Japanese! I was in Yokohama, Japan for a couple of months and had the most pleasing and absorbing experience.
Escalators : People always stand on one side and leave the other for those who want to walk.
Tactile paving : These are specially designed textured ground surface indicators found on sidewalks, stairs for the visually impaired and can be observed through out the country. Incidentally Japan is the first country which introduced this.
Change trays : One can see small trays that are used when settling daily cash transactions. Instead of payment to the clerk, here you are generally expected to put your payment into a tray that is presented expressly for the purpose.
Wearing surgical masks: One can see people wearing surgical masks out in public or work place when they are sick. This is not because it is life threatening but to be considerate of others.
Bowing(Ojigi) : This is one of their ways of showing respect. I was surprised to see sales persons bowing while we were passing by in a shopping area. Also, it is a custom to bow to departing vehicles(airplanes, buses). This was one of my first encounters in the airport.
Train Etiquette: Talking loudly in Japanese trains is a big NO NO.
Special ‘women-only’ compartments is common in India but the below markings is not common.
Japanese Toilets : I was awestruck with most technologically advanced toilets of Japan.
Karaoke : If you are in Japan then don't miss to land in a karaoke shop. That was an experience!
Fake food : Fake food displays can be found in almost every restaurant in Japan. These incredibly realistic food models function to give a visual idea of what kinds of foods the restaurant serves.
Chopsticks : Ok this was difficult! Coming from an Indian background, it is sometimes troubling for me to use fork and knife, forget about chopsticks! But I am much better now. In fact, these were one of the souvenir's from Japan!
Food Being a vegetarian I struggled a lot in getting proper vegeterian food in Japan. Whenever I convey that I am a vegetarian, the immediate question would be Do you eat something in fish ? I survived with edamame, tempura and some sea weed sushi most of the time. However it was a pleasure to see my colleagues enjoying the diverse cuisine.
Queuing Culture: Japanese people are excessively good at standing in lines. What a discipline! And this is not only in train stations but also in almost every possible place.
Earthquake proof buildings: I have read somewhere that Japan is a leader in engineering earthquake proof buildings. True indeed. One day we were in middle of a meeting in our office when one of our colleague exclaimed in low tone Did the building just shook? Then we were all like Yes it did! Experienced a minor tremor and continued to work very normally :) this is not a culture shock directly but still we were shocked.
Ok I am tired now, this list is never-ending! I’d prefer to write a part 2!
Those days in Japan gave me some of the most unforgettable and distinctive memories. I would love to go there again and again. Thank you Japan for all the hospitality.
Image source : Google and my gallery
Edit : Edited the special women only compartments section. Added couple of more shocks:)