Japan Transport

Sat 2007/10/20 03:41 JST
 49
 in Japan
1922 views

After living in London for 27 years before moving to Japan, my wife and I was rather surprised at one particular rule they had over here in regards to what you can and cannot carry onto the trains.

A bicycle! Not sure what its like now but 8/9 years ago, carrying a bicycle on the London underground was pretty normal. After arriving in Japan, my wife bought a bicycle in Okachimachi [御徒町] near Akihabara. She then tried to carry it onto the train and was told that it was forbidden - carrying a foldable compact bike onto the trains however is OK.

Luckily, me wife is rather good with her bearings and managed to cycle from east Tokyo all the way to Higashi Fushimi in West Tokyo 28 kilometers away. I was surprised not at the distance, but at the fact that she made it through this concrete spaghetti jungle without a map or one of these.
Are you allowed to carry bicycles on to the train in your region?

Below: Taken at Narita airport after coming back from LA.
More rules. No smoking, no running on to the train, no lying on the floor or getting drunk, no selling stuff, no bombs, no singing and no begging.

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  • Hyun-Bin
    Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    Combat Engineer For Australian Defence Force

    i guess depends on train size etc

    with trains in Sydney(dont know about the rest of Aus)
    its actually double decked(so 2 levels of seating and 1 Foyer area on the train)

    whats with the donation box one?

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:00:35 JST (ID #60311)
    reply to Hyun-Bin's comment
  • mario87
    mario87 in Poland (Registered on 2007/08/22)

    No bombs - is it terrorist countermeasure in Japan or peopel just tend to forgot to leave their bombs in home? :P

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:02:31 JST (ID #60312)
    reply to mario87's comment
  • alucrid
    alucrid in Pennsylvania (Registered on 2007/09/20)
    Student

    Carrying on bombs an singing seem pretty equal.

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:16:55 JST (ID #60313)
    reply to alucrid's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    Wow. 28 Kilometers is crazy, and not only that, navigating in Tokyo!

    We aren't allowed to carry bicycles on board the trains unless it's a foldable compact bike. Kinda sucks when you wish to cycle to a friend's place and take the public transportation back.

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:34:08 JST (ID #60316)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    i'm surprised i'm the first post.

    ok anyway over here we aren't allowed to carry bicylces onto the trains as well.

    takes up too much space i suppose.

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:46:28 JST (ID #60317)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • Dr. Download
    Dr. Download in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/05/15)
    Technician

    What do the signs mean?

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:47:29 JST (ID #60318)
    reply to Dr. Download's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    Forgot to add...

    They left out 'No using of cellphones' as well! I wonder if there's the 'No Chikan (痴漢 - Train Pervets)' signs (LOL)

    I had a bad experience while travelling back home from Musashikoyama. Some drunk salaryman entered and crashed into a couple of us passengers. He kinda squished a poster I got from TGS (That bastard!) and seemed like he's almost going to hurl.

    Good thing the train reached the station where I needed to do transferrals quick enough before anything drastic could happen ^^;

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:47:31 JST (ID #60319)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • Sotb
    Sotb in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Manufacturing
    http://sotbest.blogspot.com/

    I voted no train here since our train here only cover such a small portion of place and has lots lots of problem!

    Our government was clever enough to build trains to avoid all those high population place and have them all build to small small vilage where no ppl even bother taking train!

    Although we got 3 train company tat serve our capital here but it is equal to no train!

    Sat 2007/10/20 04:59:44 JST (ID #60321)
    reply to Sotb's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    ya jasimp i knew that. my bad. but i swore that when i came in earlier, there was no posts at all, i did a refresh to double confirm and still no posts.

    it is after i made a post that i realised that i'm not the first post. hmmm... must be a glitch in the matrix. lol. i apologise. ^^;

    Sat 2007/10/20 05:38:37 JST (ID #60328)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • Setsuna-san
    Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06)
    VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.

