Did You Know? The Etiquette of Using Escalators in Japan

The Escalators You See Around Town and in Stations.

Escalators are a reliable and practical means of transportation, but did you know there are specific customs for using them in Japan?

In this article, we’ll break down the proper custom for riding escalators in Japan.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to navigate life in Japan more effortlessly.

The variation in “standing sides” on escalators

In Japan, the side you stand on when using an escalator differs depending on the region, and the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, etc.) has its own distinct customs.

The Kanto area (including Tokyo) and many other region

Standing on the left and keeping the right side open for walkers is the norm, and you might call it the standard rule.

The Kansai region (including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara)

In Kansai, people stand on the right, keeping the left side clear for those who want to walk. This is a distinct custom of Kansai and entirely opposite to Kanto.

Osaka stands out for its strict adherence to standing on the right side. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, the preference is still for the right, but people seem to take a more laid-back approach, often “following the lead of the person in front.

Osaka and the broader Kansai region are known for their distinctive dialects and cultural traits, which give them a unique charm even among Japanese people.

When visiting the Kansai area, why not take a closer look at these differences in cityscapes and culture? It could be quite fascinating!

What’s the reason behind the different ways of standing?

While there are several explanations for the differing escalator customs, one theory is that in the Kansai region, this practice began around the time of the 1970 Osaka Expo, when station announcements promoted standing on the right side to suit the dominant hand of most people.

On the other hand, in Tokyo, no specific station announcements were made, and it is said that people naturally began standing on the left side.

By the way, in Kansai, these announcements are no longer made due to the circumstances of individuals who may find it difficult to stand on the right side.

Tips to remember

As we’ve discussed, it’s now an unwritten rule to leave one side clear for those who need to move quickly.

The truth is, escalators were never intended to accommodate walking while in use.

In recent years, concerns have been raised about the dangers of walking on escalators, and stations have started encouraging people to stand in two rows and hold onto the handrails.

Going forward, we might see a shift toward standing on both sides, but responding with the same adaptability as people in Kyoto, who follow the person in front, would be a great approach.

Summary

What do you think?

Did you find it surprising that Japan’s escalators have region-specific rules and features?

Making a mistake in how you stand on escalators during your trip won’t cause any major issues, but as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” When visiting Japan, take note of this cultural aspect and enjoy using escalators safely and comfortably

Sharing this topic with any Japanese friends you’ve made could be interesting.

They’ll definitely be surprised and ask, “Where do you know that?