Would you like to discover more about Tokyo? It is also Japan's largest city and its capital. Here are 10 fun facts about Tokyo that you probably didn't know before reviewing this. Tokyo is known for being a vibrant and forward-thinking metropolis. It has a unique blend of old and new that works perfectly. Every year, over 14 million foreign visitors visit Tokyo.
1 - Edo was Tokyo's original name.
1 - Edo was Tokyo's original name.
It served as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, which controlled Japan from 1603 to 1867. The Edo Museum in Tokyo commemorates the era's history and culture.
2 - The world's busiest intersection is Shibuya Crossing.
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest intersection. There are five crossings on each side of the roadway, and up to 2,500 people cross the crosswalks each time the signals turn green. Locals refer to this as "the tremendous scramble." The sight of cars coming to a halt in all directions to make space for the massive crowd of pedestrians is mesmerizing.
3 - There has been one vending machine for every 23 people.
Vending machines can be found everywhere in Japan, including Tokyo. In Tokyo, it is estimated that you'll never have to go more than 12 meters to reach a vending machine. In reality, the city has one vending machine for every 23 inhabitants.
4 - Earthquakes strike Tokyo on a regular basis.
Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and the Tokyo area is no exception. Buildings are designed to withstand large earthquakes, but larger ones do occur at the moment. Each year, approximately 5,000 small earthquakes are recorded in Japan, with more than half measuring between 3.0 and 3.9. As a side effect, most go unnoticed. Each year, however, approximately 160 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or larger can shake the Japanese archipelago.
5 - In Tokyo's subway stations, there are anti-suicide lights.
In an effort to prevent suicides, authorities put blue lights at railroad stations in 2009. A scientific paper published in 2013 found that they were effective, with suicides dropping by as much as 84%. The blue light is supposed to help those who are experiencing psychological stress relax more rapidly.
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People can pay hourly rates to hang out with cats at places like these, which is especially convenient for individuals who live in apartments or condos where pets are not permitted.
7 - Tokyo is among the safest cities in the world.
The crime rate is extremely low, and most crimes that occur in bigger cities around the world are still almost unheard of here. Tokyo is so safe that locals fall asleep on trains with their latest smartphones visible to everyone. If you misplace your wallet, it is very likely that it will find its way to the nearest local shop, which will do everything in its power to contact the owner.
8 - Harajuku is well-known for its eye-catching apparel.
Even when Western music stars exposed many Americans to Harajuku fashion, the district's outstanding fashion scene developed. It began during the wartime Allied occupation of Japan, when foreigners and natives began to mix styles, and was accelerated by another international event: the 1967 Olympic Games, which were held in the city. Read This: Amazing Japanese Facts You Probably Didn't Know
9 - Tourists pay no sales tax when they shop.
That is correct! Despite its reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world ($40 watermelon, anyone? ), Tokyo is a great place to visit. Many people are unaware that as a foreign tourist, they can buy tax-free at licensed stores. You only need to spend more than 5,000 yen and bring your passport.
10 - People are paid to push you onto crowded trains.
It was not a myth; it is really true! They were called Oshiya, which translates approximately as "pushers." Their official title is "Passenger Arrangement Staff," believe it or not! Their job description is correct. During peak seasons, station personnel would practically force people into crowded trains in order to fit as many people as possible on board.