If you’re ever in Japan and decide to get on an escalator (some advice for you), stay to one side.  If you have ever been at an airport with moving floors you will recall that one side was for standing or stationary people and the other side was for the speedy people who were walking on the moving belt.  Escalators work the same way in Japan.  One side is for people who are standing, patiently waiting to arrive at the top or bottom floor.  The other side is kept clear for those who are planning on running up or down the escalator in order to get to their destination as quickly as possible.  If you do not want to be plowed over (during rush hour) or be thought of as a frustrating, ignorant foreigner (during slower times), please stand to one side.

Location: Shinjuku, Japan