Japan travel tips for first-time visitors

Short videos with Hako the cardboard box, written up and checked against official sources.

Etiquette

Japan Escalator Etiquette: Where to Stand and How to Queue

Join the end of any queue and never cut in at the front. On escalators, many people stand on one side and walk on the other, but Saitama and Nagoya ask everyone to stand still, and those ordinances carry no penalty.

By Ready in JapanUpdated 3 official sources

Video cover: Japan Escalator Etiquette: Where to Stand and How to QueueVideo out Oct 12

The 22-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.

The 4 things to know

  1. Join the end of the line

    Join the end of the line, and never cut in at the front. On platforms, line up behind the floor markings at the door position.

  2. Stand on one side

    On escalators, many people stand on one side and walk on the other.

  3. Saitama and Nagoya: stand still

    In Saitama and Nagoya, local rules ask everyone to stand still on escalators. These ordinances carry no penalty.

  4. Need to pass? Say sumimasen

    Need to pass? Just say 'sumimasen' (excuse me).

Quick answers

Which side should I stand on an escalator in Japan?

There is no national rule. Many people stand on one side and walk on the other, which is a regional habit rather than an official rule.

Can I be fined for walking on an escalator?

Saitama and Nagoya ask people to stand still, but their ordinances carry no penalty. Walking lanes are still common elsewhere.

How do I queue for a train in Japan?

Line up behind the floor markings at the door position, let passengers get off first, then move away from the doors toward the inside.

Read the video transcript

Japan loves a neat line. Here's how to join in.

One. Join the end of the line, and never cut in at the front.

Two. On escalators, many people stand on one side and walk on the other.

But in Saitama and Nagoya, local rules ask everyone to stand still.

Three. Need to pass? Just say, sumimasen.

Sources & how we checked

The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:

  1. pref.saitama.lg.jpSaitama Prefectural Assembly - Escalator ordinance
  2. city.nagoya.jpNagoya City - Escalator ordinance
  3. odakyu-global.comOdakyu - Transport Guide
Updated
Video
22 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
Good to know
Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.

Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments on YouTube. How we make these pages

More on etiquette

All etiquette tips