Interesting Facts About Tokyo You Probably Didn’t Know, Japan

by Tsvete Popp
Akihabara, Tokyo

Interesting Facts About Tokyo

Welcome to our travel blog, where we delve into the fascinating world of Tokyo, Japan. In this captivating metropolis, ancient traditions seamlessly blend with futuristic innovation, creating an unparalleled cultural experience. Join us as we uncover a myriad of interesting facts about Tokyo, from its towering skyscrapers and bustling street crossings to its serene gardens and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a technology lover, or a foodie seeking culinary delights, Tokyo offers something truly extraordinary for every traveler. Prepare to be captivated by this dynamic city as we unveil the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that await you in Tokyo.

Wedding, Meiji Temple

Where to Stay in Tokyo

As you would expect from a major travel destination in Asia, japan has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo Japan

The Peninsula Tokyo: Situated in the prestigious Marunouchi district, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with panoramic city views. It boasts exquisite restaurants, a lavish spa, a rooftop bar, and a swimming pool. The Peninsula Tokyo is renowned for its impeccable service and attention to detail.

The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: Situated in the upscale Roppongi district, this luxurious hotel offers elegant rooms with breathtaking views of the city. Guests can indulge in a range of exquisite dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants. The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and a tranquil garden terrace.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: Occupying the upper floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, this renowned hotel provides luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. The rooms offer magnificent views of Tokyo’s skyline, and the hotel boasts a spa, a fitness center, several dining options, and a stunning rooftop bar.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Tokyo Japan

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Located in the vibrant Shinjuku district, this mid-range hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms. It is conveniently situated near Shinjuku Station and provides easy access to popular attractions. The hotel features a range of amenities, including a restaurant, a café, and a Godzilla-themed viewing deck.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza: Situated in the upscale Ginza neighborhood, this hotel offers contemporary rooms with stylish interiors. It is within walking distance of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine.

Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo: This serviced apartment hotel is located in the bustling Shinjuku area. The apartments are well-equipped with kitchenettes and offer a comfortable home-away-from-home experience. The hotel features a fitness center, a launderette, and a 24-hour front desk, making it ideal for both short and long stays.

Best Hostels in Tokyo Japan

K’s House Tokyo Oasis: Situated in the Asakusa area, this friendly hostel offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, including dormitory rooms and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and a rooftop terrace with views of Tokyo Skytree. It also provides helpful travel information and organizes events for guests.

Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo: Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Hatchobori, this stylish hostel offers a mix of dormitory rooms and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a rooftop terrace. It provides a comfortable and social atmosphere, perfect for budget travelers looking to meet fellow adventurers.

Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge: Nestled in the vibrant district of Kuramae, this unique hostel combines modern design with traditional Japanese elements. It offers a range of dormitory rooms and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge with a bar, and regular events such as workshops and live performances.

View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Booking.com)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Tripadvisor)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Agoda)

Discover affordable hostels in Japan here (Hostelworld)

Easily compare prices and book hotels in Japan here (Hotellook)

1. Tokyo first settled around 3000 BC.

2. Back in the day, Tokyo was a small fishing village called Edo.

3. Edo grew into a huge city with a population of over a million by the mid-eighteenth century and became the centre of politics and culture in Japan.

Tokyo Shrines Tokyo Shrines

4. In 1868 “Edo” became “Tokyo” and also the imperial capital of Japan. Tokyo means “Eastern Capital”.

7. There are 882 interconnected rail stations in the Tokyo Metropolis.

Wedding, Meiji Temple

8. Tokyo is home to 14 Michelin three-star restaurants, which is more than Paris, London and New York together!

Wedding, Meiji Temple

9. Shinjuku station is the busiest railway station not only in Tokyo but in the world. More than 3.70 million passengers pass through the station each day!

Shibuya Crossing

10. Shinjuku station has 36 platforms including an underground and above-the-ground arcade as well as more than 200 exits!

11. In 2010 the Tokyo Skytree was the tallest tower in the world.

Tokyo Shrines

Zōjō-ji Temple Tokyo

12. Tokyo Tower is 78 years younger, 13 meters higher and half the weight of the Eiffel Tower!

13. Tokyo Tower gets repainted every 5 years and almost 28000 litres of paint is used to completely repaint it!

Tokyo Tower

14. The people of Tokyo loved all kinds of vending machines! Vending Machines are available in Tokyo at every 12-meter distance. And believe me – you can buy pretty everything from a vending machine – from cheap bubble gums and drinks to used underwear!

Akihabarayo

Akihabara

15. The people of Tokyo believe that your love will last longer if you watch the lights of Tokyo Tower get turned off with your partner.

