In Japan, there’s a train station with a cat as its official stationmaster—and that’s just one of many unexpected things you’ll come across. From robot-run hotels to a festival where the loudest crying baby wins, the country is packed with quirky experiences.
These fun facts will show you just how imaginative and surprising the country can be. You might even walk away with a few new ideas for your travel bucket list.
In Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, the stationmaster isn’t a person; it’s a calico cat named Nitama. Her name means "Second Tama," honoring her predecessor, Tama, the original feline stationmaster.
Wakayama Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Honshu, south of Osaka, and Kishi Station is part of the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line, which runs from Wakayama City to Kishi.
Nitama wears a little cap, has her own office, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tama was credited with revitalizing the once-struggling train line after becoming a viral sensation.
The “cat stationmaster” became so beloved she was honored with a Shinto-style funeral upon her death. It’s a charming example of how Japan blends cuteness and community in the most unexpected ways.
Japan has over 5.5 million vending machines, and while most sell drinks or snacks, some offer far more unusual items. You can find machines that dispense fresh eggs, umbrellas, canned bread, bouquets, or even clothing.
But the most bizarre are the “mystery box” vending machines that give you a sealed item with no idea what’s inside—anything from toys to tech gadgets. These are especially popular in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric district known for its otaku culture, which revolves around anime, manga, and video games.
The variety reflects Japan’s creativity, efficiency, and love for convenience with a twist.
Henn-na Hotel, which translates to “Strange Hotel,” is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the first hotel staffed by robots.
At the front desk, guests are greeted by a humanoid robot—or, if you're lucky, a dinosaur in a bow tie. Robots handle check-in, clean rooms, carry luggage, and even provide entertainment.
While some staff have since been swapped out for humans due to technical hiccups, many of the robotic services are still in place.
The hotel has expanded to multiple locations across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, and Kyoto. A one-night stay typically starts around ¥9,000 to ¥15,000 (about $60 to $100 USD), depending on the branch and season.
There’s not just one, but multiple animal islands in Japan.
Tashirojima, located off the coast of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, is known as “Cat Island,” where a population of several hundred cats roams freely and is believed to bring good luck.
Visitors can reach it by taking a ferry from Ishinomaki Port, about a 2-hour train ride northeast of Sendai.
Ōkunoshima—“Rabbit Island”—off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, is home to hundreds of friendly bunnies that hop up to visitors for snacks. To get there, take a train to Tadanoumi Station, then walk to the nearby ferry terminal for a short boat ride.
There’s no entrance fee for either island, though round-trip ferry rides typically cost around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 (about $10 to $13 USD).
Both islands are peaceful, car-free, and have become unexpected tourist destinations. The origins of these animal populations are linked to old legends, wartime secrets, and abandoned villages, adding a mysterious touch to their cuteness.
Stationery isn’t just a school supply in Japan. It’s a celebrated part of everyday life. Walk into a dedicated stationery store like Itoya in Tokyo’s Ginza district, and you’ll find multiple floors packed with everything from handcrafted paper to high-end fountain pens.
There are entire sections for washi tape, calligraphy brushes, ink colors, stamps, stickers, and planners. Many of these items are seasonal or limited edition.
Even basic supplies like paper clips or erasers are designed with care, often featuring cute characters or clean, minimalist styles. Japanese stationery brands like Midori, Kokuyo, and Zebra are known worldwide for combining function with beautiful design.
Whether you’re into bullet journaling, scrapbooking, or simply appreciate well-made tools, browsing a stationery store in Japan feels more like an art experience than a shopping errand.
Food is a big deal in Japan, and Tokyo holds the global record for the most Michelin-starred restaurants. As of 2024, the city is home to 194 starred establishments, far ahead of Paris, which ranks second with 136.
Tokyo’s culinary scene ranges from world-famous three-star sushi counters to humble one-star ramen shops. The culture celebrates precision, seasonality, and craftsmanship, with many chefs dedicating their lives to perfecting a single dish.
Even convenience store meals in Japan are fresh, affordable, and thoughtfully prepared. It’s a country where attention to detail elevates everything from fine dining to everyday bento boxes.
Nakizumo is a unique festival held at shrines across Japan, with one of the most famous events taking place each spring at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo.
During the contest, sumo wrestlers gently hold babies and try to make them cry, as it’s believed a strong, loud cry can ward off evil spirits and bring good health.
Sometimes two babies compete face-to-face, and the first to cry wins—but if they cry at the same time, the louder one is declared the winner. If neither cries, a masked referee may appear to give them a playful fright.
The festival usually happens in late April and it’s free to watch.
Japanese toilets are famous for their high-tech features: heated seats, built-in bidets, sound effects, and even motion sensors that lift the lid for you.
Some models can play music, deodorize the room, or greet you in polite Japanese. Public restrooms are often cleaner and more advanced than private ones in other countries.
There’s even a museum, the TOTO Museum in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the history and innovation of toilets in Japan.
You can buy lucky charms for everything—even passing exams In Japan, omamori are small, colorful fabric pouches sold at shrines and temples, each offering a specific kind of luck or protection.
There are omamori for safe travel, good health, fertility, business success, and even winning sports matches or passing school entrance exams.
Students often carry them on their backpacks during exam season, and families will purchase them as gifts of encouragement.
They’re typically filled with a prayer or blessing written on paper or wood and sealed inside the pouch—never to be opened. Omamori cost around ¥500 to ¥1,000 (about $3 to $7 USD) and make meaningful, culturally rich souvenirs.
At the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, visitors can explore the history of instant ramen and even craft their own personalized cup. The museum showcases the life of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles, through interactive exhibits such as the Instant Noodles History Cube, which displays a vast array of product packages.
A standout feature is the "My Cup Noodles Factory" workshop, where participants can design their own cup, select a preferred soup flavor from four options, and choose four toppings from twelve varieties.
General admission is ¥500 (approximately $3.50 USD) for adults, while high school students and younger can enter for free. Each customized cup noodles in the workshop costs an additional ¥500. This engaging, family-friendly experience reflects Japan’s passion for culinary innovation and creativity.
Staying connected in Japan is easier than ever—but choosing the right option depends on how you travel. While SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi devices are still available, most travelers now choose an eSIM for its convenience and instant setup.
There's no need to find a store, carry extra gear, or swap physical cards—just scan a QR code and go. Below is a quick comparison of top Japan eSIM providers to help you pick the best option for your trip.
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
| Holafly |  | Fast and reliable internet connection, easy activation | Limited data sharing, slightly pricier | $6.90/day for unlimited data |
| Maya Mobile |  | Fast 5G data, flexible data options | No SMS or calls, limited phone compatibility | $2.61/day for unlimited data |
| Airalo |  | Budget-friendly, 24/7 support | No unlimited data option, service can be slow in some areas | $4.50 1GB data for 7 days |
Yes! Capsule hotels are a practical and uniquely Japanese way to get a good night’s sleep on a budget. They're clean, secure, and often located near train stations—great for solo travelers or late-night commuters.
Toilets in Japan often include heated seats, built-in bidets, deodorizers, and even music for privacy. They're designed with both comfort and cleanliness in mind, and once you try one, it’s hard to go back.
Japan blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation better than almost anywhere else. One day you’re visiting centuries-old temples, the next you’re buying ramen from a vending machine or staying in a robot-run hotel. It’s this mix of culture, creativity, and everyday surprises that makes Japan unforgettable for travelers.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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