Long commute in Japan - How to Spend Your Time Effectively?

Are Commute Times Long in Japan?

In Japan, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, long commutes are quite common.

It's not unusual for commute times to exceed an hour and a half. Many company offices are concentrated in urban areas. While some people live in the city, there are more residential areas farther away. Living further from the city center means longer commute times.

Many people commute by train or bus, which can be particularly crowded during the morning and evening rush hours.
Source: Yahoo News - The Reality of Commute Times: Average is 1 hour 21 minutes (2021 Edition)

How to Spend Your Commute Time

If you're going to spend a long time on the train or bus, you might as well use it effectively. Here are some ways to make the most of your long commute:

Enjoy Your Hobbies

Listen to music, watch videos, or play games on your smartphone. You can download music and videos to your smartphone so you don't have to worry about bad reception.

Read Books

Many people want to develop a habit of reading. Reading during your commute allows you to read at the same time every day, making it easier to form a habit. If you're reading Japanese books, thin and small "bunkobon" or "shinsho" are easy to read on the train. With e-books, you can read on your smartphone without increasing your luggage. Recently, "audiobooks," which let you listen to books, have also become available. This is convenient as you can use it without using your hands, even while standing.

Study

Using your commute time to study is also a great idea. If you look around on the train, you'll see many people studying for qualifications or learning languages. You can use your commute time to acquire new skills.

Sleep

If you can find a seat, sleeping is a good option. To avoid missing your stop, check the transfer information and set an alarm on your smartphone to go off a little before your arrival time. Make sure to set it to vibration only since you're on the train.

If You Think Commute Time is Wasted

Switch to a Job That Allows Remote Work

By switching to a job that allows remote work, you can eliminate commute time entirely. Working from home removes the stress of commuting and allows you to use your time more effectively. Some companies allow full remote work, while others may have a limit on the number of days you can work from home.

Search for jobs with remote work on JOB JOURNEY（Link to job listings）

Live Close to Your Workplace

Moving closer to your workplace can shorten your commute time. If you can commute by walking or biking instead of taking the train or bus, it not only saves time but also provides exercise. Urban areas may have higher rent, but some argue that the extra money is worth the time saved.
To save on rent... Look for jobs that offer housing subsidies or company dormitories.

Search for jobs with housing subsidies or dormitories on JOB JOURNEY (Link to job listings)

If Crowded Trains are Too Stressful

Some companies allow you to adjust your start time to avoid the crowded rush hour. Shifting your start time by just an hour can significantly reduce the number of people on the train. If your company has such a system, try utilizing it.

If you can use a flex-time system (a system where you can adjust your working hours according to your lifestyle), take advantage of it.

In Conclusion

In Japan, especially in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, it's not uncommon for commute times to exceed an hour and a half. By making the most of your long commute, you can turn it into a productive time. If you still feel that long commute times are "wasted," consider switching to a job that allows remote work or moving closer to your workplace.