In my last post (Tokyo Trains – Yokoso The Madness!) I talked about some of my first memories of negotiating the Tokyo train system. Today I’d like to share some of the rules I now commute by that help me keep my sanity (apparently) as well as get smoothly from A to B. Here are 5 rules from my Tokyo Train Rulebook. Enjoy and feel free to add : )
1. Don’t Forget Your Head Space
This is essential for me. I may have been here for 8 years but getting up close and personal with my fellow Tokyoites will never be a comfortable routine for me. How to deal with the rush hour? A book, games, music, tv, or whatever else you can think of that will let your mind ignore what’s going on around you for as long as it takes to get there.
2. When Is The Rush Hour
Anywhere between 7am – 09:30am and 17:30 – 20:00. It’s busy. Not a lot else to say about this one.
3. Avoiding The Dazed And Amazed
You might think that if you know you have to have your ticket ready to go through the ticket gates, or you need money ready to actually purchase the darn thing, then those around you would have the necessary items ready when they get there! If you’ve been here awhile you’re sure to have run into the person who always gets the dazed and amazed look once they reach the machine and spend the next 5 minutes rooting around in their bag or pockets for the necessary item in question.
Remember this, if this daily activity has your fellow traveler dazed and amazed, then you saying anything about it is probably going to have a total impact of … well… zero. Better to move to the next line, count to 10 and wait, or politely say sumimasen and move them out of the way. Some things will never change.
4. The Backward Shuffle
A useful technique that allows you to get on the train even when it’s packed. As the train pulls into the station and you see the faces pressed up against the windows, you know this is a sardine situation. The rule is simple. Turn around when the doors open and reverse in backwards.
The lack of eye contact makes this manageable as you gently maneuver your way into the masses. Everyone accepts that this is a necessary part of life so don’t feel bad. Just be careful not to get too physical about claiming your territory. It’s all about a glide, a side step, and a wiggle to find the perfect spot.
5. The Nonchalant Run
So you run to catch the train (even though there’s another one in 4 minutes) but you just miss it. The doors snap shut as you arrive at full speed in front of them leaving everyone inside looking back at you. Make sure you have one of these slick responses ready to save yourself embarrassment:
- Immediately bend down and start doing up your laces, polishing your shoes, or anything else you can find interesting to do with your feet!
- Slow from a run to a brisk walk while looking at your watch as if you are just going to make your appointment… at the end of the platform ; )
- Smile and get into an animated conversation with your co-worker who was running with you as if you never intended getting on the train in the first place.
