Left-Side Traffic

Pedestrians and Escalators Have Unspoken Rules

While traveling in Japan,
you may sometimes feel confused by certain uniquely Japanese customs and rules.

In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road,
and pedestrians also naturally tend to follow a left-right flow in hallways, walkways, and staircases.

Escalators in particular have regional customs depending on the area.
In Tokyo, it is common to stand on the left side and leave the right side open for people in a hurry.

On the other hand, in Osaka, many people do the opposite and stand on the right side.

However, if this is your first time visiting Japan,
there is no need to memorize every small rule.

The easiest approach is simply to follow the person in front of you.

By observing the flow of people around you and moving in the same way,
you will naturally adapt to the local manners and atmosphere.

In Japan,
people place great importance on lining up properly and being considerate of others,
so as long as you stay calm and avoid rushing, you will be perfectly fine.

Also, in recent years, for safety reasons,
you may increasingly see signs saying:
"Please stand still and do not walk on escalators."

The atmosphere and customs may vary depending on the region or location,
but by following the people around you, you can comfortably and safely enjoy getting around Japan.