What manners should I observe on trains?

Respect the silver seat.

Usually at the end of each train car, there is a seat colored differently from other seats: the silver seat, or the priority seat. This is for people who must sit, such as the elderly, the injured, or pregnant women..

Persist in offering a seat.

If you have a seat and someone near you is in obvious need of a seat, you can simply say “douzo” (“here you go”).  Even if the person says “No, thank you,” keep insisting. Typically, Japanese people do not accept readily, but they would like to take your offer.  When they say, “it’s okay” (“daijoubu”) or other such protests, don’t take them literally. Stand up and offer the seat.

Be quiet.

Don’t speak loudly, and don’t talk on your cell phone when you are on a train. Don’t use your cell phone at all near people in the priority seats. They may have pacemakers and cell signals may cause malfunctions.

Stow your bag.

If you’re seated, keep your bag on your lap. If you’re standing, put your bag on the metal shelf above the seats.

Generally, behave.

Don’t sit directly on the floor and don’t eat or drink on a commuter train.