Buses made me a little nervous at first, especially when we accidentally clogged one up with our luggage, but now I find them pretty relaxing. Even when the ride took longer than expected, it was comfortable and on time.
Trains are the most fun by far. I love the feeling of speed and how simple it is to tap in and out with my IC card. It’s cool seeing how clean and quiet everything is, and it really feels like everyone is working together to make the ride pleasant.
The way people get around in Kyoto is closely tied to Japanese values and the environment.
One big difference I noticed is how respectful and quiet everyone is on public transportation. Talking on the phone or speaking loudly with friends is considered rude here, and in some cases, you might even be asked to leave if people consider it disruptive. That’s a big contrast from the U.S., where loud conversations are pretty common on buses and trains. Honestly, I find the quiet atmosphere refreshing—it helps make the ride calm and peaceful.
Cleanliness is another important part of Japanese culture. On buses and trains, people don’t eat or drink, and there’s hardly any trash anywhere. That really surprised me, because I’m used to seeing wrappers and bottles on public transport back home. These rules show how much people in Japan care about keeping shared spaces neat and pleasant for everyone.
