I’ve been living in japan for almost a week now, but I suck at transitioning between train lines. I always have a hard time telling what platform my train is going to be on, I use google maps and sometimes it will say which platform number, but other times it won’t. Does anyone have tips for how I can get better at using the train lines?
(Also, my Japanese is currently at a pretty low level and I cannot read most Kanji, I assume that would make the trains easier to navigate but I need tips for what to do in the meantime.)
8 comments
The signs in the train station are in English too – look around and you’ll eventually figure it out.
When the platform isn’t listed on Google maps, I check the Google train time then compare this to times on the track sign. This helps narrow down which train to take.
In Tokyo? Look for the line maps on the pillars, or on the boards. The stations in the opposite direction to where you are going are greyed out. Google maps usually tells you the end station so you can easily locate that one on the end of the map and make sure it isn’t greyed out.
If you can download an app called “JapanTransit” it helps greatly if you’re able plus it’s free and you can type English
It’s in English. Follow the arrows and color coding (actually really useful). It’s annoying having to move up close to read anything in English. (The kanji is much bigger…)
Welcome to Japan! Don’t worry, it took me about 6 months before truly getting comfortable commuting by train.
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The easiest thing to do is use a website. I recommend:
1. Jourdan Train
2. Hyperdia
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Jourdan train shows exact times while Hyperdia just shows routes, I don’t want to overwhelm you with other apps or sites but the first is tried and tested. Just input your departing station and where you want to go. You can even choose the fastest, cheapest, or easiest route (and other conditions if needed but you really don’t need to for everyday travel).
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In terms of platform, I believe the first site has the option (for paid members). Honestly it just gets easier over time as you familiarize the routes. Usually if it’s a different line to transfer to, you can assume it won’t be on the same platform. This is when you have to look at the signs up top specifically for:
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-Line (ex. JR line, the colour and markings)
And when you get there, to double check on the site where it’s bound for. If you put the exact time, it’ll specifically tell you (ex bound for Omiya) which will be conveyed on the screens on the platform (so you can double check it’s the correct side and train) in both Japanese and English. If I pass that time, I just input the new time because the next train will often be bound for a different place.
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I hope this helps a little and don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it soon. 7 years here and I still have to think and figure it out sometimes! 😅
The signs/maps have romaji, so you don’t really need kanji to navigate.
If you look at the map of the railway lines provided, just look for your current location (Station A). Then look for your destination (Station B). If you’re located on the same line and don’t have to transition to a different line, then just look at the next major or final station (Station Z) and that will give you an idea on which direction the train is headed (A > B > Z). You just have to keep in mind whether it’s a local train or a rapid train. If you pass your stop, you can always just hop off and take the train that goes the other way. The platform signs will have text at the bottom the general direction on where the train is headed or the final stop.
If you do have to [switch lines](https://youinjapan.net/transportation/pics/japan-station-signs.jpg), take note of the [Color/Symbol/Name](https://nb-cdn.b-cdn.net/images-stn-yokohama/9-Yokohama-Line2.jpg) of the line that Google Maps gives you.
The time of departure is pretty much a good indicator of which platform you’ll need to go to as well.
A majority of the [signs at the platforms](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/JREast-Yokosuka-line-JO13-JS13-Yokohama-station-sign-20180109-121024.jpg/1200px-JREast-Yokosuka-line-JO13-JS13-Yokohama-station-sign-20180109-121024.jpg) will have the station you’re currently at with an arrow pointing in the direction it’s going to.
There are also [these](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/99/89/fc010c994ed6b69d7d01090dae8a/ap22075583926569.jpg) signs with all of the [stops](https://nb-cdn.b-cdn.net/images-stn-yokohama/54-Yokohama-Municipal-Subway3.jpg) on the lines.
If anything, just ask the station manager and they’ll assist you the best they can if they’re not fluent in English.
use Yahoo 乗換案内 app, which is mainly the app most Japanese use. but you need basic Japanese to key in the station names of your destination.
shows arrival and departure platform, latest delays, sort by fare, time and transit.
can check for departure time preference, arrival time preference, first and last train, latest news like congestions or delays or constructions.
[For Apple Users](https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/yahoo-%E4%B9%97%E6%8F%9B%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85/id291676451)
[For Android Users](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.yahoo.android.apps.transit&hl=ja&gl=US&pli=1)