What to Do in an Emergency on a Train in Japan

Emergency Buttons

All Japanese trains are equipped with emergency buttons that allow passengers to quickly report a dangerous situation. Usually located near the doors, they are easy to identify thanks to their red color and markings such as "SOS."

These buttons should only be used in situations requiring immediate assistance, such as a passenger experiencing a medical emergency, the outbreak of a fire, or any other incident that puts passengers' safety at immediate risk.

When pressed, the button immediately alerts the train staff, who assess the situation and take the appropriate action. Pressing the emergency button does not automatically stop the train.

Emergency buttons are also installed on station platforms. They are typically housed in red or yellow boxes and allow passengers to immediately report dangerous situations, such as a person or object falling onto the tracks or someone becoming trapped between the train and the platform.

Some stations are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which railway staff can quickly bring to the scene if needed.

If you are prone to feeling unwell, consider traveling on local trains, which make frequent stops and therefore offer more opportunities to get off and take a break if necessary.

For journeys outside major cities, you may also choose to travel in the Green Car (first class), which is generally less crowded than standard cars.

More generally, if you are traveling in urban areas, try to avoid peak hours (approximately 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m.) whenever possible.

Natural Disasters

Japan's railway network is designed to cope with natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and typhoons, which can affect the country throughout the year.

In the event of an earthquake or typhoon, trains, buses, and Shinkansen services may be suspended for varying lengths of time.

If you are on board a train during one of these events, the most important thing is to remain calm, follow the instructions of the train staff, and do not attempt to leave the train on your own. In the event of a major earthquake, the same safety guidelines apply: protect your head as much as possible, seek shelter if appropriate, and follow official instructions.

If a typhoon is forecast during your stay, you can consult the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency for the latest weather updates.

Lost or Forgotten Belongings

If you lose a valuable item such as a phone, wallet, keys, or passport, it is important to act quickly.

If you are still at the station, immediately speak to a railway staff member or visit the nearest ticket office. If you only realize your item is missing later, contact the lost and found service. You can do so in person at the lost and found office in major stations, by phone, or through the railway company's website.

Be sure to identify the station(s) and railway line(s) where the item was most likely lost so that you can contact the correct railway operator.

You will usually be asked to provide a description of the item, the train you traveled on, the date, the approximate time, and your departure and arrival stations.

Fortunately, thanks to the honesty of passengers and the efficiency of Japan's railway staff, lost items are often recovered—provided you report the loss as soon as possible.