Rush Hour Trains

The morning commute rush from 7:30 to 9:00 AM is so crowded that your body can physically float.

What surprises many travelers in urban areas of Japan is the morning commuter rush. Especially in Tokyo and Osaka, stations and trains suddenly become packed between 7:30 and 9:00 AM, and you will actually experience the "ultra-crowded trains" that you might have seen on the news or social media. On major lines, you might see station staff pushing passengers inside to close the doors, which can be quite shocking for first-timers.

During peak hours, people are packed so tightly that it is difficult to move, and some travelers have even remarked that they felt as if their bodies were floating. Moving around with large suitcases or backpacks becomes even more challenging, so it is highly recommended for tourists to avoid the rush hour as much as possible.

Especially in the city center on weekdays, transfer stations and subways are extremely crowded. On the other hand, many lines become relatively quiet after 10:00 AM, so shifting your travel time slightly can make a huge difference in comfort. While Japan's railway system is incredibly convenient, the rush hour alone might feel like a completely different world.