Hanalog

You have entered the turnstile .. now its time to get to the train. Where is it? Just follow the signs. They are consistent from the entrance throughout the station, in all the signage and maps. It is just a matter of following the arrows. One slight difference in Japan, is that transportation directions are opposite to what we know in the States. This is as true with the hallways, stairways, and trains as it is their streets, escalators, and sidewalks .. though there are always exceptions. Nothing too different from what we could expect in a US subway? Or is there…?

The main difference to notice is the amount of detail provided once you have arrived on your platform. There is a clock displaying the current time, the time the next two trains will be arriving and their final destinations. There are train diagrams on the platform pillars, indicating the best train car to ride in based on the closest to the exits, transfering trains, and/or handicap accommodations for EVERY stop on the line.

The trains are timely and frequent .. a small consolation to the city’s daily commuters who’s normal work day ends hours past most American supper times. The trains schedules are so efficient and timely that if they run late during the morning hours, commuters can pick up a train slip as they exit the station proving how long their train was delayed for them to present to their boss. Japanese companies are very likely to require employees to punch in (and out) as they arrive for the work day … making these slips critical when evaluating performance.