    I live in Malaysia, need i say more?? well, no actually, Sotb has already explained most of it. BUT there are at least some form of train service in the capital outside of it there are no trains at all so to speak.
    never took the train myself though so i guess im not one to talk about it.

    Sat 2007/10/20 05:59:56 JST (ID #60330)
    reply to Setsuna-san's comment
  • Louis
    Louis in London, England (Registered on 2007/10/17)
    Man of few words

    On our trams in the UK, the rules are the same. No bikes or scooters but foldable versions are ok. Thankfully they have a bike rack near every stop ^^

    Sat 2007/10/20 06:05:41 JST (ID #60331)
    reply to Louis's comment
  • nunks
    nunks in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Registered on 2007/09/14)
    Programmer, Student

    Only on weekends, and only inside the first and last cars of the train...

    Sat 2007/10/20 07:01:39 JST (ID #60334)
    reply to nunks's comment
  • syrix
    syrix in U.S. (Registered on 2007/03/21)
    student
    http://animesugoi.animeblogger.net/

    yaaaaa....I'm sure terrorist won't take bombs on the train as soon as they see that sign. No trains here.

    Sat 2007/10/20 07:28:59 JST (ID #60336)
    reply to syrix's comment
  • Triplekia
    Triplekia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student

    lolwut? no cannonball? How am I suppose to fulfill my cannonball-fondling-inside-train fetish now? I call shenanigan! Anyway, you can carry bicycle inside the train here in Melbourne. In my hometown, its "free for all", gotta get VIP seat if you want to have some decent seat.

    Sat 2007/10/20 08:26:51 JST (ID #60342)
    reply to Triplekia's comment
  • Piro
    Piro in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    Studnet

    first time taking the subway in in sydney. got stuck at the barrier as i stood there wait for my ticket back. didnt know it eats the ticket when you leave -_- so had an embarrassing moment explaining it to the security guard.

    i blame it on the badly designed barriers, as its build with:
    ticket-in >>>>>> ticket-out >>>>> barrier

    Sat 2007/10/20 08:45:40 JST (ID #60344)
    reply to Piro's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Wooooooo.

    So you can't lie down like the Sleeping Buddha when you're drunk in trains? Or try to be the new troubadour generation (the new Sinatra)? What about humming and whistling... Forbidden too?
    Seems fair to me, but only if it's truly applied.

    Hyun-Bin, it says: "No soliciting donations".

    And for "bombs", maybe they meant hazardous goods.

    Sat 2007/10/20 08:47:39 JST (ID #60345)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    Your wife cycled 28 KM. Im amazed. I wouldn't have been able to cycle 10KM. I think they may have tightened up on what you can take onto trains after the what happened on July 7th last year in the London underground.

    Sat 2007/10/20 08:54:56 JST (ID #60347)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • squee
    squee in Singapore (Registered on 2007/09/26)
    Techie
    http://squeejunkyard.blogspot.com/

    There isn't a specific sign saying we can't bring bicycles on trains here, but there's a sign that says no durians :p

    Sat 2007/10/20 09:08:08 JST (ID #60349)
    reply to squee's comment
  • Joshua
    Joshua in singapore (Registered on 2007/08/26)
    student
    http://jk-pictureaweek.blogspot.com/

    Ohh ... i don't think the allow bikes om trains in singapore

    Sat 2007/10/20 09:27:26 JST (ID #60353)
    reply to Joshua's comment
  • rakushu
    rakushu in Mexico (Registered on 2007/09/10)
    Leecher
    http://tokyo-selection.blogspot.com/

    Here you can only carry your bicycle on weekends, you know, it's when less people use the subway, or at least I belive that

    Sat 2007/10/20 10:39:17 JST (ID #60361)
    reply to rakushu's comment
  • kurz
    kurz in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/09/03)
    Student

    in manga slamdunk, sakuragi brought his bicycle into the train..lol

    Sat 2007/10/20 10:39:48 JST (ID #60362)
    reply to kurz's comment
  • Barsona
    Barsona in Bay Area, California (Registered on 2007/08/03)
    NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
    http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/

    special train compartments allow for one train in our local area. Another one we have, people can bring their bikes...

    but the trains are really unreliable in my opinion, and does not cover areas like Japan's metro system

    Sat 2007/10/20 11:54:03 JST (ID #60365)
    reply to Barsona's comment
  • Kururu_luva
    Kururu_luva in Richmond, BC Canada (Registered on 2007/01/20)

    Lmao i like the bomb logo. For some reason it makes me imagine of bomberman trying to get on a train.

