koala

The answer is the koala. Lions may seem expensive to feed because they eat a lot of meat, but many zoos have established supply chains for meat or reduce costs by buying in bulk. Koalas, on the other hand, primarily eat eucalyptus, which is difficult to grow in Japan and can only be cultivated in limited areas. As a result, the costs of cultivating and transporting eucalyptus leaves for a stable supply are very high. Moreover, koalas are extremely picky eaters and will refuse leaves they don’t like, even slightly. For these reasons, it’s often the case that a koala’s annual food costs are higher than a lion’s.

one train car

In general, a single bus costs around 200 to 500 million yen, whereas a single train car typically costs about 100 to 300 million yen, and sometimes even more, due to the complexity of its structure, systems, and safety devices. Trains are designed for mass transportation, equipped with seating and facilities for many passengers, and must operate safely with precise automatic control on tracks. For these reasons, a single train car is overwhelmingly more expensive.

soba

The correct answer is soba. When comparing the same amount (100 g cooked), udon has about 105 kilocalories, while soba has about 130 kilocalories. In addition to buckwheat flour, soba also contains wheat flour, making it higher in protein and carbohydrates, and slightly higher in calories. People often think “udon makes you gain weight,” but in fact soba is higher in calories. However, since soba contains more vitamins and dietary fiber, be sure to consider overall health factors as well.

Mont Blanc

Mount Fuji’s elevation is 3,776 meters, while Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the European Alps, stands at 4,810 meters. Mont Blanc is about 1,000 meters higher than Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain. It may be surprising if you didn’t know, but there are many mountains in the world that are taller than Mount Fuji.

Meiji Jingu Grand Torii Gate

The grand torii gate at Meiji Shrine stands about 12 meters tall and is famous as one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. By contrast, Singapore’s Merlion statue is about 8.6 meters tall. Therefore, the Meiji Shrine grand torii is clearly taller. Incidentally, every time you pass under the gate you can feel its height and the powerful presence of the wood, and it’s also a popular spot where many worshippers and tourists take photos.

Japan's tallest waterfall by drop

The waterfall with the greatest drop in Japan is Shomyo Falls in Toyama Prefecture. Its drop reaches an astonishing 350 meters, which is taller than Tokyo Tower at 333 meters. Its powerful flow captivates many visitors. As this shows, natural landscapes can sometimes surpass man-made structures in scale.

5-yen coin

The 5-yen coin has a higher manufacturing cost. This is because it’s made of brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), which increases material expenses. It also requires more complex processing, such as punching a hole, which adds labor and costs. In contrast, the 1-yen coin is made of aluminum, making it light and relatively cheap in terms of materials; however, it’s said that the 1-yen coin also has a high manufacturing cost. Even so, the 5-yen coin is still more expensive to produce.