Escalators in Japan

Escalators in Japan

Hi, this is Ted again. I was pretty busy last weekend as I was in Kobe on Saturday for my friend’s happy wedding reception, and was in Fukuoka(south part of Japan) for another friend’s wedding reception on Sunday.

I also had another reception 2 weeks ago in Tokyo, so I attended total of 3 wedding receptions in 2 weeks, and I am totally broke.

But, I am really happy to be invited to those happy and to enjoy those wonderful receptions,

Anyway, I was lucky to travel from Tokyo, Kobe and all the way to Fukuoka, and experienced different customs in those different cities. When I was traveling for wedding reception, I found one custom very interesting, so I share it with some pictures here.

When riding on the escalator, what is your basic custom?

Do you stand on the right side or left side?

When you are in hurry, do you walk on the right side or left side?

This custom is totally different in different cities.

You definitely should know this custom in elevators, when traveling Japan and follow this as a known rule in each city.

Tokyo

Stand on the left side

Walk on the right side

※If you are in group of more than two persons, do not stand on both right and left side. People in Tokyo most likely claim on you that they can not walk on the right side. People in Tokyo are restless.

Osaka

Stand on the right side

Walk on the left side

※If you are in group of more than two persons, do not stand on both right and left side. People in Osaka also most likely claim on you that they can not walk on the left side.

Fukuoka

Stand on the left side

Walk on the right side

※If you are in group of more than two persons, people in Fukuoka do not claim on you even though they can not walk on the left side because they do not care.

Other relatively minor cities(except Kansai area)

Stand on the left side

Walk on the right side

※If you are in group of more than two persons, people do not claim on you because escalators in those cities are not usually packed with people, and people are more patient and generous.

Here is the funny fact.

Even though Fukuoka is much more south part of Japan than Osaka, as I mentioned above, customs in Fukuoka are similar to those in Tokyo.

It is often said that Osaka or Kobe(Kansai area) have different and unique customs from other cities.

I believe this fact above is rooted in that people in Kansai want to have different and have more identities in their origin.

If you are in Japan, please follow those escalator customs and rules above, so you won’t be in trouble!

Please fell free to contact me or ask me any questions!