As someone from a Mexican household that eventually found solace in the sunny Florida, visiting Japan was akin to strapping into a cultural rollercoaster without the safety manual. Here are the top ten surprises that jolted my senses during my first week in the Land of the Rising Sun:

1. Food Fiesta: Picture this: hearty meats dancing in a spicy salsa of flavor. Now, flip the script. In Japan, it's a tantalizing tango of freshness and subtlety. Say hello to okonomiyaki, where every bite feels like a spa day for your taste buds. Adios, heavy meals; Konnichiwa, culinary bliss!
2. Social Choreography: In the intricate dance of Japanese greetings, hugs, and cheek kisses we took a backstage bow. It's all about the graceful art of bowing, where personal space reigns supreme. I'll admit, that resisting the urge to unleash a Floridian hug-a-thon was a test of my self-restraint.
3. Omotenashi Odyssey: Touching down in Shibuya, I wasn't prepared for the hospitality hurricane that awaited me. From the moment I stepped into my hotel, I was swept away by a tidal wave of kindness. Forget the cookie-cutter service back home; in Japan, they roll out the red carpet for every guest.
4. Silence, please: From the raucous ruckus of Florida's streets to the serene symphony of silence in Japan, it was like swapping a rock concert for a meditation retreat. Initially, the absence of noise felt like wearing an invisible neon sign that screamed, "I'm not from around here." But hey, silence is golden, right?
5. Rulebook Rhapsody: In Japan, rules aren't suggestions; they're gospel truths. No loopholes, no shortcuts—just pure, unadulterated obedience. Meanwhile, back in the States, we've turned bending rules into an Olympic sport. Who knew turning right at a red light could be a series of turns taking you to your destination faster?
6. Kawaii Kommotion: Walking the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, I stumbled into a world where everything—from karaoke cats to Sanrio superheroes—oozed cuteness. In America, ads are like drill sergeants, barking orders, and flashing benefits. But in Japan, it's a cuddly carnival of colors and charm. Who says advertising can't be adorable?
7. Spotless Society: Ask anyone about Japan, and they'll gush about its pristine perfection. But what surprised me wasn't just the cleanliness—it was the community camaraderie in keeping it that way. In America, trash plays hide-and-seek in every nook and cranny, but here, people treat litter like a national nemesis.
8. Pub-Crawling Paradise: Forget sipping your sake in secret—here in Tokyo, public drinking is practically an art form. But coming from a land where even a whiff of an open bottle can summon the long arm of the law, it felt like stepping into an alcohol-fueled fever dream.
9. Elderly Etiquette: In America, respect for your elders is more of a suggestion than a commandment. But in Japan, it's a cultural cornerstone, complete with its own language of deference. Let's just say, grandma gets the royal treatment—even if she's only asking for directions.
10. Architectural Wonderland: Lastly, let's talk buildings. In Japan, it's like someone dipped the city skyline in a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity. Vibrant skyscrapers, cozy up to centuries-old temples, creating a visual feast for the eyes. Sorry, America, but Japan's got the architectural X-factor.