When you ask anyone to name one thing about Japan that impresses them the most, in most likelihood, one of the responses will be it’s transportation system.

Responsible for transporting millions of people everyday, Japan’s transportation is one, if not, the most efficient in the world. During peak hours, trains zip by every 2 minutes at most stations in central Tokyo and at most, run only a few minutes behind schedule – if at all.

Tokyo’s subway system is a network of about 13 separate train lines, providing services in the greater metropolitan area and beyond, onto suburban railway lines. All trains are conveniently colored and labeled to minimize confusion and for easy recognition for locals and international travelers alike. Apart from winning gold in the efficiency department, it may as well win gold in the cleanliness department as well.

Despite this impressive forte, there is one blemish that people would love to hate and avoid if at all possible, but should at least, experience once in their lifetime – the teeming number of commuters during rush hour.

I recently came across an intriguing book, Tokyo Compression, from renowned photographer Michael Wolf, who captured this discomfiting side of the system so exquisitely.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, but don’t let it discourage you, Japan truly is a wonderful and unique place to live and visit.

Enjoy!

All photos ©Michael Wolf, Peperoni Books.