TRAVEL BLOG
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Tokyo Subway
Tokyo is well known for its crowded subway system. If you are arriving to Tokyo around peak hour and are thinking of using the subway system, then it might be better to wait it out until the crowds subside. I got into town at about 10 at night so there was plenty of room to carry my two bags.
I thought I would try the peak hour at least once though. Sure enough the trains are packed. The first time a packed train passed I let it go through, thinking that the next one only 2 minutes away won't be as bad. It was just as packed, so just got on.
Once you are near the doors though you don't really have a choice. A crowd of commuters builds up behind you and before you know it you are being herded into the compartment by the crush of people and a station attendant who is there packaging the crowd in his white gloves.
It is a true sardine express, but I have to say that everyone behaves in an orderly manner and shows courtesy to their fellow travellers.

Ueno Subway Station - Tokyo
I thought I would try the peak hour at least once though. Sure enough the trains are packed. The first time a packed train passed I let it go through, thinking that the next one only 2 minutes away won't be as bad. It was just as packed, so just got on.
Once you are near the doors though you don't really have a choice. A crowd of commuters builds up behind you and before you know it you are being herded into the compartment by the crush of people and a station attendant who is there packaging the crowd in his white gloves.
It is a true sardine express, but I have to say that everyone behaves in an orderly manner and shows courtesy to their fellow travellers.

Ueno Subway Station - Tokyo
Labels: japan, subway, tokyo, train
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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