Traumatic event becomes a heartwarming one, thanks to the work of both driver and passengers.
public transport
This train station dungeon wants you to turn back at this point, but what happens if you go ahead?
We find out if people in Tokyo are ripping off their masks and throwing them to the wind in light of the new changes.
When you hear this term being used on trains, it’s often a euphemism for something more serious.
The group will continue to test their zip-line propelled capsule cars in Odawara City in Kanagawa.
With any luck, we might be able to see this awesome autonomous public transport quite soon.
This past year the Tokyo Metro has been brought to life in many different ways, ranging from a spaghetti-alien map to, well, a 3-D spaghetti-alien map. But it’s the latest re-imagining of the Tokyo Metro in the highly versatile SVG format that’s currently causing a lot of commotion online.
The first time I went to Tokyo alone, I got lost within the first five minutes of arriving at Shinjuku Station, unable to comprehend why there were so many transfers to different lines going in different directions. Without mobile data on my phone, I was basically one of the ‘internet-less lost gaijin’ crippled by the lack of Google Maps who ended up befriending the station master at every transfer station because, without them, I would probably have had to spend the night hanging out with the buskers on the streets.
The maps in Japanese subway stations are not only confusing, they also look like multi-colored spaghetti or weird roller coasters, and I can clearly recall thinking how nice it would be to have a better-looking representation of the city’s train lines. Thankfully, it looks like South Korean design company Zero per Zero has fulfilled my wish with their subway map designs, which are becoming a hot topic on Reddit.
Taking the bus or train is a mundane routine for many of us. Sometimes, when there are delays in the arrival or an unexpected breakdown of such public transportation, we get annoyed or even angry at the drivers or transportation companies. But how many of us have ever thanked them for fulfilling their responsibilities of arriving on time, or for driving safely?
Over in Taichung, Taiwan, a bus driver went the extra mile to help a blind commuter onboard and off the bus, winning some unexpected praise and commendation from passengers and netizens on Taiwanese forums.
Japan is of course not the only country that experiences crowded trains and subways during rush hour. Over the last 10 years Singapore’s population has increased by 30 percent, putting pressure on its public transportation system, especially during the morning rush. Though Japan is trying to alleviate overcrowding with wider trains, Singapore is taking a different approach to the problem; free fares until 7:45 a.m. for anyone getting off at one of 16 stations in the downtown core.
Bringing commuters to Tokyo from neighboring Saitama Prefecture, the Saikyo Line, operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), is one of the busiest in the metropolitan area. During morning rush hour its trains are packed to 200 percent capacity. On June 30, however, E233 Series trains were introduced to the line, and officials are hoping the new carriages, which are a whole 15cm wider, will reduce crowding by ten percent.
That’s right. Now instead of having to endure bone-crushing, suffocating, sucking-the-will-to-live commutes in trains packed to 200 percent capacity, riders will be able to breathe, and perhaps move just a little, while enjoying the relative luxury of a train crammed to just 190 percent capacity!
MOST POPULAR
Now
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s first-ever ramen restaurant, which closed 44 years ago, is reopening this fall!
Petition started to stop Doraemon from constantly showing Shizuka in the bath
10 gorgeous, must-visit places to see the autumn leaves in Japan
Japanese company offers insurance plan to protect against false train groping accusations
Weekly
- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open- New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]- Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s first-ever ramen restaurant, which closed 44 years ago, is reopening this fall!
Petition started to stop Doraemon from constantly showing Shizuka in the bath
10 gorgeous, must-visit places to see the autumn leaves in Japan
Japanese company offers insurance plan to protect against false train groping accusations
The dream of riding Final Fantasy Chocobos is coming to Tokyo VR centers
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Have the berry best vacay at one of these five strawberry-picking experiences in Japan
Tokyo’s city hall changes dress code, workers now allowed to wear shorts[Videos]
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Survey shows Japanese women would love to be getting some chocolate on Valentine’s Day too
Happy 40th birthday, Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A!
-
