Train Etiquette

Trains are an essential element in the daily life and culture of all Japanese. They are also a very convenient way for visitors to travel around Japan especially when used with the Japan Rail Pass which makes train travel very affordable.

Japan is crisscrossed by an extremely clean, reliable, and extensive railway system. 70% of the railway network is owned by JR (Japan Railways) and the other 30% is owned by smaller private railway companies.  The JR passenger railway system includes six regional railway companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu. Passes can be purchased before entering Japan and must be validated before use, whereas tickets must be purchased at the stations in Japan.

There is a certain etiquette to be followed when travelling by train in Japan.

Train Etiquette

If you have to wait in a line for your train, please be considerate of other passengers. Line up behind people who are already waiting. Do not push or shove. Also, do not talk loudly with fellow passengers or on a cell phone. If you must speak on your cell during a train ride, then leave your seat and talk outside the seating area near the washrooms.  

Most Japanese will buy an “eki bento” or boxed meal to eat on the train on their way home from work or on route to a destination. These can be purchased at the convenience stores like 7/11 or Family Mart located at the stations. The bigger city stations have large department stores attached which have basement food floors selling a variety of delicious snacks or meals.

There is usually a lady that sells drinks, snacks, sweets, and boxed meals on board the shinkansen so if you don’t have time to purchase anything beforehand, you can buy something from her. When eating or drinking at your seat on a train, please remove all garbage when you disembark. There is generally a place to put garbage and recycling as you exit from the train. Also remember to put your seat back to its original position in consideration of other passengers.