Known for being a vibrant and futuristic metropolis, Tokyo promotes an extraordinary blend of the traditional and modern that mixes perfectly. Each year more than 14 million foreigners are known to visit this city. If you’re also planning on visiting Tokyo, here are some fun facts for you to know.
Facts about Tokyo
1. The Largest City in the world
Over 38 million people call Greater Tokyo home which makes this urban area the most populated in the world. This also falls among the highest density cities worldwide, there’s certainly no shortage of people here. Regardless of all that, Tokyo is a pretty organized city and you’ll even be walking around on your own in some areas, from time to time.
2. One Vending Machine for every 23 Citizens
There are vending machines all over Japan, and Tokyo isn’t an exception. It has been estimated that you won’t have to ever walk over an average of 12 meters to seek a vending machine in Tokyo. There is one vending machine for every 23 people residing in the city.
3. Among the Safest Cities worldwide
Most crimes happening in larger cities around the world are unknown in Tokyo as the crime rate here is very low. People here feel so safe that the locals are seen falling asleep on the trains, while their new iPhones can be noticed by everyone.
If you lose your wallet, the possibility is that you’ll find it turned into the closest convenience store. The finder will also have tried their very best to reach the owner. In several cases, it will also be left untouched for hours, right at the spot you left it.
4. Tokyo was initially named Edo
At present, it might be quite surprising and even hard to believe that Tokyo was originally a small fishing village, known as Edo. Founded in 1603, the village later happened to be a seat for the Tokugawa shogunate.
The number of its residents grew quickly afterward and in the 18th century, Edo had over 1 million residents. The name ‘Edo’ was officially replaced by ‘Tokyo’ in 1868, which translates to “Eastern Capital” in English.
5. The extremely tall Tokyo Skytree
With a height of 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is known to be among the tallest buildings in the world. It features several department stores along with an observation center and it’s situated in Sumida. No surprise that this building is also the tallest in Japan.
6. Tax-free shopping for Foreigners
Purchases having a total sum of 5000 yen or more than that are eligible for a tax refund. Foreigners who plan on enjoying tax-free shopping can just present their passports while making the purchase.
7. World’s Busiest Intersection
On average around 2,500 people are seen crossing the Shibuya Crossing intersection each time the light turns green.
8. Among the world’s Prime Fashion Capitals
Tokyo has gained fame worldwide for its extraordinary style and fashion. Harajuku is considered the city’s major attraction for youth culture and street fashion. Rakuten Fashion Week is among the important events for designers and people in the fashion industry.
9. On a Clear Day, you can see Mount Fuji
Among the major icons of Japan, Mount Fuji is well known and loved by everyone. And if you’re lucky to be visiting Tokyo on a clear day, you’ll get a view of Mount Fuji from different places in the city. Among the most popular places for viewing Mount Fuji from a distance, there’s the Metropolitan Government building.
10. Constant Earthquake Threats
Japan has been known to be one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world, and the Tokyo area is not excluded from the notion. Stronger earthquakes do occur from time to time even though the buildings have been constructed to stand strong against the natural phenomenon.
11. Cylindrical Shafts below the City
Underneath the city, five underground shafts have been constructed to prevent flooding, as they divert floodwaters without harming the city. These are also supposed to help in case a tsunami occurs.
12. In WWII the city was Heavily Bombed
Tokyo was bombed by its allies in the Second World War, and the destruction was just like those of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In only 48 hours, around 130 000 people were killed in 1944. Regardless of that, Tokyo was the first city in the world that reached 10 million residents in 1962.
13. A Robot Hotel and Robot Restaurant
Visitors get a greeting from a dinosaur robot in the reception of the Henn Na Hotel as it is completely operated by robots. The same company has several hotel branches and this one in Ginza is known as the first hotel in the world with working robots.
The city’s robotic fun doesn’t stop here as there’s the famous Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku where you get to enjoy a robotic show. It might not be as much of a restaurant from a traditional view, but you will be served bento boxes and snacks while watching the show.
14. Commuters need to be Pushed Inside the Busy Metro
Tokyo might actually be the only city in the world where people are hired to push commuters inside the train. They are called “Oshiya” in Japanese which translates to “Pushers” in English. Doesn’t sound so bad for a paid job!
15. Plenty of Capsule Hotels
At present, capsule hotels have gained popularity in several cities around the world, but some of the initial ones came from Tokyo. For solo travelers and even those traveling in groups, this can be a great way to travel on a budget.
16. Experience Real-life Mario Karting
Tokyo is a must-visit city for you if you’re into Mario Kart as here you get to have a real-life Mario Kart experience. You’ll find yourself driving through busy Shibuya and other regions of the city, driving a go-kart while dressed up as your favorite character.
17. Most Neon Signs in the world
In the entire world, Tokyo has the highest number of neon signs. Shinjuku, mainly in the Kabukicho area, are the best places to watch neon signs in Tokyo. Shibuya also has several neon signs, mainly around the Shibuya crossing.