Make sure to follow the escalator etiquette while traveling in Japan!

Japan has various local rules to follow when using public facilities, including escalator. Known as one of the most common public facilities in Japan, escalator is essential in Japan, and following the escalator etiquette is important. The rules are simple, so if you don’t follow them you’d most likely get stares from everyone. Today we’ll introduce basic escalator etiquette to follow while visiting Japan!

Rule no.1: leave one side empty

This is the most common escalator etiquette followed by most regions of Japan: leave one side of the escalator empty so those in a hurry can climb up or walk down. Those who climb up or walk down must walk carefully in order to not disturb who are standing on the other side. If you’re bringing your suitcase with you, make sure to put it on the step right above or below you. If you’re carrying a backpack or big shopping bags, hold them in front of you when walking on the escalator.

Rule no.2: each region has different side to stand

Make sure to follow the local rules for escalator. People stand on the left in Kanto; the East side of Japan including Tokyo, as well as most other regions. On the other hand, people stand on the right side in Kansai; the West side of Japan, especially Osaka.

Rule no.3: don’t use your smartphones while walking

Using smartphones while walking is one of the main causes of escalator accidents. Don’t multitask with your smartphones when walking on the escalators as you might fall or slip off the escalators.

Other things to keep in mind

 

A lot of railway companies have been promoting the “do not walk, stand on either side” campaign since the number of people suffering from injuries due to walking on escalators is increasing. Make sure you have enough time to transfer and just stand on one side to avoid accidents at all cost!

If you follow these simple rules,  you will not only use the escalators smoothly, but also you’ll blend with the locals very well as they expect you to know these rules before arriving in Japan. Make sure to follow these rules unless you’d want to get stares for not using the escalators correctly!