Airports, train stations crammed with Golden Week travelers

Saturday 03rd May, 05:51 PM JST

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10 Comments

presidentbaka at 07:16 PM JST - 3rd May

This is why I stay at home!
Alfie_in_Tokyo at 07:51 PM JST - 3rd May

Ditto.
sincity at 08:50 PM JST - 3rd May

Who could have predicted this???

Thank heavens we have the news media to keep us apprised of such unforeseen events.
medievaltimes at 11:05 PM JST - 3rd May

This is BIG news. Im shocked! It took me several minutes to wrap my head around this one. I'll make sure to remember this time next year!
smithinjapan at 01:09 AM JST - 4th May

I'd seriously like to see the safety regulations for trains in Japan in regards to capacity. Let's say, and I hope it doesn't happen, but let's just imagine IF a train derailed at 200% capacity.... what would the rules be? I know the companies are pleased as punch they can get away with people standing for 2.5 hours at nearly $100, but come on!
realist at 02:30 AM JST - 4th May

"Seat occupancy rates were 200%" Huh? Does that mean there were two people to one seat, oe what? This reporting is ridiculous. It doesnt make sense. Why not just say that "the trains were bursting at the seams, as they are every day in Tokyo." I aint goin anywhere. Instead of joining the annual insanity at exorbitant proces, I am relaxing at home.
njboy13 at 04:24 AM JST - 4th May

I believe they consider the Yamanote line 300% at rush hour.
borscht at 02:47 PM JST - 4th May

I was on a train that was 200% capacity once; the aisles were crammed with people and babies were crying. I somehow managed to get a seat for about five seconds, then I saw a very pregnant woman standing. I offered her my seat - she refused - I said I was getting off at the next stop - she sat, much relieved, I'm sure. And I stood near the garbage for the next three hours. We both got off at the same stop. I'm sure she was happy not to have to stand for three hours.

A derailment at 200% capacity? Would definitely be bloody. But how about: not moving for three hours because some holiday camper decided to throw himself in front of a train? Cramped at 200% for three hours? I'm sure the words 'air conditioner ON' and 'let them out' would never cross a conductor's mind, let alone his or her lips.
sincity at 03:31 PM JST - 4th May

medievaltimes: "This is BIG news. Im shocked! It took me several minutes to wrap my head around this one. I'll make sure to remember this time next year!"

You see, the much maligned Japanese news media is performing a valuable social service!

To think that at least one unwitting soul has been saved from the rush of a Golden Week train ride must surely warrant some sort of international recognition!
Kwaabish at 12:58 PM JST - 6th May

FYI, I believe that JR East defines 100% capacity of a train carriage (such as a type E201 Yamanote) as each seat occupied and each hand strap (吊革）utilized.