Commuting in Tokyo: How We Spend Our Time in Transit

最終更新日: 2025/01/28

Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis with one of the world’s busiest public transportation systems, sees millions of people traveling to, from, and within its boundaries every day. Whether it’s by train, subway, or bus, these daily journeys often last anywhere from 30 minutes to well over an hour. How do commuters make use of this transit time? A survey of 1,000 respondents—each commuting in and around Tokyo—sought to answer just that.

The data reveals a tapestry of habits and preferences, from the popularity of traditional activities like sleeping or reading, to the rise of quick-and-easy smartphone games. Although many travelers opt to do nothing at all—sometimes due to crowded conditions—others turn their commutes into miniature windows of productivity, relaxation, or entertainment. By examining patterns in commute length, digital engagement, and overall attitudes, we gain insights into how one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers shapes everyday commuter behavior.

Methodology

The initial survey was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, targeting 1,000 valid respondents residing in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. The male-to-female distribution was 668 to 332. Respondents were recruited to represent a broad cross-section of commuter experiences within these prefectures, focusing on travel habits, activities, and stress levels. The survey data was obtained through Freeasy.

From this pool, a follow-up survey was administered to 100 participants who indicated in the first survey that they had experience with online casino games. This smaller subset allowed for a more detailed exploration of gaming habits, preferences, and usage patterns.

Results 

First survey – 1000 respondents

How long is your current commute to work or school? 

The majority of respondents commute 30 to 60 minutes (35%), with males (243) significantly outnumbering females (107). 1 to 2 hours is the next most common duration (25.7%), again with more males (203) than females (54). Short commutes under 30 minutes are less common (23.9%), and only 2.2% have commutes exceeding 2 hours. About 12.2% do not commute, with more males (77) than females (45). This highlights a predominance of mid-length commutes, particularly among males. 

Mid-length commutes dominate, suggesting there’s often a solid chunk of time to engage in activities.

Where is your place of work or school? (SA)

Place of Work or School:

• The majority work or study in central Tokyo (24.94%), followed by Kanagawa Prefecture (18%) and western Tokyo (12.98%).
• Males are more concentrated in central Tokyo (157) compared to females (62), while females are relatively evenly distributed across other regions.

Large metropolitan areas draw the biggest commuting crowds, consistent with Japan’s urban concentration.

How do you feel about your commute to work or school? Please select the option that best matches your feelings.

Most respondents feel neutral about their commute, with 42.48% indicating “No particular issues,” and more males (243) than females (130) expressing this sentiment.

A significant portion (25.17%) finds commuting tiring but manageable, while 18.68% consider it a major stress source, showing room for improvement in commute experiences.

Despite efficient train networks, nearly one-fourth of respondents find commuting tiring, while almost one-fifth experience significant commuting strain.

What do you mainly do during your commute to work or school? 

Activities During Commute:

• The most common activities are listening to music (24.94%) and doing nothing or unable to do anything (37.81%). Males are more likely to engage in these activities than females.
• Sleeping (22.1%) and reading books/e-books (19.13%) are also popular, with males leading in these activities.
• Watching videos (11.5%) and playing online games (9.57%) are less common but have noticeable engagement, particularly among males.

Passive, relaxing activities (music, napping) still reign supreme, likely due to crowded conditions.

How often do you play smartphone games during your commute to work or school? 

Frequency of Playing Smartphone Games During Commute:

• The majority (68.91%) never play smartphone games during their commute
• Occasional players (11.85%) outnumber frequent ones, with males more engaged in gaming overall.

Smartphone gaming holds some significance but is not the primary activity for most commuters, possibly due to the crowded conditions during their commute.

What genres of smartphone games do you often play during your commute to work or school?

Genres of Smartphone Games:

• Puzzle or logic games are the most popular (50.92%), with males (90) leading the interest.
• RPGs (27.11%) and action games (24.54%) follow, with males consistently showing higher engagement.

Quick, easy-to-resume game genres fit short bursts of commuter downtime.

How much time do you spend playing smartphone games during a single commute to work or school? 

