The crowds in Japan can be nothing short of intimidating. This country has its own unique way of handling crowds, which is very different from the U.S. At first, I found myself a bit lost and perplexed when it came to crowds, but over time, I’ve become more confident in my ability to navigate them.
Riding the Train
I love riding the trains in Japan, but they can become extremely crowded. So many people rely on the trains every single day, so it’s only natural that sometimes they fill up. There are a few things to watch out for with the trains, so keep them in mind when you ride them.
Trains are fun, but they get very full. A train with lots of room is a rare treat.Rush Hours
Typically, trains are the most packed in the morning and in the evenings due to everyone going to and coming back from work or school. So if it doesn’t matter too much, try to pick times that will be less busy. Other things to keep in mind are events and holidays, which will make the trains much more packed. During rush hours, there are typically women-only cars on trains marked with pink signs. For ladies this is a great option to feel safer. This is also important for guys to avoid entering during rush hours. Naturally, women are allowed to ride in whatever car they want, but it can be safer to ride in a women’s only car when so many people are tightly packed together.
Noise Levels
When Americans think of busy places, such as a packed train, they probably think of them as very loud. However, in Japan, you want to be very quiet on the train. Although there will probably not be any repercussions for being loud on a train, it’s best to keep it quiet. Only talk to friends in a whisper, keep your phone on silent, and don’t talk on the phone while you ride. The most angry looks I’ve witnessed since being in Japan were from fellow passengers glaring at a Japanese man who loudly answered his phone on a train ride.
Bags and Backpacks
When the train is busy, wear your backpack on the front. At first it might seem weird and feel like you’re carrying a child, but trust me, it improves life for everyone else on the train. Also, when you have a large bag or suitcase, put it on the floor between your legs if you can. If not, you may want to put it on one of the luggage racks above the seats. The goal is to leave as much room as possible for people to stand on the train. Try to make yourself as small as possible while also being able to see your possessions.
Lines
In America, nobody likes to wait. We want everything instantly, so we have no patience for lines. In Japan, however, lines are pretty common and typically very efficient. Don’t let a few long lines stop you from doing what you want. Instead, wait patiently, get out your phone or a book, or maybe talk to a friend. What you should not do, on the other hand, is complain, cut in line, sit on the ground, or in any other way make the line unpleasant for others.
Most train stations have clearly marked lines to wait for the train. Some lines are for priority seating for those who need to sit, so pay attention to where you stand.Tourist Spots
At most tourist spots, such as the Hachiko Statue or perhaps Takeshita Street or Senso-ji Temple, there are massive crowds. Tourists tend to be from all over; sometimes, it is hard to tell who is doing the right thing and who is a bad example. So here are some pointers to being a respectful sightseer.
Don’t sit on the ground or stairs in public places. Not only is this annoying because it is in the way and blocks people, it’s also at best unsanitary and at worst very disrespectful in some areas. Instead, find places that are designated for people to sit. There tend to be quite a few public benches and areas to relax. Find a place to take a break where you won’t inconvenience anyone.
Taking Photos In Tourist Spots
Try not to bother anyone with taking photos or videos, and don’t take pictures of people without permission. You may want the perfect shot of you lined up with a special landmark, but if you have to be in the way to do it, you might want to reconsider where to take a photo. Often, like at the Hachiko Statue in Shibuya, there is a clearly defined line to go take a picture. But other times, like the Takeshita Street sign in Harajuku, it’s just an entryway that people are trying to use. Don’t block people in public spaces or make a nuisance of yourself. It may be a fun picture, but a fun picture isn’t worth ruining people’s days.
This is a very popular spot. You probably won’t be able to take a perfectly framed picture, but a snapshot is just fine for memories!Focus on People you KNow
When taking pictures, try to avoid taking pictures of people you don’t know. In crowded places, it may be hard to avoid the occasional person slipping into the frame. In spite of that, please try to value the privacy of other people and keep your pictures focused on people you do know or the places you’re visiting. Additionally, try not to post pictures online of people you don’t know. It may seem like something that no one cares about, but it is a way to be respectful. It’s always best to seek out places where no one else is taking very many pictures. Not only will you be more thoughtful of others, you may also find that your pictures are more unique when you go to less crowded areas.
Watch for Rules About Picture-Taking
Another thing to note when taking pictures is that it is not allowed everywhere. Most places don’t have many rules about taking pictures, but often museums or special stores won’t allow you to take pictures in some areas. Always look for signs that indicate if it’s okay or not. When in doubt, ask! Usually, pantomiming will get you the answer you’re looking for, but “daijoubu desu ka?” is a helpful phrase in general. Essentially, it means, “is it okay?” If you want to make it specific to pictures, ask, “shashin wa daijoubu desu ka?”
When you want the perfect picture, think outside the box! Renting a paddle boat was a great way for me and my friends to get pictures.Escalators
Escalators are much more common in Japan than in America. I was shocked when I walked into a building on campus and found escalators in the building. All the escalators are super convenient, but there are a few things to know. When you are on an escalator in Japan, typically everyone stands to one side (left around Tokyo, right around Osaka) so that if anyone is in a hurry and needs to walk up the escalator, they can. Yet, in some cases, there are signs that indicate that you should not walk on the escalator. In those cases, it is better if everyone stands side by side.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, most Japanese people are very understanding, so don’t get too scared of making mistakes. Not only that, but every situation is unique, so just stay alert and go with the crowd as much as possible. Just make sure that you are being as respectful as possible of other people’s space and time, and you should be fine no matter where you go.
Christie Hicks, Olivet Nazarene University, is studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, with TEAN.
