Are Japanese trains always crowded?


Are Japanese trains always crowded? Morning rush hour is from around 7 to 9AM and the rush home usually starts around 6PM and lasts for a few hours. Because the trains are so convenient in Japan, it may be hard for some travelers to avoid crowded times.


What not to do on a train in Japan?

Here are 10 do's and don'ts while on the train in Japan.
  • Don't take up too much space. ...
  • Keep it quiet. ...
  • Put your phone on mute. ...
  • Priority seats. ...
  • Get on the train in turn & don't rush onto the train. ...
  • Don't eat and drink. ...
  • Don't litter. ...
  • Don't do your makeup.


Why are Shinkansen so safe?

The ATC system prevents high-speed passenger train-on-train collisions and excessive speeds. The advanced ATC system exercises complete control over the entire dedicated track and every operating train, preventing train-on-train collisions and excessive speed.


What is train etiquette in Japan?

While on the train, your phone should be on silent mode and you should avoid making or receiving phone calls. Keep conversations to a minimum. Much like phone etiquette, if you are riding with friends, family, or coworkers, you can typically talk but do so quietly. Don't eat or drink.


What happens if I miss my Shinkansen reservation?

I'm using JR pass and reserved seats, what if I were to miss the train, can I change to the next train on the spot? Hi there, If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat.


What is peak hour in Japan?

Especially when visiting large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, you will want to avoid traveling during rush hour. Throughout Japan, rush hour typically lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening.


Is it OK to eat in train Japan?

There is a custom in Japan where most people do not eat food outside other than when in restaurants. However, when using the bullet train or the green car, you are permitted to eat food. Normal trains and people commuting using said trains do not permit the consumption of food whilst riding the train.


What if I miss my train Japan?

If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat. If the availability allows it, then you may get a new reserved seat.


Does the Shinkansen sell out?

Do Shinkansen tickets sell out? Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked. In this case, it may be possible to ride with a non-reserved seat ticket, if you are willing to stand for the entire journey!


Do Shinkansen seats turn around?

All seats on shinkansen trains can be turned by 180 degrees, allowing travelers to always face forward. The seats are turned by the staff at the terminal stations, but can also be turned by passengers, for example, to create a group of four or six seats facing each other.


What part of a train is least crowded?

In the AM peak it's the 2nd and 3rd carriages; in the PM peak it's the 3rd and 4th. In both, on average the last carriage is the least crowded. Obviously this will vary line-by-line, and even service-by-service.


Is it rude to talk on Shinkansen?

Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviors on trains in Japan. Don't talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode.


Why are people quiet on trains in Japan?

While you may be accustomed to chatting with your traveling companions while using public transportation, this is not the norm in Japan. Loud chatter or other disturbance is considered rude. You may notice that most Japanese train passengers stand or sit in silence. If you must converse, try to do so quietly.


Can I ride Shinkansen without reservation?

Even the Shinkansen (bullet trains) are equipped with several non-reserved seats cars that you can ride with your JR Pass, without booking ticket. However, it is recommended to book a seat in the Shinkansen when traveling during Japan's national holiday's periods.