Some basics about Tokyo

Things you can avoid:
Crowds, noise pollution and smokers
People here are not LOUD. The crowds are heavy at times in the subways even on week-ends but there are times when the human traffic subsides. Smokers tend to stick to the Smoker's section.

Things you see a LOT of:
Christmas decorations/promotions and sales! Machines that sell drinks; people text messaging or taking pictures with their camera phones; food (noodle shops, restaurants etc...) Clean public bathrooms.

Things people asked me about:
Mike: yes, there are overweight people here other than Sumo wrestlers
Siroui: I'll let you know if I get gropped in the subway (yikes!)
Patricia: Ratus norvegus #14 has also landed in Japan. The pidgeons too :-(