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Learn Japanese at Train Stations

Train Station 駅 — Platform Panic No More

The Tokyo metro map looks like spaghetti, but you'll navigate it like a local. Find platforms, understand announcements, transfer without running, and actually enjoy the ride.

175 words · 8 chapters

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Why This Book?

Japan's train system is legendary for its precision and complexity. Without the right vocabulary, you might miss your stop because the announcement made no sense, accidentally board an express that skips your station, or panic when you hear 運転見合わせ (service suspension). This book gives you the confidence to navigate any station, from buying tickets to handling delays.

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Ticket Mastery

IC cards, fare adjustment, one-day passes

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Transfer Like a Pro

Platform signs, exit names, connections

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Announcements

Decode every station announcement

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Handle Delays

Delays, suspensions, alternative routes

What You'll Learn

1

Station Basics

23 words

Foundation vocabulary for navigating any Japanese train station - entrances, exits, platforms, and essential directions.

駅えき station
改札かいさつ ticket gate
ホーム platform
番線ばんせん track number
乗り換えのりかえ transfer
...and 18 more
2

Buying Tickets

22 words

Ticket machines and IC cards demystified. Learn fare vocabulary, pass types, and how to top up your Suica.

切符きっぷ ticket
券売機けんばいき ticket machine
チャージ charge; top up
片道かたみち one way
運賃うんちん fare
...and 17 more
3

Finding Your Platform

22 words

Navigate from gate to train with confidence. Timetables, departures, arrivals, and understanding inbound vs outbound.

時刻表じこくひょう timetable
発車はっしゃ departure
終電しゅうでん last train
上りのぼり inbound (toward Tokyo)
乗り換えのりかえ transfer
...and 17 more
4

Train Types

21 words

Know which train to catch - or avoid. From local to express to Shinkansen, plus reserved vs non-reserved seating.

各駅停車かくえきていしゃ local train
快速かいそく rapid train
特急とっきゅう limited express
新幹線しんかんせん Shinkansen
指定席していせき reserved seat
...and 16 more
5

Platform Vocabulary

21 words

Standing in the right spot matters. Doors, safety lines, boarding positions, and platform amenities.

ドア door
黄色い線きいろいせん yellow line
閉まるしまる to close
まもなく soon; shortly
コインロッカー coin locker
...and 16 more
6

Understanding Announcements

22 words

The key phrases you'll hear every ride. Next stops, door openings, transfers, and delay notifications.

次はつぎは next is
ドアが閉まります doors are closing
お乗り換えください please transfer
終点しゅうてん terminal; last stop
遅延ちえん delay
...and 17 more
7

Transfers & Navigation

22 words

Moving between lines like a local. Exit names, station staff phrases, and asking for directions.

北口きたぐち north exit
南口みなみぐち south exit
駅員えきいん station staff
何番線ですか what track number?
終電に間に合う catch the last train
...and 17 more
8

Delays & Emergencies

22 words

Stay calm when things go wrong. Weather delays, accidents, lost items, and emergency vocabulary.

人身事故じんしんじこ injury accident
台風たいふう typhoon
非常口ひじょうぐち emergency exit
平常運転へいじょううんてん normal operation
気分が悪い feeling sick
...and 17 more

Pro Tips

終電 (shuuden - last train) usually runs around midnight. Miss it and you're looking at a taxi or a manga cafe until morning. Check your route's last train time before going out!
IC cards like Suica or PASMO are essential. They work on all trains nationwide, and you can use them at convenience stores and vending machines too.
Express trains are faster but skip stations. Always check if your stop is listed. When in doubt, take the 各駅停車 (local) - it stops everywhere.
Stand on the left on escalators in Tokyo (right side in Osaka) to let people walk past. It's an unwritten rule that everyone follows.
遅延証明書 (chien shoumeisho) is a delay certificate. If trains make you late for work, get one from the station - Japanese companies accept them as a valid excuse.

Why Learn With Our App?

These 175 words are just the beginning. Here's how our app helps you actually remember them.

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Spaced Repetition

FSRS algorithm schedules reviews right before you forget. Learn more in less time.

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Gamified Learning

Build combos, maintain streaks, earn points. Learning feels like playing, not studying.

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No Subscription

This book is completely free. Other books are one-time purchase, keep forever.

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Cloud Sync

Start on your phone, continue on tablet. Your progress follows you everywhere.

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Works Offline

Download and learn anywhere - on the plane, subway, or in Japan without data.

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Real Vocabulary

No textbook words you'll never use. Every word is practical for real situations.

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