Quietness Etiquette Guide for Public Transportation in Japan

Guide to Quiet Etiquette on Public Transportation in Japan

In Japan’s public transportation systems such as trains and buses, a quiet and calm atmosphere is widely maintained.
This environment is supported by the awareness and consideration of each individual passenger.
Here, we introduce the basic rules for using public transportation comfortably, as well as awareness-raising activities by railway companies.

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Basic Etiquette

• Keep conversations to a minimum
  Avoid speaking loudly; keep conversations soft and brief.

• Limit phone use
  JR East requests: “Please turn off your mobile phone near priority seats, and in other areas set it to silent mode and refrain from making calls.”
  Reference: JR East — About Mobile Phone Etiquette (FAQ)

• Be mindful of sound leakage
  When listening to music or watching videos, always use earphones and ensure that sound does not leak out.

• How to place your luggage
  Place your belongings on the overhead rack or at your feet so they do not block seats or aisles.
  Reference: JR East — Etiquette Guide (PDF)

• Food and drink etiquette
  Eating and drinking are not prohibited by rules, but smells, noise, and spills can disturb others.
  Explanation: VAGUE — Is eating and drinking on the train a “violation”?

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Awareness Activities by Railway Companies

• Tokyo Metro’s Manners Posters
  For fiscal year 2025, the slogan is “Good manners anytime, for everyone!” Posters address issues such as rushing onto trains and walking while using smartphones.
  Tokyo Metro Official News Release

• JR East’s initiatives
  They promote better etiquette through announcements and posters inside trains.
  JR East FAQ: About Train Etiquette

• Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation’s activities
  Toei Transportation provides easy-to-understand guidance on issues such as mobile phone use near priority seats, how to carry luggage, and preventing sound leakage.
  Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau — Manners Guide

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Summary

To help maintain quiet and comfortable public transportation, keep the following points in mind:

• Keep conversations and phone calls to a minimum
• Use earphones and avoid sound leakage
• Place luggage so it does not bother others
• Pay attention to etiquette campaigns by railway companies and public agencies

Your small act of consideration contributes to comfort and peace of mind for everyone.
Please follow quietness etiquette when using public transportation.