Yes, you can absolutely drink coffee (and eat food) on most long-distance trains in Japan, such as the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and "Limited Express" trains. These trains feature tray tables at every seat and often have a "trolley service" or vending machines where you can purchase hot or cold canned coffee. In 2026, it is considered perfectly polite to enjoy a drink while watching the scenery. However, the etiquette is different for local commuter trains and subways. While there is no legal ban on drinking coffee on a Tokyo subway, it is socially discouraged and considered "bad manners" (meiwaku) because these trains are often very crowded and there is a high risk of spilling on someone else. On a local train, if you must have a drink, it is best to use a bottle with a secure cap rather than an open cup. On a Shinkansen, feel free to bring your Starbucks or a "Boss" canned coffee from a platform kiosk; just remember to take your trash with you and dispose of it in the bins located near the doors of the train car as you disembark.