trip in japanese language

Mastering Language: How to Say ‘Trip’ in Japanese

Are you planning a trip to Japan and want to enhance your language skills? Knowing how to say common terms like ‘trip’ will help you communicate more effectively and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. In this section, we will explore different ways to express the word ‘trip’ in Japanese, including the Japanese word for trip , how to say it, and other useful terminology.

To say ‘trip’ in Japanese, you can use the word “tabi” (旅), which specifically refers to a trip or journey. It’s pronounced as “tah-bee” with a slight emphasis on the second syllable. Understanding how to say this common term will allow you to express yourself more clearly when discussing your travels or experiences in Japanese.

It’s important to note that expressing the term ‘trip’ in Japanese goes beyond mere translation. Japan has a unique culture surrounding travel, and phrases like “omiyage” (souvenirs) and “tabemono” (local food) play a significant role in travel discussions. Incorporating these cultural aspects into your language use will help you connect with Japanese speakers on a deeper level.

In addition to the word ‘tabi’, there are other useful terms related to trips in Japanese. Understanding the trip terminology in Japanese will add depth to your language skills and enhance your communication. Stay tuned to learn more about the Japanese word for trip and other related vocabulary!

What is the Japanese Word for Trip?

The Japanese word for trip is “ryokō” (旅行). This term is commonly used to describe a journey or excursion, whether it’s for leisure or business purposes. When discussing your travels or experiences in Japanese, knowing this word can be incredibly useful.

Here, “ryokō” is written in kanji (Chinese characters), but it can also be written in hiragana as “りょこう” and in katakana as “リョコウ”.

Japanese Word for Trip: Pronunciation

In Japanese, each syllable is pronounced with equal emphasis, meaning there are no stressed syllables like in English. To pronounce “ryokō” correctly, break it down into two syllables: “ryo” and “kō”. The “r” sound is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue, while the “kō” sound is pronounced with a long “o” sound, similar to the word “go”.

Overall, “ryokō” should be pronounced as “ree-yo-koh” with each syllable taking up equal time.

How Do You Say Trip in Japanese?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s useful to know how to say the word ‘trip’ in Japanese. The Japanese word for trip is “tabi” (旅), and it is commonly used to refer to a journey or excursion.

Pronouncing ‘tabi’ correctly is crucial. Remember to say it as “tah-bee,” with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.

So, if you want to ask someone about their trip, you can say, “Tabi wa dou deshita ka?” (旅はどうでしたか?), which translates to “How was your trip?”

Knowing how to say ‘trip’ in Japanese will enable you to converse more effectively with locals, especially when discussing your travel experiences.

Other Words Related to Trips in Japanese

Aside from ‘tabi,’ there are other useful words in Japanese related to trips. Here are a few examples:

Learning these words will help you communicate more effectively, especially in a business context.

In conclusion, knowing how to say ‘trip’ in Japanese is essential if you plan to travel to Japan or communicate with Japanese speakers about your travel experiences. Practice saying ‘tabi’ correctly and be sure to use other related words to enhance your language skills.

Expressing Trip in Japanese: Other Terminology

Aside from “tabi,” the Japanese word for trip, there are other useful terms related to traveling in Japan. Understanding these terms will help you communicate more effectively with Japanese speakers and enhance your cultural understanding. Here are a few examples:

When discussing your trip experiences with Japanese speakers, incorporating these terms will demonstrate your understanding of Japanese culture and make for more engaging conversations.

Trip Translated to Japanese: Cultural Understanding

When it comes to expressing the concept of a trip in Japanese , it’s not just about translating the term. Understanding the cultural nuances associated with travel is crucial in communicating effectively with Japanese speakers.

Travel is highly valued in Japanese culture, and often involves bringing back souvenirs, known as “omiyage” in Japanese. This can be anything from small trinkets to local food specialties. It’s important to consider incorporating these aspects into your trip conversations to connect with your Japanese counterparts on a deeper level.

Beyond the word “ryokō” (旅行) for trip, it’s useful to be familiar with other related terminology such as “tabemono” (食べ物) for food and “kanko” (観光) for sightseeing. Incorporating these terms can help you better express your travel experiences and connect with Japanese speakers on a cultural level.

Remember, communication is not just about the words we say but also the cultural context we bring to the conversation. By understanding and incorporating cultural nuances related to travel, you can master the language and connect more effectively with those around you.

Q: How do I say ‘trip’ in Japanese?

