From ancient fishing villages to futuristic vending machines — welcome to the wild, wonderful world of Tokyo!

Tokyo isn't just a city — it's a sensory explosion, a cultural rollercoaster, and a place where robot restaurants, centuries-old temples, and neon-lit crosswalks live side by side.  It’s where the past, present, and future collide in style, and where every corner has a quirky story waiting to be told.

Whether you're planning your first trip or you're just a curious fact-lover, these mind-blowing and seriously fun facts about Tokyo will give you a whole new appreciation for Japan’s dazzling capital.

So buckle up — because here are 40 facts about Tokyo that are anything but ordinary!

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo: This serviced apartment hotel is located in the bustling Shinjuku area. 

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. 

Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo: Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Hatchobori, this stylish hostel offers a mix of dormitory rooms and private rooms. 

Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge: Nestled in the vibrant district of Kuramae, this unique hostel combines modern design with traditional Japanese elements.

View from Metropolitan Government Building

🏞️ 1. Tokyo’s Origins Date Back to 3000 BC

That’s right — before bullet trains and anime, there were fishermen and farmers living here over 5,000 years ago. Tokyo’s roots run deep.

🎣 2. It All Started with a Little Fishing Village Called Edo

Before Tokyo became the metropolis we know today, it was a humble village named Edo — a place of wooden houses, quiet canals, and lots of fish.

🌆 3. Edo Became a City of Over a Million in the 1700s

By the mid-18th century, Edo wasn’t just big — it was massive, becoming the center of Japanese politics, culture, and fashion.

🧠 Did you know? Edo was one of the largest cities in the world before the Industrial Revolution hit Europe.

🏯 4. In 1868, Edo Became Tokyo – “The Eastern Capital”

The name “Tokyo” literally means Eastern Capital, marking its promotion to Japan’s new imperial center after centuries of rule in Kyoto.

🚉 5. Tokyo Has 882 Interconnected Rail Stations

It’s a commuter’s paradise… or a tourist’s navigational nightmare. Either way, the Tokyo rail system is an engineering marvel!

🚇 Tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo card — your key to conquering Tokyo’s epic public transport.

🍣 6. Tokyo Has More Michelin 3-Star Restaurants Than Paris

With 14 Michelin three-star eateries, Tokyo officially wears the culinary crown. Move over Paris — Tokyo is the real food capital.

Wedding, Meiji Temple

🚉 7. Shinjuku Station is the Busiest in the World

Over 3.7 million people pass through this behemoth daily. It's so big it has 200+ exits — yes, exits — and even has its own department stores.

Wedding, Meiji Temple

📍 8. Shinjuku Station Has 36 Platforms & Underground Arcades

It’s not just a train station — it’s a city underneath a city. Getting lost here is practically a rite of passage.

🗺️ Tip: Take a photo of your exit. You’ll thank yourself later.

Shibuya Crossing

🗼 9. Tokyo Skytree Was Once the Tallest Tower on Earth

At 634 meters, it briefly held the title in 2010 and still dominates the skyline today.

🗼 10. Tokyo Tower is Taller Than the Eiffel Tower

It’s 13 meters higher, 78 years younger, and half the weight of its French cousin — and gets repainted every 5 years with 28,000 liters of paint!

🥤 11. Tokyo Has a Vending Machine Every 12 Meters

Yes, really. You can buy everything from hot ramen and fresh eggs to… used underwear (we don’t recommend). Tokyo takes vending to the next level.

🤖 Fun Fact: There are over 5 million vending machines in Japan — many of them right here in Tokyo.

Zōjō-ji Temple

❤️ 12. Watching Tokyo Tower's Lights Go Off is a Lovers’ Ritual

Locals believe your love will last longer if you watch the Tokyo Tower lights shut off with your partner. Romantic, no?

Tokyo Tower

🎸 13. Guns N’ Roses Rocked the Longest Concert at Tokyo Dome

In December 2009, they played for 3 hours and 37 minutes. Tokyo knows how to rock. 🤘

Akihabara

🎓 14. Tokyo Has the Highest Concentration of Universities in the World

With over 100 universities and colleges, it’s a true brain hub. More than 30% of Japanese university students study in Tokyo!

🔥 15. Tokyo Rose from the Ashes – Twice

After the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the WWII bombings, the city was nearly destroyed. Today? It’s one of the world’s most futuristic metropolises. 💪

Akihabara

👑 16. The Imperial Palace is Mostly Off-Limits

You can only visit the inner grounds twice a year: on the Emperor’s birthday and New Year. Better mark your calendars!

