Japan - See What I Saw

TRAINS

Trains/subways run pretty much anywhere you wish to go. They are reasonably priced, safe, clean, fast, and very much on schedule. Being a fundamental part of Japanese life as the primary means of transportation, when you are reading home/apartment real estate listings, they always list the walking time to the nearest train station.

Nishi (West) Yokohama Station

As an example, a train ride from Tennocho Station to Yokohama Station takes about 12 minutes to go 3.9 km (about 2.4 miles) and cost 150 Yen (about $1.50).

Train Ticket Machine

STAIRS! Man, they have some heart pumping stairs! Most train station visits require ascending/descending stairs, sometimes multiple times. As often as not the stairs are quite steep. If you’re not in fair physical shape you will be (that or dead from over exertion). Quite often you are caught in the middle of a mass of humanity, and they are moving FAST and you will be somewhat forced with the flow. Watch your step and keep up so as not to impede the flow. That or look for the nearest elevator or escalator, which is not always available.

Stair Machine... you don't need no machine here!

Most, not all, train stations have signage indicating in English what station you’re at, what was the previous station, and what is the next station down the line. Knowing this can be a big help in making sure you’re on the correct platform going in the desired direction.

Where your going, where you are and where you were

The train schedules are clearly posted at each station and platform. Understanding the basic schedule is easy. Understanding the exceptions is another thing. Often your ride will include a transfer. There is also the Express trains that don’t stop at every station and you could end up stuck on a train that goes well beyond your intended destination.

Okay, red arrow is where I am... now what?

Train entering Wadamachi Station

Riding the trains includes knowing proper etiquette, that includes:

When riding the escalators at a train station two single file lines form, you do NOT remain next to another individual and ride in tandem. Those opting for the left, remain to the left and remain in place, ensuring they do not impede those passing on the right. Those opting for the right, keep moving, walking up/down passing those on the left and NOT impeding the line.
When the doors of the train open, those getting off go first, those waiting to get on step aside and wait for those getting off.
Any chit-chat/discussion take place in a very low voice
If you’re wearing a backpack, take it off and hold onto it with your hands

Narrow train aisles not conducive to backpacks

At the back and front of each car is designated seating for the elderly, disabled, etc., with signs clearly marking them along with a statement to give up the seat to those in need (oddly, to me, this is pretty much ignored and usually first come/first served is what I’ve seen)
Making room for others. During the rush hours, the trains can get pretty packed. Don’t think you can maintain your ‘personal space’, it won’t happen.
Also during rush hour, certain cars are reserved for women ONLY. Due to the masses of humanity being packed into very confined space it is not uncommon to be ‘nut-to-butt’ with fellow passengers. Because of this there is accidental (and probably a fair amount of intentional) touching of body areas that most will not desire… thus the Women Only cars.

The signage is the only way to know if its a Women Only car

Using your cellphone, just about everyone on the train will have their cellphone out but:

Have your phone on silent/vibrate mode (I’ve NEVER heard a phone ring while on a train)
No, zero, nada, talking on your cell phone while on the train (~~I’ve NEVER heard someone talk on their cell while on a train~~) (To date, I've only heard two people talking on a phone while on a train)

GREEN CAR - Another thing when you get in line at the train platform is the markings for the “Green Car”. The Green Car is a special, double deck, reserved seating car. After paying the initial fee, once on the platform, if available, you can purchase a reserved seat for specifically designated cars offered by some train lines. Avoid these cars, unless you did in fact pay the additional fee.

Green Car

The other day, getting on a packed train, just after finding a convenient place to stand, an elderly lady, seated next to where I stood… she must have been in her 80’s, looked up at me, rose, and offered me her seat(?)! What the heck? Did I really look infirm, sick, OLD? My wife cracked a big smile, as I politely thanked (inwardly cursed) the nice little old lady.