Chopstick Etiquette: What You Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Chopstick Etiquette: What You Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Despite their widespread usage in Asia, chopsticks haven’t taken off in popularity in the same way in Western countries. For those unfamiliar with these sticks used for eating, it may come as a surprise that these deceptively simple-looking tools have a protocol attached to them. While chopstick etiquette and Japanese dining manners as a whole share many similarities with Western table manners, there are unique cultural aspects of chopstick usage in Japan that are important to be aware of. Different…

Is it Okay to Slurp Noodles in Japan?

Is it Okay to Slurp Noodles in Japan?

Japanese hospitality, sometimes called omotenashi, is praised as being a step above the rest of the world. With this reputation for elegant respect and ceaseless courtesy, travelers fresh off the plane and hungry for their first authentic bowl of Japanese ramen may be in for a shock.  Lift the curtain and step into any ramen restaurant in Tokyo to be met with a loud symphony of slurping noises as customers happily squelch down their noodles. Your inner etiquette may scream…