Japanese railroads run on the left side of the road. This is irrelevant for single-track trains, where the upper and lower trains share the same track, but for double-track trains, the train runs on the left side of the track toward the direction of travel. In the case of a single-track line, a station with multiple tracks is installed so that trains can exchange (cross each other) at stations along the way. Even there, trains often arrive and depart on the track on the left side toward the direction of travel. This principle applies not only to stopping trains but also to passing trains. In reality, however, there are cases where trains arrive and depart on the right side of the track. As a result, there are cases where trains have different arrival and departure numbers even though they are going in the same direction, or where trains leave from the right track toward the direction of travel. Therefore, it is advisable to check the departure and arrival number lines indicated for each train by looking at the departure time table posted at the station, signs near the ticket gate, or departure markers before heading to the platform. Otherwise, you may get flustered when a train arrives at a different platform than the one you are on (I am ashamed to admit that I did this once and had to dash down the stairs). Why does such a complicated story happen? Here are two typical patterns.
Priority is given to the platform facing the station building. If there is one platform facing the station building and another platform that is accessed via an overpass or underpass, the convenience of each platform will vary. This is because the platform facing the station building does not require up-and-down movement, but the other platforms require up-and-down movement. This leads to the practice of putting trains on the platform facing the station building regardless of the direction of train travel, for convenience. However, the situation is different when there are multiple trains on a platform, such as when there is an exchange (crossing) of trains, or when trains departing later are placed on the platform earlier to stand by. In such a situation, the train with higher priority is placed on the platform facing the station building, or the platform is used according to the direction of the train.
The “1-line through” system was introduced when local trunk lines were upgraded to higher speeds. If you are familiar with station wiring, this explanation is probably unnecessary, but for those who are not, here is a brief explanation. Normally, at stations where single-track lines can be exchanged, Y-shaped turnouts (points) are installed in front of and behind the station to split the tracks. However, this causes a relatively tight “turn” and speed restrictions are imposed. This is fine for stopped trains, but even passing trains are forced to slow down, which hinders speed increases. Therefore, the turnout should not be a Y-shaped “double-branch” turnout, but a “single-branch” turnout, in which another track branches off from a straight line. Passing trains would pass through on the straightaway side, regardless of their direction of travel. Since at least one of the trains will always stop during the exchange, there is no problem if the train arrives on the side of the branch where the speed limit is imposed. The arrival and departure lines are then different depending on whether there is an exchange or not, not on the direction of the train. First of all, if the train facing the station building is on the straight side of the turnout, the operation will be as follows. If there is no exchange, the train will arrive at the number line facing the station building regardless of the direction of travel, for convenience.
If there is an exchange, one of the trains should be placed on the track that does not face the station building. If one of the trains is a passing train, it is necessary to let that train through on the straightaway side, so the other train must necessarily be placed on the guard track on the branch side. The opposite is also the case. What happens if the line facing the station building is on the branch side and the other side is on the straight line side? If there is no exchange of trains, the train can be placed on the platform facing the station building regardless of its direction of travel.
When there is an exchange between stopped trains, the principle of left-hand traffic shall be applied.
When there is an exchange between a stop train and a passing train, the stop train will land on the platform facing the station building, regardless of its direction of travel. Passing trains run off the platform on the other side of the turnout straightaway.
© Source travel watch