Do not stop in the middle of a passageway
Even if you have looked up the information beforehand, such as where to buy the tickets, where to board, and routes, you may still be unable to find what you need when you’re actually there.
When such situations occur, do you come to a standstill suddenly, become engrossed in conversation with a friend, or walk while looking at your smartphone?
Stations near to sightseeing spots tend to be crowded all the time. If you do not pay attention to your surroundings, you may bump into someone and cause trouble.
Pedestrians have priority in the use of passageways. If you need to check something or talk to someone, move to the side of the passageway to ensure there is space for people to pass. Be especially careful when carrying large bags or suitcases, making sure that they do not block the passageway.
Using smartphones while walking
Stations are crowded places where many people come and go, with many rushing to catch trains. Becoming engrossed in your smartphone in such an environment can make you lose sight of what is in front of you, leading to collisions with others or stumbling, which can cause injuries. Colliding with small children or the elderly, in particular, can result in serious accidents.
On train platforms, proximity to the tracks also means that there is a risk of falling onto them. This can lead to serious accidents or even loss of life, so it is critical to refrain from doing so.
Moreover, using a smartphone while walking can slow you down, potentially blocking the path for people behind you. Since it is important to ensure smooth movement in a crowded station, an individual’s neglect or carelessness can inconvenience others and lead to trouble.
Dangerous Ways to Use Escalators
When riding an escalator, please use one step per person. If you have large bags or suitcases, place them on the step behind or in front of you, and hold them firmly to prevent them from falling. If bags fall while you are on an escalator, they could cause a serious accident and injure those around you, so please take extra care. Do not walk on an escalator; instead, stand still while riding. Walking on the moving steps can lead to accidents, such as losing your footing or bumping into the person in front of you.
It is also very important not to make noise on escalators. Sitting on the handrails or walking in the opposite direction can lead to accidents. Since there are people in a hurry, elderly individuals, and small children around, it is necessary to be careful so that everyone can use escalators safely. Additionally, long skirts, clothing with drawstrings, shoelaces, and similar items can get caught in the gaps of the escalator steps, so be sure to check them carefully before getting on.
When getting off an escalator, it is important to look ahead as you start walking smoothly off. Stopping at the exit point can block people behind you, which is dangerous.
How to buy a ticket
Buy tickets that cover the entire journey from your departure station to your destination station. While tickets can also be purchased online, this guide explains how to buy tickets using a ticket machine.
First, use a route map or other resources to check the name of the station you want to go to and the fare. Most ticket machines have a screen displaying buttons such as “Ticket” (きっぷ) or “Charge” (チャージ). To buy a ticket, select “Ticket” and tap the fare shown on screen for your destination. If you do not know how much the fare is, check a route map displayed nearby or ask a station attendant.
After paying, your ticket will be issued through the dispenser at the bottom of the machine. Change may also be dispensed at the same time, so do not forget to collect everything. Some ticket machines only accept cash, so it is best to prepare some cash beforehand.
When using ticket machines, keep in mind that there are often many people waiting behind you. If you become confused about how to use the machine, do not hesitate to ask a station attendant for help. Having discussions with friends while using the machine can sometimes block the machine next to you. This inconveniences others who want to use the machine, so be mindful of your surroundings.
You can also buy tickets online. For details, click here (link).
How to go through the ticket gates
The ticket gate is the entry point for boarding a train with your ticket or IC card. Before approaching the gate, be sure to have your ticket or IC card ready in your hand. Searching for it in your pocket or bag while walking can obstruct the people behind you.
If you are using a ticket, insert it into the slot at the entrance of the ticket gate. The ticket will pop out from the front, so be sure to take it before proceeding. If you forget to take your ticket, you may not be able to exit at your destination, so please be careful. If you are using an IC card, lightly touch your card to the blue area at the top of the ticket gate. Pressing down the card too hard or tapping multiple cards at the same time may cause the gate to not respond, so it is important to tap only one card firmly.
When passing through the ticket gates, avoid running or stopping abruptly. While the gates are designed to open automatically, you may collide with them if you do not time it right. Also, avoid playing around with your friends while passing through the ticket gates. This can be dangerous as it can cause the machine to malfunction or lead to collisions with others.
In Closing
Riding a train is exciting and feels like setting off on a little adventure, doesn’t it? To make your train journey even more enjoyable, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and adapt to the situation around you. Keep an eye out for others and act with consideration so that everyone feels comfortable. May your first Japanese train ride be a wonderful memory!
