Loading Page...

What not to do on a train in Japan?

Here are 10 do's and don'ts while on the train in Japan.
  • Don't take up too much space. ...
  • Keep it quiet. ...
  • Put your phone on mute. ...
  • Priority seats. ...
  • Get on the train in turn & don't rush onto the train. ...
  • Don't eat and drink. ...
  • Don't litter. ...
  • Don't do your makeup.




When traveling on a train in Japan, observing local etiquette is crucial to avoid causing offense or disruption. First and foremost, you should never talk on your mobile phone; it is considered extremely rude. Phones should be kept on "manner mode" (silent). Additionally, avoid talking loudly with companions, as Japanese trains are generally places of quiet reflection or rest. You should also avoid eating or drinking on local commuter trains, although it is socially acceptable on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen. It is also important not to take up extra space with your luggage or by sitting across multiple seats; always keep your bags on your lap or in the overhead racks. Furthermore, do not cut in line when boarding; there are designated markings on the platform where passengers queue up in an orderly fashion. Finally, avoid applying makeup or engaging in other personal grooming, as this is often frowned upon in the shared public space of a train carriage.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

People don't usually eat or drink anything other than water while on the train. 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Luggage pieces less than 160 cm (sum of height x length x width) can be brought aboard without prior reservation. For luggage pieces between 160 cm – 250 centimetres, a prior reservation is required, which can be made for free.

MORE DETAILS

Tips for Riding the Subways and Trains in Osaka Avoid riding subways and trains during rush hours (7.30am-9.30am and 5pm-8pm).

MORE DETAILS

While you may be accustomed to chatting with your traveling companions while using public transportation, this is not the norm in Japan. 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.

MORE DETAILS

It depends on what you're eating. Discrete, low key snacking is fine as long as you clean up after yourself and leave no trace that your food was ever there. But eating something messy and smelly is probably a bit much. No not rude at all, but be aware of your travel companions and if your food smells bad to them.

MORE DETAILS

Every station has multilingual ticket machines where you can buy a one-way fare ticket, or you can use a rechargeable IC card to swipe in and out of the ticket gates. Tokyo Metro and Toei have teamed up to offer a subway pass for tourists that can save you some yen, as well as being super convenient.

MORE DETAILS

  • Keihin Tohoku Line (from Ueno to Okachimachi), JR East: 200%
  • Tozai Line (from Kiba to Monzen-Nakacho), Tokyo Metro: 199%
  • Chuo-Sobu Line [Local] (from Kinshicho to Ryogoku), JR East: 199%
  • Chuo Line [Rapid] (from Nakano to Shinjuku), JR East: 194%


MORE DETAILS

It can be highly intriguing for visitors to Japan. However, it can also be quite confusing and complicated for many reasons. The various train companies, train lines, and large and overwhelming stations contribute to making navigating the Japanese train system difficult.

MORE DETAILS

JR allows passengers to bring two pieces of baggage weighing 30 kg or less and with total dimensions of 250 cm or less (and no longer than 200 cm) onto the train as portable personal effects for which there is no charge. Personal effects such as umbrellas, walking sticks and handbags do not count.

MORE DETAILS

As for other (non-shinkansen) trains in Japan: while some do have some space overhead for small bags, many have none at all. For all of these reasons, we recommend traveling either with a small rolling suitcase or backpack, if at all possible.

MORE DETAILS