JAPAN...SOME EARLY IMPRESSIONS

We've just enjoyed 3 very busy days in Tokyo and here's what I've learned so far...
Tokyo feels like New York, without the diversity, traffic, and mobs of tourists.  Sure there are traditional and historic areas, but the very sprawling city itself with its tall buildings, taxis and subways, bright lights and busy atmosphere, where everyone is moving fast, seems like NYC.  But cleaner!  There are no garbage cans on the street, or piles of garbage bags lining the curbs ready for pick-up.  No paper napkins on the tables or paper towels in the bathrooms, and everyone takes their litter on the street.  Areas outside are designated for smoking, so people don't walk around smoking or dropping cigarette butts.  Unlike China, there is no pollution and it smells good her, but it's been overcast because season is changing; weather about 70 in mid-October.  I've never been to a foreign country with so many public toilets that are clean and with plenty of toilet paper and those wonderful Toto toilets that wash you off ( and the occasional hole in the floor Japanese toilet).  People walk fast, but not to the right (like in the US) or to the left (like the UK and what you'd expect since they drive on the left), so it's a challenge to walk on the streets and especially in the train station which is an explosion of people.  People don't necessarily smile as a greeting, but do nod their heads.  Sometimes people are overly appreciative and apologetic.  The trains are extremely punctual and the color coded signage and few English words make it intuitive to get around.  We are able to use our JR pass for many of the trains, but can use our cash loaded Pasmo cards for others.  You just swipe going through the entrance and exit gates.  It is a cash society, with no tipping.  Few speak English and our pronunciation of the words is different, but people go out of their way to help and point the direction, so we have managed to get around.  The underground has shopping malls and eateries many levels deep and I suspect you can walk for miles underground.   Everyone dresses well.  Men wear dark suits and ties, even the taxi drivers with their lace covered seat covers.  Some areas are themed or trendy, so you will see older women dressed like school girls or video characters, but the ladies dresses very classic and lots of suits, skirts and dress pants.....hardly any blue jeans.  Women wear tights and anklets with heels and the colors are muted; beige, blues, whites and black.  Few patterns and colors, no tee shirts or things with logos and no one looks sloppy.  Everyone looks simple, stylish without effort, and of course, since no one is overweight, it all looks good.  Lots of scarves and everyone seems to have a sense of style.  The children are very well behaved and the school groups dress alike and the small children all wear the same cap from a particular school.  The food is different here, particularly the sweets, and the large department stores have massive food courts on the lower levels like Harrods in London.  Sushi was expensive in the Ginza district, but seems reasonablely priced everywhere else, but so far, not as good as what we've eaten in the US.  We've eaten ramen noodle soup and soba noodle soup, as well.  Well off to our ryokan in the Mt. Fuji area.  Will post later about our days in Tokyo.