Find your train. Then your platform.

Five checks before you board

1. 01

   Company

   Find the operator named in your route. A large station can contain several railway companies with their own gates and platforms.

2. 02

   Line

   Match the line name and its letter/colour badge. Use the written name as well as the colour.

3. 03

   Direction

   Check the destination or direction on the departure board. Your stop may be before the final destination shown.

4. 04

   Platform

   Read the number inside the correct railway area. Check today’s board even if an app has already suggested a platform.

5. 05

   Train type and stops

   Confirm that this particular departure stops where you need it to. Two trains from the same platform can have different stopping patterns.

Read the departure, not just the number

Keep the service name, departure time and destination visible together in your route app. Match them to one row of the departure board. If the match is unclear, ask before boarding.

The labels Local, Rapid and Express describe services, but the stopping pattern depends on the line and operator. A train travelling in the right general direction may still skip your station.

When your app and the signs disagree

1. Confirm you are at the intended station and railway company.
2. Check the travel date, time and direction in the app.
3. Look for a disruption notice or changed departure board.
4. Show the complete route to staff. Ask which departure to use now.

Avoid changing platforms repeatedly based only on a colour, or boarding quickly because other passengers are doing so. Step out of the flow while checking.

Show staff your destination and ask for the platformOpen a Japanese phrase card

Two trains leave from this platform. Which one is mine?

Match the service, destination and departure time, then check that your stop is served. If you cannot confirm all of them, wait and ask.

Can I rely on a saved platform number?

Use it as a starting point. Station signs and staff can confirm the current arrangement. Platform numbers are not unique across every company in a complex station.