Politeness is a big deal in Japan, especially on trains where everyone’s shared humanity can get a little overshared. There are a lot of things to remember, but luckily Tokyo Metro and Bunpei Yorifuji have your back with cute and funny manner posters.

Seating

Once you get on the train, you’re probably going to look for a place to sit. If you manage to find a spot, try not to take up much space, and if the train is full or close to full, take up only the space designated by the seat. Avoid crossing your legs (especially foot-on-thigh style).

Priority Seating

All local trains and the majority of express trains have certain seats reserved for the elderly, people with physical disabilities, people who are pregnant, or who are travelling with very small children. Although you can sit in these seats when the others are taken, there’s an unspoken rule that you should avoid them unless you’re one of the people they’re reserved for. If you do take one of these seats, keep an eye out for someone who needs it and give your seat to them.

Some of these seats also have signs directing you to power off your electronic devices if you’re near them. Although it’s very unlikely that your phone will interfere with someone’s pacemaker or other medical equipment, turn it off anyway. Japan is fighting this one out on its own; you’re not helping the cause by giving people fear-induced heart attacks.

Standing

If there are no seats, you’ll have to stand. Be sure to hold the handrails or rings so you don’t fall when the train accelerates or decelerates, and just like in the seats, try to take up the smallest amount of physical space possible. (And don’t use the rings as gym equipment, obvs.) If someone behind you needs to get off, either step to the side to let them through or step completely out of the train and get back on after they’re off.

Boarding/deboarding order:

1. Everyone deboarding or making room for deboarding people step out.
2. Everyone who stepped out to make room for deboarding passengers get back on.
3. New people board.
4. No cuts, no buts, no coconuts.

Luggage/Backpacks

If you have some serious luggage, like you might when you first arrive in Japan, consider avoiding the trains altogether: there are taxis, van services, and “limousine” buses that will give you more space and less hassle getting to your hotel. If you absolutely can’t use one of these services for some reason, try to plan your trip around rush hours so your luggage won’t be such a hindrance.

If you have a smaller amount of luggage, like a backpack, small rolling bag, or briefcase, feel free to bring them on the train with you, but store them on the overhead racks (and don’t forget to take them back down when you leave). If there’s no space—unlikely as that may be—hold your bag on your lap if you’re sitting or between your legs if you’re standing. Also, pulling rolling bags behind you is a Japanese cultural pet peeve; try to keep them in front of you so no one trips.

Talking (and Other Communication)

In Japan, trains are like elevators: everyone stops talking (or really keeps it down), you don’t look people in the eye (because awkward), you don’t touch people except insofar as its physically unavoidable, and you’re aware of every little smell.  Unless you’re travelling with someone, keep it to yourself…all of it.

Electronics

Although some stodgy old people might give you dirty looks, its generally acceptable to use electronics on the train provided that you’re not actually talking on the phone, and that whatever you are doing with your phone or other device doesn’t make a detectable noise. Texting, emailing, reading news: yes. Playing a game, listening to music, watching a movie: yes, with headphones turned down.

If you’re using your phone for something that doesn’t require sound, or if you’re not using it at all, be sure to switch it to mute until you’re off the train.

Other Entertainment

Books, newspapers, comic books, maps, and other quiet activities are of course allowed as long as you remember to keep your space use to a minimum. Fold your newspaper to show just the story you’re reading, or your map to only the area you need to study.

Consumables

This one is easy: no eating, no drinking (except water from a bottle), no smoking, no litter.

Sleeping

No one likes to sleep on a local train if they can help it, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. As above, try to take up the smallest space possible; a popular option is to droop your head forward to catch a catnap, and an acceptable (but comical) option it to tilt your head back (so your mouth comes open and you look hilarious). If you’re feeling sleepy when you board, try to grab one of the seats on either side of the bench, as they have a small wall you can lean against that you won’t have to apologize to after you wake up. If you fall asleep one way and find yourself leaning on a fellow passenger when you wake up, apologize (even if they’re still asleep) and readjust. If someone falls asleep on you, nudge them until they get off you and take up one of the two preferred positions above.

Under no circumstances is it acceptable to take up multiple seats to sleep.

Don’t be a Dick

Manners is about being considerate of other people, so while you’re trying to remember what the Japanese find especially considerate, don’t forget to avoid what’s universally considered bad form.

Don’t Forget to be Awesome

By the same token, kindness never goes out of style.

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