Japanese railroad stations are making efforts to make it easier for non-Japanese to use them.
One of these efforts is the numbering of stations. For example, JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo is numbered JY17. By numbering stations with the alphabet and numbers, foreigners who cannot read or pronounce Japanese can identify and communicate the station name. In addition to Japanese, languages such as English and Chinese are being added to station information boards. Some stations are equipped with automatic ticket vending machines that can switch to foreign languages.
Information centers for foreign tourists have also been set up at major stations, where multilingual pamphlets are available and staff who speak foreign languages can provide guidance. If you are traveling to Japan, be sure to stop by and take a look.
