Train manners in Japan

I think no other country has the same strict rules as Japan in terms of the "usage" of trains. The followings are some suggestions on DOs and DON'Ts when riding trains in Japan. Of course, noone will kick you out of the train if you don't follow the following guidelines but if you really want to adapt to the Japanese culture, I think that the following is the first step to follow:

DOs

1. When using the escalator, stand on the left hand side of the escalator since right hand side is the fast lane.
2. When going up the staircases to go to the platforms or getting out of the platforms, always following the "UP" or "DOWN" arrows marked on the ground.
3. Each platform has some kind of digital signs hanging down from the roof. Make sure you read them carefully becoz the Japanese train system is overly developed that in many cases, you will find that there are Express trains, Rapid trains, Super Express trains etc and some trains may not stop at the place you intend to go.
4. Always line up - Japanese follows rules very strictly and don't like those who don't follow them.
5. Adjust your phone ringing to "manner mode".
6. During rush hours (i.e. 8-9:30am and 17-19pm), if there are a lot of people on the train, you can still jump in and push your way in. If you try to be polite and being a gentlemen, you will never ever get in!!
7. Different to some other countries, Japan Rail allows eating and drinking inside the train as long as you manage your old garbage.


DON'Ts

1. Never talk on the phone in trains.
2. Don't sit in the priority seats if you are not old, pregnant or with disabilities.
3. Don't talk loudly with your friends. Japanese believe that public transportation is a public place that is SHARED by many and that everyone should respect other people by being quiet.
4. Don't push in.
5. Don't smoke

If you remember to manage the above, you are on your way to being adapting to Japanese culture.