What Are the Top 10 Tips for Tourists on Trains in Japan?

Today we’re going over the top 10 tips for tourists on trains in Japan. The Japan Private Railway Association recently conducted an annual study on train and station etiquette. Of the 5,000 people surveyed, 63% reported feeling bothered by the behavior of foreign tourists.

Top 10 Tips for Tourists on Trains in Japan

Trains are a fantastic way to explore this stunning country, and knowing local etiquette can really boost your travel experience. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this list of common mistakes to avoid during your trip.

10. Don’t Eat and Drink

There is no food of any kind allowed on local trains and subways. Drinks are also not permitted—no Starbucks cups, no canned drinks. The only exception is a bottle that can be sealed, such as a water bottle with a screw-on cap.

This can be confusing because there are some trains where eating and drinking are allowed. If you’re on an express train that has a tray, then it’s okay to eat and drink. It’s also fine to eat and drink on the Shinkansen bullet train.

Just remember: if there’s a tray, it’s okay.

9. Don’t Sit on the Floor

It’s never acceptable to sit on the floor on a train in Japan—even for kids. The floor is considered very dirty, and you won’t see locals sitting on the ground in public spaces.

For example, during cherry blossom viewing, people use a tarp and take their shoes off to keep the tarp clean. Similarly, in homes and traditional restaurants with tatami floors, shoes are removed before sitting.

If you have small children, make sure they take off their shoes if they stand on the seats. Shoes are considered dirty, and putting them on a seat is seen as disrespectful.

8. Don’t Sit in Priority Seats

At the end of each train car, there are priority seats designated for:

• Older passengers
• Injured passengers
• Pregnant women
• Passengers carrying infants

These seats are marked with signs and often have different-colored seat fabric. Even if the seats are empty, you shouldn’t sit in them unless you qualify.

Some people believe they can sit in a priority seat and offer it if needed, but in Japan, those who need these seats often won’t ask. Instead, they’ll glance at the priority seating area, and if they see it occupied, they’ll stand elsewhere.

On the platform, signs indicate where the priority seats are located, and people who need them will line up accordingly. If they see someone already sitting there, they won’t ask for the seat—they’ll just walk away.

7. Don’t Leave Trash

Trains in Japan are only cleaned at the final stations, and subways are cleaned even less often. It’s your responsibility to keep the train clean.

Most platforms have trash cans, so if you have trash, dispose of it when you get off the train. Since trash cans in Japan are scarce, it’s a good idea to carry a small bag for your trash. You can throw it away when you return to your hotel.

6. Sit in Seats Properly

When sitting on a train:

• Don’t manspread—keep your legs together
• Don’t leave too much space between you and others
• Don’t extend your legs into the aisle
• Don’t cross your legs—this takes up more room
• Don’t put your bags on seats—they should be placed on your lap or overhead

Most local trains and subways have bench seats that fit about seven people, with markings to show where each person should sit. Follow these guides to ensure that space is used efficiently.

5. Put Your Phone on Silent Mode

Talking on the phone on a train is considered very rude in Japan, and many locals have noticed that tourists on trains in Japan often overlook this rule.

You shouldn’t make or take phone calls while on a train. The only exception is bullet trains (Shinkansen) or express trains, where you can talk in the space between cars—not in your seat.

If you’re watching a video, always use headphones. Even with headphones, keep the volume low, as sound can still leak out and disturb others.

Additionally, turn off all phone sounds, including:

• Ringtones
• Message notifications
• The swoosh sound when sending texts
• Keyboard clicking noises

A good rule of thumb: Keep your phone on silent mode from the day you land in Japan until the day you leave.

4. Form a Line on the Platform

When waiting for a train, look down at the platform—you’ll see lines indicating where to stand and form a line.

In Japan, you should line up in a single file. This allows people to get off the train before new passengers board, making the process quick and smooth.

Lining up also helps other passengers understand where they should stand, keeping things organized and efficient. Since trains in Japan run on tight schedules, proper boarding etiquette is essential to keep everything on time.

3. Don’t Block Paths in the Station

This tip applies to walking inside the station rather than on the train itself.

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Step to the side to check your phone—don’t stop in the middle of a walkway
• Keep moving—stations in Japan are packed, and many people are in a rush to get to work

For example, many commuters time their transfers down to the minute. If tourists walk slowly or stop in the middle of the path, it disrupts their routine, and puts them at risk of missing their connection.

Key takeaway: if you need to pause, step aside!

2. Be Considerate with Luggage

Luggage is a growing nuisance in Japan, especially when tourists on trains in Japan have oversized suitcases. So much so that train companies now recommend shipping luggage ahead of time using a delivery service instead of taking it on trains.

If you must take luggage on a train, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid rush hour (8:00–9:00 AM)—trains are packed, and there may be no space for your luggage
• Use a small, four-wheel suitcase—it’s easier to maneuver
• Keep your suitcase close to you, ensuring you don’t block doorways
• Wear backpacks in front or place them in overhead storage—don’t wear them on your back, as they take up too much space

Be prepared to move your suitcase, when necessary, as train doors open on different sides at each station. Don’t stay in one spot—adjust as needed.

1. Talk Quietly

Talking too loudly is the biggest complaint about tourists on trains in Japan.

Many travelers continue conversations at full volume after boarding, not realizing how quiet Japanese trains are. While you don’t need to be silent, speak as if you were in a library or a church.

During the day, most trains are extremely quiet, giving people time to relax or unwind. In the evenings, or when school groups are on board, it might be a little louder, but the general rule is: read the room.

If you and your friends sit across from each other, don’t have cross-aisle conversations. Instead, talk only to the person directly next to you.

Final Thoughts

Being considerate of others is a major part of Japanese culture. When using public transportation, tourists on trains in Japan should always be mindful of their behavior, and avoid disturbing or inconveniencing those around them.