A: To say ‘trip’ in Japanese, you can use the word “tabi” (旅). It specifically refers to a trip or journey and can be used in various contexts, such as discussing a vacation or a business trip. Remember to pronounce it as “tah-bee” with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.

Q: What is the Japanese word for trip?

A: The Japanese word for trip is “ryokō” (旅行). It is a commonly used term to describe a journey or excursion. Understanding this word will enable you to discuss your travels and experiences in Japanese.

Q: Are there any other useful terms related to trips in Japanese?

A: Apart from the word ‘tabi’, there are some other useful terms related to trips in Japanese. Here are a few examples:

Q: How can I understand the cultural nuances associated with the concept of a trip in Japan?

A: Expressing the term ‘trip’ in Japanese goes beyond mere translation. It is important to consider the cultural nuances associated with travel in Japan. Travel is highly valued in Japanese culture, and phrases like “omiyage” (souvenirs) and “tabemono” (local food) play a significant role in travel discussions. Understanding and incorporating these cultural aspects will help you connect with Japanese speakers on a deeper level.

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Japanese Phrases for Tourists: 116 Essential Phrases for Your Japanese Vacation

Before I traveled to Japan for the first time, everyone assured me that “Everybody speaks English there,” and I wouldn’t need to use Japanese at all.

But in reality, most of the people I encountered in Japan had a fairly elementary level of spoken English .

For a better travel experience, you should learn some basic travel words and phrases in Japanese.

Greetings and Basic Japanese Phrases

Airport phrases you’ll hear, airport phrases you’ll use, asking for directions, receiving directions, transportation phrases, hotel phrases, eating and drinking in japan: what you’ll hear, eating and drinking in japan: what you’ll say, shopping in japan: phrases you’ll hear, shopping phrases you’ll use, number of items in japanese, tips to use your new phrases: politeness and pronunciation, how to study these japanese travel phrases.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

I’ll provide the hiragana, kanji and romaji for each word, and will explain the use of certain Japanese phrases for tourists in context.

1. Hello — konnichiwa

2. good morning — ohayou gozaimasu, 3. nice to meet you — hajimemashite, 4. goodbye — sayounara, 5. please — onegaishimasu, 6. thank yo u — arigatou gozaimasu, 7. you’re welcome — dou itashimashite, 8. excuse me/sorry — sumimasen.

This is definitely one to memorize. I say すみません at least 30 times a day in Japan. It’s a magical word.

It helps you push through a crowd, get attention from a waiter, ask for directions or be excused for basically any touristy blunder.

Simply saying すみません and gesturing is a pretty good way to express that you need help, but don’t speak Japanese.

9. Yes — hai

10. no — iie, 11. let’s eat/ “bon appetit” — itadakimasu .

Similar to the French “ bon appetit” , this is what Japanese people say before they eat. It doesn’t have a literal translation in English, but it’s a way to give thanks for a meal .

You should also remember this phrase’s pair: ごちそうさま (gochisousama) or ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita). These phrases are used at the end of a meal and translate as “What a good meal,” or “Thank you for the meal,” the latter being the more polite form.

12. I don’t understand — wakarimasen 

13. i don’t speak japanese —   nihongo o hanashimasen, 14. do you speak english — eigo o hanashimasu ka , 15. can you please repeat that — mou ichido itte kudasai, 16. can you please speak slowly — yukkuri hanashite kudasai, 17. what is your name — onamae wa nan desu ka, 18. my name is… — watashi no namae wa…, 19. what is this — kore wa nan desu ka.

これ and それ literally just mean “this” and “that.”

20. How much does this cost? — kore wa ikura desu ka? 

If you’re pointing at something that you can’t reach, you say それは いくらですか？

21. Can you please help me? — tasukete moraemasuka ?

Japanese airports aren’t just places to land: they’re an entire cultural showcase on their own. For example, at the Narita Airport , you’ll see pet hotels , gacha machines , the (in)famous smart toilets and even a Pokémon Store !

22. Welcome, please come in — yokoso, o-hairi kudasai

23. please show your ticket — chiketto o misete kudasai, 24. please show your passport — pasupooto o misete kudasai, 25. what is your reservation name — yoyaku-mei wa nan desu ka, 26. the flight is delayed — furaito chien shiteimasu, 27. the flight has been canceled — furaito kyanseru saremashita, 28. baggage claim is this way — baggeji kureimu wa kochira desu, 29. we have arrived at … airport — … kuko ni tochaku shimashita, 30. we will depart for … airport — … kuko e shuppatsu shimasu, 31. there is a delay in the flight — furaito ni okure ga arimasu, 32. there are restrictions on carry-on baggage — kinai mochikomi no nimotsu niwa seigen ga arimasu.

