Japanese subway etiquette has many details — beware of dirty looks

Urban public transportation in Japan is highly convenient. The subway is not only a daily commuting tool relied upon by locals, but also a convenient option for foreign travelers visiting Japan. What are the etiquettes when riding the subway in Japan? A Japanese travel information website has listed over 10 aspects of train culture in Japan, showing that subway etiquette involves many fine details — beware of breaking the rules and getting dirty looks.

According to “LIVE JAPAN,” apart from explicit rules, there are many unspoken norms when taking trains in Japan. For example, “queue up as indicated while waiting for the train,” “do not push before the train arrives,” “announce your exit when getting off,” “give way to passengers behind you who are getting off,” “keep quiet in the carriages, no phone calls, no loud talking,” “avoid bringing large luggage during peak hours,” and so on.

Japanese subway etiquette has many details, beware of breaking the rules and getting dirty looks. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

And it’s not just about “carrying your backpack in front and removing side bags when it’s crowded.” It also reveals that male passengers should be mindful of “avoiding misunderstandings” — it’s best to hold onto handrails or items, and be cautious not to offend others inadvertently, so as not to be mistaken for a “chikan” (train groper). Additionally, Japan’s “women-only cars,” which were established to prevent sexual harassment, also have specific operating rules to follow.

In addition, Japanese media outlet “J-CAST NEWS” previously conducted a survey on the most unacceptable passenger behaviors when riding trains in Japan. These include “using luggage to save seats,” “stretching legs while sitting,” “applying makeup,” “blocking doors,” “coughing without wearing a mask,” “wearing too much perfume or having a strong alcohol smell,” and “letting children cry uncontrollably” — all of which may get you dirty looks or annoy others.