I've been in enough large US cities to expect the baggage that comes with them: rude behaviour, litter, uncaring public, just to name a few. I saw none of that in Tokyo. I was stunned. For a mammoth city, 12 million in the city, 30 million in greater Tokyo, I never once saw anyone being disrespectful or rude. Everyone was so polite and helpful. Neatly dressed and orderly, no litter anywhere, it was so refreshing. I never imagined that such a place existed in today's world. As much as I love the US, our society has nothing over Japan's. I really can't wait to get back.
The only distressing thing was the amount of American culture that has wormed its way into Japan. Nearly every chain restaurant you can think of, Century 21, Sports Authority, Goodyear, even a Prime Outlets outlet mall!
Thanks Tokyo for being so decent.
