is made from wheat flour and is dense and sweet. It can be eaten hot and cold with any type of toppings.

Soba

It is a noodle dish made from buckwheat flour. It is served both hot and cold and is a healthy dish that is very popular in Japan.

Sukiyaki

It is beef, tofu, and vegetable pot dish cooked in sweet soy sauce.

Sashimi

Sashimi refers to any meat that is sliced thin and raw. It is eaten raw. The most popular varieties of sashimi are raw fish, beef, chicken, and even horse.