Let's go by train!

Shinjuku will have to wait.. It's raining cats and dogs outside. That's why today I have another theme for you.

 

How does the commuting work here in Japan?  Well, honestly - it's super easy.

 

Let's go by train! If this is your first day in Japan or you're on a trip and assume it will be cheaper without a Suica - the ticket machines is where you will start your journey. Every ticket machine has a "English" option so don't worry if you can't read Japanese. Figuring out how much to pay though is a different matter. At Tamachi station where I live they have a map of the trains pointing out how much it costs to travel to different areas, however, this map is only in Japanese. My tip for traveling around with tickets is just to buy the cheapest ticket, and then pay the remaining amount for your journey when you reach the station you want to go. Near every gate exit at the stations there are "fair adjustments" machines so you can simply check your ticket to see how much more it will cost you to exit the gate.

 

Finding you train is also very easy, as the signs are all written in both English and Japanese. They train lines all have different colors as well, so it could be good to memorize that beforehand. The JR Yamanote line, which is the one you'll probably use the most here in Tokyo, is marked in Green.

 

A Suica card is truly the most convenient choice for quick and easy travel. Sure, it does cost you 500 Yen, but that's a fair price to pay.

But how does one actually ride the train? Rush hour is a complete mess. Especially when it's pouring rain outside and you have your wet umbrella with you and you don't want to accidently get anyone wet. What usually works for me is to find a place to stand near the seats, if all the seats are taken that is (otherwise sit down). Standing near the doors is ideal if you only need to go a couple of stations (and don't want to risk not getting out), but if you're like me and it takes 20 minutes to school - it's quite nice to be able to sit for a while. Standing in front of someone seated is a good way to ensure one of the nearby seats will be yours eventually. When you sit down, just put your umbrella between your knees. I know it's wet, but everyone do it. Or if you dare, just spread your legs a little and hold onto the umbrella by hand. Whatever you do just don't lay it down on the floor. We're talking about a country that has stands to put your umbrella before entering a store. Oh I love that though.

 

Sitting down, you will notice that once in a while someone will fall asleep next to you and sometimes even sleep on your shoulder. This morning I had a 50+ business man fall asleep beside me and start leaning on my shoulder. That's early mornings for ya. Although, I always see someone sleep on the train no matter what time it is... Well the seats are indeed very comfortable.... And Japanese people work hard.