I’ve lived in a few big cities in my life. I grew up in Australia, spent a fair amount of time living in Singapore, and have called Vietnam home for quite a while now. But nothing quite prepared me for the day I finally landed in Tokyo. You read about it, you see it in movies, you even hear stories from friends—but the actual experience of walking through Tokyo’s buzzing streets is something else entirely. I remember looking around and thinking, “Wow, this place is on a whole different level.”
A Whole New Level of Organized Chaos
One of my first impressions of Tokyo was the incredible sense of order in the midst of what could easily feel like chaos. People come and go in enormous numbers, especially in busy areas like Shibuya Crossing. Yet, somehow, everyone moves seamlessly, rarely bumping into each other. The pedestrian crossings are perfectly timed with the traffic lights, and the crowds part like a perfectly choreographed dance. It was such a stark contrast to what I’d experienced in some other major cities, where you feel like you’re constantly dodging and weaving through a sea of people. In Tokyo, it almost feels like everyone’s reading from the same script.
The Politeness and Etiquette
I’ve always believed that Singaporeans are polite and that many Vietnamese people carry a warm, friendly attitude. But in Tokyo, there’s a unique kind of courtesy and formality you won’t find anywhere else. People bow to say hello and thank you. Shop attendants greet you with a chorus of “Irasshaimase!” (which means “welcome”) the moment you step in the door, and they’ll bow at you repeatedly as you leave. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, folks are often willing to do their best to help, flipping through smartphone translators or pointing politely in the direction you need to go. It’s a culture of thoughtfulness that can make even a massive metropolis feel strangely comforting.
The Extreme Cleanliness—With No Trash Bins
Tokyo’s cleanliness is legendary. The streets are nearly spotless, the train stations are well-kept, and you can walk for blocks without seeing a single piece of litter. What’s weird is that public trash bins are surprisingly rare. In many parts of Tokyo, you could walk around for ages trying to find one! At first, I found myself carrying my empty coffee cup around for half a day before finally spotting a trash can. Despite this, everyone still manages to keep the city pristine. It’s a testament to the strong sense of personal responsibility the Japanese have for their surroundings. It definitely shocked me. How can a place so crowded and fast-paced remain so tidy, especially when there aren’t many bins around? It’s like magic.
Unbelievably Punctual Trains
I come from Australia, where trains tend to run on “Australian time”—which sometimes means a bit late. In Singapore, the MRT is relatively punctual, and in Vietnam, well, let’s just say you learn to go with the flow. But in Tokyo, the train schedules are practically set in stone. When they say a train will arrive at 8:13, it’s there at 8:13. If a train is delayed by more than a minute or two, station staff will often issue an apology announcement. It’s not just a once-in-a-while thing; it’s an everyday occurrence that these trains operate like clockwork, carrying millions of passengers without skipping a beat. This level of reliability changed the way I planned my days. No more second-guessing whether my morning commute would be on time; in Tokyo, you can pretty much set your watch by the train schedule.
The Sheer Quiet in Public Spaces
Something that really jumped out at me was how quiet it can be, even when you’re surrounded by crowds. For instance, during peak hour on a train, you’ll notice how little talking is going on. People mostly keep to themselves, perhaps reading on their phones, scrolling through the news, or listening to music through earbuds. In many other cities, you’d hear chatter, phone calls, or children crying. In Tokyo, the silence can feel almost eerie, yet it’s also comforting. This respect for personal space and privacy is part of why the city, for all its hustle, can feel oddly peaceful.
The Vending Machine Obsession
I’d heard about Japan’s obsession with vending machines, but it didn’t fully sink in until I saw them literally everywhere. These machines aren’t just for soft drinks; you can buy hot coffee in a can, green tea, snacks, and sometimes even more unusual items like fresh eggs or bouquet flowers. At first, I found it amusing that a city so technologically advanced still relies so heavily on vending machines. But then I realized, it’s all about efficiency and convenience. Why line up at a store when you can press a button and have your drink instantly?
