Japan’s train stations are evolving rapidly, with new technologies enhancing convenience. Travelers may now encounter three modern systems: QR code tickets, contactless credit card payments, and facial recognition ticket gates. These systems are gradually being introduced across major cities, making travel faster and more accessible for foreign visitors.
In Kansai, JR West offers the “WEST QR HARUKA One-way Ticket” for international travelers. In Tokyo and the Kanto region, several rail companies are shifting from magnetic stripe tickets to QR codes. While not yet universal, QR-compatible gates are spreading, so keep an eye out for them.
Contactless credit card payments are becoming more common in major cities. Travelers can tap their compatible credit card or smartphone on designated readers to enter ticket gates—no IC card needed. However, this feature is still limited to certain lines and stations, so checking in advance is essential.
Some railway stations now feature facial recognition gates. After registering your face in advance, you can pass through without needing a ticket or card. These gates are touch-free, fast, and hygienic, but as of now, only select stations support them. Osaka Metro plans to roll out these gates at most of its stations by 2025.
In Tokyo and other eastern regions, people stand on the left side of escalators. In western Japan, like Osaka, people stand on the right. While there’s no official rule, these customs are widely followed. Safety campaigns now encourage standing still regardless of side, especially in busy train stations.
When you get into a taxi, simply say: なりたくうこう おねがいします (Narita Kuko onegaishimasu) – “To Narita Airport, please.” You can change the destination word to anything, such as “Tokyo Eki” or “Haneda Kuko.” This phrase is polite and easy to remember.
To help the driver, you can also say: - ひだりに おねがいします (Hidari ni onegaishimasu) – To the left, please. - みぎに おねがいします (Migi ni onegaishimasu) – To the right, please. - まっすぐ おねがいします (Massugu onegaishimasu) – Straight ahead, please. - ここで おります (Koko de orimasu) – I will get off here.
Ekiben are special boxed meals sold at train stations and designed for travel. They reflect regional specialties and often come with rice, fish, or meat in a beautifully wrapped box. Some famous varieties include “Ikameshi” (stuffed squid), “Masu no Sushi” (trout pressed sushi), and “Gyutan Bento” (grilled beef tongue).
Japan’s train stations are famous for their departure melodies, known as “Eki-Melo.” These short tunes help signal a train’s departure and create a calm atmosphere. Some stations even use anime songs or local favorites—for example, Takadanobaba Station plays the Astro Boy theme, while Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station plays "Country Roads" from a Studio Ghibli film.
To check if a bus or train goes to your destination, ask: [Place] にいきますか？ (___ ni ikimasu ka?) – “Does this go to ___?” For example: “Tokyo eki ni ikimasu ka?” means “Does this go to Tokyo Station?” This question is practical at bus stops and platforms when confirming your route.
- はい、いきます (Hai, ikimasu) – Yes, it goes there. - いいえ、いきません (Iie, ikimasen) – No, it doesn’t. - ちがうホームです (Chigau hoomu desu) – It’s a different platform. - わかりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t know.
