Did you know there are escalator rules in Japan?
The most common escalator etiquette is “leave one side of the escalator open so those in a hurry can pass.” Since people in Japan use trains as a main transportation method, the stations are extremely crowded. Letting people rush through the open side will help the flow of human crowds.
However, each region in Japan has a different side to stand.
In Tokyo, people stand on the left side and in Osaka, people stand on the right side.
“Kansai=right side, Kanto=left side” is what most people think it is, but most regions stand on the left side. Only 9 prefectures out of all the regions stand on the right side, which are Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, etc.
Make sure you follow the local rules for the escalator when you visit Japan.
If you are not sure which side to stand, just follow the people in front of you!
