42 Fascinating Facts About Tokyo To Know Before Your Trip

Blue lights were installed at train stations to prevent people from committing suicide. A study showed that from the moment of installment in 2009 to 2013, the suicide rate fell by a whopping 84%. Blue lights are said to help relax those experiencing psychological stress.

Unlike many other cities in the world, if you spend over 5,000 yen (36.70 US dollars) and have your passport on you while shopping at licensed stores, you don’t have to pay tax as a foreign tourist in Tokyo.

Even if you have never been to Japan, you most likely recognize Mount Fuji when you see it in pictures. And though theoretically, it is possible to see it when in Tokyo, smog and weather conditions often make it invisible.

If you want to feel like you’re in the future when visiting Tokyo, check in at the Henn na Hotel in the district of Ginza. Fully staffed with robots that can turn their heads, blink, and carry your luggage, it is the perfect place for those who don’t like any form of social interaction in a public place. The hotel offers entry through facial recognition, so no keys are required.

Located in a highly seismic zone, Tokyo has suffered from many earthquakes, one of the largest being the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Another large destruction was caused by the 1657 Great Fire of Meireki.

Located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, Shibuya Scramble Crossing sees as many as 3,000 people crossing at a time. A statue of the famous dog Hachiko can be found between the intersection and the Shibuya railway station.

Tokyo has proudly held on to this title for over a decade. With a total of 212 Michelin stars, there are 14 three-star, 42 two-star and 158 one-star restaurants. Three of the world’s most famous three-star restaurants are located in Tokyo: Kanda, Quintessence, and Joël Robuchon.

If you are not allowed to keep pets at home, you can pay an hourly rate and have fun with a cat in a cafe.

Until 1890, the modern capital of Japan was called Edo. Founded in 1603, with time Edo became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. The name, which literally translates as “Eastern capital” (as opposed to Kyoto in the west), was changed in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration. And though the capital was transferred to Tokyo, no official rules were made regarding this.

Sakura trees start blooming in April, and tourists from all over the world come to observe this breathtaking sight. Both the tender pink flowers and leaves are edible and are ingredients of traditional Japanese teas and sweets.

Connecting railway traffic between Tokyo’s special wards and Western Tokyo, Shinjuku station has inter-city rail, commuter rail, and subway lines. In 2018, an average of 3.59 million people used the station per day, making it the busiest railway station in the world. It officially holds the title recorded in the Guinness World Records.

It may have started out as a small fishing village, but in 1868 Edo became the capital of the empire. It was later renamed Tokyo.

Despite its size and large population, Tokyo is regularly named at the top of the list of safest cities for travelers. Crimes occur at a very low rate here. Tokyo has a crime index of 24.23 and a safety index of 75.77, so tourists may feel safe experiencing the city's numerous attractions. Pickpocketing and home or car burglaries from unlocked cars are as one of the most frequently reported crimes in Tokyo.

Being located in a highly seismic zone, Tokyo is no stranger to strong earthquakes, and its residents benefit from any alert they can get. The Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system sends warnings through TV broadcasts, cell phones, and web pages throughout the country.

The population of Tokyo and its greater metropolitan area counts over 37 million people. Due to this, Tokyo holds the title of the most populous metropolitan area, followed by Jakarta, Indonesia, with 35 million, and Delhi, India, with 30 million people.

Despite having such a large population (and need for real estate space), parks and green spaces are an important part of the city’s infrastructure. Some of the most famous places include the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Meiji Shrine Forest, and Shinjuku Garden.

At only 90 square feet, each capsule apartment in this building can be rearranged like Lego pieces to suit individual tastes.

From ikebana (flower arranging) to origami (paper folding) to kabuki (traditional theater), if you have been wanting to try out traditional Japanese arts, Tokyo is a great place for that.

It may have been inspired by the Eiffel Tower, but the Tokyo Tower is, in fact, taller than its own inspiration. Built in 1958, it is 332.9 m tall, and painted orange and white as per air regulations. Tokyo Tower houses TV signal broadcasting, FM radio reception and transmission, manages traffic information, and collects weather and air pollution data. Even though the Tokyo Tower is not the tallest tower in the world, the one holding this title, Tokyo Skytree (634 m or 2080 ft), is also located in the capital city of Japan.

If someone bows to you, it is polite to return the bow. Another strictly observed tradition is to take off one’s shoes when entering a temple or a home, whether yours or someone else’s.