Planning to zoom around Japan by train on your next trip there? If so, you might want to learn how locals behave on their commute. It’s best to know all about Japanese train etiquette in order to respect their culture and expectations as a visitor to their country!
If you still need your train tickets, you can book a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day JR Pass with Klook!
You can also learn more about the JR Pass with our guide!
All aboard! Continue reading as we cover the essential tips to make your train travel in Japan as smooth and comfortable as possible.
1. Stand behind the yellow lines painted on the station platform
Orderliness is key. Make sure to follow the signs at the station! Credits to Ricky LK on Unsplash.
First rule of Japan train etiquette? Orderliness!
Follow the designated queue system without pushing or breaking the line, and stay safe behind the textured line at the platform edge. Be sure to stand behind the yellow lines painted on the station platform and wait for the train to arrive.
When boarding, keep moving towards the middle of the train and allow passengers to exit before entering.
2. Do not litter or leave rubbish on the train or in the station
Dispose your trash properly. Credits to neil macc on Unsplash.
In line with their value of orderliness, it’s important to throw your rubbish properly. Japan train etiquette considers leaving rubbish behind impolite.
Waste bins are provided at the train station, so just keep your waste ‘til the end of your trip!
3. Give up your seat to elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers
Keep in mind that Japanese trains have priority seating. Credits to Alex Eckermann on Unsplash.
In Japan, priority seating is reserved for the elderly, disabled, pregnant, and those with small children, but you can sit there if the train is not crowded. Giving up your regular seat to someone in need is encouraged if all the priority seats are taken.
4. Avoid talking loudly while on the train
Save your convos after the ride! Credits to Victoriano Izquierdo on Unsplash.
We’re used to chatting to our mates while commuting to places. However, loud conversations on Japan trains are considered rude, so if you wanna chat, do it as quietly as possible
Train etiquette in Japan encourages its passengers to stand or sit in silence. It might be a culture shock, but just save your conversation after the quick ride!
5. Refrain from taking phone calls on the train
Answer calls before or after the train ride. Credits to darkroomsg on Unsplash.
In line with not talking loudly during your trip, it’s also discouraged to take calls on the train. Unless you’re at the designated phone area, keep your phone on silent and wear headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.
6. Stay away from eating strong-smelling foods on the train
Cute bentos are available on Shinkansen stations! Credits to @piknikin_ on Instagram.
Eating or drinking while walking in public is uncommon in Japan, but it's okay to eat on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen, where you can buy snacks or bring your own food.
For drinks, you can bring water on local trains. Soda, coffee, and other drinks that may become sticky if it spills are prohibited.
7. Keep your belongings in designated storage areas
Mind your space: keep your belongings organised and out of the way on Japanese trains. Credits to Anelale Nájera on Unsplash.
Be mindful of space on trains by keeping your belongings on your lap or on the floor between your feet. This is especially important when the trains are filled during peak times, and people are left to stand during the ride. To avoid accidents and to be able to give them space, make sure your belongings are right by you.
If the train is crowded and you have to stand up, use overhead handhold rings for support. You can even consider wearing a face mask to avoid spreading or contracting germs in close quarters.
8. Be mindful of your reading materials
Make sure your reading materials don’t disturb other passengers! Credits to Don Fontijn on Unsplash.
Reading is a popular pastime on trains in Japan and is considered acceptable.
However, be mindful of the space around you and avoid taking up too much room with large reading materials. If you’re reading a newspaper or a map, fold it to keep it compact and out of the way of other passengers.
9. Do not smoke on the train or at the station
You’re only allowed to smoke in designated areas. Credits to Max Anderson on Unsplash.
Smoking is generally not allowed on Japanese trains, except for designated smoking cars on some Shinkansen bullet trains. Follow this rule of Japan train etiquette to avoid causing discomfort or inconvenience to other passengers, and to avoid fines or penalties for breaking the law.
10. Know about women-only cars
Respect women's safety and comfort in Japan's women-only train cars. Credits to Luster2739 on Pixabay.
Trains in Japan have designated cars marked "for women only" to give female travellers a safe and comfortable space. These cars are identified by pink signs and may have seats of a different colour, so male passengers should respect these markings and avoid boarding them.
11. Be courteous when leaving the train
Exit the train in an orderly manner. Credits to Johnny_px on Pixabay.
When exiting the train, be courteous and avoid pushing. As you approach your stop, gather your belongings and move towards the doors, calmly saying "sumimasen," meaning “excuse me,” to get others' attention if needed.
Now that you’re familiar with Japan train etiquette, don’t forget to book your JR Pass in advance with Klook!
Written by: Nina Marable
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