Useful Phrases for Traveling in Japan

Traveling to Japan is an exciting adventure, and knowing some essential phrases can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or shopping, these useful Japanese phrases will help you navigate your trip with confidence.

Basic Greetings and Politeness

Hello: Konnichiwa
Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu
Good evening: Konbanwa
Goodbye: Sayounara
Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse me / Sorry: Sumimasen
Please: Onegaishimasu
Yes: Hai
No: Iie
Do you speak English?: Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
I don’t understand: Wakarimasen
Nice to meet you: Hajimemashite
My name is…: Watashi no namae wa … desu
How are you?: Ogenki desu ka?
I am fine: Genki desu
Where are you from?: Doko kara kimashita ka?
I am from…: … kara kimashita
Please say that again: Mou ichido onegaishimasu
Could you speak more slowly?: Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai

Transportation and Directions

Where is the train station?: Eki wa doko desu ka?
How much is a ticket to Tokyo?: Tokyo made no kippu wa ikura desu ka?
Does this train go to Shinjuku?: Kono densha wa Shinjuku ni ikimasu ka?
Where is the bus stop?: Basutei wa doko desu ka?
Can you show me on the map?: Chizu de oshiete moraemasu ka?
I want to go here: Koko ni ikitai desu
Left: Hidari
Right: Migi
Straight ahead: Massugu
How long does it take to get there?: Dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
What time is the next train?: Tsugi no densha wa nanji desu ka?
Where can I buy a ticket?: Kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka?
Which platform does the train leave from?: Densha wa nanban sen desu ka?
Do I need to transfer?: Norikae wa hitsuyou desu ka?

Ordering Food

Can I see the menu?: Menyuu o misete kudasai
I am vegetarian: Watashi wa bejitarian desu
I don’t eat meat: Niku o tabemasen
Do you have a vegan option?: Biigan no menyuu wa arimasu ka?
I’ll have this, please: Kore o kudasai
Water, please: Mizu o kudasai
No wasabi, please: Wasabi nashi de onegaishimasu
Check, please: Okaikei onegaishimasu
Delicious!: Oishii!
I have an allergy to…: … arerugii ga arimasu
Can you make this without…?: … nashi de tsukuremasu ka?
What is your recommendation?: Osusume wa nan desu ka?
I would like a table for two: Futari you no teeburu o onegaishimasu

Shopping

How much is this?: Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Do you have this in another size?: Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka?
Can I try this on?: Kore o shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
I’ll take it: Kore o kudasai
Do you accept credit cards?: Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
I’m just looking: Mite iru dake desu
Can I get a tax refund?: Menzei wa dekimasu ka?
Do you have this in another color?: Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?
Can you wrap this as a gift?: Gifuto you ni tsutsunde moraemasu ka?

Emergencies and Help

Help!: Tasukete!
Call the police!: Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!
I need a doctor: Isha ga hitsuyou desu
Where is the hospital?: Byouin wa doko desu ka?
I lost my passport: Pasupooto o nakushimashita
I don’t feel well: Guai ga warui desu
Can you help me?: Tetsudatte moraemasu ka?
I need an ambulance: Kyuukyuu sha o yonde kudasai
I lost my wallet: Saifu o nakushimashita

Accommodations

I have a reservation: Yoyaku shite imasu
Do you have a room available?: Aiteru heya wa arimasu ka?
Where is the hotel?: Hoteru wa doko desu ka?
What time is check-in?: Chekkuin wa nanji desu ka?
What time is check-out?: Chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka?
Can I leave my luggage here?: Koko ni nimotsu o azukemasu ka?
Do you have Wi-Fi?: Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?
Can you call a taxi for me?: Takushi o yonde kudasai

Cultural Etiquette

How do you say this in Japanese?: Kore wa Nihongo de nan to iimasu ka?
Excuse me for disturbing you: Ojamashimasu
Thank you for the meal: Gochisousama deshita
May I take a photo?: Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
No problem: Mondai arimasen
Please write it down: Kaite kudasai
Is this correct?: Kore wa tadashii desu ka?
I had a great time: Totemo tanoshikatta desu

This is just the beginning! With these essential phrases, you’ll be better equipped to handle various situations in Japan. Learning and using Japanese will not only make your trip easier but also enhance your cultural experience. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey!