Rules to Follow on Trains in Japan

Published on : 03/07/2026
by : Clément

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Train au Japon — Trains in Japan
@haru_q on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Japan is known for its many rules, and rail travel is no exception. These rules can be intimidating for visitors, but if you keep them in mind, it’s entirely possible to take the train in Japan without making any mistakes. A comprehensive guide from Japan Experience!

Don't worry—most of these behaviors are simply a matter of good manners in public, which are very important to the Japanese. These rules apply to both trains and subways.

Before boarding

Good manners begin on the platform, even before you board the train. It goes without saying: wait in line properly while you wait for your train to arrive.

At busier stations, it’s not uncommon for several lines to share the same platform.
In that case, you’ll see clearly marked colored lanes on the floor that indicate where to stand to make sure you don’t board the wrong train.

Quai de la gare de Tsuruhashi — Platform at Tsuruhashi Station
@Wikimedia Commons

Where should I sit?

Most trains in Japan have standard cars with open seating. However, there may be special cars or designated areas within them.

Depending on the type of train and the railway company, you may find cars with reserved seating or “green cars” ( first-class cars), which require a reservation. On subways, all cars have open seating; however, there are priority seating areas ( for people with limited mobility) and even cars reserved for women ( only during morning rush hour).

Be sure to board a car that corresponds to your ticket, and to leave the reserved spaces for those who need them.

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Behavior on Board

Once seated, please observe the following rules:

As in all public places, smoking is strictly prohibited in the train cars.
Avoid eating or drinking on board. It’s fine to take a sip of water or eat a piece of candy in the car, but avoid sandwiches and other snacks. Note that on the Shinkansen trains, it’s perfectly fine to have a meal on board, especially the famous ekiben—the bento boxes typical of train travel—which are sold at train stations.
Don’t take up too much space in your seat. Japanese trains can get crowded, so make sure you don’t take up too much room on the bench and don’t place your bags on adjacent seats.
Keep quiet. It’s not forbidden to talk on board, but be sure to keep your voice down so as not to disturb other passengers.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, do not make phone calls on the train. Similar to the previous point, speaking loudly on board is frowned upon, especially on the phone. Likewise, be sure to keep your phone on silent mode. Use headphones or earbuds if you want to listen to music.

Luggage

To save space, especially during peak hours, it’s considered good manners to use the overhead luggage racks above the seats. On some trains, particularly those connecting airports, there may be cars designed for transporting bulky luggage. Note that there are specific rules for the Shinkansen.

For smaller items, such as backpacks or carry-on bags, it is recommended that you carry them in front of you or keep them at your feet, especially during rush hour.