One of such places, likely to leave its visitors in awe, is Japan. Home to everything from bustling cities to breathtaking nature, and so much more, it also surprises travelers with some rather unexpected sights, such as fried chicken vending machines and public air showers for those suffering from pollen allergies, just to name a couple. Scroll down to find more examples and explore what other unique features add to the charm of Japan. With a population of nearly 123 million people, it is home to 13 cities with more than a million inhabitants, as well as 34 national parks, and a number of mountains—12,516 named peaks, to be exact—one of the most significant ones being Mount Fuji, standing tall at 12,388 ft (3,776m). According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), legend has it that it all started with one person, a notable religious ascetic Hasegawa Kakugyo, who summited the mountain over 100 times. His feats led to the formation of a group of Mt. Fuji worshippers, known as Fuji-ko, who showed their dedication by building shrines and monuments, and fasting. Over time, their devotion grew into fanaticism, which was eventually banned; however, the tradition of worshiping mountains persisted, rendering such wonders of nature respected sites of spiritual significance. Roughly a year ago, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) found that there are 14,125 islands in Japanese territory, which is more than double the number it was believed to be until that point, CNN reports. The previous number of 6,852 has been the official record since a report by Japan’s Coast Guard was presented back in 1987. Some of the most popular ones to visit include Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, viewed by many as the most beautiful city in the country, and Nara, another former capital dotted with Japanese Buddhist buildings. There’s also Osaka, where you can enjoy the lively nightlife and marvel at the abundance of lights and neon signs or Beppu if you would rather unwind in the hot springs instead. Needless to say, covering them all is close to impossible, even though every city is exceptional in its own way. Take slurping, for instance; something that can get you in trouble at the dinner table as a child in other countries, is not considered bad table manners in Japan. On the contrary, it is believed to allow the person to enjoy their noodles to the fullest and lets the cook know that they clearly like the meal. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
