Lovely Play & Recreation

[Practical] A roundup of ways to kill time on the train [for commuting to work or school]

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

When it comes to transportation closely tied to our daily lives—like commuting to work or school—trains are the first that come to mind.

Sitting or standing, just waiting to arrive at your stop…

Many of you probably find that boring or feel it’s a waste of time.

If you ever think, “I have nothing to do,” or “This time is going to waste,” this article is for you.

We’re about to share a whole bunch of ideas for passing the time on the train.

We’ll cover ones that use your smartphone and ones that don’t require it at all.

Find the time-killers that suit you best!

[Practical] Ways to Kill Time on the Train [For Commuting to Work or School] (11–20)

puzzle ring

[Experiment] If you're a puzzle master, you can solve a disentanglement puzzle without touching it

puzzle ring

Disentanglement puzzles (wire puzzles) are a great, easy way to pass the time in the quiet space of a train.

They also work as a mini brain workout, potentially boosting concentration and logical thinking.

The sense of achievement when you solve one is exceptional.

You can easily pick them up at 100-yen shops, which makes them simple to start.

It’s not just about taking them apart—putting them back together can be quite a challenge, too.

Since they engage both your fingers and your mind, they’re a great way to make good use of your commute time.

Give them a try!

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OpenRailwayMap

http://www.openrailwaymap.org

An online map that displays the world’s railway infrastructure in detail.

It leverages OpenStreetMap data, allowing you to closely examine line types, signaling systems, and operating status.

It shows everything from urban subways and regional local lines to high-speed rail routes, making it a valuable resource for rail enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in overseas railways in particular, you can take a careful look at networks in countries you don’t usually see, which may lead to new discoveries.

It’s also a useful site for travelers and railfans to compare railways around the world and plan their next trip.

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One-Line Library

onelinebook.com

This site offers a new reading style: experiencing classic literature one line at a time.

Unlike ordinary books, the text is displayed line by line, keeping distractions out of sight and making it easier to focus on the prose.

It’s optimized for smartphones, so you can casually enjoy classic literature during your commute or in brief spare moments.

Even busy people who struggle to find time to read can progress line by line and enjoy reading without pressure.

It’s ideal for those who want to savor the nuances of the writing as well as for anyone looking to build a reading habit.

If you’d like to try a new kind of reading experience, why not peek into the world of the classics with this fresh approach?

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In conclusion

Since this is, of course, a train used by many people, I introduced activities you can do within the space of a single seat.

Have you found any ideas that make you think, “I might give that a try”? Please use this article as a reference and make the most of your spare moments!