Japan Train Etiquette

<section data-class="texte-bandeau" class=""><div class="titrebandeau"><h1></h1><div class="accroche"></div></div></section>

<section data-class="titre-onglet-vert-gris" class=""><h2><b>guidelines</b>&nbsp;To travel by train</h2></section><section data-class="texte-libre" class=""><div></div></section><section data-class="texte-libre" class=""><div></div></section>

<section data-class="texte-libre" class=""><div>Once your <a href="/" target="_blank">JR Pass</a> is in your hands, nearly all of the railways of Japan awaits you. <br>You will find traveling by train incredibly quiet, fluid, and well-organised. <br>To achieve this, passengers follow several rules of etiquette such as queuing and special seats…<br> An overview of the rules of Japan trains.</div></section><section data-class="titre-paragraphe" class=""><h3>specially designated cars and seats</h3></section><section data-class="bloc-2-colonnes-texte-photo" class=""><div class="fright"><div class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/emergencytrain/yusenseki250.jpg" alt=""></div></div><div class="texte fleft">Try to pay attention to signs and surroundings. Nowadays, many Japanese trains have a special women-only car, marked on both the train and <a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/platform-symbols" title="Platform signs and symbols">the platform</a> with a pink sign.<br><br>Additionally, some trains also have the first car designated as an "electronics off" car, where you're expected to power off your cell phone. In theory, these cars were created for the elderly who worry about interference with their pacemakers.<br><br>Lastly, be very careful about sitting in priority seats. Even if you are not sitting in a priority seat, it's good manners to stand up for older, injured, or pregnant people.<br><br> If you're worried about offending someone &nbsp;(the aging Japanese crowd considers themselves tough and not in need of a seat!), standing up, say "dozo" and then move a few paces away so that they don't feel the need to refuse.</div><div class="clearfix"></div></section><section data-class="titre-paragraphe" class=""><h3>no more personal space...</h3></section><section data-class="bloc-2-colonnes-texte-photo" class=""><div class="fright"><div class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/emergencytrain/crowdedtrain250.jpg" alt=""></div></div><div class="texte fleft">Japanese trains famously get very, very crowded at times. Because it is a small island with a large population, in some situations, the ideal amount of personal space gets thrown out the window. <br><br>When needed, be prepared to cram into seats or aisles like sardines. If you're traveling on a packed train late at night, don't be surprised if a particularly exhausted salaryman uses your shoulder as a pillow!</div><div class="clearfix"></div></section><section data-class="titre-paragraphe" class=""><h3>mobile phones and chatter</h3></section><section data-class="bloc-2-colonnes-texte-photo" class=""><div class="fright"><div class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/emergencytrain/cellphone250.jpg" alt=""></div></div><div class="texte fleft">Make sure that your mobile phone is set on "manner mode," or vibrate, when you are traveling on public transportation. <br><br>On trains and subways, never talk on your cell phone! It's extremely bad manners in Japan.<br><br>Also, you'll find that most Japanese people do not talk loudly on the train. It's a good idea to follow their example and keep loud conversation to a minimum.</div><div class="clearfix"></div></section><section data-class="titre-paragraphe" class=""><h3>lines</h3></section><section data-class="bloc-2-colonnes-texte-photo" class=""><div class="fright"><div class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/emergencytrain/trainqueue250.jpg" alt=""></div></div><div class="texte fleft">Commuters on Japanese transportation are pretty strict about getting on and off the train. <br><br>There are markings and liens on the platforms to show where the doors will be and how to line up two by two as your wait. <br><br>Once the train has arrived, the line will split to either side of the doors to allow passengers to get off the train.<br><br><a href="/">Return to Japan Rail Pass Home Page</a></div><div class="clearfix"></div></section>

<section data-class="titre-onglet-vert-gris" class=""><h2><b>more&nbsp;</b>Travel tips</h2></section>

<section data-class="bloc-bas-3-colonnes-image-lien" class=""><div class="bloc-bas-3-colonnes-titre col1"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/platform-symbols" title="Platform Symbols"><span class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/platformsymbols/circletriangle.jpg" alt=""></span></a><div class="lien"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/platform-symbols" title="Platform Signs and Symbols">platform symbols</a></div></div><div class="bloc-bas-3-colonnes-titre col2"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/west-ekiben" title="Ekiben of Western Japan"><span class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/ekiben/kohokunohanashi.jpg" alt=""></span></a><div class="lien"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/west-ekiben" title="Ekiben of Western Japan">ekiben of western japan</a></div></div><div class="bloc-bas-3-colonnes-titre col3"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/train-words" title="Useful Train Station Phrases"><span class="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/legacy/japan_rail_pass/public/files/Le_Japon_en_Train/trainwords/small-shiteiseki.jpeg" alt=""></span></a><div class="lien"><a href="/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/train-words" title="Useful Train Station Phrases">useful train station phrases</a></div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></section>