Calmness is an essential component of the quality of life in Japan, particularly aboard the country’s trains, which keep a certain level of quiet during all trips and travel. Moreover, no sound can be heard, and no one will be talking even if the trains are overcrowded. Furthermore, people will be spending their trip reading, looking at their smartphones, listening to music, or dozing off. Additionally, the congestion rate can reach double the rate set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport during the morning rush hour in large cities, such as Tokyo. During such a situation, people will feel uncomfortable because of being crammed together with others aboard the trains.
Still, no sound will be heard, and some will manage to read a book instead. Everyone in Japan understands that the golden rule when traveling the country’s trains is not to annoy anybody else. Here are the most vital tips to follow when traveling on Japan’s trains.
This Rule Must Be Followed When Boarding A Train In Japan
In Japan, as in anywhere else, people disembarking the train have priority over the ones who want to board it. However, this rule must be followed religiously in Japan since it reflects self-respect and respect for others. Moreover, it is vital to wait in line, avoid crossing over people waiting or cutting in front of them. Instead, people must board the train in an orderly fashion.
- Information: The morning rush hour peaks in big cities in Japan between 7:30 AM and 8:50 AM. Moreover, trains become crowded in the afternoon, specifically at 5:00 PM since business offices begin closing.
- Cons: A significant disadvantage is that sometimes because trains become so crowded, people waiting to board may not have a chance to get in a train car. However, even if they are in a hurry, they will have to wait in line for others to board the train. Moreover, they cannot board a packed train and must wait instead for the next one to arrive. Fortunately, trains in the city arrive every few minutes.
- What to avoid: People must avoid at all costs running to board a train or getting involved in other thoughtless acts. Such wrongdoings can result in dangerous accidents, cause inconvenience to other people, or lead to train delays.
This Iron Rule Must Be Followed With Other Good Practices On Trains In Japan
Loud noises must be avoided at all costs when traveling aboard a train in Japan. For instance, all travelers turn the sound off on their smartphones, and instead, they listen to music on their earphones. Although no rules ban talking on a train car in Japan, it is considered utterly annoying and rude to make noises that others can hear. Additionally, Japanese people find it disrespectful to discuss personal issues in public. Since trains are considered public spaces, people must be constantly aware of proper etiquette and avoid disturbing others.
As for smartphones, those must be set to silent when traveling aboard a train in Japan. That is to avoid making any noises. Furthermore, if people receive a phone call while on the train, they should text the caller, telling them to call them later. Usually, those who receive calls get off the train at the next station where they can speak to their caller, and then they will get back on another train.
- Urgent scenarios: When people receive an emergency call that they have to answer immediately when traveling aboard a train in Japan, they should cover their mouth, speak in a very low voice, and convey the message as quickly as possible.
Those Rules Are Not Related To Noise On Japan’s Trains, But They Still Must Be Followed
Many people spend their time on the trains in Japan looking at their smartphones to read news, play games, answer emails, and more. However, those people must pay attention to where they’re walking when doing that. Otherwise, they risk falling off the train platform, tripping on stairs, or bumping into other people. Another act considered bad manners when traveling on trains in Japan is the act of drinking and eating during the trip. It is only acceptable to do so on long-distance express trains or Japan’s bullet trains. The reason to avoid eating and drinking on trains is that the smell of food may annoy other people. Moreover, there’s a risk of spilling the food and drinks. As a result, only bottles of water or tea must be brought onto the train.
Most trains in Japan can accommodate 7 or 8 people per seat. This is why every person must sit properly to allow others to fit comfortably in their space. In order not to inconvenience others, people must put their bags or other stuff on their lap or store them on the overhead rack. Moreover, people must avoid spreading their legs on the seats or placing their items on empty seats.
Additionally, travelers on trains in Japan must ensure that oversized baggage does not inconvenience other passengers and that they do not sit in a priority seat since those are reserved for the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.