Japan Train Etiquette for Tourists - 12 Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know

Why Train Etiquette Matters in Japan

Unless you’ve been living under a really big rock, you’d know that trains are huge in Japan.

Big or small, bullet-speed fast or slow and scenic, locomotives are a major part of everyday life here.

And everyone loves them—for good reason. They’re quiet, punctual, and surprisingly calm (even when packed, which is the most impressive part).

That’s no accident. People go out of their way to avoid disturbing others.

Bothering someone? That’s practically a social sin. And that says a lot about the Japanese mentality and behaviour.

If you’re new to Japan, there are a few unspoken rules that many tourists wish they’d known before boarding a train.

So if you’re visiting anytime soon, here are some must-know Japan train etiquette tips to help you fit in—and have a much smoother ride.

The Basics – Do’s and Don’ts on Japanese Trains

A quick search through some of YouTuber Takashii from Japan’s videos and you’ll find him interviewing locals about the etiquette they wish tourists knew before visiting.

If you’ve ever wondered how to behave in Japan on trains, here are a few simple rules to keep in mind:

✅ Do:

1) It’s a no-brainer, but always queue where the platform markings show. And please, be considerate—let people off before you get on. A quick “sumimasen” (excuse me) helps if you accidentally bump into someone, especially in crowded stations.

2) Keep things quiet. Put your phone on silent and save phone calls for later. If it’s urgent, speak softly and step off at the next stop for privacy.

3) Be kind. Offer your seat to someone who needs it. Like in Singapore and Korea, Japanese trains have priority seats (usually near the doors) for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled.

❌ Don’t:

4) Don’t block the doors or push ahead. Everyone’s short on space, but rushing in won’t win you points. Door-blockers rank high among the pet peeves of Japanese commuters.

5) Avoid eating or drinking on crowded local trains. It really depends on the ride—eating an ekiben is perfectly fine on the shinkansen, but not on short subway rides.

6) Don’t talk loudly or play music out loud. Even sound leaking from older wired earphones can be frowned upon. Just keep it chill—bad manners in Japan don’t go unnoticed.

What Not to Do While on the Train (Common Mistakes)

Even respectful travellers slip up. Here’s what to avoid:

7) Backpacks: If you are carrying a backpack, don’t wear them on your back in tight spaces. Hold them in front or place it on the floor by your feet—bag bumping is a common annoyance on trains in Japan.

8) Big suitcases: Dragging giant luggage onto a packed train is unpleasant for everyone. If you’ve got the budget, use a delivery service. Otherwise, travel off-peak. For bullet trains, we’ll cover the new luggage rules below.

9) Copying others: Just because a local is bending the rules doesn’t mean you should. Most won’t call you out and it might be easy to get away with things—but that doesn’t make it okay.

10) Strong smells: Go easy on perfume and pungent food. If you’ve been hiking all day, a quick freshen-up before boarding goes a long way. Remember: you’re a guest here—Japan isn’t your personal Disneyland (save your fun for Tokyo’s version of it).

11) Taking over space: One of the key points in Japanese train etiquette is to avoid dominating shared space. No feet on seats, no sitting or lying on the floor (seriously uncouth), and no applying makeup. It’s a public area—stay mindful of that.

12) Overpowering fragrances: Speaking of space, heavy cologne that feels like a “shower in a bottle” is a no. Same goes for sweat—freshen up at the station if you’ve been active all day. Nobody wants to share a carriage with a personal scent cloud.

Train Etiquette in Japan: Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking in public isn’t illegal in Japan—but it’s often considered rude.

So… can you eat on Japanese trains? And what about at the station?

Well, it depends. Here's a quick breakdown:

Remember: eating on the wrong train is definitely one of those things you can’t do in Japan without drawing stares.

No matter where you are, clean up after yourself. It’s just good manners. You’ve probably seen those viral clips of Japanese football fans tidying up after a World Cup match—that considerate mindset applies everywhere.

And yes, there are very few public bins in the country even in stations (a constant mystery to travellers), so bring a small trash bag just in case.

