Loud chatter or other disturbance is considered rude.You may notice that most Japanese train passengers stand or sit in silence. If you must converse, try to do so quietly. Speak to the train driver only in emergency situations.
Not Being Noisy on the Train is an Iron RuleThere is no rule against talking in the train car, but if your conversation is loud enough to be heard by those around you, it is considered rude and annoying. Japanese consider discussing private matters in public to be unseemly and rude.
Especially when visiting large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, you will want to avoid traveling during rush hour. Throughout Japan, rush hour typically lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening. These are the times when many residents and going and coming from secular employment.
The ATC system prevents high-speed passenger train-on-train collisions and excessive speeds. The advanced ATC system exercises complete control over the entire dedicated track and every operating train, preventing train-on-train collisions and excessive speed.
Morning rush hour is from around 7 to 9AM and the rush home usually starts around 6PM and lasts for a few hours. Because the trains are so convenient in Japan, it may be hard for some travelers to avoid crowded times.
There is a custom in Japan where most people do not eat food outside other than when in restaurants. However, when using the bullet train or the green car, you are permitted to eat food. Normal trains and people commuting using said trains do not permit the consumption of food whilst riding the train.
Never talk on your phone while on the train, unless using the designated phone area of the shinkansen. Silence and use headphones so that your media cannot be heard by others. Finally, turn your phone off if sitting near the priority seating area.
While on the train, your phone should be on silent mode and you should avoid making or receiving phone calls. Keep conversations to a minimum. Much like phone etiquette, if you are riding with friends, family, or coworkers, you can typically talk but do so quietly. Don't eat or drink.
There's also no cultural relevance that prohibits people from eating while walking. As long as you are following TPO guidelines, you should be good. While it's okay to eat while eating, it's not a common practice. Japanese people are mindful of having cleanliness and respect for public spaces.
If you are on a rush hour train (0700-0900 and 1600-1900) it will be crowded, especially on the major inter city lines like Z?rich to Bern and Luzern and Geneva to lausanne.
Avoid the rush hourWelcome to Tokyo's rush hour, which runs approximately between 7.30am-9.30am and 5.30pm-7.30pm, although the mornings are definitely more of a squeeze. If you're not a fan of crowds or have large luggage, it may be worth outside the peak times.
In Japan, the high-speed Shinkansen trains spray water onto snowy tracks to prevent the snow from blowing up into the undercarriage and re-freezing. In all areas with extreme winter conditions, de-icing, like in the airline industry, is essential.
When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars. But on commuter trains, avoid eating.