My first visit to Japan left me in culture shock, but I wish the US would adopt some of its norms

In Japan, I saw how the local culture and etiquette are different from what I'm used to in the US. With self-cleaning toilets and an absence of trash, Japan models an impressive level of cleanliness. The public toilets and hotel freebies in Japan were also far superior to what I've seen in the US.

As soon as I arrived in Tokyo to a near-silent Narita Airport, I knew I was in for a bit of culture shock . Already, the Japanese culture felt far different from what I'm used to in the United States: Most US airports are incredibly noisy. As I left, I was surprised again when I got into a taxi on the right side of the car.

I quickly learned from the driver's panicked reaction that I was apparently supposed to enter from the left. The next few days were a crash course in learning the local etiquette . Although I'm considered pretty soft-spoken back home, in Japan, I felt too assertive and found myself quieting my voice and being more gentle in my body language to adapt to my surroundings.

I found myself appreciating Japan's politeness , extreme cleanliness, and order, whether I was lining up to board the subway or using the immaculate public bathrooms. The harsh return to loud and chaotic New York City made me miss many of the norms I witnessed on my trip. Here are some I wish the US would adopt.

The public bathrooms are impressively clean, with fancy toilets Compared to the public bathrooms in the US, Japanese public bathrooms feel like they belong in a five-star hotel. Each one I .