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Kung bago ka sa Japan, mapapansin mo na organized ang paggamit ng escalators sa train stations, malls, airports, at office buildings. Pero may isang importanteng bagay na dapat malaman :

The safest rule today is to stand still on the escalator and hold the handrail.

Although many people traditionally stand on one side to leave space for people walking, railway operators and local governments increasingly encourage passengers not to walk on escalators because doing so can cause falls, collisions, and accidents.

1. Stand Still While Using the Escalator

The basic safety rule is :

歩かず立ち止まる（Arukazu tachidomaru）

Don't walk—stand still.

Once you're on the escalator :

• Stand securely.

• Face forward.

• Hold the handrail.

• Avoid walking or running.

Kahit nagmamadali ka, mas safe na tumayo lang hanggang makarating sa taas or baba.

2. Why Do People Stand on One Side?

You may notice different habits depending on where you are.

Traditionally :

Tokyo/Kanto : Many people stand on the left.

Osaka/Kansai : Many people stand on the right.

The other side was commonly left open for people who wanted to walk.

However, this is a social habit—not a rule that you should walk on the empty side.

Current safety campaigns encourage people to stand rather than walk.

3. Don't Feel Pressured to Walk

Nakakita ka ng empty side?

It doesn't automatically mean :

“Walking lane ito.”

Walking or running on a moving escalator increases the risk of :

• Falling

• Bumping into another passenger

• Losing balance

• Hitting someone carrying luggage

• Causing a chain reaction if someone falls

If you're in a hurry, use the stairs when available.

4. Hold the Handrail

Whenever possible, hold the :

手すり（Tesuri） – Handrail

This is particularly important if :

• The escalator suddenly stops.

• You're carrying something.

• You're traveling with children.

• You're elderly or have difficulty balancing.

And yes, scrolling through your phone with both hands while riding isn't exactly helping your balance.

5. Don't Use Your Phone While Walking On or Off

It's tempting to check :

• LINE

• Messenger

• Google Maps

• Train schedules

while riding.

But pay attention when getting on and off the escalator.

One distracted pause at the exit can cause everyone behind you to pile up.

6. Never Stop at the Exit

This is one of the most important etiquette rules.

Once you reach the top or bottom :

Keep moving.

Don't immediately stop to :

• Check your phone

• Look at a station map

• Wait for friends

• Fix your bag

• Decide where to go next

People behind you cannot stop the escalator.

Move away first, then stop somewhere safe.

7. Keep Your Bags Close

If you're carrying :

• Backpack

• Shopping bags

• Suitcase

• Work bag

keep them close to your body.

Don't place luggage where it can block another passenger or become caught.

For large luggage, using an elevator may be safer and easier.

8. Be Careful With Long Clothing

Be mindful of :

• Long skirts

• Loose pants

• Shoelaces

• Scarves

• Bag straps

• Umbrella straps

Keep loose items away from the edges and moving parts of the escalator.

If you're wearing long clothing, make sure it doesn't get too close to the steps or sides.

9. Be Extra Careful With Children

If you're riding with a child :

• Keep them close.

• Hold their hand.

• Don't let them play on the escalator.

• Don't let them sit on the steps.

• Don't allow them to touch the sides unnecessarily.

• Make sure they step off promptly.

An escalator isn't a playground.

10. Don't Sit on the Steps

Even if you're tired, don't sit on an escalator step.

It's unsafe and can inconvenience other passengers.

If you need to rest, find a bench or designated seating area.

11. Don't Run Up or Down

Running on escalators is dangerous, especially in crowded stations.

Kung late ka na sa train, running on the escalator probably isn't worth risking an accident.

Use the stairs if appropriate—or accept that there will always be another train.

Japan's rail network has many trains. Your ankle only came with one original set.

12. Let People Exit Before Entering the Escalator Area

At busy stations, avoid pushing your way toward an escalator.

Follow the flow of passengers and queue when necessary.

If there's a line :

Don't cut in.

Japan's train stations rely heavily on orderly passenger movement, especially during rush hour.

13. Don't Block the Area Around the Escalator

Avoid gathering directly :

• In front of the entrance

• At the exit

• Beside the escalator

• Where passengers are queuing

If you're waiting for someone, move to a wider area.

This becomes particularly important at busy stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Osaka, and Yokohama.

14. What About Wheelchairs and Strollers?

Use the elevator whenever possible.

Elevators are generally safer for :

• Wheelchairs

• Baby strollers

• Large suitcases

• Mobility devices

Look for :

エレベーター（Erebētā） – Elevator

Don't try to balance something large or unstable on an escalator when a safer option is available.

15. Follow Local Signs

Some stations and facilities have signs asking passengers to :

歩かないでください。

Arukanaide kudasai.

Please do not walk.

or

立ち止まってご利用ください。

Tachidomatte go-riyō kudasai.

Please stand still while using the escalator.

Follow the instructions of the station or facility even if other passengers are doing something different.

Useful Japanese Words

エスカレーター（Esukarētā） – Escalator

手すり（Tesuri） – Handrail

階段（Kaidan） – Stairs

エレベーター（Erebētā） – Elevator

立ち止まる（Tachidomaru） – To stand still

歩く（Aruku） – To walk

危険（Kiken） – Danger / dangerous

足元（Ashimoto） – Watch your step / footing

歩かないでください – Please do not walk

Escalator Checklist for OFWs

 When using an escalator in Japan :

• Stand still instead of walking.

• Hold the handrail.

• Face forward.

• Keep bags and loose clothing secure.

• Pay attention when stepping on and off.

• Don't use your phone while entering or exiting.

• Never stop immediately after getting off.

• Keep children close.

• Use an elevator for strollers, wheelchairs, or large luggage when appropriate.

• Don't run even if you're in a hurry.

• Follow station and facility signs.

Tips for Filipinos in Japan

You may still see many commuters standing on one side of the escalator—left in much of Tokyo and right in parts of Osaka.

It's useful to recognize this local habit so you understand what's happening around you. But don't mistake the open side for an official walking lane.

The safer approach is :

Stand, hold the handrail, and don't walk.

And one small habit makes a huge difference in crowded stations: when you reach the end, keep walking until you're clear of the escalator before checking your phone or deciding where to go.

Escalator etiquette in Japan is gradually changing.

While the old habit of “stand on one side, walk on the other” is still visible in many places, today's safety message increasingly emphasizes :

Don't walk. Stand still. Hold the handrail.

For OFWs, following these simple habits helps keep you and the people around you safe—especially during Japan's very busy rush hours.

Sa PhilMoney, nais naming suportahan ang mga OFW sa Japan hindi lamang sa remittance, kundi pati na rin sa pagbibigay ng practical guides tungkol sa Japanese etiquette, culture, at everyday life para mas maging informed, prepared, at confident habang naninirahan sa Japan.

Note : This article is intended for general information only. Regulations and procedures in Japan and the Philippines may change. Please verify the latest information with the appropriate government agency or official institution before taking action.