Good and Bad Things about Trains in Tokyo | Prepare Your Travel!

Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines, which are operated by about a dozen different companies. The best way to get around Tokyo is by train and subway. There are two subway systems in Tokyo (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways). They're interlinked, so you don't have to worry much about this. But you should know the good and bad things about trains in Tokyo! Here are some of them!

THE GOODS 

#1 Orderly and Quite

Even at their busiest times, Tokyo stations remain fairly quiet and orderly. Commuters wait patiently in designated lines to board trains. While commuters are forced to stand in close proximity, they respect others’ personal space. You’ll also be struck by how quiet it is. It’s forbidden to talk on the phone—or do anything else that’ll disturb the peace.

#2 So Amazingly Clean

Tokyo railway stations and trains are always being cleaned. Staff regularly scrub stairs, handrails and escalators with disinfectant, and even manage to leave the bathrooms looking shiny and germ-free. Interestingly, you’ll rarely see a garbage bin in a Tokyo station, but there are never any wrappers or cans lying around either; commuters diligently take all their refuse with them.

#3 Always on Time

Tokyo trains are almost never late. Even a delay of a minute or two will result in profuse apologies from railway staff and get notes from them to be presented to your bosses, teachers, or lecturers. The train schedule is so consistent and predictable that people can literally set their watches to it.

#4 Always Up to Technology Innovation

Japan is known for embracing the latest technology. Japan’s stations and trains offer free WiFi, and commuters can download useful apps that make the complex network of trains, stations and different operators far easier to understand. Japan gives a convenient user experience when commuting by trains.

THE BADS 

#1 Everybody Are Doing It

Most Japanese or even expats are commuting by trains. Imagine 20 million commuters all crammed into a carriage made for 5 million in rush hours. The staff most likely will push the passengers so they can fit inside the trains. Also, most Japanese employers still oppose to the idea of flexible-time working, this rush hour madness still remains.

#2 Expect People in Bad Condition

Some people take care of themselves really well. But if the person pressed up next to you hasn’t showered, has body odors, or their breath is sour with stale alcohol, tobacco and garlicky gyōza from the previous night’s drinking, you will take extra effort and patience to survive the trip. You might want to anticipate these unavoidable situations in trains.

#3 The Existence of Pervert Men or Chikan (ちかん)

“Chikan” describes any male who molests females in public places. They’ll prey on women and girls on packed trains where groping their victims is easier and often goes unchallenged by unassertive Japanese females. Rail operators take chikan very seriously. But difficulty in identifying offenders in rush hour crowds has led many operators to provide women-only carriages, available at times determined by the operators, usually rush hour. If you’re a female working in Japan, check to see what is available in your area.

Have you seen passengers in Japan being pushed forcefully inside the trains? Or have you experienced it yourself? Do you have any unique experiences in riding trains? Mention in the comment section!