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(CNN) After a setback from the natural and nuclear disasters of 2011, tourism has rebounded in Tokyo.

The Japan National Tourism Office reports a 21% increase in visitor arrival numbers between January and August 2013 compared with the same period last year.

The renewed surge of visitors is being partly attributed to Tokyo's successful bid for the 2020 Olympics and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to bulk up the economy.

Fall is the classic time to visit the city.

The oppressive humidity of summer has cleared, autumn colors bring life to Tokyo's many parks, hearty, seasonal foods are the order of the day and the fresh fashion the country is known for is celebrated on the streets.

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From sedate, centuries-old gardens to boisterous robot cabarets, here's the vital knowledge you'll need before hitting Japan's sprawling capital.

Attentive service is the norm in Japan, part of a cultural dedication to hospitality called omotenashi.

Tipping isn't expected in taxis, at hair salons, for doormen or bartenders.

Not only are gratuities not expected, they won't be accepted. Some restaurant checks will include a service charge.

If you leave money behind, no matter how much or little, don't be surprised if your server chases you down the street to return it.

More: 50 reasons Tokyo is the world's greatest city

Pedestrians follow the unspoken rule of staying to the left.

2. Walk right -- on the left

With 35 million people, greater Tokyo is one of the most densely populated urban centers in the world.

Yet crowds are orderly.

Everyone waits until the light changes to cross the street.

Pedestrians on wide sidewalks follow the unspoken rule of staying to the left almost as strictly as cars (also on the left) do.

Exception: On Tokyo escalators, stand on the left and walk on the right. (Around Osaka, escalator etiquette is reversed.)

3. Drink outside, smoke inside

The more enclosed a space is, the more likely you'll be allowed to smoke there.

The smaller and homier a bar or restaurant, the more likely it is to be smoker-friendly.

Many bullet trains still have smoking cars.

On the other hand, smoking is prohibited on many sidewalks (look for signs stenciled on the sidewalk), except around public ashtrays.

Street patrols stop people who engage in aruki-tabako, or "walking-smoking."

Cracking open a beer or can of fruity, boozy chu-hai on the walk or train home, however, is a cherished tradition.

More: 5 Tokyo bars for train nerds (yes, they exist)