Etiquette for Riding the Bullet Train in Japan

Today, we’re talking about basic etiquette for riding the bullet train in Japan. Recently, there have been news reports of foreign visitors disregarding local customs on Japan’s trains, which has pushed this issue into the spotlight.

Basic Etiquette for Riding the Bullet Train in Japan

As a tourist in Japan, it’s important to understand the cultural rules of queuing, boarding, luggage, noise, reclining, garbage, and disembarking.

Bad Manners on Shinkansen

1. Queuing

It’s best to line up in a single file line when waiting for the bullet train in Japan. Don’t clump in circles or group together. It’s better if you line up one behind the other.

Lines on Shinkansen Platform Indicating the Line

An easy way to line up is to follow the platform lines. There are lines on the platform that indicate where you should stand to board the Shinkansen. Queuing in a single file line makes it easy for others to know where to stand to get in line. This also helps the flow of traffic getting onto the train when the doors open.

Also, it’s not polite to hold your spot if you get out of line to go to the store or to a vending machine. It’s considered rude to just pop back in line. Instead, it’s considered more polite to go to the back of the line. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter if you’re at the back of the line or the front because everyone’s going to get on the train.

2. Boarding

The Shinkansen bullet train only stops for about a minute at most stations. Within that short amount of time, passengers need to exit and board the train. This all has to happen pretty fast, so it’s best if you’re standing in line, ready to board, before the train gets there.

When you get on the train, you should go directly to your seat and get out of the aisle. This allows other passengers to pass through and get to their seats. Once the aisle has cleared, you can start to get sorted and put up your luggage.

If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it’s best to allow others to board the train first. That way, you’re not blocking the aisle and preventing others from getting to their seats.

Unlike an airplane, it’s perfectly fine to be standing when the Shinkansen starts to move. So, you can still be standing and arranging your luggage while the train departs the station.

3. Storing Luggage

The best place to store your luggage is in the overhead compartment above your seat. For obvious safety reasons, you shouldn’t block the aisle with your suitcase or bag.

Passenger with Luggage in Aisle on Shinkansen

If you’ve reserved the last row of seats at the end of the car, you can put your luggage behind your seats. This space is only for the people sitting in those seats. If you don’t reserve a seat in the last row, you can’t store your luggage there.

You can reserve seats at either a JR ticket office or online. Be aware that these seats book up fast, so you need to do it in advance.

There is some misinformation out there about putting luggage behind the last row of seats. Prior to 2020, you could put your luggage behind the last row of seats if available. This information is still on many websites and causing confusion. Now, you must have a reservation for the last row of seats to be able to store your luggage there.

4. Noise

The train is considered a time to relax between work and home, so noises affect people’s ability to relax, sleep, meditate, whatever it is that they may want to do on the train.

In general, Japan is a pretty quiet place. Whether you’re on public transportation or any indoor space, it’s best to refrain from speaking too loudly. For Americans, that’s probably about half of our regular speaking voice. Make an effort to try speaking softer than you normally would in the United States.

Phones on trains are a major source of annoyance in Japan. We recommend that you turn your ringer off and keep your phone from making any noise at all. This includes noise from getting a phone call, receiving a text message, or the clicking when typing out a text message.

Good Manners Sign About Noise on Trains in Japan

Phone calls shouldn’t be taken, or placed, in your seat on the bullet train in Japan. You can take phone calls in the middle section, between the train cars.

If you do take a phone call in the middle section of the Shinkansen, keep in mind that Japanese people don’t take calls on speakerphone. If you would rather not hold the phone up to your head, use headphones or a Bluetooth headset.

Also, you should always use headphones when watching any kind of video, listening to music, or playing video games.

5. Reclining Your Seat

It’s okay to recline your seat, but it’s uncommon to recline the seat entirely. You’d be surprised how far the Shinkansen seats recline!

It’s customary to turn around and let the person behind you know that you’re about to recline your seat.

If there’s nobody seated behind you, then recline away. If someone gets on the train and sits behind you, it’s polite to bring your seat back up so they have space to get situated.

Tourist Using the Footrest on Shinkansen Incorrectly

Shoes are considered dirty in Japan, so you shouldn’t put them on the seats. Also, some trains have double-sided upholstered footrests. One side will match the seat upholstery and the other will match the carpet. The side that matches the seat is for socks only. And the side that matches the carpet is for shoes.

6. Garbage

There are trash cans near the exits, between the train cars, where you can throw away your garbage. If you forget to throw your trash away on the train, there’s usually trash cans on the platforms.

Just be sure not to leave anything in your seat, in the seat pocket in front of you, or on the rack above the seats.

Trash Left Behind on Train

You’re expected to make sure that your seat looks exactly the way it did when you first got on the train. When you get off at a station, someone else is going to get on the train and possibly sit in your seat. You want to leave the seat the way it was when you got on the train.

7. Disembarking

Remember, it’s important to take your garbage with you once you reach your destination, and it’s just as important to bring your seat back up to its original, upright position.

Make sure you have your phone, your bags, and anything else you brought onto the train. Double-check your seat and the pockets in front of you for any trash or belongings. Get everything together and go stand in line near the doors to wait for the train to arrive at its destination.

It’s important to line up before the train reaches your final destination. Keep in mind that the train doesn’t stop for very long. If you wait until the train stops to get out of your seat, you may not be able to get off the train because there’s going to be a line of people embarking the train.

Final Remarks

Riding the bullet train in Japan is the most efficient way to travel around the country.

Just remember to respect local etiquette. Line up properly, keep noise down, and be considerate of other passengers to ensure a smooth ride for everyone. Store your luggage correctly, turn off your phone ringer, and tidy up your seat before leaving.

These small acts will go a long way in showing that you know and respect Japan’s culture. You’ll have a better experience and leave a positive impression for tourists.