33. Please tell me how to get to the airport — kuko e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai

34. is this a departure flight — korewa shuppatsu-bin desu ka, 35. is this an arrival flight — korewa tochaku-bin desu ka, 36. where is the boarding gate — tojyo-guchi wa doko desu ka, 37. i’ll check my baggage — tenimotsu azukemasu, 38. please call a taxi — takushii o yonde kudasai, 39. i’d like to rent a car — rentakaa o karitai desu, 40. where is the gate for the connecting flight — noritsugi-bin no geeto wa doko desu ka.

Asking for directions is sort of daunting, especially when the person answers in a whole stream of fast-paced Japanese.

But you’ll find that Japan is one of the best places to be a lost and hopeless tourist. There’s always someone nearby who’s more than happy to help. I’ve even had people take time out of their days to walk me where I needed to go!

Simply say wherever it is that you want to go followed by どこですか？ — doko desu ka? (Where is …?).

41. I want to go… (here) — (koko) ni ikitai desu 

Say ここ if you have an address written down or a point marked on a map of where you want to go.

If you know the name or address of the place where you want to go, simply say the place name followed by に行きたいです . For example, if you want to go to Shinjuku station, you simply say 新宿駅に行きたいです   — Shinjuku eki ni ikitai desu . (I want to go to Shinjuku station.)

42. Where is the…? — …wa doko desu ka?

43. can you please show me where we are on the map — watashitachi ga doko ni iru no ka, chizu de oshiete kudasai.

This might seem like an odd question (and a bit of a mouthful), but it can be a lot more helpful than asking for directions from someone who doesn’t know English.

44. Is it near? — chikai desu ka?

45. is it far — tooi desu ka.

46. Go straight ahead — massugu itte kudasai 

47. turn left — hidari ni magatte kudasai, 48. turn right — migi ni magatte kudasai.

In Japan, public transportation is how most people get around. If you’re not used to taking the bus, train or anything similar, better keep the following phrases handy!

49. Take me to this address, please — kono jyusho made tsureteitte kudasai

50. what is the fare — ryoukin wa ikura desu ka, 51. stop here, please — koko de tomatte kudasai, 52. does this bus go to (street name) — kono basu wa … ni ikimasu ka, 53. does that train stop at … — sono denshya wa … de tomarimasu ka, 54. a map, please — chizu o onegai shimasu, 55. this hotel — k ono hoteru, 56. the subway — chikatetsu , 57. the train station — denshya no eki, 58. the bus stop  — basutei, 59. the taxi stand — takushii noriba, 60. the exit — deguchi, 61. the entrance — iriguchi, 62. the bathroom — toire.

Like other service-oriented businesses in the country, Japanese hotels subscribe to the concept of omotenashi , which roughly translates to pouring your whole heart into service. That means you can expect employees at Japanese hotels to go above and beyond when it comes to making you feel welcome.

63. I have a reservation under the name of … — … no yoyaku o shiteimasu

64. i would like to check-in — chekkuin shitai desu, 65. what time is check-in — chekkuin wa nanji desu ka, 66. is breakfast included — choshoku wa fukumareteimasu ka, 67. where is my room — watashi no heya wa doko desu ka, 68. please give me a wake-up call at …  — … ni weikuappu kooru onegaishimasu., 69. where is the nearest convenience store — ichiban chikai konbini wa doko desu ka, 70. can you recommend a good restaurant nearby — chikaku no oishii resutoran o shokaishite moraemasu  ka, 71. what time is check-out — chekkuauto no jikan wa nanji desu ka, 72. where can i store my luggage — nimotsu wa dokoni azukeraremasu ka, 73. is there wi-fi in the hotel — hoteru ni wa wai-fai ga arimasu ka, 74. where is the nearest atm — ichi-ban chikai atm wa doko desu ka, 75. i’d like to have some extra towels, please — yobun no taoru o kudasai., 76. what time is breakfast served — choshoku wa nanji kara desu ka, 77. excuse me, i need an iron and ironing board — sumimasen, airon to iron-dai ga hitsuyo desu..

Like Japanese hotels, Japanese restaurants also practice omotenashi. Here are some of the more common phrases you’ll hear from Japanese restaurant staff.

