Japan is a curious place. To mark its annual Culture Day, here are 22 reasons why.

1. Love hotels

These short-stay hotels, designed for amorous couples, have proven increasingly popular in Japan, where space, and therefore privacy, are at a premium. An estimated two per cent of Japan's population visit one each day. Love hotels can usually be identified by the offer of two different room rates: a "rest", as well as an overnight stay. The name, and the presence of heart symbols, is also a giveaway. They are usually found close to train stations, near highways, or in industrial districts. While the cheapest love hotels will be pretty basic, high-end establishments may offer extravagantly decorated rooms, often with bizarre themes and costumes for hire. The rooms sometimes feature rotating beds, ceiling mirrors, karaoke machines and neon lighting.