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.














Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
McDonald’s Japan releases first-ever matcha pie, perfectly timed for sakura season
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Hello Kitty and twin sister celebrate birthday at Baskin-Robbins Japan with special merch, sweets
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Manga’s touching take on pressuring non-black-haired kids to dye hair in some Japanese schools
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Hello Kitty and twin sister celebrate birthday at Baskin-Robbins Japan with special merch, sweets
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Manga’s touching take on pressuring non-black-haired kids to dye hair in some Japanese schools
Yamagata cherries fetch record-breaking price at wholesale market’s first auction of the year
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kyoto’s most beautiful parfait cafes add sakura sweets for spring
The Maasai people teach us how to kill a lion, demonstrate on our writer
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Japan’s UFO village, where the magnetic field is said to attract visitors from outer space
These amazing, super realistic Ohmu action figures from Nausicaa are so worth paying US$300 for