78. Welcome — Irasshaimase

79. how many people in your party — nan mei sama desu ka, 80. this way, please — kochira e douzo, 81. certainly (in response to your order) — kashikomarimashita, 82. thank you for waiting — omatase itashimashita.

The best restaurants in Japan are the authentic ones that don’t cater to tourists. But these are also the places that have no English menus, and sometimes no English-speaking waitstaff.

Luckily, it’s very common for Japanese menus to feature photos of all the dishes. And many places have models of their dishes on display, so you likely won’t be going in completely blind.

Use these phrases , and you should be in and out of a restaurant without too many hiccups.

83. A table for two, please —  futari you no teeburu o onegai shimasu

You can also replace futari with the number of people who you need to have seated:

• one — hitori ( 一人 )
• three — sannin ( 三人 )
• four — yonin ( 四人 )

If you’re confused about Japanese numbers and counters, don’t despair. You can just do as the locals do and indicate the number of diners by holding up your fingers.

84. The menu, please — menyu o onegai shimasu

85. what are today’s recommendations — kyo no osusume wa.

If everything on the menu looks appetizing and you’re not quite sure what to order, use this phrase.

86. Water, please — mizu o onegai shimasu

87. two beers, please — biiru o nihai onegai shimasu, 88. can i please have (one, two) of this — kore o (hitotsu, futatsu) onegai でdekimasu, 89. do you have a vegetarian dish — bejitarian youno ryouri ga arimasu ka.

I’ve traveled in Japan with vegetarians twice, and this question usually draws quite strange looks. Vegetarianism basically doesn’t exist in Japan, although Japanese cuisine is generally quite vegetarian-friendly.

It might work better to say これは肉ですか？ — kore wa niku desu ka? , to say “is this meat?” Follow up with 私は肉を食べません — watashi wa niku o tabemasen,  which means “I don’t eat meat,” if you want to make yourself understood.

90. Is … in it? — … wa haitte imasu ka?

Alternatively, you can also ask if specific ingredients are included in your food, so you’ll know whether you should order it or not.

91. That’s okay — daijyoubu desu

You can also use this expression to ask someone if they’re okay. Just add the question particle  ka to the end: 大丈夫ですか ？ — daijyoubu desu ka? 

92. The check, please — okanjyou o onegai shimasu 

Say the above, or you can do as the locals do and catch the waiter’s eye (with a smile!) and draw a clockwise circle in the air with your index finger pointing towards the roof.

In some restaurants, you need to bring the check to the cash register which is usually located by the restaurant’s doorway.

93. Cheers! — kanpai!

94. it was delicious — oishikatta desu, 95. water — mizu, 96. wine — wain, 97. beer — biiru , 98. tea — ochya, 99. coffee — coohii, 100. juice — juusu, 101. meat — niku, 102. chicken — toriniku , 103. pork — butaniku, 104. beef  — gyuniku , 105. fish — sakana , 106. rice — gohan, 107. bread — pan , 108. vegetables — yasai  , 109. fruit — kudamono.

When you’re met with cries of いらっしゃいませ！, you’re not really expected to respond to this greeting. As for me, I just smile and say こんにちは which means, of course, “hello.”

Walking into a department store is particularly surreal, with each assistant taking cues from the others, so that every time a customer walks in, いらっしゃいませ bounces around the entire floor.

110. Are you looking for something? — nani ka osagashi desu ka?

111. is that all — ijyou de yoroshii desu ka, 112. here it is / here you go — hai, douzo.

113. I would like this — kore o onegai shimasu

114. i would like one of those — sore o hitotsu onegai shimasu, 115. i would like to pay in cash  — genkin de onegai shimasu, 116. i would like to pay by credit card — kurejitto kaado de onegai shimasu.

The only real challenge with ordering meals in Japanese is the use of counters.

We have counters in English, too (for example “sheets” of paper, “glasses” of water, “blades” of grass), but not as many or as complicated as in Japanese.

Luckily Japanese has a “universal” counter, つ ( tsu ), which you can use for anything, including food.

The numbers one to four as つ counters are pronounced 一つ ( hitotsu )、 二つ ( futatsu )、 三つ ( mittsu ) and 四つ ( yottsu ). You can use this counter for drinks too, and the waiter will understand you.

