In stark contrast to the experiences found on the Random Rants post which gave me a good giggle and a reminder of how things are in Sydney (thanks Niall), I thought I’d give you a sneak peak to what happens in this part of the world.

I am going to dedicate this post to the orderly use of escalators, stairs and lifts / elevators. For sure, this will be one of the 974 things I really like about Japan.

I have now experienced all levels of (dis)organisation and am now residing in a place that does it so well, it’s almost scary. It’s fantastic.

With a mix of helpful signage and general courteousness so as not to invade another’s personal space, I am yet to be bowled over, knocked or even slightly shoulder rubbing while using any of the aforementioned conveniences.

The train stations all have signs so you know exactly where to walk, everyone stands on the left on the escalator (which is the same side of the road that people drive on so there’s no confusion, unlike in HK) and the only time people meander, is when they are looking for another platform map or station exit. For those in a hurry, the right side is totally clear so they can walk up. These are all in helpful locations so everyone veers around those areas so people that need them have easy access.

It is rare to see someone on their phone and the escalator at the same time. They generally know where they are going by that point and have finished their games before they got off the train.

Using an elevator / lift is similar. Everyone waits to the side so people can actually exit the lift before anyone tries to get in. If I’m with colleagues, I’m let in first due to my role and that I’m female. If I’m with others, I’ll tend to be let in first too. This could be to do with being foreign but I’m not sure. I’ve heard that sometimes this is the reason why I may be able to do things others may not. I try to be respectful though and if everyone is waiting and looking at me, I take that as my cue to enter.

Entering a train is similar. We all make neat rows in the marked areas, wait for the doors to open, people to get out and then pile on in. There will be a whole post on the trains as it is an experience in itself.

From HK, people meander all over the pathways, looking at their phones and expecting people to walk around them. On the train, it is a push to get on or off a train with neither group waiting for the other. While people are meant to walk on the right on pathways and stairs, this is arbitrarily disregarded with no real reason.

This is such an extreme for me compared to what I am familiar with that it has actually taken me a while to become accustomed to it. Surprising given how much I generally like order.

Ahh the simple things. It’s fantastic!

* Thanks to Prince for the title to this post. Still can’t quite believe it…