Time Spent Playing Smartphone Games:

• Most respondents play for 10 to 20 minutes (37.73%), with males (76) playing longer than females (27).
• Sessions longer than 30 minutes are rare (12.46%), and only 1.47% play for over 60 minutes.

Commuters tend to opt for brief gaming sessions that can end quickly when reaching their destination.

Do you feel that playing smartphone games during your commute helps reduce stress or boredom?

Effect on Stress/Boredom:

• A majority feel smartphone games help, with 50.18% reporting moderate reduction and 10.99% significant reduction.
• Females (40) are less likely to report a strong impact compared to males (97).

For some, gaming provides a welcome mental escape from crowded trains and long rides.

How much do you spend on in-app purchases for smartphone games played during your commute in a month? 

Monthly In-App Spending:

• Most respondents (53.85%) do not make in-app purchases. Among spenders, ¥1000 to ¥2000 is the most common range (16.48%).
• Males spend more than females in all categories, particularly in higher ranges.

While free-to-play dominates, a notable minority invests in game enhancements.

If you play online casino games, where do you play them? 

Finally we asked the respondents whether they ever play online casino games, and if so, where.

• On the train is the most common location (8.5%), followed by at home (6.3%).
• A vast majority (83.5%) do not play online casino games

Although most respondents do not play online casino games, over 10% reported that they do. To gain deeper insights into this group’s experiences and preferences, we conducted a more detailed follow-up survey with these individuals.

Second survey – 100 respondents

From the previous survey, 100 respondents with experience in playing online casino games were selected for more in-depth questioning

How often do you participate in online casinos? 

The majority of respondents participate in online casinos several times a week (33%) or have tried 1–2 times (33%). Daily participation or several times a month, is less common (8% and 18%, respectively). Males are more likely to participate frequently (e.g., 22 males versus 11 females for weekly participation), while females are less represented across all categories. This suggests moderate engagement, with many treating it as an occasional activity rather than a regular habit. ​

What types of online casino games do you prefer to play? (Multiple Answers)

The most popular online casino games are slots (36%) and poker (35%), followed by blackjack/baccarat (31%). Males dominate preferences across all categories, with slots and poker seeing significantly higher male engagement (27 and 26) compared to females (9 each). Interestingly, online horse racing (26%) is more popular than sports betting (18%), likely reflecting Japan’s cultural familiarity with horse racing. A minority (14%) expressed no specific preference, which may represent casual users or those new to online casinos.

When using online casino sites or apps, which device do you primarily access them from? 

Smartphones are the dominant device for accessing online casino games (49%), particularly among males (36), while laptops (28%) and desktops (15%) are secondary options. Females are notably less likely to use desktops (7) and rely more on laptops (8). Tablets are minimally used (8%), and no respondents reported using other devices. This aligns with broader trends favoring mobile convenience, particularly among younger, tech-savvy users.

How important are bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs when choosing an online casino platform? 

Bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs are considered important or very important by a combined 60% of respondents, with males (27 and 17) assigning more importance than females (10 and 6). Neutral or indifferent responses (27%) suggest a subset of users who may prioritize other factors like game variety or platform usability. This highlights the competitive value of promotions in attracting and retaining players, particularly male users.

Are you aware of the current legal status of physical casinos in Japan? Please select the option that best matches your understanding. 

Most respondents are somewhat aware of Japan’s legal landscape regarding casinos (44%), with 31% fully understanding that physical casinos are not legalized. Females tend to have lower awareness levels, with only 12% fully informed compared to 21% of males. This reflects a broader gap in legal understanding that may impact informed decision-making regarding casino platforms and activities, suggesting an opportunity for better education.

Popular Japanese video games, such as the Dragon Quest and Yakuza series, sometimes include casino-style mini-games. When honing your skills in these in-game casinos, how do you primarily acquire knowledge and skills? 

Respondents primarily gain casino knowledge through online platforms (33%) or tutorials/guides (27%), with males showing higher activity in both areas. Interestingly, 17% already know the rules and don’t need practice, reflecting prior exposure to gambling or related activities. Females are more likely to avoid in-game casinos altogether (4 compared to 13 males), possibly indicating differing interests or comfort levels with gambling mechanics.

Do you visit amusement casinos or poker bars? 

