Quiet Public Transportation

Phone Calls Are Discouraged and Quiet Voices Are Considered Good Manners on Trains

You may be surprised by how quiet trains and buses are in Japan.

Many people use public transportation for commuting to work or school,
and staying quiet during the ride is considered common etiquette.

Announcements inside trains often ask passengers to avoid phone calls,
and even when people are talking together, most speak in very low voices.

Especially during the morning and evening rush hours,
many passengers are tired or spending the time quietly reading or using their smartphones.

Because of this,
loud conversations or audio leaking from videos and music
can disturb people nearby.

If you use earphones or headphones,
keeping the volume low is appreciated as well.

That said, there is no need to feel overly nervous.
Talking with friends or family is perfectly fine
as long as you are mindful of the people around you.

If you are unsure,
simply observing the behavior of nearby passengers
will help you naturally blend into the atmosphere of Japanese public transportation.

Sharing a quiet and comfortable space together
is one of the characteristics of public transportation in Japan.

Please relax and enjoy traveling around Japan safely and comfortably.