1. It’s good manners to slurp your noodles

In Japan, etiquette holds great significance, but when it comes to relishing a steaming bowl of noodles, there's a distinct way to enjoy them: with gusto. Noisy slurping is not only a sign of satisfaction but also serves to cool down the noodles as you savor each mouthful. With chopsticks in hand, lean over your bowl, and while foreigners may be provided with bibs.

2. KFC is the traditional Christmas Eve feast.

Christmas is celebrated by many in Japan, but the festive feast isn't what you might anticipate. In Japan, it's customary to visit your neighborhood KFC on Christmas Eve. An estimated 3.6 million Japanese partake in the KFC Christmas Dinner, often queuing for hours and placing orders weeks in advance. Some suggest that the scarcity of turkey and chicken for the curious Japanese during Christmas led Colonel Sanders to fill the void...

3. Japan is predominantly mountainous.

Japan's prominent icons are its bustling cities, making it an unlikely candidate for vast, uninhabited mountainous terrain. However, roughly 70% of Japan comprises forests and mountains unsuitable for cultivation or habitation. With over 100 active volcanoes, its tallest peak is the renowned Mount Fuji, towering at an elevation of 3,776 feet.

4. An Island of Rabbits resides in Japan.

Japan consists of nearly 7,000 islands, and the small isle of Okunoshima in the Inland Sea is renowned for its peculiar, large-eared inhabitants. Once employed as a testing ground for chemical weapons during World War II, the test subjects purportedly roamed freely post-war. Regardless, their numbers thrived in a predator-free environment (dogs and cats are prohibited), and today, Okunoshima draws visitors seeking cuddly encounters.

5. The number four is extraordinarily unlucky.

The number four ('shi') is widely shunned in Japan due to its phonetic resemblance to the Japanese word for death. In Japan, you'll observe buildings omitting the fourth floor, merchandise packaged in sets of three or five, and meticulous efforts to avoid encounters with the number in daily life.

6. A peculiar naked festival unfolds in Japan.

Japan is renowned for its relentless festival calendar, but Hadaka Matsuri stands out as one of the most eccentric. Thousands of Japanese men publicly disrobe to ensure a year filled with prosperity, with the largest matsuri occurring in Okayama, where an estimated 9,000 men don their fundoshi.

7. Japanese trains boast remarkable punctuality

Japanese trains experience an average delay of merely 18 seconds. What accounts for such precision? Train operators undergo training in hyper-realistic simulators and are responsible for a single train line—many can gauge their speed without the need for a speedometer. Competition among rail companies is fierce, ensuring they go the extra mile to retain Japan's extensive commuter base, even if it means constructing opulent department stores within stations.

8. The Japanese embrace unusual flavors.

In Japan, an affinity for unconventional flavors is evident, with eel-flavored ice cream and Green Tea Kit Kats being just a glimpse into the realm of the unusual. Kit Kats, the most beloved confectionery, offer flavors like edamame, wasabi, and ginger ale. The name 'Kit Kat' even sounds like 'kitto katsu,' a Japanese expression signifying 'good luck.'

9. Every individual possesses a personal seal.

In Japan, signatures are not commonplace; instead, individuals wield their unique seal, known as Hanko. Typically crafted from silk or plant-based paste, these seals bear your name translated into Kanji characters. Adults often maintain three Hankos: one for personal correspondence, one for banking transactions, and one for identity verification. While tourists may not require them, foreigners residing in Japan can have one specially crafted in local workshops.

10. Anti-ninja floors are a historical artifact.

During the feudal era, affluent Japanese lords designed residences with intentionally creaky floors, known as Nightingale Floors, as a defense mechanism against ninjas. These highly skilled mercenaries of feudal Japan were shrouded in myth and legend, with abilities ranging from walking on water to invisibility and control over natural elements. A compelling reason to consider renovating your flooring, indeed.

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