commuting
Inspired by a family member’s recent need for a wheelchair, our reporter tries to see Tokyo from their perspective.
Timing of government’s extension of nationwide state of emergency could be contributing to worse commuting conditions.
More fun than a bike, more convenient than a scooter, the Blaze Smart EV is the best new way to get around town.
There’s definitely a beauty to the controlled chaos of the morning commute in Japan’s capital.
As a natural phenomenon loved by many, snow can be pretty cool. Unfortunately, in Tokyo, it’s often more like a wet, cold monster that ruins everything!
If you have ever ridden a train during rush hour in Japan, you know it takes a certain amount of fortitude to survive it. If you are just visiting the country, sometimes you can avoid those super stuffed trains, buy if you live or spend an extended length of time in any big city in Japan you just can’t avoid taking a packed train. Whether it’s rush hour in the morning, rush hour at night, or the last few trains home, you will often find yourself in a position where you have to give up the luxury of personal space in exchange for a ride home.
It takes a certain amount of skill to stay upright as well as a bit of creative ingenuity to pass the time and avoid feeling claustrophobic in order to survive the crowded train. We’ve collated nine of the best tips to help you get through a hell-like train ride.
When you’re crammed into a train car during rush hour in Japan and almost everyone has a smartphone in their hands, you sometimes can’t help but look at what someone’s doing on their phone. Moreover, when you have a mix of seated and standing commuters, things get even more interesting, enabling a perfectly positioned passenger to sneak peaks at an unsuspecting person’s private messages. As you’d expect, you come across some really weird stuff when no one thinks you’re looking. Let’s take a look at five anecdotes from passengers who just happened to glance over at their nearby passenger’s phone.
Industrial designer Siew Ming Cheng has evidently had enough of being pushed and shoved on the Singapore subway. Those space-invading commuters have brushed up against, knocked and pushed her one too many times, and now the young creative is declaring war on space snatchers with special body armour: the Spike Away vest.















Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
McDonald’s adds a questionable Butterscotch Pie to its menu in Japan
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Spirited Away adds a dash of Ghibli beauty to hanafuda flower cards【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
McDonald’s adds a questionable Butterscotch Pie to its menu in Japan
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Spirited Away adds a dash of Ghibli beauty to hanafuda flower cards【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
We investigate Tokyo’s “haunted” phone booth in Mizumoto Park【Haunted Tokyo】
Get a Complete Psych Profile in a Few Minutes Using Only a Pen and Paper
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options
Beware the rise of overpriced “Inbound Don” at tourist spots in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day
Country kimono! Project completes set of over 200 designs for every nation at Tokyo Olympics【Pics】