    Sat 2007/10/20 12:43:05 JST (ID #60370)
    reply to Kururu_luva's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    Wait wait.. so according to this sign, you cant carry a bicycle, or pocket change, or a ninja microphone, or a Ba-bomb, a personal sushi chef, a prostrate mannequin, the Bionic Man, or pot on the train.. but you CAN carry a Dismembered Torso as long as its on a cart? Hmmmmm.. Odd. I guess I have to leave my personal sushi chef at home when I go to Japan. Thats kind of inconvenient.

    Sat 2007/10/20 12:47:49 JST (ID #60371)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    your wife rox! I'd have most likely lost my way for sure o_o

    Sat 2007/10/20 13:41:01 JST (ID #60374)
    reply to chun's comment
  • .:nadie:.
    .:nadie:. in La Plata, Argentina (Registered on 2007/10/12)
    Student
    http://p2pnadie2pp.deviantart.com

    Here its very normal to see bicycles on trains...

    Sat 2007/10/20 13:51:55 JST (ID #60375)
    reply to .:nadie:.'s comment
  • CyruzDraxs
    CyruzDraxs in Kelowna, BC, Canada (Registered on 2007/09/11)
    Web Design & Development
    http://www.nerdculture.org

    This post has the best comments. You guys are awesome. lmao.

    Sat 2007/10/20 14:03:18 JST (ID #60376)
    reply to CyruzDraxs's comment
  • Adun
    Adun in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/01/01)
    ColdFusion Developer
    http://www.moemoerabu.net

    Bicycles are allowed on the trains here in Sydney, but you have to pay half a fare to allow for it though.

    Sat 2007/10/20 14:39:40 JST (ID #60377)
    reply to Adun's comment
  • Bulat
    Bulat in Canada (Registered on 2007/04/04)
    Student
    http://gooddayforlemontea.blogspot.com/

    is that big circle a "no bombs" sign?

    Sat 2007/10/20 15:53:00 JST (ID #60379)
    reply to Bulat's comment
  • Leo
    Leo in San Francisco Bay Area (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Email & Network Support/Administration
    http://badger11.animeblogger.net/

    I don't really have a problem with the no smoking and no bombs part. Of course, in my neck of the woods, we don't have subways/trains. Just buses that have a rack in the front for the bikes. Too bad it can't be used for the annoying passengers. And those who insist on singing too.

    Sat 2007/10/20 19:17:59 JST (ID #60388)
    reply to Leo's comment
  • JapanAnime
    JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland (Registered on 2007/08/05)
    4th Year Business Economics Student

    LOL, no bombs! Does that include noisy farts as well? XD Here in Holland it's allowed to carry bicycles on the train and subway.

    Sat 2007/10/20 20:53:11 JST (ID #60395)
    reply to JapanAnime's comment
  • animes
    animes in cephiro (Registered on 2007/01/23)
    mahou kishi
    http://www.animedia.com.mx

    too many in Japan, that would be a trouble in the train because everyone would bring one

    Sun 2007/10/21 00:17:03 JST (ID #60427)
    reply to animes's comment
  • AK-kun
    AK-kun in Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/19)
    Costume Talent, Stormtrooper, Student, Writer
    http://akxd.wordpress.com/

    Bicycles on our MRTs (Mass Rapid Transport)? Unheard of, but worth trying.

