Food - 4 min read
Ramen etiquette in Japan
Ramen shops in Japan can feel intimidating if you have never used a ticket machine or counter-only shop before. The good news is the flow is simple once you know it.
Many shops use ticket machines
At the entrance, buy your meal from the machine, hand the ticket to staff, then take your seat.
Slurping is normal
You do not need to slurp loudly, but gentle slurping is accepted and completely normal in ramen shops.
Eat and move on
Busy ramen counters are not places to linger for an hour. Eat, enjoy, say thanks and make space for the next customer.
Frequently asked questions
Is slurping rude in Japan?
No. In ramen shops it is normal and not considered rude.
Do ramen shops take cards?
Some do, but many still take cash only, especially smaller shops.
