Living in Japan

Get a Guaranteed Seat on this Commuter Train in Japan

Japan has one of the most advanced and efficient transportation systems in the world. This is the country where your conductor will courteously broadcast an announcement to apologize if your train is even a few minutes late.

That being said, Japan is also a country where long commute times and overpacked trains are legendary.

According to a 2015 survey conducted by AtHome (in Japanese), the average commute time in the greater Tokyo area was about 58 minutes. The highest percentage (20.6%) of respondents had a commute of between 60 and 69 minutes. About 34% of people had commute times of at least 70 minutes, and 2.90% of people spent at least 120 minutes commuting each way.

The reality for many people living in or near Japan’s big cities is that getting to and from work can be an ordeal.

At some stations during peak times (or during inclement weather, like the snow day Tokyo had a few weeks ago), you may have to wait in line just to get on the train, or (if you insist on not waiting for the next train!) you can let yourself be pushed on by the platform attendants.

The video below shows the morning rush hour (around 8am) at Jiyugaoka station on the Tokyu Toyoko line, as people try to get on an express train bound for Shibuya station.

Depending on where you live, of course, your commute can be much easier.

But most people who commute by train or subway in Japan’s big cities stand for at least part of the time. Typically, a commuter train looks something like this:

A typical commute for people living in or near Japan's big cities.
A typical commute for people living in or near Japan’s big cities.

100% Guaranteed Seat on the “Morning Wing”

But not so for passengers on Keikyu Corporation’s “Morning Wing” (No. 2100) train which runs between Miura Kaigan station in Kanagawa prefecture and Shinagawa station in Tokyo.

The interior of the Morning Wing commuter train.
The interior of the Morning Wing commuter train. Photo: SUUMO

This unique commuter train gives passengers a 100% guarantee that they will get one of 436 seats available on each of two departures on the Morning Wing

The line originates at Miura Kaigan station about 61 km (38 miles) south Tokyo and makes stops at Yokosuka Chuo, Kanazawa Bunko, and Kami Oka stations.

A one-time ticket costs 300 yen ($2.56) and a monthly pass costs 5,500 yen ($47).

You do have to wake up early for the first departure, which leaves promptly at 6:09am and arrives at Shinagawa at 7:28am. The second train leaves at 7:56 and arrives at Shinagawa at 9:19am. (The second Morning Wing train actually has a final destination of Sengakuji station at 9:22am). That would make for a total commute time of one hour and nineteen minutes.

Eight Years in the Making

The Keikyu Corporation first envisioned the Morning Wing express eight years ago as a way to alleviate overcapacity in commuter trains originating in Miura and Yokosuka cities and headed for Yokohama. These trains were running at about 130% over capacity, according to Keikyu (in Japanese).

The company was finally able to launch ticket sales last November. Thus far, the most popular departure station has been Kami Oka station, with tickets for departures at this station usually being sold out.

The Keikyu Corporation currently does not have plans to increase the number of Morning Wing lines, but we’re thinking there’s more than one commuter out there who would love to have this kind of service available on other train lines.

How is your commute where you live?

Top Photo: People wait to get on a train at Shinjuku station, Tokyo

More info about the Morning Wing service is available in Japanese here.


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