9 reasons Japan is Ja-mazing

1. Tokyo is the biggest city ever

By population, Tokyo is the largest mega city in the world. Over 37 million people live in the greater metro area of  Tokyo, which is more than the population of NYC and L.A. combined.

2. Vending machines will vend practically anything

Along with hot and cold beverages of all kinds (including alcohol), Japanese vending machines are stocked with things like umbrellas, bouquets of flowers, underwear, meat, toys, and Pringles.

3. Sumo wrestling is big. Huge.

Sumo wrestling has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, and national sumo tournaments still happen several times a year. The fetching loincloths are just the tip of the iceberg to this tradition.

4. The bullet trains are really freakin’ fast

Japan is pretty much the future. This network of high-speed trains travel at speed of 150-200 mph, and connect major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu.

5. Japanese street style is on point

Photo credit: Dat pics via Flickr

Take to the streets and you’re bound to find some seriously funky fashion choices. Harajuku is the beating heart of Japan’s exciting, experimental, and daring fashion.

6. Bamboo forests you could (and should) get lost in

 The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is one of the many ancient wonders of the city. The bamboo forest has been a tourist attraction since the Heian Period (794-1185).

7. Kyoto’s gardens and temples bring to life an ancient world

Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranging from shrines, Buddhist temples with breath-taking gardens, to castles.

8. Wild monkeys hanging out in hot springs in the Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani means “hell valley” because of the natural steam that billows out of the rocks of the surrounding cliffs. Wild snow monkeys (a.k.a. Japanese macaques) use the springs to keep warm in the winter time.

9. Mount Fuji is a practically symmetrical snow-capped, beautiful colossus 

Though its last eruption was in 1707, Mount Fuji is still an active volcano. It’s Japan’s largest peak reaching 12,388 feet high. It takes hikers roughly 5-8 hours to reach the top, though it depends on the route.

Tagged: Destinations, Photo essay