Tokyo
Japan’s renowned bullet trains, which operate on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, are set to undergo a significant change by spring 2024. Central Japan Railway Co., West Japan Railway Co., and Kyushu Railway Co., the operators of these lines, have jointly announced their decision to discontinue the provision of smoking rooms. This transformation will witness the substitution of smoking areas with designated spaces for the storage of drinking water. This strategic step is aligned with the ongoing trend of declining smoking rates and the growing prevalence of health-conscious behavior across Japan.
The smoking room removal plan will be implemented on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which links Tokyo and Osaka, as well as on the Sanyo and Kyushu lines, serving the western region of the country. This alteration is aimed at streamlining responses during critical situations and emergencies, thus contributing to a more efficient overall train operation. It is worth noting that smoking has already been banned on most local trains in Japan and on the Shinkansen operated by East Japan Railway, headquartered in Tokyo, and Hokkaido Railway.
With this decisive move to prioritize health and safety, the operators are not only responding to the changing preferences and habits of travelers but are also upholding a commitment to providing a more conducive and healthy environment for all passengers. This shift not only reflects the evolving landscape of public health consciousness in Japan but also highlights a progressive step towards ensuring a more pleasant and inclusive train travel experience.