However, if you want to be a little more impressive, you can use the drinks counter: 杯 ( hai/bai/pai depending on the number used with it). The numbers one to four using this counter are 一杯 ( ippai )、 二杯 ( nihai ) 、 三杯 ( sanbai ) and 四杯 ( yonhai ).

If you want to learn more about counters, this post explains them  in more detail.

All the examples I’ve given are in the polite, neutral form of speech . You basically can’t go wrong speaking this way in Japan, so you don’t need to worry about making any social faux pas!

Some notes on pronunciation:

• Avoid turning vowels into dipthongs (vowel sounds that run into each other, like the oi in “coin”). Pronounce each vowel on its own even when there are two vowels next to each other. Onegai is read as “o-ne-ga-i,” not “o-ne-gai”
• The sound  ou and repeated vowels like ii and  ee are exceptions: they show an elongation of the sound.  Ohayou is read as “o-ha-yoh,” not “o-ha-yo-u.”
• Treat ん (n)  as its own syllable.   Konnichiwa is read “ko-n-ni-chi-wa,” not “ko-ni-chi-wa.” It’s subtle, but it makes a difference!
• Repeated consonants are pronounced. For an example of how to do this, just read the word “bookkeeper” out loud.
• The small kana っ like in いって signify a break between the sounds —”it-te,” not “i-te.”
• Small y- kana like ゃ in おちゃ add the  y sound to the preceding syllable —”o-chya,” not “o-chi-a.”
• は (ha)  as a particle is pronounced wa,  and を (wo)  as a particle is pronounced  o.

The beauty of Japanese is that it’s an extremely phonetic language, so if you say the words exactly as you read them, you can’t really get them wrong.

Having said that, people will probably struggle to understand you if you speak in a strong non-Japanese accent, so it might pay to listen to some spoken Japanese before you start practicing pronunciation.

The most important thing to remember is that, unlike English speakers, Japanese speakers don’t put emphasis on the second or third syllable of a word—there’s some emphasis on the first syllable, but it’s subtle.

Some ways that you can listen to Japanese being spoken is by watching Japanese films , television programs , anime or YouTube clips .

The Japanese language program FluentU has a little bit of everything in the media, with interactive subtitles and customizable flashcards for a well-rounded learning experience.

Maybe this seems like a lot, but learning Japanese travel phrases for tourists will make your trip run more smoothly, and the people you meet will appreciate your effort.

Speaking the local language tends to get people on your side. They’re less likely to try to rip you off, and often will want to become your best friend.

I like to make little phrasebooks for myself when I travel, so I can have these Japanese travel phrases and vocabulary always on hand.

I’ve been treated to tea and dinner in people’s homes, and once was driven around a city with a personal guide/impromptu friend all day, just because I struck up conversations in the local language.

Don’t be scared! Give it a try!

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Basic Travel Phrases in Japanese (with Etiquette)

Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ), or "welcome!" to your guide to Japanese travel phrases.

If you're planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning Japanese , this guide to using and understanding Japanese travel phrases is a must-read.

You don't need to learn the entire language before you make the trip of a lifetime. Still, knowing some key phrases, cultural differences and mannerisms will make Japan more accessible for English speakers.

Related: Saying Hello in Japanese: Pronouncing Japanese Greetings

First, we'll discuss the Japanese language and writing styles. Then, we'll cover some essential Japanese travel phrases, including "please", "thank you", "excuse me" and "I don't understand Japanese". Formality in Japanese will be explained, followed by restaurant vocabulary and etiquette.

Next, we'll cover certain phrases related to transport and travel, followed by pronunciation tips for common phrases used in Japan. Finally, we will answer frequently asked questions about Japanese phrases and travel to Japan.

The Japanese Language

Japanese words can be written in symbols or in Romanized characters, so beginners can still read and write before they learn the Japanese script.

However, when you learn Japanese characters you can better understand the nuances of the language.

Kanji are Chinese characters taken from the Chinese script and used in Japanese writing. This writing system was introduced to Japan in the 4th or 5th century, as Japan had a talking system but no means to write it down. Kanji are complex symbols that represent words or ideas.

However, Kanji characters are used along with the more recently created syllabic scripts of Hiragana and Katakana, which represent sounds.

Some people find these scripts easier to read as the symbols are simpler. Hiragana is generally used to represent Japanese words, while Katakana represents foreign words imported into the Japanese language.

While it is possible to write everything in Hiragana or Katakana, i t w o u l d l o o k l i k e t h i s . So, it is better to replace words with Kanji when possible. Japanese people use the three scripts interchangeably, as they are needed.

