POV: You Visited Japan

It's your first time visiting Japan. You decide to go out and explore the beautiful city, then you found a small ramen shop.

You order some ramen, take a bite, and it's so delicious that you loudly slurp your noodles.

Back home, your parents might have given you the look for making that much noise at the table over noodles or spaghetti, but in Japan?

The chef might actually smile, because you just complimented their cooking with the way you slurped the noddles.

That's the fascinating thing about manners in Japan. What is considered respectful in one country can be very rude, or just really strange in another country.

So, if you're ever planning to visit Japan(like I hope to one day), or you're simply curious about how cultures are in other countries, here are some everyday habits that are perfectly polite in Japan but could raise a few eyebrows or weird looks, elsewhere.

First, slurping your noodles is a compliment in Japan.

In many countries, making loud slurping noises while eating is considered bad table manners. But in Japan, especially when eating ramen, soju, or udon, slurping is often seen as perfectly acceptable.

Why? Because, partly it helps cool the hot noodles before they reach your mouth, but it also shows you're genuinely enjoying the meal.

Imagine spending hours preparing a bowl of ramen, only for everyone to eat in complete silence. In Japan, those happy slurping sounds can be music to a chef's or local street seller ears.

Second, bowing you head instead of shaking hands.

In many parts of the world, a firm handshake signals confidence and respect. 

However, in Japan, people traditionally greet one another by bowing, and not all bows are the same.

✓A small bow might be enough for a casual greeting.

✓A deeper bow shows greater respect or sincere gratitude.

✓An even deeper bow may be used for a formal apology.

For someone unfamiliar with Japanese culture, all these bows might look similar.

But in Japan, the angle and duration can quietly communicate a great deal.

Third, taking off your shoes.

Imagine walking into someone's house with your shoes still on. In many countries, that's completely normal(not in my own house sha).

In Japan? It can be seen as disrespectful.

Shoes are removed before entering most homes because outdoor footwear is considered dirty. Many traditional inns, temples, schools, and even some restaurants follow the same custom.

You'll often find indoor slippers waiting at the entrance. It's such a routine part of life that forgetting to remove your shoes can feel as awkward as forgetting to say "thank you."

Fourth, being quiet on public transport.

If you've ever ridden a busy train where everyone is chatting loudly on their phones, Japan might surprise you. On Japanese trains, silence is often the norm.

People usually speak softly, avoid phone conversations, and keep noise to a minimum. It's considered a way of respecting everyone else's personal space.

For visitors from louder cultures, the quiet can almost feel mysterious. But for many Japanese citizens, it's simply good manners.

Fifth, exchanging business cards like they're precious.

In some places, business cards are handed over casually and stuffed into a pocket seconds later.

In Japan, it's a completely different experience. A business card is treated almost like an extension of the person giving it. People usually present it with both hands, receive it respectfully, take a moment to read it, and avoid immediately shoving it into a wallet or back pocket.

It may seem like a tiny gesture, but it quietly communicates respect.

Sixth, wearing a face mask when you're sick.

Long before face masks became common around the world, many people in Japan already wore them during cold and flu season.

Not because they were afraid of catching an illness, but because they didn't want to spread one. If someone has a cough or runny nose, wearing a mask is often viewed as a thoughtful way to protect others.

In some countries, people might find this unusual but in Japan, it's often considered an act of courtesy.

Seventh, standing patiently in line.

Queues exist everywhere.

But in Japan, orderly lines are almost an art form. Whether people are waiting for a train, an elevator, or a popular restaurant, pushing ahead is extremely uncommon.

Even during busy hours, people generally wait their turn with remarkable patience. It's one of those small cultural habits that visitors often notice immediately.

These are all good to know but do these differences matter?

None of these customs are considered "right" or "wrong." Rather, they're simply different ways societies have developed to show respect.

In one culture, speaking loudly shows warmth and friendliness. In another, speaking softly shows consideration.

In one country, making noise while eating is rude. In another, it tells the chef, "This meal is fantastic."

It all depends on the values a culture has developed over generations.

Lastly one of the best parts of traveling, or simply learning about other cultures, is realizing that good manners are not universal. They're shaped by history, tradition, and shared values.