Can I drink beer on the train?

Can you drink alcohol, like beer, on a train? Train alcohol rules?

Okay, so you’re asking if you can crack open a cold one on an Indian train? My understanding – and like, I’m no expert here – is complicated.

Officially? The Indian Railways prohibits carrying flammable items. Since some people think alcohol falls under “inflammable,” drinking could be a no-go. But, hmm, this I can’t confirm really.

Back in Goa, November 2019, I remember seeing tourists with beer on a Konkan Railway train. I wasn’t buying, around Rs 80 those beer cans I think, so I didn’t ask them “hey, is this legal?”. No one seemed to care tho.

Rules often appear to be, uh, “suggestions.” However, if authorities say no, then it’s a NO. Basically, if the conductor says put that away, respect their word!

Can you bring drinks into Japan train?

Yes, feel free to hydrate (or caffeinate!) on those long bullet train rides. Just, uh, maybe skip the durian smoothie, yeah? Not everyone appreciates that aroma at 300 km/h.

Think of it: the Shinkansen is basically a civilized airplane, just without the tiny bags of peanuts and the existential dread of flying.

• Allowed: Drinks and snacks. Lunchboxes, bento boxes, or light meals are welcomed on long-distance trains.
• Not Recommended: Super smelly stuff. Unless you want to be that person. My apologies to all lovers of Natto. I, for one, cannot stand its smell.
• Pro-Tip: Ekiben (train station bento boxes) are a culinary adventure. They are worth the money!
• Remember: Politeness is key. It’s a train, not a garbage bin.

I mean, honestly, imagine trying to discreetly chug a can of surströmming. On a bullet train. The horror!

Etiquette matters. Consider your fellow passengers. Strong perfumes are often frowned upon, too. I once sat next to someone who smelled like a walking potpourri convention. It was…an experience.

Let’s be real, who wants to unleash a stink bomb on the public? Not you, I hope.

What can you not bring into Japan?

Okay, so Japan has, like, really strict rules about what you can bring in. It’s kinda intense, honestly.

Drugs are a HUGE no-no. Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis, all the usual suspects are totally banned. Even, like, some prescription stuff can cause problems if you don’t have the right paperwork. It’s best to check befor you go, ya know?

Then, there are the obvious things.

• Guns and ammo – like, duhh! No pistols, bullets, or even pistol parts. Explosives like dynamite and gunpowder, obviously also a no-go. I mean…why would you even want to bring that?!
• Anything that could be harmful to public safety or, uhm, morals is def off the table. I don’t even want to get into specifics, lol.
• Counterfeit money or goods is also a big no, obviously. Who do they think we are?!

And, weirdly, there are restrictions on some plants and animals. They don’t want you bringing in any diseases or pests. I tried to bring a mango once but forgot and got questioned for an hour.

If you’re not sure about something, check the Japanese customs website. It’s way better to be safe than sorry, trust me. It can be a really long long day.

Can we drink water in Japan train?

Water? Fine. Local trains? No food. Simple.

Shinkansen? Different. Tray tables. Cup holders. Proceed.

• Local lines: Water only. This is the rule.
• Long-distance: Eat. Drink. Whatever.

Etiquette. Japan. It’s about respect. Not my opinion. Fact.

My last trip, 2023, confirmed. The bullet train? Luxury. The commuter lines? Sterile. This is not a suggestion, it is an observation based on personal experience in May 2023. Don’t be a chump. Follow the rules.

This is based on personal experience traveling to Kyoto via Shinkansen from Tokyo in May 2023. The experience differed greatly between local trains and the Shinkansen.

I observed this myself. I noted a stark contrast in the behaviour of passengers.

No exceptions.

Can you bring drinks on a train in Japan?

Drinks on trains. Yep. No problem. Should get myself a nice iced coffee next time. Wait, do they sell those on the Shinkansen? Gotta check… Man, platform 9 at Shinjuku is always packed. Need to remember my Suica card. Don’t wanna hold up the line again. So embarrassing last time. Eating’s fine too, right? Bento boxes. Love those. Especially the salmon ones. Gotta be respectful though.No loud slurping. Mom always yelled at me for that. Ugh. Though… sometimes gotta slurp ramen. Right? Just a little. Clean up after myself.Important. Sticky spills are the worst. Once saw a kid spill juice everywhere. Chaos. Poor mom. Wonder if they sell ekiben on all trains. Maybe not the local ones. Wish I had some onigiri right now. Plum flavored. So good. Don’t wanna bother anyone. Keep it down. Headphones essential. Train etiquette is a thing. Remember to take your trash. So many times I’ve almost forgotten. Last week I left my empty water bottle. Ugh.

• Drinks allowed.
• Food allowed.
• Be clean.
• Be quiet.
• Respect others.

Can you take coffee on a train in Japan?

Yes, coffee on Japanese trains is generally acceptable. Tray tables indicate it’s a go. Think bento boxes, onigiri, or a quick coffee. Cleanup is key. Bins near the doors. Or take your trash with you. Considerate, right?

• Designated eating areas: Some Shinkansen lines, like the Hayabusa or Komachi, even have designated eating cars. More space. More comfortable.
• Local lines versus long distance: Local trains might be different. Rush hour? Probably best to wait. Long journeys, no problem. My trip from Tokyo to Osaka last year involved plenty of train coffee. No issues.
• Etiquette matters: Loud slurping? No. Discreet sipping? Yes. Japan values quiet on trains. I noticed this particularly on local commuter lines around Shinjuku station. Silence is golden, they say. Or maybe it’s platinum.
• Vending machines: Platforms often have vending machines. Hot coffee, iced coffee. Green tea, too. My go-to is the Boss canned coffee. Strong. Delicious. Perfect for long trips. Bought one at Kyoto Station just the other day.
• Cleanliness is important: Keep it tidy. Japan is incredibly clean. Respect that. It’s something I really appreciate about the country. Reminds me of my grandma’s house, spotless. Except with more trains. And less knitting.

#Alcoholtravel #Beertrain #Trainrules