You might spot a salaryman quietly sipping a beer on a long train ride. But if you’re a tourist, it’s better to skip the alcohol. Stick with water or tea and keep it low-key. Last thing you want is to end up drunk, loud, and inconsiderate in public.

Shinkansen Tips for Luggage

Special rules apply on the shinkansen: Bullet trains have space for medium-sized suitcases in the overhead racks.

Got a bigger bag? That usually goes behind the last row of seats.

If your luggage is over 160 cm in total size, you’ll need to book an oversized baggage seat (typically at the back of the car), or you could be charged a 1,000 yen (around USD 7) fee.

Not sure how that works? No stress—we’ve got a simple guide on how to make a JR Pass reservation to walk you through it.

Update for summer 2025: Starting July 1, 2025, JR Central and JR West are trialling a new system where you won’t need to reserve an oversized baggage seat in advance. Instead, you can just place your large suitcase in a shared storage space on board—no fee or booking required. Until then, the reservation system still applies, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re travelling with a 28-inch suitcase or something similarly large.

By the way, if you haven’t picked up your pass yet, start here: our tips on where to buy the JR Pass make it super straightforward.

And if you're ready to ride, book your JR Pass in advance to save time, money, and hassle while travelling across Japan.

Train Posters – Artful Reminders of Etiquette

Did you know Japanese trains have some of the cutest posters (in true kawaii fashion) to remind everyone of proper customs and manners?

Don’t worry about missing them—you’ll spot them everywhere, from platform walls to train doors.

And they’re stylish too, ranging from adorable mascots to posters inspired by ukiyo-e, Japan’s traditional woodblock prints.

Think quirky cartoons, iconic art, and playful characters all gently nudging passengers to follow subway manners and be polite.

Tourist Behaviour Beyond the Train Station

Good etiquette in Japan doesn’t stop once you step off the train—it carries into daily life. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're out and about:

• Walk with awareness. Stick to the correct side on sidewalks and escalators—left in Tokyo, right in Osaka. Avoid stopping suddenly in busy areas. Blocking others isn't a good example of how to act in Japan. Need to check your phone or map? Step aside first.

• Don’t litter. Public bins are rare, so carry a small bag for your trash until you find a proper bin (usually near vending machines or convenience stores). This is essential Japanese manners for tourists.

• Respect personal space. Public displays of affection are uncommon, and it’s polite to keep interactions low-key. Avoid photographing people without permission, even in touristy spots—it’s just basic courtesy. Don’t be inconsiderate and try to snap a “special” shot, especially if they’re in traditional attire like a kimono. There are even fines now for unauthorised photography of geisha in Kyoto (10,000 yen, mind you), so take note. Ultimately, you wouldn't want someone shoving a massive lens in your face, would you? When in doubt, always ask—it shows respect and goes a long way in making genuine cultural connections.

• Follow social cues. A simple “sumimasen” (excuse me) when brushing past someone or a slight bow when receiving help goes a long way. These small gestures are a big part of everyday respect, and they’re a great example of how to behave like any polite Japanese person would.

Final Thoughts on Japanese Manners and Etiquette

Whether you’re waiting on the platform, squeezing through ticket gates, or riding long distance trains, one thing stays the same: how to be respectful in Japan comes down to being thoughtful, quiet, and observant.

The train network here is one of the best in the world—efficient, clean, and incredibly well-mannered.

But that doesn’t just happen by magic.

It’s a shared effort, from knowing where to stand in front of the yellow line, to stepping aside if the train is crowded, or using the phone in a considerate manner.

Tip: Don’t forget—if you have an IC card, it’ll make tapping in and out at ticket gates way easier (especially during rush hour at busy train stations and railway stations).

Whether you’re in priority seating, the women only car, or just figuring out how to act in Japan, the rules are pretty simple.

Do not take up too much space, don’t eat messy food on a train, and never rush the doors if the train is pulling in.

These little things might seem small.

But they’re part of a bigger picture of Japanese customs and manners that locals really value.

And once you understand the flow—whether you’re catching a bullet train, or checking articles to figure out places to visit—it is so much easier to blend in and enjoy the ride.

Respect the space, take the train in Japan like a local, and you’ll be welcomed with quiet appreciation all along the way.