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.















Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Godiva’s Tokyo bakery is FINALLY easy to get into and shop at
Tokyo clerk arrested for memorizing over 1,300 customers’ credit card info, using it online
Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japanese Twitter users share a secret hiding on platform five at Akihabara Station
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japanese Twitter users share a secret hiding on platform five at Akihabara Station
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Our reporter tries amemonaka, the traditional sweet from Niigata Prefecture
Japanese interior micro-houses and study spaces: Great for work-at-home professionals, kids too
Hayao Miyazaki comments on Chihiro’s final test scene in Spirited Away
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Amazing papercraft kit looks, and even sounds, just like the Nintendo Famicom【Photos】
Shangrila, a maid cafe staffed exclusively by cute “plump” girls, opens in Akihabara【Pics】
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan