So, you’ve booked your dream trip to Japan. You’re ready to dive into the bustling streets of Tokyo, explore Kyoto’s ancient temples, and—of course—experience the legendary Japanese train system.

It’s sleek, efficient, and unbelievably punctual. You’ve seen the videos of station staff pushing passengers into packed rush-hour trains with precision. You’ve heard about the ultra-clean bullet trains that zoom at 320 km/h. And now, you’re about to experience it all firsthand.

But before you get too comfortable on that subway seat, you might want to ask yourself:

Am I being an annoying tourist?

Because, my friend, a LOT of locals think so.

Every year, the Japan Private Railway Association conducts a survey to find out what annoys Japanese commuters the most when using trains and stations. And we’re not talking about a small sample size—this year, over 5,300 people chimed in to share their biggest pet peeves.

Usually, the survey focuses on general bad behavior—people talking too loudly, taking up too much space, eating smelly food. But this year, they did something different. With the recent explosion of inbound tourism, they added a special section asking commuters how they feel about foreign tourists on the train.

And the verdict? 62.9% of respondents said they’ve been annoyed by foreign visitors on trains.

That’s right—over three out of five people surveyed have had not-so-great experiences with tourists on public transport.

Yikes.

What exactly are tourists doing to get on Japan’s nerves? And more importantly, how can you avoid being “that tourist”? Let’s break it down.

The Top 3 Ways Tourists Annoy Locals on Trains

1. Talking Too Loudly (51.8%)

This one should come as no surprise. If you’ve been on a Japanese train, you’ve probably noticed something: it’s eerily quiet. No one’s blasting music from their phone, no one’s arguing on a call, and no one’s animatedly recounting last night’s bar crawl at 8 AM.

For many Japanese commuters, trains are a peaceful space. A place to decompress, listen to music (on low volume, obviously), scroll their phone, or even catch a quick nap. So when a group of tourists laughs loudly, shouts across the train, or excitedly discusses their itinerary at full volume, it sticks out—and not in a good way.

Japan isn’t saying “don’t talk at all,” but lower the volume. Keep your conversations short, quiet, and considerate. You’ll blend in much better, and people will appreciate it.

Oh, and phone calls? Absolutely not. Unlike in some countries where people casually chat on the train, in Japan, taking calls on public transport is a big no-no. If you must answer an urgent call, cover your mouth, whisper, and keep it short—or, better yet, wait until you get off the train.

2. Luggage Chaos (37.1%)

Ever tried squeezing into a Tokyo subway during rush hour? Every inch of space counts. The last thing anyone needs is a giant suitcase blocking the doors or a backpack knocking people over with every movement.

Here’s something you might notice: Japanese commuters always hold their backpacks in front of them. This isn’t just a random quirk—it’s done out of courtesy to avoid bumping into people in tight spaces.

If you’re carrying a big suitcase, don’t park it in front of the train doors. Move it to the side, keep it by your legs, and if you’re on a long-distance train (like the Shinkansen), use the designated luggage storage areas.

Rush-hour trains in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities are not designed for large luggage. If you’re traveling with massive suitcases, consider using Japan’s excellent luggage delivery service, which allows you to ship your bags ahead to your next hotel for a small fee. Trust me—it’ll make your train rides (and your life) so much easier.

3. Blocking the Flow of Traffic (24.8%)

Japanese train stations operate like a well-oiled machine—until a group of lost tourists suddenly stops dead in the middle of a busy walkway to check Google Maps.

I get it—Japan’s train system is confusing as hell if you’re not used to it. But stopping abruptly in the middle of a busy station is a one-way ticket to frustrating the locals. If you need to check your phone, step to the side. Don’t block pathways, don’t stand in front of ticket gates, and for the love of all things efficient, don’t stop at the top of an escalator.

Speaking of escalators—did you know the rule changes depending on the city? In Tokyo, you stand on the left and walk on the right. But in Osaka, it’s the opposite—stand on the right, walk on the left.

Train doors are not a place to linger either. When the train arrives, step to the side and let people exit first. Trying to push in before people have gotten off? That’s a guaranteed way to get side-eyed by every local on board.

How to Ride the Train Like a Pro (And Not Annoy Anyone in the Process)

Now that we’ve established what not to do, let’s talk about how to actually blend in and ride Japanese trains like a seasoned local.

Keep Your Voice Down

The number one rule of Japanese train etiquette is “shhh”. Trains aren’t social spaces the way they are in some other countries. Keep your voice low, and if you’re in a group, try to keep conversations short and quiet.

And phone calls? A huge no-no. If you must take an urgent call, whisper, cover your mouth, and keep it as short as humanly possible—or better yet, wait until you exit the train.

Respect the Luggage Etiquette

If you’re traveling with a backpack, take a cue from the locals and hold it in front of you when the train is crowded. If you have a suitcase, don’t leave it in the way—keep it against your legs or use the storage racks on long-distance trains.

And whatever you do, don’t block the train doors. People need to get in and out quickly, and nothing frustrates a commuter more than a suitcase roadblock.

Master the Art of Boarding & Exiting

Unlike in many countries where people rush the doors as soon as the train arrives, Japan has a system.

1. Line up in an orderly fashion at the designated spots on the platform (yes, there are actual marked lines for this).
2. When the train arrives, step to the side to let people exit first—always.
3. Only enter once the last person has stepped out, and do so quickly and efficiently.

If you hesitate, take forever to board, or (worst of all) try to push in before people have exited, you’re guaranteed to get some disapproving side-eye from the locals.

Don’t Eat, Drink, or Litter

While eating on bullet trains (Shinkansen) is totally fine, eating on regular commuter trains? Not so much.

Japanese train etiquette discourages eating or drinking in crowded trains, mainly because smells travel fast in enclosed spaces. No one wants to smell your egg salad sandwich at 8 AM.

And as for litter? There are almost no trash cans in Japanese stations, so if you have a snack or drink, be prepared to carry your trash with you until you find a bin (which might take a while).

Whatever You Do—Don’t Sit on the Floor

You’re tired. You’ve been walking all day. You just need a second to rest.

I get it.

But no matter how exhausted you are, never sit on the train floor. It’s seen as unhygienic, inconsiderate, and just generally not something adults do in Japan.

Be the Tourist People Appreciate, Not the One They Tolerate

Japan is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean visitors shouldn’t make an effort to follow local customs. Japanese train manners might seem strict, but they exist for a reason—to keep the public transit system efficient, comfortable, and pleasant for everyone.

So next time you step onto a train in Japan, think twice before chatting loudly, blocking a door, or sprawling out across a seat. A little effort goes a long way in making sure your visit is a positive experience for both you and the locals around you.

And hey—if you follow these tips, you just might be mistaken for a local. 😉

Now go forth and ride the rails like a pro. 🚆✨