10 Essential Japanese Phrases

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/ good afternoon
• Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはよう ご ざ い ます) - Good morning
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening This phrase is made up of Ohayo (おはよう), meaning "early" and Gozaimasu (ご ざ い ます) meaning "is"/"am"/"are". So, its literal translation is "it is early". As you can see below, Gozaimasu can be added to Arigatou, meaning "thank you", to make it more polite.
• Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう (ご ざ い ます)) – Thank you (polite way)
• Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます)/ Kudasai (くだ さい) - Please
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
• Hai (はい) - Yes/ I understand
• Iie (いいえ) - No
• Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません) - I don't understand Japanese
• Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) - I'm sorry

Formality In Japanese

Social hierarchy, or your rank compared to others, determines how you will talk to someone in Japanese.

The generally accepted pecking order puts parents above children, teachers above students, customers above shopkeepers, bosses above employees, and elders above younger people.

Moreover, familiarity plays a part in how formal or informal you are with someone. Families will speak more casual Japanese with one another, while strangers use formal terms. Good friends drop formalities entirely and use slang to communicate.

Japanese words are conjugated based on formality. Formal Japanese can be divided into three categories: polite language, honorific language, and humble language.

There is also an informal way of communicating in Japanese, but when you learn Japanese, you often learn the formal first as the conjugation is easier.

Gozimasu and Arigatou

You do not need to worry too much about this as an absolute beginner. Just remember that you can make simple adjustments such as adding gozimasu (ご ざ い ます) to ohayō (おはよう) when saying "good morning" to make it more formal, or to arigatou (ありがとう) to say "thank you" the formal way.

Domo arigato (共 ありがとう) "thank you so much" is also formal. This is a phrase many westerners are familiar with due to the song Mr Roboto by Styx!

Arigato or domo used in isolation are two ways to say "thanks", informally. Use the latter two with friends and family.

Onegaishimasu and Kudasai

Finally, let's revisit when we use Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます) and Kudasai (くだ さい) for "please".

• Kudasai is the more familiar term, while onegai shimasu is more polite and honorable.
• So, you can ask for water, for instance, by using Kudasai (ください) or onegai shimasu ( を お願い し ます), depending on who you are talking to. For example:
• Mizu o onegai shimasu ( 水を お願い し ます) - I would like water, please (formal)
• Mizu o kudasai (水 お ください) - Give me water, please (informal)

Kudasai is a familiar request word that you use when you know you are entitled to something.

For instance, asking a friend or peer for something, or making a request from someone of a lower rank than you. Take a look at the following phrases:

• Mō yamete kudasai (もう やめて くだ さい ) - Please stop
• Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと 待って くだ さい) - Wait a minute, please
• Kutsu o nuide kudasai (靴を脱いで くだ さい) - Please remove your shoes
• Shio o watashite kudasai ( 塩を渡して くだ さい) - Pass the salt, please

If you are speaking to a teacher, elder, or boss in Japan and don't understand something, you can ask: Mou ichido onegai shimasu (もう一度お願いします) - Could you repeat that, please?

As well as language, gestures also play a part in formality and respect in Japanese culture. One such gesture is the bow, and it matters how deep you bend!

A short bow at 15° is appropriate for a casual greeting. A 30° bow is good for greeting strangers and bosses, while a 45° bow conveys deep respect or an apology.

10 Food & Drink Basic Phrases in Japanese

• Menyū (メニュー) - Menu
• O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol (not to be confused with the below)
• Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese saké (rice wine)
• Bīru (ビール) - Beer
• Mizu (水) - Water
• Gohan (ご飯) - Rice
• Misoshiru (みそ汁) - Miso Soup
• Sushi (すし) - Sushi
• Mochi (餅 ) - Mochi (a traditional Japanese glutinous rice cake)
• ___ o Kudasai ( をください) – I would like __, please ___ o onegai shimasu (を お願い し ます) - I would like ___ please

In addition to food and drink, you might want to know how to ask for other specific services in a Japanese restaurant.

• Kin'en seki (禁煙席) - Non-smoking seat
• Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか) - Do you accept credit cards?

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette

It is not enough simply to know a few polite phrases in Japanese. You will also need to understand a bit about restaurant etiquette.

In many Japanese restaurants, there are low tables with cushions, rather than or in addition to western-style tables and chairs.

