nice to meet you. I’m a Japanese person who loves traveling. And I’m studying English. This blog is written in English, so please forgive me if there are any mistakes.
If you love traveling and want to get a feel for the way local people live, we recommend taking the train when traveling in Japan.
Japanese trains are often on time.However, there are occasional delays, so be careful.This time I would like to write down some things to keep in mind when riding the train.
Do you know【Welcome Suica】？
In Japan, there are electronic money such as Suica and Pasmo. With this, you can ride trains and buses without buying a ticket.Available for short-term visitors (travelers).However, please note that there are some buses that you will not be able to ride on.Please check this site for more information.It will be even more convenient from spring 2025, so be sure to check it out!
Most Japanese people use it. It’s very convenient so please try it.
Points to note when riding Japanese trains
1.Be careful with large luggage during busy times
7-9am is commuting time.The train is very crowded.It is difficult to carry large luggage during this time.It depends on the train, but it can be really crowded.We would appreciate it if you would respect our living as well.
2.Beware of women-only vehicles
There is a women-only vehicle during the morning commute.Basically, women can ride it.Furthermore, boys under elementary school age, people with physical disabilities, and their caregivers can also ride.So,Please refrain from allowing men to ride.It seems that some people ride it playfully.After all, please respect the way we Japanese people live.
3.Please stand in line when boarding the train
Before boarding the train, wait in line while waiting on the platform.Lines are drawn so lineup there.If you don’t line up, you won’t be able to board the train or walk on the platform.Please respect Japanese rules and manners.
4.Giving up your seat to pregnant women or the elderly
It is good manners and morals in Japan to offer your seat to the elderly and pregnant women.Pregnant women often have keychains attached to their bags.Please watch carefully.
5.Please be careful about shoes when small children sit
In Japan, small children are often asked to take off their shoes when they sit down.This is because your seat may get dirty and your shoes may hit the person next to you.In Japan, people don’t stand up on chairs with their shoes on.We take off our shoes inside the house.It is said that it is not a good thing to step on something with your shoes on and get them dirty.For example, when a child wants to sit on a train and look at the scenery outside, in Japan they take off their shoes.The reason is as explained earlier.
At the end
There is a Japanese proverb that says, 「When you enter a village, obey the village.」It is the same as「When in Rome, do as the Romans do.」When you come to Japan, please respect Japanese rules and manners.And please enjoy the real life of Japanese people.If there is anything you would like to know, please contact us and send us a message！For other English articles, click here！
