You usually get the welcoming phrases, but that's not unique to Japan. The goodbye phrase is less common I think, to the point where I'm not sure which one you're talking about--maybe "mata yoroshiku onegaishimasu"? Bows aren't super common either, or it could be because I live in the countryside. Maybe they're more polite in Tokyo or something.

On an overall average I'd agree that society operates on a more considerate level, like you'd never have someone playing music on their phone on the train or something like that. So maybe it's just the phrasing that bothered me. "Respect (how much?) in ALL aspects of daily (down to the most mundane) life" just makes it sound like "honorable citizens would never dream of showing an ounce of dishonor!"