A complete guide to Japan

Here are a few facts about Japan that may surprise you!

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✓ The Japanese called their country 'Yamato' in its early history. They began using 'Nippon' around the 7th century and later 'Nihon' was also used interchangeably as the country's name. Both Nippon and Nihon literally mean 'the sun's origin', and are often translated as the 'land of the rising Sun'.

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✓ The 'bow' is a custom form of greeting in Japan, and the depth of the bow is very significant. The lower you bow the more respect you show.

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✓ Japan consists of no less than 6,582 islands.

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✓ The world’s largest seafood market is the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, which employs sum 60,000 people!

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✓ Around 80% of Japan is covered in mountains.

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✓ There are 100 active volcanoes in Japan, which is 10% of the world's total alone! The most popular being Mount Fuji and Mount Aso.

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✓ The number '4' is said to be extremely unlucky in Japan, as it sounds very familiar to 'shi', the Japanese word for death. Often many buildings will not have a fourth floor, and most goods will be sold in sets of 3 or 5.

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✓ Tokyo is considered the world's most populated city with an estimated 38 million living there, over 28% of Japan's population and slightly more than the entire population of Canada!

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✓ There are over 5 million vending machines in Japan. Yes 5 million! You can find everything in them, from hot coffee to ramen, sushi to stationery. At a rate of 1 to every 24 people, you are never more than a few minutes away, literally!

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✓ Japan experiences over 1500 earthquakes per year.

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✓ One of the 'cleanest' countries in the world, Japan prides itself on its environment. Eating, drinking and smoking is forbidden when walking (and strictly adhered to) which helps keep the streets pristine.

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✓ KFC is a Christmas tradition in Japan, thanks to some very clever marketing back in the seventies when it first opened in Japan. Some 4 million people order it like ordering a Turkey in many Western countries. Most order a month in advance to avoid missing out!