In Japan, there is a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve to bring good luck.
The Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century were repelled by a combination of strategic planning and a typhoon that destroyed the invading fleet.
The Miyajima Island in Hiroshima is famous for its giant torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide, and is considered one of Japan's most scenic spots.
