Trains are a great way to see the scenery of Japan, but they can quite often be busy and crowded, especially in urban areas. Bear in mind these guidelines to make travelling by train as stress-free as possible, both for you and your fellow passengers.

Many of the guidelines for travelling by local train are the same as for travelling by Shinkansen, but there are a few differences. These are what you should be aware of:

• Take as little luggage as possible, especially if your journey involves a change of trains. Especially especially if you only have a few minutes to change. If you have large suitcases, consider sending them by takkyubin.
• On the train, put your luggage on the luggage rack or hold it on your lap. Don’t put it on the seats.
• Try not to take a four-person berth with only two people or one person.
• Don’t use the priority seats if there are other seats available. (The priority seats are normally at one end of the carriage, and they have notices prominently displayed.)
• If you do sit in the priority seats and someone who needs them gets on the train, give up your seat to them.
• Make sure you get ready to get off in plenty of time to be able to leave the train. Most services don’t stop for more than a few seconds really. If you start getting your luggage ready once the train arrives at the station, in all likelihood you won’t have time to get off.
• If you’re sitting on a bench seat (one of the long ones along the side of the carriage), refrain as much as possible from eating or drinking.
• This should go without saying, but don’t put your feet on the seats. This is especially frowned upon if you’re wearing shoes.
• Don’t be too loud. It’s okay to speak while on the train, but try to do so in a low voice. Don’t be too raucous: ideally, the people in the seats behind you shouldn’t be able to hear enough of your conversation to be able to follow along.
• Put your phone on silent mode while you’re on the train, and refrain from making or taking calls.
• Don’t stand near the doors, or if you have no alternative, make sure you move to let people on or off at stations.

Does this sound overly strict? Don’t worry: it’s basically just manners and common sense.

Do you have any more guidelines to add? Please let me know in the comments!