Do passengers get off before others board?
In short
Good to knowYes. Wait to the sides of the door and board only after people have finished getting off.
When does this apply?
Platforms often have marks or lines showing where the doors will stop, and people line up along them. When the doors open, the middle is left clear for those getting off.
Why?
Letting people off first makes room inside, so boarding is faster and safer. It also helps trains keep to their tight schedules.
What to do
- Line up along the marks on the platform floor
- Leave the area in front of the door clear and wait to the left and right
- Board after everyone getting off has stepped out
Better to avoid
- Stand right in front of the door
- Cut into the line
Exceptions and differences
Queue markings and the number of lines differ between stations and lines. If you are standing by the door inside and blocking the way, some people briefly step onto the platform to let others off.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
The train doors open at the station. What do you do?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts(opens in a new tab)
- Japanese Customs and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
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