BABY ETIQUETTE on TRANSPORT

First of all, elevators can be found at some stations, not all.
Usually this is the scene at most stations. The old Tokyo subway stations seem to be the worst.
Strollers are okay, especially if the child is still too small to support himself.
When the train isn't busy, you can leave larger children in their stroller. You don't have to fold it up to make room.
Sure, the sign in the window says these seats are for the elderly, pregnant, disabled, or mothers... but it took two stops to have them vacated for us.
Make sure your stroller is narrow enough to go through the wickets.
This one is wider than most, and there sometimes are manned, wider wickets to be found.

Babies are loved in Japan. Until age of 6, kids get away with a lot. Candy is often given to your child. You'll hear, 'Kawai' which is cute. DON'T say 'Kowai' back to them and their children. It means scarey. Of course, some of our children are scarey.

TRAIN ETIQUETTE- We are encouraged to not use the trains at peak commuter times. We had to get to Haneda Airport one time, and took our son. People tried to help protect him, but it was a tight squeeze. They shove people into the cars at this time of morning. If you do have to go, there might not be room for the stroller. FOLD IT UP. My Japanese teacher says they won't say anything to you, but it is expected. Safety of your child can be in jeopardy. Our friend's older children play a game, 'Feet up!' When traveling at peak times, they announce when they can keep their feet off the ground, but be held up by the sardine crowd.

When the trains are back to normal (9:30 a.m. is plenty safe, I think), and there is room, no folding up is needed. Some cars at the ends have a special place for old people and mothers to sit. Feel free to keep the kid in the stroller and park them there, even if it is a bit crowded.

Evening rush isn't as big of deal. The commuters come home at different times, so it will be crowded (use your judgement to fold up or not).

Weekends should be no problem. Not all small stations have elevators. Most bigger stations do, look for the signs, and be prepared to vie with the old folks for room on the elevators. Escalators are a snap. Be sure to keep to the left, so rushing commuters can get past. Some folks' connections are dependent on them running between trains.

BTW, children under 6 (or still in kindergarten) ride free. If your child is still in kindergarten, even if they're 7, they can ride free. When you go to get their half-priced PASMO, you will need their passport with you. They put their name on it, so it is only for them.

Eating is frowned upon on the trains. With so many commuters, it would be a mess. Unless you are on a train where you pay for your individual seats. There, you are allowed to drink and eat. Notice how the lady selling stuff bows on entrance and exit. It is fine to lap-sit your child on those trains, as there won't be room for a stroller in the aisle.

Buses you can keep your kid in the stroller in the bottom part. You usually enter the bus mid-section, and exit by the driver (when you pay). Wide strollers can be an issue.

In cars you will see unbelted children. On base, the same rules about baby seats apply as in the states. Some of the taxis on base have child seats to help you comply. Off-base taxis, no belt is needed.

If you take an MWR bus trip, you need to have the approved baby seat for your child. Since they are lap belts, no booster seats are needed. On the toll-ways, you need to be belted in. MWR helped me get one back in 2006 when we were TDY. I don't know if they still provide this service.