Meiji Temple, Tokyo

15. The lon0gest concert held at the Tokyo Dome was a Gun N Roses Concert for 3 hours and 37 minutes on 18 December 209.

Akihabara, Tokyo

16. There are more than 100 universities and colleges in Tokyo which is also the highest concentration of universities in the world.

teamLab, Tokyo

17. More than 30% of Japan’s university students attend school in Tokyo.

18. Despite the fact that Tokyo was almost completely destroyed by the massive earthquake in 1923 and the destruction of World War II, nowadays it is one of the world’s most modern cities in terms of its infrastructure and design.

Akihabara

19. Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is mostly closed to the public – you can visit some open-to-the-public special areas on the Emperor’s birthday and New Year only!

20.  Tokyo has more neon signs than any other city in the world.

Sensoji Temple

21. Tokyo’s mass transit system opened in 1927 and grew much bigger for the Summer Olympics of 1963.

22. Tokyo’s transportation system is the biggest in the world! More than 8.7 million people daily and 3.2 billion annually are using public transportation in Tokyo!

Sensoji Temple

23. When the weather allows it, you can see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Building for free! But good to know is that Mt. Fuji is only visible for an average of 79 days a year…

View fromTokyo Metropolitan Government Building

View fromTokyo Metropolitan Government Building

24. Located in Ginza, Tsukiji is the busiest and largest fish market in the world! Tsukiji offers more than 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar!

25. Tokyo is green! There are over 6.000 different parks and gardens covering more than 10km².

The dogs of Tokyo

26. More than 38 million people live in Tokyo which makes it the largest and busiest metropolitan area in the world.

27. Sumo wrestlers are highly respected in Japanese culture. Ryōgoku District in Tokyo is home to the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall and many Sumo academies.

28. Tokyo Disneyland was Disney’s first park outside the US. Tokyo Disneyland employs over 20.000 people!

The Streets of Tokyo

29. Tokyo has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and crimes against tourists are extremely rare!

30. Harajuku district of Tokyo is famous for its alternative street fashion and extravagant youth of Tokyo.

The Streets of Tokyo

31. Google Translator will be your best friend while in Tokyo!  Japanese people don’t speak many other languages and English is not widely spoken.

The Streets of Akihabara, Tokyo

32. Tokyo is expensive and the place is limited. Therefore Tokyo is famous for its capsule hotels which provide sleeping “capsules” as a basic overnight accommodation alternative.

33. Ginza is Tokyo’s busiest high-end shopping area which is much older than the iconic Times Square in New York.

The Streets of Akihabara

34. When talking about how expensive Tokyo actually is, Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tokyo costs € 22.800 per night.

35. “Oshiya” are employed “Pushers” in some of Tokyo’s railway stations. Oshiyas are hired to literally push the passengers onto crowded trains during rush hours.

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

36. Komagata Dozeu is a restaurant in Tokyo that managed to survive the earthquakes and bombings for six generations.

37. Located on the western outskirts of TokyoTakao-san is the world’s most visited mountain.

The Streets of Ginza

The Streets of Ginza

38. Tokyo is a tax-heaven and one of the best shopping destinations in the world. As a tourist, you can take advantage of tax-free shopping for over 5000 yen. Only a passport is required when shopping tax-free.

Sake

39. Hachiko was the dog of Eizaburo Ueno, a professor of agriculture science at Tokyo University. Back in the ’20s, the Akita dog used to follow his owner when he went to work in the morning at the Shibuya Train Station and picked him up in the afternoon when he returned from work. Every single day! Professor Eizaburo had suffered from a cerebral haemorrhage. One day he passed away while he was at work without returning to Shibuya station… Hachiko continued to wait at the station for 9 years, 9 months and 15 days! Nowadays Hachiko is a symbol of unconditional loyalty, not only in Japan!

Hachiko Statue

Hachiko Statue

40. In Tokyo you will see sleeping people everywhere, anytime and in any position!

The Sleeping people of Tokyo

Planning a trip to Japan?

Japan Accommodation

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore Asia

As a trusted platform, 12Go Asia offers convenient booking services for trains, buses, ferries, and flights across multiple Asian countries. 12Go Asia has a user-friendly interface and reliable connections, you can easily plan and book your transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your Asian adventure.

Japan Flights

Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Japan.

Private Airport Transfers

Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Rental Car in Japan

Looking to rent a car in Japan? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Japan to find you the best price possible.

Japan Tours

For those who have a passion for guided tours, look no further as we present the finest selection available to fulfil your wanderlust desires.

Travel Insurance

When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.

Enjoy the day!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.

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