Train/bus travel in JP

Train - Essential rules of thumb

* Try to always hold on strap/bar due to possible train abrupt trembling

* Aware of stepping on others' skirt as walking on stairs

* Avoid walking on escalators as much as possible, if you must, always go on the right side (except Osaka/Kansai maybe, where folks stand on the right, walk on the left)

* Wear bag on your chest, not your back inside the train Or Holding it by hands

-> To minimize consumed space

* (On the platform) DO NOT stand, walk too close to the rail, especially when trains arrive or pass by!

* Same line, NOT all trains stop at the same stations (during the day vs late night) + NOT all trains reach the same final station!

* Normally go on the left, either on flat paths, or stairs BUT some can give inverse instructions, for which always keep looking out!

Get on trains

* Which train line

* Which platform

* Which direction, final destination

* Which gosha, car train for optimal exit or transit between lines

Get off trains

* Left or right

* Which gate

* Which exit

To be updated...

Night train

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/night-trains-sunrise-express

https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/sunrise-seto.html

Shinkansen

https://www.japan-bullettrain.com

Bus

* とまる / とまります button (Stop)

Inside the bus, notice the red button (on poles) named とまる / とまります (Tomarimasu, meaning Stop) in case you want to get off at the very next stop (so the driver will open the door, otherwise, it may not like just stop shortly then go on)

Cards

SUICA, ICOCA, SUGOCA, etc. cards can be purchased at any station.

Note: Only Suica cards having name printed on the card can be registered to Mobile Suica app.

Mobile Apps

* JR

https://www.jreast-app.jp

* JRE Point

https://www.jrepoint.jp/point/app

* Mobile Suica

Android: https://www.jreast.co.jp/mobilesuica

iOS: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/welcomesuicamobile

* Others

https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/smtapps

Refs

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2230.html

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/japan-train-etiquette

https://japan-bullettrain.com

https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/traveling-by-rail

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

https://japanrailpass.net/en

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/japanese-trains

Japan - Travel gdoc