Japan travel tips for first-time visitors

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Japan Train Rules: 5 Etiquette Tips Every Tourist Should Know

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.

By Ready in JapanUpdated 3 official sources

Video cover: Japan Train Rules: 5 Etiquette Tips Every Tourist Should KnowVideo coming soon

The 23-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.

The 5 things to know

  1. Line up at the marks

    Line up at the marks, and let people get off first. Stay behind the yellow line too.

  2. Phone on silent, no calls

    Phone on silent. No calls on the train. Texting is fine.

  3. Backpack in front when crowded

    Crowded? Take your backpack off and hold it close in front of you.

  4. Respect priority seats

    Priority seats are for people who need them more, so leave them for those who do.

  5. Save snacks for the bullet train

    Save your snacks for the bullet train.

Quick answers

Can you talk on trains in Japan?

Keep your voice low and don't take phone calls on the train. Texting, browsing and silent use of your phone are normal.

Is it rude to eat on the train in Japan?

On the Shinkansen, eating at your seat is normal. On commuter trains and subways, JNTO asks visitors to avoid eating and drinking unless the seat has a tray table.

How do I carry a backpack on a crowded train?

Take it off and keep it close in front of you rather than on your back. Backpacks worn on the back were a frequent complaint in a 2024 railway-industry survey.

Read the video transcript

Riding a train in Japan? Here are five quick rules.

Line up at the marks, and let people get off first.

Phone on silent. No calls on the train.

Crowded? Take your backpack off and hold it in front.

Priority seats are for people who need them more.

And save your snacks for the bullet train.

Now you ride like a local.

Sources & how we checked

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

  1. tokyometro.jpTokyo Metro - Subway manners
  2. japan.travelJNTO - Traveling Mindfully
  3. odakyu-global.comOdakyu - Transport Guide
Updated
Video
23 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
Good to know
Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.

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