If it's on your trip, I've been there.

The first time I got away from the tourist center, I ended up in a local neighborhood in Osaka. It was crowded, loud and there was no English anywhere. We stood outside a few doors, nervous about opening a noren. Eventually we decided to go in.

Behind it was a packed restaurant with live music and the smell of something delicious frying. When the regulars saw us, the room stopped. The music stopped, the talking stopped, and you could have heard a pin drop. We stood our ground and kept our manners. We knew the etiquette.

Then a woman at the table by the door threw her hands up and cheered, and the whole restaurant went straight back to full volume. We were welcomed in. That night we ate the best fried chicken we have ever had, and I am not sure we will ever eat better.

That is what is behind the noren. Most of Japan is like that room once someone has opened the door. Noren & Lantern is how I do that for other people.

See what's behind the noren.