I've been in Japan for two weeks: the most different country I've been so far.
Still have to settle my feelings about it. But about cars, buildings and water:

1. cars- never had seen so many german and expensive cars for m2, especially in Asia: ferraris, porches, maseratis more than a dozen. And mercedes, bmw, etc... hundreds.
2. buildings - loved most of them, especially in Kyoto.
3. free, cold potable water - everywhere! Loved that!

Cheers!