Japanese words for taking the train in Japan 日本で電車に乗る時に必要な言葉

• Densha - 電車 : Train

This is the Japanese word for "train", but not just any train: the electric train! Indeed, for the steam train, we would rather use “kisha 汽車”. As a widespread means of transport in Japan, a multitude of trains exist: local trains, express trains, or even Shinkansen! It is therefore essential to know and recognize this word before taking the train.

Good to know: To find out which train you need to get on, ask : "Dono densha ni nottara ii desuka ?"

• Shinkansen - 新幹線 : the high-speed train

This is the Japanese high-speed train, literally translated as "new intercity line" in Japanese. It operates from Hakodate (Hokkaido) in the north to Kagoshima (Kyushu) in the south. Its maximum speed is 320 km/h!

• Shitei seki - 指定席 : reserved places

For the less adventurous, shitei seki are the assurance of having a seat when you get on the train! They are located in cars where you need to make a reservation for a specific seat: the conductor will then check your ticket. Finally, it is quite similar to the French train, so this system will not be unknown to you!

• Yusen zaseki - 優先座席 : priority seats

Here we are dealing with a rather broad expression which is usually followed by pictures for more precision. "Yusen Zaseki" covers the various seats reserved for people who need to sit down: elderly people, pregnant women, injured and sick people, or people with reduced mobility. It is a system similar to the one used in the French public transport system. 

• Kinen - 禁煙 : Non-smoking area

Having seen the exception above, here is the principle: the no-smoking zone. The two words look the same, but kinen is a no-smoking zone! All trains, subways, and buses have a kinen zone.

To go even further

• Kaku-eki teisha - 各駅停車 : the stop at each station

Being familiar with this word will let you know that the train will stop at each station and that it is not an express. Sometimes junkyu (semi-express trains) start as an express train and then become a local train.

• Tokkyu renraku - 特急連絡 : connection with the express

This is the Japanese word for "contact" and is used in all sorts of situations, just like its English equivalent. If you ever see this word on a train sign or hear it announced by the driver on the train, it means that the train will make contact with another train.

In other words, if you are on a local futsu train, they will tell you which station it stops at the same time as a tokkyu express train - feel free to switch from local to express, or vice versa, to save time on your journey!

• Nobori - 上り/ Kudari - 下り: closeness and distancing

This is the direction of the train going to or from Tokyo, with the capital being the central point. If all roads lead to Rome in Europe, all trains go to and from Tokyo in Japan! Nobori means a train going to Tokyo and kudari means a train going away from Tokyo.

With these few words and our wise advice, you can start managing to take the train in Japan. But there are certain rules to follow so as not to pass for a badass. The best is to do like the Japanese. Therefore: firstly, buy your ticket at a ticket office before accessing the platforms. Secondly, always queue on the platform before boarding the train, even if you have reserved your place (the first-come-first-serve!). We often see foreigners boarding before others without paying attention to the lines. The Japanese probably won't tell you, but it's very unpopular and gives tourists a bad reputation!

Another important point: phones on the train... It is very rare to see people talking on their phones. Advertisements constantly broadcast a message reminding passengers to put their cellphones in silent mode and refrain from use. So don't do it, or go and make your call in an area between the cars so as not to disturb the other passengers.

Yoi tabi o ! (Have a good trip!)