Cushions will be placed on tatami floors, which are a traditional kind of mat flooring in Japanese restaurants. You should never wear shoes or slippers on tatami flooring, and avoid stepping on anyone's cushion except your own.

Japanese Restaurant Vocabulary in Context

When the food comes, it is customary to wait for everyone's meals to arrive, then say:

• Itadakimasu (いただきます) - "I gratefully receive (this meal)"

You should say this before starting to eat. This is similar to the French "bon appetit".

However, if a dish is best eaten hot and it arrives before the others, the following phrase can be used:

• Osaki ni douzo (お先 に どうぞ) - "Please go ahead"

Other useful Japanese resturant phrases include:

• Daijyoubu Desu (だいじょうぶです) - "I'm fine now" (this is a polite way to decline something from a waiter offering you more water or food).

You can conclude the meal by saying the phrase:

• Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさま でした) - "Thank you for the feast."

This expresses gratitude to the chef and for the ingredients of the meal.

At the end of your meal, you should use the following:

• Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計 を お願いします) - "The check, please."

Manners in Convenience Stores

The following piece of vocaulary will be useful:

• Konbini (コンビニ) - Convenience store

In Japan, simple things like unfolding your bills before you hand them over to the cashier and not throwing down your coins are considered polite as they make the worker's job easier.

Customer service in Japan is famously excellent, so treat the clerk with respect and kindness, as you should in any other foreign country.

10 Transportation-Related Phrases to Get Around Japan

• ___wa doko desu ka ( は どこ です か) – Where is __?
• Eki (駅) - Train station eg. Eki wa doko desu ka (駅 は どこ です か) - Where is the train station?
• Basu noriba (バスのりば) - Bus stop
• Dono Densha (どの電車)/ Dono basu (どのバス) – Which train?/ Which bus?
• (Tōkyō) ni ikitai ( ([東京) に行きたい) – I want to go to (Tokyo)
• Kippu (切符) – Ticket
• Katamichi kippu (片道切符)/ Kaeri no kippu (帰りの切符) - One-way ticket/ return ticket
• Hoteru (ホテル) - hotel
• Toire ( = トイレ) - Bathroom / toilet
• Ikura desu ka (いくら です 化) - How much is it?

Japanese travel phrases in context

Now, you can start to put some of the words we have learned together to create a proper phrase.

• Hiroshima e no kaeri no kippu o onegai shimasu, ikura desu ka (広島への帰りの切符をお願いします、いくらですか) - "I would like a return ticket to Hiroshima, how much is it?"

These essential Japanese travel phrases will come in handy when visiting Japan, as an estimated 70% of the population does not speak English.

You'll find more people with some level of English in the top destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while you might hit a language barrier in smaller towns.

Basic Japanese Phrases and Pronunciation in Japanese

An important phrase you will likely say a lot is desu ka ( です か).

This indicates a question when placed at the end of a sentence. So, let's make sure you can say it correctly, as it may not be pronounced as you'd expect.

You want to pronounce desu like “dess.” Remember, the “u” sound at the end is dropped.

This happens a lot with words that end with “u” sounds, including:

• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとう ご ざ い) - "thank you" (which is pronounced "arigatou gozaimas").

We have already seen desu ka in the phrase ikura desu ka, " how much is it?", and wa doko desu ka , "where is it?".

It is also used in the following key Japanese phrases:

• O genki desu ka (お元気 です 化) - How are you? (Pronounced "o genki dess ka").
• Nani desu ka (何ですか なにですか) - (polite) What?
• Sou desu ka (そうですか) - Is that so?/ Really? The response, Sou desu (そうです), pronounced "so dess", means "that is so" or "yes, really".
• Kore wa na ndesu ka (これ わ なん です か) - What is this?

You can create many more Japanese phrases for asking questions by using desu ka , so try to remember this pronunciation as it will get you a long way.

Basic Greetings Tourists Should Know in Japan

If you only have a short time before your trip to Japan, at the very least learn these simple greetings and make sure you know the dos and don'ts of public affection.

• Kon'nichiwa, watashinonamaeha ___ (こんにちは、私の名前は) - "Good afternoon, my name is ___"
• Konbanwa, hajimemashite (こんばんは、はじめまして) - "Good evening, nice to meet you."
• Namae wa nandesu ka? (名前はなん です か) - "What is your name?"

Making Friends in Japan

Now that you know how to greet Japanese people appropriately, you can start to build a relationship with them.