Most respondents visit rarely (27%) or never (25%), while 23% visit several times a month, showing moderate engagement. Frequent visitors (6% almost daily, 19% weekly) are predominantly male, while females are more likely to have never visited (8). This gender difference may reflect varying social norms or interests regarding gambling as a leisure activity.

How do you withdraw the profits earned from online casinos? 

Using up credit card points is the most common method (47%), followed by bank transfers (28%) and cryptocurrency (24%). Females are less likely to use cryptocurrency (4 compared to 20 males) and rely more on traditional methods like bank transfers. Notably, 29% report never earning profits, which could reflect casual play or lack of sustained success in gambling.

Digital finance tools are common among these players, though many never accumulate winnings in the first place.

How do you usually store the profits earned from online casinos? 

The majority store profits in the form of credit card points (54.93%) or bank accounts (45.07%), with males favoring credit card points (31) more than females (8). Cryptocurrency wallets (36.62%) are also prominent, suggesting a growing interest in digital financial tools among casino users. Investment options (12.68%) are far less common, likely reflecting shorter-term financial goals associated with gambling profits.

A sizable group remains interested in newer financial options, but traditional methods still dominate.

What are your reasons for playing online casino games?

Finally we asked the open ended question as to what the reasons are for playing online casino games.

Noticeably financial gain is not a primary motivation. There is a fairly equal distribution between people playing online casino games for enjoyment and fun, to relax and relieve some stress, for some excitement or just to kill time.

Key Findings 

The survey provides a detailed look into the commuting habits and online gaming behaviors of Tokyo residents, highlighting the ways they navigate their daily routines and recreational activities. Commuting durations are varied, with the most common being 30 to 60 minutes, followed closely by 1 to 2 hours. These mid-length commutes offer commuters a window of time that is often spent on passive activities such as listening to music or sleeping. However, the largest group—37.81%—reported doing nothing during their commute, often attributing this to crowded conditions that limit engagement in other activities.

Smartphone gaming, while a significant part of digital engagement, is not the primary activity for most commuters. A substantial 68.91% of respondents reported never playing games during their commute, though occasional players (11.85%) outnumber frequent ones. Those who do play tend to prefer short sessions of 10 to 20 minutes, indicating that quick, easy-to-resume games are best suited for this context. Genres such as puzzle or logic games and RPGs are particularly popular, especially among male commuters.

In a more focused exploration of gaming habits, a follow-up survey with online casino users revealed interesting patterns. Slots and poker emerged as the most popular types of online casino games, with males consistently leading in participation. Smartphones were the dominant device for accessing these platforms, reinforcing the convenience of mobile gaming. Bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs play a key role in platform selection for 60% of respondents, underscoring the importance of these incentives in attracting and retaining users. Notably, the majority of respondents withdrew winnings via credit card points or bank transfers, with cryptocurrency gaining some traction.

These findings highlight how Tokyo commuters incorporate gaming—both casual and online casino games—into their routines. While passive relaxation still dominates commuting activities, gaming offers a brief mental escape for some. Together, these insights offer a glimpse into how commuting and digital leisure intersect in a bustling urban environment.

Conclusion

Our commuter survey data showcases a balance between routine, stress, and opportunities for relaxation or productivity. Many commuters opt for passive activities such as listening to music or sleeping, while others incorporate gaming or reading into their travel time. Mid-length commutes of 30 to 60 minutes, which dominate Tokyo’s commuting landscape, provide a window for these activities, reflecting the adaptability of urban dwellers.

Among online casino users, gaming serves mostly as entertainment and to a lesser degree a potential financial incentive. Mobile devices are the preferred access point, emphasizing convenience, while promotions and user-friendly features heavily influence platform choices. Spending and withdrawal habits reveal a mix of traditional methods and growing interest in digital finance options like cryptocurrency.

Tokyo’s commuters show how people can make the most of their travel time by blending relaxation and productivity. Understanding these habits could lead to innovations that make daily commuting more enjoyable and useful for everyone.

Demographics screening survey – 1000 respondents

Age

Prefecture

Gender

Marriage

Occupation

Industry Type

Household Income

Residential Status

Presence of Children