    Sun 2007/10/21 07:26:29 JST (ID #60447)
    reply to AK-kun's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    afaik, MRT/LRT systems here don't have any rules regarding about bringing bicycles (foldable or otherwise) inside the trains and no one has attempted to bring one...but it would be interesting if i bring one ^___^

    Sun 2007/10/21 21:05:35 JST (ID #60481)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • Evo_Spec
    Evo_Spec in Alberta, Canada (Registered on 2007/10/21)

    My train system here allows bicycles, but not at certain times (rush hour)

    Sun 2007/10/21 22:16:42 JST (ID #60491)
    reply to Evo_Spec's comment
  • Briant
    Briant in USA (Registered on 2007/08/04)
    Student

    No smoking, no running on to the train, no lying on the floor or getting drunk, no selling stuff, no bombs, no singing and no begging??? Lol, well smoking I can understand. Running onto trains I suppose makes sense since I read that article about how the doors won't open even if you have something caught. lying on the floor/getting drunk? Doesn't make much sense, but I've seen a few animes/shows with those drunks on the trains...and their neckties on their heads. So I guess there's a lot of them?? Selling, doesn't make too much sense. I mean, a small deal or so I can understand, but I guess they don't want ppl to have so kind of business/company on the train. Bombs...are you even allowed to have them anywhere? As for singing and begging...those seem a bit non sense to me.

    Mon 2007/10/22 01:44:18 JST (ID #60507)
    reply to Briant's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    well, here in Washington DC Metro (Which covers Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia) i think you can't do it during rush hour, but not sure. Other then that we have normal rules of like no food, no drinking (which is kind of weird, is bottle of water not allowed? lol). Also, if you bring newspaper you have to take it with you and put it in newspaper recycling that is located in all metro exits. However, a lot of people do not do it and sometimes you can see pile of newspapers in a train. I find it very bad, as its not hard to take your newspaper.

    Mon 2007/10/22 13:09:23 JST (ID #60546)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • kdk087
    kdk087 in Sydney, New South Wales. Australia. (Registered on 2007/10/18)
    Student

    In Sydney Australia, During peak hours you have to buy a child ticket for the bike... but during non-peak its free.

    Tue 2007/10/23 20:43:12 JST (ID #60713)
    reply to kdk087's comment
  • lin-da-kenobi
    lin-da-kenobi in Lima, Peru ^^ (Registered on 2007/08/15)
    medicine student & otaku

    we can take bicycles inside the train here in long beach

    Tue 2007/10/23 22:57:44 JST (ID #60729)
    reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment
  • Nopy
    Nopy in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16)
    http://nopybot.com

    We're not allowed to take bicycles onto trains during rush hour, but the rest of the time is ok.

    Tue 2007/11/20 23:00:17 JST (ID #64295)
    reply to Nopy's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    No bicycles allowed here too... Wow Danny, you have a super wife... Super stamina and super memory, amazing!~

    Fri 2008/01/25 02:25:32 JST (ID #70653)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • lazerbeak
    lazerbeak in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/21)
    System Administrator
    http://www.thedoitsujin.com/

    allowed over here, but you have to pay a small fee to your monthly ticket for it. or maybe they changed it, have never taken a bike on the train myself. then again, my last train ride was like 1 year ago^^

    Mon 2008/03/03 13:50:22 JST (ID #100302)
    reply to lazerbeak's comment
  • Burford
    Burford in the path of a traction engine. (Registered on 2008/05/28)
    Lurker, and part time super-villian.
    http://burfordus.wordpress.com

    28Km in a city? Wow. Thats... thats pretty damn incredible!
    Um, not allowed to carry large items (at ticket dude's discretion as to what that means) on the trains in devon, since they're incredibly narrow and full of forward facing seats. Stupid devon.

    Mon 2008/10/06 20:27:40 JST (ID #325199)
    reply to Burford's comment
  • Sat Nav
    Sat Nav in england (Registered on 2009/04/01)
    anime + games collector

    it rarely happens due to fact that the train cars aer not designed with bikes in mind and that really does blow.

    Mon 2009/04/06 13:02:24 JST (ID #551686)
    reply to Sat Nav's comment

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