Crowded Train in Tokyo

by Roberto Jung Drebes
(Tokyo, Japan)

This is the train I used to take daily on my commute to school. Foreigners who see such videos of crowded Tokyo trains always ask: "why don't they wait for the next train?!". They would, if the next train would not be as crowded as that one, and the same for the next hour or so. This is a daily routine for thousands of "tokyojin" all around the kanto region.

If you're interested in knowing more about Roberto, please visit his blog The City Of Blinding Lights.

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Crowded Train in Tokyo

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Nov 02, 2009
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It is worse in London
by: Anonymous

In London people push hard to get in an already overfull train. They don't just wait patiently in a queue.

Aug 10, 2009
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Believe it when you see it...
by: Emiel van den Boomen

You don't believe it until you see it! Great that you have captured this on video. Congratulations with the 1st prize in the contest!

Aug 04, 2009
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I used to take trains in Tokyo everyday.
by: Anonymous

When I was studing in Tokyo, I used to take the Chuo Line, one of the most crowded line in Tokyo. After 2 months in that hell, I decide to buy a bicycle. The best thing I did there. 30 min. cycling and I was at school. But it was possible 'cause I lived 10 km (6.2 miles) from my school. It would be a little harde if it was 20 km (12.4 miles).

Nowadays, I ride at least 30 km per day.

Jul 30, 2009
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Overpopulation
by: Cristina Wilson

It will crush you.

Jul 29, 2009
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Th�bata
by: Anonymous

Ainda bem que eu n�o pego mais essa linha!! =D

Jul 13, 2009
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Morning wood?
by: Roberto

Morning wood is not a problem... The trains are full of ads in kanji. If you see them, you can't think of anything else. It's quite an effective turn-off. :)

Jul 13, 2009
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Morning rush?
by: Anonymous

The problem is the morning wood on that train... :-P

Jul 08, 2009
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Crowded but safe
by: Bianca

I got myself into this situation a few times when visiting Tokyo. Osaka was much more calm.
It's crowded but you feel safe. If it's not the last train and you have time, you can wait to be the first in line.
I came across some videos of Caracas' subway and those were pretty disturbing. Made me laugh of the times I was annoyed about Odakyu-sen.

Jul 07, 2009
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Crazy Train!
by: Anonymous

They should add more trains! Awesome video though.

Jul 07, 2009
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Amazing
by: Anonymous

Really cool video!

Jul 04, 2009
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Nice
by: Anonymous

Nice

May 28, 2009
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London
by: Anonymous

I travel in London every day. This looks pretty normal...

May 26, 2009
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Some Excellent Tips
by: Honor

Grateful Tourist: It is definitely a great tip to avoid the rush hour if you can, especially on the busier lines. You're going to have a great time! If you need any help or have questions drop me a line - I'm happy to help.

Louise: Your comment made me smile. You are absolutely right! The scenes you see as you travel the trains in Tokyo are one window into the culture here.

Anonymous: This is very good point and should definitely be said. Even on the busiest train people are incredibly polite. There are exceptions to every rule of course, but on the whole, people will do their best to keep moving without shoving and pushing you. The men in white gloves have a job to do and its accepted by all. It's the only way to get everyone on sometimes and keep the trains running on time.

May 26, 2009
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Catching trains in Tokyo
by: Anonymous

Yes the trains are crowded but the Japanese are unfailing polite and just move onto the train, no pushing and shoving. Remember it is worthwhile waiting to catch the next train which is only a few minutes away and then you are at the head of the queue!

May 26, 2009
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Crowded train in Tokyo
by: Louise Read

When I visited Tokyo ( loved it) two years ago, staying with a Japanese friend, being an intrepid traveller, I was up to most challenges except the Tokyo underground, where I was fixed at the hip to my understanding friend. Should we be separated, all would be lost, specially me. It worked but I did see delightful scenes: the terribly grand looking Japanese, next to a drunk, who kept falling down on the floor. This impeccable man invariably bent down, put the drunk back on his feet, never looking at him, his expression never changed. I was mesmerised.
The time when by far more than a miracle I'd managed a seat, which I gave up tp a hugely pregnant woman. Nobody stared but I felt that most could have described me
better than most of me nearest and dearest ( whoever they are). Louise

May 26, 2009
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Grateful tourist
by: Anne Marie Clifford

Thank you so much for this video. My daughter, 10 month old grandaughter and I will be visiting Tokyo in August for the first time to visit my son-in-law who is training as a pilot for Air Nippon. We will probably be riding the train and it is important to know when NOT to ride same. Thanks again,
Anne Marie Clifford

Apr 20, 2009
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Great Video Of The Morning Rush!
by: Anonymous

I think this submission is really excellent and it just highlights what we all keep saying, if you can avoid the morning rush hour please do. Not all trains are this bad but wherever you are it's a crush and if you have small children with you and you're not used to this it's a nightmare!

Thanks for sending this one in!

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