Traveling to Japan is an unforgettable experience—modern cities, historic temples, efficient trains, and of course, delicious food. While many Japanese people in big cities understand some English, learning a few key expressions can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Even simple words like “thank you” or “excuse me” go a long way in showing respect for the culture.
This guide to Japanese phrases for tourists is designed to give you the basics: greetings, transportation, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and emergencies. Each phrase is written in Japanese, romaji (phonetic spelling), and English, so even beginners can use them right away.
1. Why Basic Japanese Helps Travelers
Speaking Japanese isn’t required for visiting Japan, but knowing some essentials helps in many ways:
- Politeness: Locals appreciate even small efforts to speak their language.
- Practicality: Signs, menus, and announcements may not always be in English, especially outside major cities.
- Confidence: Using simple Japanese makes navigating trains, ordering food, or shopping less intimidating.
- Connections: Even short phrases can spark friendly interactions and smiles.
Think of these phrases as tools in your travel kit. You may not become fluent overnight, but you’ll feel more at ease and create more authentic experiences.
2. Greetings and Polite Expressions
Japan is a culture built on respect, and greetings are essential. Here are the most common ones you’ll use every day.
Everyday Greetings
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) = Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) = Good morning (polite)
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) = Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) = Goodbye
- またね (Mata ne) = See you later (casual)
Politeness Essentials
- ありがとう (Arigatou) = Thank you (casual)
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) = Thank you very much (polite)
- すみません (Sumimasen) = Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (when asking for help)
- ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) = I’m sorry
- はい (Hai) = Yes
- いいえ (Iie) = No
💡 Tip: When in doubt, use sumimasen. It’s the most versatile polite phrase.
3. Transportation-Related Phrases
Trains and buses are the backbone of Japanese travel. These expressions will help you navigate stations and ask for directions.
At the Train Station
- 切符売り場はどこですか？ (Kippu uriba wa doko desu ka?) = Where is the ticket counter?
- この電車は東京に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka?) = Does this train go to Tokyo?
- ○○駅はどこですか？ (○○ eki wa doko desu ka?) = Where is ___ station?
- 何番線ですか？ (Nanbansen desu ka?) = Which platform is it?
Buying Tickets
- 一枚お願いします (Ichimai onegaishimasu) = One ticket, please
- 往復切符をください (Oufuku kippu o kudasai) = Round-trip ticket, please
- JRパスを使えますか？ (JR pasu o tsukaemasu ka?) = Can I use the JR Pass?
On the Bus or Taxi
- ここで降ります (Koko de orimasu) = I’ll get off here
- ○○までお願いします (○○ made onegaishimasu) = To ___, please (useful for taxis)
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) = How much is it?
4. Hotel and Restaurant Phrases
Hotels and restaurants are where politeness really shines. These phrases will help you check in, order food, and handle common situations.
At the Hotel
- 予約しています (Yoyaku shiteimasu) = I have a reservation
- チェックインお願いします (Chekku in onegaishimasu) = Check-in, please
- チェックアウトは何時ですか？ (Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka?) = What time is checkout?
- Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have Wi-Fi?
At the Restaurant
- メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) = Menu, please
- 英語のメニューはありますか？ (Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have an English menu?
- おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) = What do you recommend?
- ○○をください (○○ o kudasai) = I’ll have ___, please
- 水をください (Mizu o kudasai) = Water, please
- お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) = The bill, please
💡 Tip: In many restaurants, water is free. Just ask for mizu.
5. Shopping Phrases
From department stores to 100-yen shops, these phrases make shopping smooth.
General Shopping
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) = I’ll take this
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) = How much is it?
- もっと安いものはありますか？ (Motto yasui mono wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have something cheaper?
- 試着できますか？ (Shichaku dekimasu ka?) = Can I try this on?
- クレジットカードは使えますか？ (Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?) = Can I use a credit card?
Sizes and Variations
- 大きいサイズはありますか？ (Ookii saizu wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have a bigger size?
- 小さいサイズはありますか？ (Chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have a smaller size?
- 色違いはありますか？ (Iro chigai wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have this in another color?
Useful Words
- 割引 (Waribiki) = Discount
- 新しい (Atarashii) = New
- 中古 (Chuuko) = Used
6. Emergency Phrases
Hopefully you won’t need these, but it’s good to be prepared.
Medical and Safety
- 助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) = Please help!
- 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) = Where is the hospital?
- 薬局はどこですか？ (Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka?) = Where is the pharmacy?
- 気分が悪いです (Kibun ga warui desu) = I feel sick
- 怪我をしました (Kega o shimashita) = I’m injured
Police and Lost Items
- 警察はどこですか？ (Keisatsu wa doko desu ka?) = Where is the police station?
- 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita) = I’m lost
- パスポートをなくしました (Pasupooto o nakushimashita) = I lost my passport
- 財布をなくしました (Saifu o nakushimashita) = I lost my wallet
💡 Tip: Japan is very safe, but if you lose something, go to the nearest police box (koban). Many lost items are returned.
7. Useful Apps and Language Tips
Learning a few phrases is great, but apps can fill in the gaps.
Recommended Apps
- Google Translate: Instant translations with camera function for menus.
- Navitime for Japan Travel: Navigation and train schedules in English.
- Yomiwa: Scan and translate Japanese text.
- Duolingo or LingQ: For practicing basic Japanese before your trip.
Language Tips
- Politeness levels: When in doubt, add “-masu” or “-desu” to make phrases more polite.
- Body language: A smile and bow can substitute for words when you’re stuck.
- Learn numbers: 1 (ichi), 2 (ni), 3 (san), 10 (juu). Very helpful for shopping.
- Practice a few set phrases: Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals will understand.
8. Conclusion
Japan is one of the world’s most welcoming destinations, and speaking just a little Japanese makes your journey smoother and more meaningful. With this guide to essential Japanese phrases for tourists, you now know how to:
- Greet people politely
- Navigate trains and buses
- Check in at hotels and order food at restaurants
- Shop with confidence
- Handle emergencies if they arise
Remember: you don’t need to be perfect. Even saying “ありがとう (Arigatou) = Thank you” with a smile will earn you appreciation. Pack these phrases along with your passport, and you’ll be ready to explore Japan with confidence and respect.
