Trains in Japan: Shinkansen, Oshiya and curiosities

Every year, people in Japan travel more than 260 billion kilometers by train. By comparison, Americans travel only about 10 billion kilometers per year, even though the country is larger and has a bigger population. In this article, we will look at a few curiosities about trains in Japan.

Japan has more than 20,000 km of railway lines, and the train is one of the easiest ways to get around the country. Trains have shaped Japanese culture in many ways and have also improved daily life in Japan.

Did you know? At train stations in Japan, there are stamps to collect. Click to learn more...

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Benefits of using trains in Japan

Trains in Japan are used more than cars because they are far more practical and bring many benefits, such as:

Health - You usually have to walk to the station;
Lower costs - Many companies cover commuting expenses with a transit pass;
Safety - There is no risk of a car hitting you;
Punctuality - Trains in Japan are extremely punctual, and even short delays are taken seriously;
No traffic jams - You do not have to deal with road congestion;
Professional service - Customer service is a priority, stations are organized, and staff are usually in uniform;
Nightlife - Trains make a night out much easier;
Reading and studying - On trains, you can read, study, and even sleep;
City views - The ride is often much more pleasant;
Environment - Trains pollute less and use less energy than cars;
Long-distance travel - You can cross large parts of the country in just a few hours;

Shinkansen - Bullet train in Japan

The famous bullet train, called Shinkansen [新幹線] in Japanese, is one of the fastest and safest means of transportation in the world. It usually operates at speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Since its inauguration in 1964, there has never been a serious accident involving a derailment or anything similar. Some of these bullet trains have traveled so far that they could circle the Earth 30,000 times.

Today, the Shinkansen system covers more than 2,397 kilometers and connects large parts of Japan. Japanese bullet trains are comfortable and quiet, almost like an airplane on tracks.

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Trains in Japan - interesting facts and curiosities

Oshiya - Train pushers

In some places during peak hours, trains in Japan become so crowded that staff have to help push passengers into the train so everyone fits. These workers are called Oshiya [押し屋].

People can also be pushed when entering or even while inside the train, but it has to be done gently, using the body rather than the hands, and only when necessary, since depending on the situation it may be considered harassment.

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Decoration of Japanese trains

Some trains in Japan are decorated with characters from anime and manga, and sometimes even the stations follow a themed design. There are countless photos online that could easily fill an entire article by themselves.

Trains are also covered in advertising. Depending on the region, they can have different colors and designs. Some are colorful and eye-catching, while others feature local ads and promotions.

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