“To the left, to the left!” has got to be one of my favorite song lyrics. Surprisingly, it’s also relevant to daily life in Japan, where walking on the left-hand side or yielding to the left (hidarigawa tsuko) is more than just a habit — it’s an unspoken rule that prevents collisions, umbrella entanglements, and those intimidating “Nanda yo!” grumbles or tongue-clicking (an expression of frustration in Japan). A win-win!
Moving in harmony: Japan’s secret to smooth navigation
Whether you’re navigating busy roads, bustling train stations, airports, temples, or even the paths up Mt. Fuji, you’ll notice how effortlessly people avoid collisions. The secret? Think “to the left!” — Beyoncé gets it.
Whenever I weave through crowds in Japan, I’m reminded of my Junior Police Officer (JPO) drill practice at Pearl Ridge Elementary in Hawaii. Our team won a statewide competition for mastering cadence and movement, and in many ways, Japan’s left-side walking culture follows the same principle of orderly flow.
Japan also drives on the left side of the road. Bicycles, too, are supposed to stay left, which is good to remember if you find a bike bearing down on you on the sidewalk!
But…why the left? A historical link to the samurai era
One theory about the origin of hidarigawa tsuko in Japan traces it back to the samurai era, generally considered to have lasted from 1185 to 1868. Samurai typically wore their swords on their left hip (as most were right-handed), and so walking on the left side of the road reduced the risk of scabbards clashing — an accidental bump that could be taken as a provocation. This practice of walking on the left continued even after the warrior class was abolished and carrying swords was no longer the norm, influencing modern infrastructure and pedestrian habits. At least, that’s what the theory suggests!
Another theory as to why left-hand traffic became established in Japan comes from the history of the country’s railways, the first of which were built with the assistance of British engineers during the early Meiji period (1868 – 1912). As the Brits also use left-hand traffic, it must have been good synergy.
Keep calm and stay left
Directional arrows on stairs, roped-off areas during rush hours, and temple processions all reinforce this left-side movement. It’s so deeply ingrained in Japanese society that after over 35 years here, I instinctively step left to avoid oncoming pedestrians. But when I rushed through Atlanta International Airport with a stroller and toddler in tow, my reflexes backfired — Americans typically step to the right, resulting in that awkward zigzag dance we’ve all experienced.
With Japan welcoming more international visitors than ever, a little awareness of hidarigawa tsuko can go a long way. So next time you’re in a crowd, just remember “To the left!” and enjoy a smoother, stress-free experience in the Land of the Rising Sun.
FAQ
- What does hidarigawa tsuko mean?
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Hidarigawa tsuko means keeping to the left when walking, bicycling, or driving. It’s the norm in Japan.
- Do people in Japan always walk on the left?
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We’re all human, with a great capacity for the confounding and the unexpected. While “keep left” may be the norm in Japan, it isn’t an absolute rule in every pedestrian situation. Traffic flow, signage, station design, and crowd density can affect which side people use.
- What side of the road do cars drive on in Japan?
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In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road, as in the UK, Australia, and many other countries.
- Why do people stand on one side of escalators in Japan?
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Most people stand on the left side of the escalator so that those in a hurry can pass on the right. However, in Osaka and other parts of the Kansai area, people stand on the right side of the escalator (don’t worry, cars still keep left). Recently, especially in train stations, it has become more common for signs and announcements to ask people to simply stand and refrain from walking on escalators, presumably for safety reasons. Just take a look around and follow what others are doing!