💡 17. Tokyo Has More Neon Signs Than Any City on Earth

Move over Times Square — Shibuya and Shinjuku are pure neon madness. It’s Blade Runner meets organized chaos.

Akihabara

🚇 18. The Tokyo Subway Started in 1927

It’s one of the oldest subway systems in the world and was massively expanded in preparation for the 1964 Summer Olympics.

🚆 19. Tokyo’s Transit System Moves Over 8 Million People a Day

That’s more than the population of Switzerland — on trains. Every. Single. Day. 🚉

teamLab

🗻 20. You Can See Mt. Fuji from Tokyo (But Only Sometimes!)

Head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free panoramic view. But don’t get your hopes too high — Mt. Fuji is only visible about 79 days a year.

🐟 21. Tsukiji is the World’s Largest and Busiest Fish Market

Offering over 400 types of seafood, from seaweed to $10,000 tuna, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise.

Akihabara

🌳 22. Tokyo is Surprisingly Green

With over 6,000 parks and gardens, the city balances its neon with nature. Don’t miss Shinjuku Gyoen or Ueno Park in spring!

Sensoji Temple

👥 23. Tokyo is the World’s Most Populous Metropolitan Area

With 38+ million residents, Tokyo is the largest and busiest urban area in the world. It's crowded — but somehow, it works.

Sensoji Temple

🤼 24. Sumo Wrestling is a Big Deal Here

The Ryōgoku District is home to sumo stables and the iconic Ryōgoku Sumo Hall. Come during tournament season to witness tradition in action.

🏰 25. Tokyo Disneyland Was the First Outside the U.S.

Opened in 1983, it remains a fan favorite and employs over 20,000 people. It’s as magical as it sounds! 🎠

View fromTokyo Metropolitan Government Building

🕵️ 26. Tokyo Has One of the Lowest Crime Rates in the World

It’s not just safe — it’s super safe. Violent crime is rare, and lost wallets are often returned intact. 🧡

👗 27. Harajuku is Tokyo’s Capital of Cool

The Harajuku District is famous for wild fashion, teen culture, and cosplay energy. Bring a camera — and your boldest outfit.

📱 28. Google Translate is Your Best Friend

English isn’t widely spoken, so a translation app will help you order dinner, read signs, and avoid accidentally buying fermented squid. 🐙

🛏️ 29. Capsule Hotels Are a Tokyo Specialty

Why book a room when you can rent a high-tech sleeping pod? Affordable, clean, and oddly cozy — it’s a must-try experience.

🛍️ 30. Ginza is Tokyo’s Oldest Luxury Shopping District

Older than Times Square, Ginza is where Tokyo comes to spend. From designer boutiques to basement food halls, it’s retail heaven.

💰 31. A Night at the Ritz-Carlton Costs €22,800

Yes, that’s per night. Luxury in Tokyo can be next level — but don’t worry, ramen is still cheap. 😉

🚇 32. “Oshiya” Push People Into Trains During Rush Hour

Tokyo employs professional pushers to squeeze passengers onto packed trains. It’s wild. It’s real. And yes — they wear white gloves.

🍲 33. Komagata Dozeu Has Survived for Over 6 Generations

This traditional eel restaurant in Asakusa has weathered earthquakes, wars, and generations of change — and still serves some of the city’s most beloved meals.

The Streets of Akihabara

🏔️ 34. Mt. Takao is the Most Visited Mountain in the World

Located just outside Tokyo, Takao-san is an easy day trip with trails, temples, and epic views — and attracts millions each year.

🛍️ 35. Tokyo is a Shopping Paradise (and Tax-Free for Tourists!)

Spend over 5,000 yen in participating stores and show your passport — boom, tax-free shopping achieved. 🛍️

Sensoji Temple

🐶 36. Hachiko Waited 9 Years for His Owner at Shibuya Station

This loyal pup kept returning every day for nearly a decade after his owner died. Today, a statue honors him — and you’ll probably cry when you see it. 🐾

😴 37. People Sleep… Everywhere

On trains, in parks, during lunch breaks — in Tokyo, naps are part of life. It’s called inemuri and it’s totally acceptable.

Sensoji Temple

✨ Final Thoughts: Tokyo is an Experience Like No Other

From historic temples and electric cityscapes to robot cafes, bullet trains, and vending machines that defy logic — Tokyo will shock, delight, and fascinate you at every turn.

Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, one thing is certain: you’ll never run out of things to discover in Tokyo. And that’s what makes it one of the most unforgettable places on Earth.