facts of Japan

 Travelers have been drawn to Japan ever since it first allowed for international trade in 1853. Japan is one of the world's top economic and technical hubs, even though many of its long-standing customs and cultural relics still exist. There is always something new to encounter when visiting, from ancient gods and customs to cutting edge technology and popular pop culture.

Here are the top 15 facts about Japan you probably didn't know, including anything from the fashion in Harajuku to flawless fruit, empty orchestras, and dining manners. Our gallery of breathtaking images of Japan reveals the many factors that contributed to your choice of it as one of the most beautiful nations in the world.

15 fascinating and entertaining facts about Japan

1. Japan is home to the oldest business in the world.

With a founding year of 578, Kongo Gumi is the world's oldest continuously operational company. It is an expert in building temples and shrines.

Looking to visit some of Japan's temples? Find Kanazawa, often known as Little Kyoto, before everyone else.

2. Japan is home to the world's 11th-largest population.

Japan is home to over 126 million people. Japan's population has been notably falling since 2011, primarily as a result of low birth rates; some speculate that this is related to the high cost of childcare and the challenge of finding well-paying employment.

Taking your own children on a trip? Learn how to organize a family vacation in Japan.

3. The Japanese have the second-longest life expectancy (nearly) behind Hong Kong, with an average age of 84, which is three years longer than in the UK.

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4. There is one vending machine for every 24 persons in Japan.

Japan has the largest density of vending machines in the world with 5 million units. You name it, and the vending machines undoubtedly have it—batteries, ramen, sake, umbrellas, flowers.

There is a reason Japan is included in our list of the strangest vending machines in the globe.

5. Japan produces over half of the zippers used worldwide.

Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, or YKK, is likely to be written on your zipper if you inspect it. This business, which was established in Tokyo in 1934, is thought to make 7 billion zippers a year.

Tokyo is an exciting destination, but ziplining isn't one of them. Find out the top ten things to do in Tokyo and where to stay by reading on.

6. You can spend more than $200 on Japanese melons.

Why are melon prices so high in Japan? The practice of giving gifts in Japan is heavily influenced by these priceless fruits; as a sign of gratitude, samurai would give their shogun tangerines or melons.

These fruits are now painstakingly cared for by hand by growers, which increases their attraction. One of the most well-known types, crown melons can cost more than $200 each.

Even better, if you haven't been to Japan, you could attend a Japanese tea ceremony instead of drinking Jamaican coffee.

8. The largest fish market in the world used to be in Japan.

The largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is well-known for its tuna auctions. It partially relocated to a new location in Toyosu in 2018 and reopened as Toyosu Market.