Topic · 3 tips
Getting Around Japan: Trains, Taxis & Shinkansen
Trains, the shinkansen and taxis. Each tip below comes with a short video starring Hako, the written version, a Japanese phrase to try, and links to the official sources we checked.
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On Japanese trains, line up at the marks on the platform and let passengers get off before you board, and keep your phone on silent with no calls. When it's crowded, take your backpack off and hold it in front of you, and leave priority seats for people who need them more.
Covers: Line up at the marks · Phone on silent, no calls · Backpack in front when crowded · Respect priority seats · Save snacks for the bullet train
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If you have a super-big suitcase, reserve a seat with luggage space on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Take phone calls in the deck area between cars, and enjoy an ekiben (station bento) at your seat, which is totally fine.
Covers: Reserve luggage space for super-big bags · Take calls in the deck · Enjoy a bento at your seat
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In Japan, the back door opens and closes automatically, so let the driver handle it, and there is no need to tip; just pay the meter. Big-city taxis usually take cards, but carry some cash in small towns.
Covers: Let the driver handle the back door · No tipping, just the meter · Cards in cities, cash in small towns
