Shinkansen seat manners: reclining and turning seats

Reclining your seat

• Look behind you before you recline. Make eye contact, nod or say "sumimasen" (excuse me).
• Recline slowly. The person behind you may have a drink or a laptop on the table.
• On a nearly empty train you can be more casual. On a full train, a polite warning matters more.

Turning seats to face each other

On many shinkansen trains you can turn a row of seats around so that your group can face each other.

• It works best if your party fills all the seats in the group (four or six seats).
• If you are three or five people, think twice. Someone may board at the next station and sit facing you.
• If you are not sure, ask the passengers nearby before you turn the seats.

Keep it quiet

Most passengers ride alone, for work or to rest. The cars are quiet, so please think of the people around you.

• Talk in a low voice, and take phone calls on the deck area between cars, not at your seat.
• Avoid loud conversation and group parties, such as a drinking party at your seat. A beer or a bento with a quiet meal is fine.
• Keep the sound of videos and games off, or use headphones.

Put things back

• Return the turned seats to their original direction when your group leaves, or when a passenger needs the seat.
• Put your seat upright before you get off.
• Keep your feet off the seats.

Please note

These are common manners from travel guides, not official rules from the railway companies. Some train types and seat classes differ. If staff or a sign says otherwise, follow them. See our articles on shinkansen seats and luggage for the official rules.

FAQ

Sources

• JRailPass: Japan Train Etiquette Mistakes Tourists Make and How to Avoid Them
• Explore Translation: Shinkansen Manners and Rules, A Guide for Visitors to Japan

Related tips

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