- In larger cities there are Konbinis _everywhere_. As in: You can barely walk a block without encountering one in the more busy areas. Sometimes there are three within a 30m Radius.
- Most fruits (except bananas or Kaki when in season) are pretty expensive.
- Package sizes in supermarkets are often smaller that in europe, so if you are used to buying 1 or 2kg bags of frozen veggies you'll have to go to Costco.
- People make due with much less space here than in europe. Tiny apartments everywhere.
- Most single detached family homes in residential areas of Tokyo usually have no garden.
- Even though a lot of places look like they have not changed since the 80s, they are suprisingly well maintained and clean.
- There are basically no public trashbins except at some train stations or in konbinis (which often makes me feel like I need to buy something else to justify throwing stuff away).
- Lots of people wear masks casually (not judging whether thats good or bad)
- Food is not only cheap but usually tastes amazing. I have not even once gone anywhere (from cheap chain to upscale sushi place) an was disappointed.
- You do get 日本語上手 (Nihongo Jouzu = your japanese is good) a lot even if you just say Hello in japanese.
- Trains here are usually really punctual, go frequently and during rush hour are unbearably crowded. It's kind of a miracle that people don't start fighting constantly and everyone is just somehow accepting the fact that they are forcefully pushed around on the train.
- The japanese people I met are are almost all incredibly nice, once you break the ice. They are so mindful of others feelings and needs and really good at reading people.