Fun Facts about Tokyo: Has an Anti-Suicide LED Light
- jw-webmagazine.com
VIVA – Part of Japan, Tokyo is usually full of tourists and this city is known for its modern architecture, food culture, and vibrant nightlife. Tokyo is also home to a number of historical sites and cultural attractions.
Not only that, Tokyo is also home to the Imperial Palace and the seat of government and parliament.
There are three main tourist areas here. Metropolitan Tokyo where various facilities are located. The Okutama area, where people can experience mountainous nature, and the islands of Izu and Ogasawara, where the untouched islands gather.
Here are fun facts about Tokyo that rarely people know.
1. Tokyo Has 23 Different Metropolitan Districts
Tokyo has stunning views and greenery with parks, lots of cherry trees, and temples for Buddhists. Uniquely, Tokyo has 23 different metropolitan districts, all of which are considered mini-cities.
Tokyo has various climates, from as cold as 1 degree celsius in the Winter months, to temperatures as high as 39 degrees celsius in the summer months.
The Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is one of the busiest crossings in the world, with about 2500 people crossing it at any time.
2. Cultural Diversity in Tokyo
Tokyo has a diversity culture such as traditional and contemporary culture. There have been many technological advances, all of which offer beautiful natural views to escape the crowds.
Tokyo has a rich history and an interesting mix of cultures that blend modern and traditional ideas. Contemporary aspects of Tokyo include anime culture, robotic electronics, pop culture, fashion, and high-end design.
Tokyo's traditional culture is related to the history of rituals performed in the Edo period. Like Kabuki, for example. Kabuki is known for its theatrical elements and stylish performances.
Tea ceremonies, haiku poetry and more form the cultural backdrop of Tokyo.
The cherry tree is a national symbol of Japan, and Tokyo hosts a cherry blossom festival every year. This festival is about appreciating the temporary beauty of nature.
3. Initially, Tokyo is a Small Fishing Village
Tokyo actually started as a small fishing village (called Edo). Tokyo was devastated by fires due to the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 in which 140,000 people were missing. Tokyo was also badly damaged in the Second World War, and after they lost the war, Tokyo was rebuilt.
The Tokyo bombings between 1944-5 killed more than 100,000 people, some even estimating as high as 200,000. In 1962, Tokyo set a world record by having the world's largest population of over 10 million.
4. Many Interesting Places to Visit
Not only famous for its dense population, but Tokyo is also famous for interesting places that must be visited by tourists.
Mount Takao is a popular hiking spot, located an hour from Tokyo and has over a thousand Sakura trees.
Tokyo is home to many museums and art galleries, such as the Tokyo National Museum and the Sumo Museum.
Disneyland resort Tokyo is also very popular. Tokyo has a number of beautiful gardens to visit, including Shinju Gyoen, Japanese landscape gardens, English landscape gardens, and French landscape gardens.
5. The Busiest Mass Transit System in the World
First operated in 1927, underwent a major expansion in preparation for the 1963 Summer Olympics.
All 320 kilometers or 200 miles of its track serve at least 8.7 million commuters daily and at least 3.2 billion annually.
6. Tokyo Metropolis Officially Includes Wwo Island Chains in the Pacific Ocean
The Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands are separated from the mainland by more than 1,000 kilometers or 620 miles. However, they fall under Tokyo's administrative boundaries.
7. Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo Become the Busiest Intersection in the World
The Busiest Intersection in the world is the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. With every turn of the pulsating traffic light, the Shibuya Crossing sent people from all directions in all directions. More than 1000 people are said to cross at once at peak time
8. Tokyo Train Platform Installs 'Anti-Suicide' LED lights
The installation of these lights has purpose to reduce the train suicides that are rampant in this country. With their calming effect, the lights have lowered the suicide rate at the station to 84% since they were installed.
9. Prone to Earthquakes
In rebuilding operations after World War II, the construction design provided greater protection in defense against possible major earthquakes.
Extreme earthquakes hit Tokyo in 1703, 1782, 1812, 1855, 1923, and 2011. In the 1923 earthquake alone, about 142,000 people died.