Japan's Metro: You Really Do Have to Push Your Way In!
During office hours, Japan's metro becomes an absolute crush...
During office hours, Japan's metro becomes an absolute crush...
There's even a profession called "Pusher" whose job is to push people inside the metro to fit as many passengers as possible into the train!
You'll notice that everyone does the same, and the Pushers are extremely polite, carefully tucking in people's clothing so nothing gets caught in the doors!
Japan Metro Pusher Travel & Key
by danbizet
Pushers in Japan's Metro
by yom_
But don't worry, it's not always like this... During regular hours, traffic flows normally:
Frequently asked questions
An oshiya is an official transit agent in Japan whose role is to push passengers inside crowded train cars during rush hours, particularly in Tokyo. These agents are trained to act with respect and efficiency, even making sure travelers' clothing doesn't get caught in the doors.
The most intense rush hours in Japan's metro generally occur between 7:30 and 9:00 AM and between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, mainly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Outside these time slots, traffic is much smoother.
To avoid rush hours in Japan's metro, it's advisable to travel before 7:30 AM or after 9:30 AM, and to prefer midday trips. Some lines are also less crowded than others: research ahead of your trip.
Yes, oshiya are still present at some heavily trafficked metro stations in Japan, though their numbers have evolved over the years. You'll find them mainly at major Tokyo stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya during peak hours.
Yes, despite its congestion during office hours, Japan's metro is one of the most punctual, clean, and efficient systems in the world. It remains the best way to get around major Japanese cities. Tourist passes like the Tokyo Metro Pass make it easy for foreign travelers to navigate.
