🚆 Public Travel
In Japan, a highly populated society, order and tranquility in public spaces are maintained through a set of internalized behavioral norms. The fundamental principle is 'not to cause trouble for others' (meiwaku wo kakenai).
Public Transportation Rules
Queue for Boarding: Consciously queue behind the marked line on the platform, observing the 'let passengers off first' rule.
Keep Quiet: Loud conversations in train cars are considered extremely impolite.
No Phone Calls: Set mobile phones to silent; phone calls are strictly prohibited in train cars.
Priority Seats: Reserved for the elderly, infirm, pregnant, and those with disabilities; young people should avoid occupying them.
Turn Off Phones Near Priority Seats: In crowded situations, turn off mobile phones near priority seats to avoid interfering with medical devices.
Backpack Management: In crowded spaces, take off backpacks and hold them in your hand or wear them on your chest.
No Eating/Drinking: Impolite to eat or drink on commuter trains and buses.
Women-Only Cars: Designated during peak hours to prevent harassment; men should not enter.
Taxi Seating: The seat directly behind the driver is the most honored seat; the front passenger seat is the least honored.
Bicycle Rules: Treated as vehicles; must ride on the left side of the road; no drunk cycling or riding side-by-side.