There are a number of facts about Japan that may interest you a great deal. While these facts will not teach you everything there is to know about Japanese culture, it is a good stepping stone toward learning as much as you can about the nation and its people. Japan is an island nation that has been inhabited by humans since the Upper Paleolithic era. It is comprised of a grand total of about 3,000 islands, but only four are inhabited by most of the nation's people. One fact that many people don't known is that Japan has the largest metropolitan area in the world. The Tokyo metro area has a total population of about 30 million people.
Some additional facts about Japan include the fact that the nation itself has a total population of about 128 million people. The official language is Japanese, and the country first created its constitution in 1947. Though Japan is merely an island nation, it currently has the second largest economy in the world behind the United States. Japan is known for its highly advanced technology, and in some areas, it even surpasses the likes of the United States or Europe. The capital of Japan is Tokyo, and this is also the nation's largest city. The government in Japan is based on a constitutional monarchy, though the Emperor and his family are still given a high degree of respect.
Some other facts about Japan include the fact that it has a Gross Domestic Product of about $4 trillion. The official currency is the Yen, and the country's stock market is called the Nikkei. The largest peak in Japan is Mount Fuji, which is well in excess of 13,000 feet. The four main islands which comprise Japan are Shikoku, Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu. Japan has been given the nickname of the "Land of the Rising Sun."
Japan Tip #1
If you are planning on traveling to the orient, one fact about japan that you should know is that you must have local currency (yen) on hand before you leave the airport. Taxi, buses and other transportation services do not accept debit or credit cards or any other currency except the yen. |
Japan Tip #2
Another fact about Japan to remember is that it is considered impolite and even rude to offer a monetary tip to a Japanese person. Some finer establishments may reqire a tip type fee, but it will be included in your bill. So remember don't tip your waiter or waitress or the bell boy, or even the taxi driver, instead save your money. |
Japan Tip #3
One of the most confusing facts about Japan is known as the consumption tax. The consumption tax is a feel that is applied to all purchases made in Japan and is currently at 5%. This means that whatever the price of the item you are buying, you need to add an additional 5% to the price. Be aware that some stores include this tax in the price of the item and some stores do not, so it is better to ask if you are in doubt. |
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