14 Sensational Fun Facts About Tokyo

In this article, I’m sharing my favorite interesting facts about Tokyo, including its extensive list of Michelin-starred  restaurants, its robot hotels and the reason it’s difficult to see Mt. Fuji.

I’ve been traveling to Japan for almost 20 years and on my first trip to visit Tokyo I was fortunate enough to stay at a friend’s house not too far from central Tokyo, near an awesome area called Shimokitazawa.

During this homestay I got to experience so much of what Tokyo has to offer. I visited the Ghibli Museum, bought souvenirs at Don Quixote, saw artwork at the Mori Art Museum, played games at numerous arcades, and explored traditional locations such as the Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa.

But the true benefit of traveling with people who know the city is getting to visit all the places that tourists miss.

My love for Tokyo continues on as I lead programs for Rustic Pathways here, offering students the chance to explore Tokyo as I did.

1. Tokyo was once called Edo

Edo was originally a small fishing village. In 1603, it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from 794 through 1868.

In 1868, after the Meiji Restoration, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning “Eastern Capital.” It transformed into a bustling city as the Japanese capital. After World War II, much of the city needed to be rebuilt and it developed into a modern metropolis.

3. Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower

Tokyo Tower was built in 1958 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It became an iconic symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth. The tower was used for broadcasting FM radio reception and television transmission. Now, it provides one of the best views of the Tokyo metropolitan area. While Tokyo Tower is no longer the tallest tower (that title now belongs to the Tokyo Skytree), it remains a beloved landmark.

Maison Office put together a list of the top 10 tallest buildings in Tokyo.

4. Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983

Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland quickly became one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions every year. It’s a magical destination for families and a key part of the city’s economic center.

It is the fourth-most visited theme park in the world behind the Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Florida, Disneyland Park in California, and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

5. Tokyo has the second most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world

Tokyo has the second-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants globally, with 539 as of 2024 (France ranks first with 680). Tokyo’s culinary scene offers a wide range of dining experiences, from high-end sushi restaurants to street-side ramen stalls. There’s something for every palate, whether you prefer traditional Japanese cuisine or international dishes.

There’s so much to see at Tsukiji Market.

6. Tsukiji Market was founded in 1935 and at its peak handled over 700,000 tons of seafood annually

Tsukiji Market was the world’s largest fish market before it moved wholesale operations. In 2018, the wholesale section moved to Toyosu, but the outer market is still a hub for fresh seafood and street food.

>> LEARN MORE: Fun Facts About Japan.

7. Tokyo has capsule hotels and robot hotels

Tokyo boasts capsule hotels, known for their efficiency and budget-friendly, no-frills accommodations. These are perfect for travelers looking for a unique and affordable stay in the heart of the city, whether you’re there for a winter trip or a summer vacation.

Robot hotels are hotels staffed by front desk robots. The city boasts several, but the most famous is the Henn na Hotel in Ginza, where robots handle everything from check-in to carrying your luggage.

There are a lot of places to stay in Tokyo, from the traditional to the futuristic.

8. There is tax-free shopping for tourists in Tokyo

Foreign tourists in Tokyo can shop tax-free at licensed stores if they spend over 5,000 yen and bring their passport.

>> LEARN MORE: How to Renew Your U.S. Passport Before You Travel.

9. Mount Fuji views are harder to come by due to air pollution

On clear days, the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower offer great views of Mount Fuji. But, thanks to weather and pollution, Mt. Fuji is only visible for around 80 days per year.

10. With over 5.5 million vending machines, Tokyo is the vending machine capital of the world

There are five-and-a-half million vending machines in Tokyo. You can buy anything from drinks to fresh eggs, and there’s even one vending machine that dispenses mystery items wrapped in white paper.

Some of the more interesting items that can be found in Tokyo’s many vending machines include:

• fresh cream
• ramen
• personalized hanko stamps
• edible insect snacks
• a surprise Shibuya souvenir
• bread in a can

Shibuya crossing is incredibly busy.

11. Shibuya Crossing is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings

Locals call it the “incredible scramble” for a reason. At Shibuya Crossing up to 3,000 people cross in all directions at once. It’s a perfect example of central Tokyo’s organized chaos in motion.

12. Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest train stations in the world

Handling over 2.7 million passengers daily, Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the world. It even won a Guinness World Record for its impressive foot traffic. Its sprawling layout and multiple lines make it a critical hub for getting around the capital city.

13. Tokyo’s stations are equipped with blue anti-suicide lights

Some of Tokyo’s metro stations have installed blue lights to help reduce suicide attempts, demonstrating the Tokyo’s commitment to improving mental health of those in the city.

14. The Tokyo metro train pusher is a real thing

People pushers are known as Oshiya, or Passenger Arrangement Staff. These workers gently push commuters onto crowded trains during rush hour. This system helps ensure everyone boards efficiently, despite Tokyo’s population density.