Tiny Living Spaces
As someone who’s had a place in Singapore (not known for huge apartments) and a rather large, combined apartment in Saigon, I’ve seen a wide range of living spaces. But Tokyo’s living arrangements still surprised me. Many apartments are incredibly compact—there’s barely enough room for a bed and a small table. Some people even live in “capsule” spaces, especially if they’re working crazy hours and just need a place to crash. It’s a reminder that Tokyo packs in millions of people with limited land. And it’s not necessarily bad! Over time, many Tokyo residents learn to be minimalists, focusing on quality over quantity. Storage solutions become art forms, with every nook and cranny cleverly used.
The Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Walking around Tokyo, one moment you’ll be in a futuristic district surrounded by neon signs, robot cafés, and towering skyscrapers. Then you’ll turn a corner and stumble upon a peaceful shrine or temple, complete with centuries-old architecture. In the hustle of modern life, the presence of these traditional spots offers a balanced perspective on what it means to be Japanese. There’s a deep respect for the past and an enthusiastic embrace of what’s next. It’s fascinating to see priests in traditional robes walking alongside office workers in sharp suits, sharing the same sidewalk in perfect harmony.
Food That’s Almost Too Pretty to Eat
I couldn’t write about Tokyo without mentioning the food. Coming from Singapore and Vietnam, I’m no stranger to amazing cuisine. But Tokyo is in a league of its own. The sushi is as fresh as can be, ramen shops dot almost every street, and you can even find Michelin-starred hole-in-the-wall eateries that won’t break the bank. Presentation is a big deal here; dishes often look like works of art. Whether it’s a bento box from a convenience store or an elegant kaiseki meal, the attention to detail is astounding. And let’s not forget the sweets—pastry shops offer everything from traditional matcha treats to European-inspired cakes. You’ll be tempted to try it all.
The Overwhelming Sense of Safety
I always feel relatively safe in Singapore, and Vietnam has many spots where I feel comfortable, too. But Tokyo’s level of safety is on another planet. People sometimes leave their wallets or phones on the table while they go to the restroom in a café. Children often ride the trains by themselves to get to school. The trust level is something I’d heard about, but seeing it in action was jaw-dropping. Now, that’s not to say crime doesn’t exist—of course, it does. But compared to many other global cities, the sense of personal safety is a big deal in Tokyo and something that definitely shocked me (in the best possible way).
Final Thoughts
At first glance, Tokyo can feel like a neon jungle—loud, massive, and filled with people going a thousand miles an hour. However, once I spent a few days exploring the neighborhoods, from bustling Shinjuku to the more relaxed vibe of places like Shimokitazawa, I found layers of culture, courtesy, and calm beneath the city’s futuristic surface. It’s an incredible blend of old and new, tradition and technology, chaos and order, all somehow coexisting in one place.
My time in Tokyo taught me a lot about respect, efficiency, and community responsibility. It made me appreciate the balance between modern convenience and the old-school warmth of human connection. I also realized that, even in a city as large as Tokyo, you can find moments of stillness if you look for them—like a quiet shrine courtyard or a small park hidden behind towering buildings.
If you ever get the chance to visit Tokyo, prepare to be both dazzled and comforted. You might feel initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the bright lights, and the strange (yet delightful) variety of vending machine drinks. But give it a day or two, and you’ll start to see why so many people fall in love with this city. Tokyo will steal your heart in the most unexpected ways, making you question everything you thought you knew about city life. It certainly did for me.
That’s what shocked me the most: Tokyo’s ability to constantly surprise you, no matter how many stories you’ve heard or photos you’ve seen. It’s the kind of place where each day feels like an adventure, where every turn offers something new to discover. And for someone like me—an Aussie who’s spent plenty of time in the hustle of Singapore and the warmth of Vietnam—Tokyo feels like a whole new planet, one that you can’t wait to explore again and again.