Generally, when you meet people while traveling abroad, you ask:

• Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (英語を話せますか) - "Can you speak English?"
• Anata wa doko no kuni no shusshindesu ka (あなたはどこの国の出身 です か) - "Which country are you from?"
• Doko no shusshindesu ka? ( どこの出身 です か) - "Where are you from?" (more simple phrase).
• Anata wa doko ni sun deru nodesu ka? (あなたはどこに住んでるの です か) - "Where do you live?"

If you would like to become friends or make a date, you might want to gauge the person's interests:

• Anata wa (eiga ga) sukidesuka? (あなたは (映画が) 好き です か) - "Do you like (the cinema)?"

Travel Tips for Japan

Remember Japanese manners! This includes restaurant etiquette, limiting public displays of affection, using polite language, and respecting the culture.

You cannot expect everyone in the world to speak your language, but by using a simple Japanese phrase here and there you can show that you are willing to try and meet them halfway.

Choose the season wisely. Visit Japan in Winter for the ski season, or in Spring for unforgettable views of cherry blossoms.

Or, choose an Autumn trip to avoid tourist crowds and peak travel seasons. The same applies to Summer, though this is typhoon season, which puts a lot of tourists off.

What is Ryokou?

Ryokou (旅行) is a Japanese noun meaning "travel" or "trip".

Broken down, 旅 is the kanji character meaning "travel", "trip", or "journey", and 行 is the kanji character used to express the act of going or visiting.

Use this next phrase if you want to impress your new Japanese friends by using their local language:

• Watashi wa ryokou ga sukidesu (私は旅行が好きです) - "I love traveling".

If you're studying Japanese so you can take a trip to Japan, this is undoubtedly true!

How to Learn Japanese Naturally

If you are looking for additional resources for learning Japanese, check out Lingopie .

This is an online streaming platform that is designed to get you speaking Japanese and learning Kanji with ease through immersion in Japanese TV and movies.

Lingopie provides an authentic and natural way to learn other languages and makes learning Japanese fun.

This is a great tool for busy people who cannot sit through hours of Japanese classes every week.

Simply relax in the evening and watch half an hour of Japanese TV. Allow your brain to absorb the language naturally and pick up useful phrases and pronunciation.

And if you want to keep binge watching awesome shows check out our other Japanese articles. We listed 9 Japanese Movies on Netflix that can help your studies and we also did a guide to learning Japanese with anime ! We also recommend you to check out our free guide " Best way to learn Japanese ".

Summing up: Basic Travel phrases in Japanese

Now you can travel to Japan armed with some useful Japanese phrases and a basic understanding of the culture and mannerisms of the country.

You will be able to conduct yourself appropriately while dining, make your way around train stations, and if you speak slowly and clearly, begin to build relationships.

Remember, nobody will expect you to speak Japanese fluently, but if you can use these simple phrases, your travels will be simplified.

The average Japanese native speaker is unlikely to speak English fluently. You may hit a language barrier, but if you remember your polite gestures and restaurant etiquette, you can still do very well in Japan and impress the locals.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some travel inspiration. Have a wonderful time on your trip and good luck on your path to learning Japanese!

Lorena Macedo

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83 Must-Know Japanese Travel Phrases For Your Next Trip To Japan

If you're learning Japanese and considering a trip to Japan, you'll probably want to learn some Japanese travel phrases so you can make the most of your trip.

Getting a feel for which expressions will be most important to you can vary depending upon your specific interests and goals while traveling. But some vocab is particularly useful no matter what.

If you spend time learning any basic Japanese phrases and words, start with these 83 Japanese travel phrases so that you can head into Japan on the right foot!

Regardless of where you are or what you’re doing, two of the most important words you’ll need to know are arigatou gozaimasu and sumimasen .

Arigatou (gozaimasu ) means “thank you,” and it’s very polite; you can use it with anyone. Sumimasen means “excuse me” (when trying to get someone’s attention) or “I’m sorry” (if you’ve inconvenienced someone, such as by misunderstanding or taking up time).

Let's discover the other Japanese travel phrases that will be a must on your next trip to Japan.

By the way, if you want to learn Japanese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is  Japanese Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®. 

With  Japanese Uncovered  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.

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At The Airport

So you have arrived in Japan, and you’re in the airport. Depending on how your travels went and what you’re planning on doing next, you might have multiple places you need to visit.

To start, review your vocab and see if any of these locations apply to you for your next stop:

#1 currency exchange ( ryougaejo 両替所) #2 toilet ( toire トイレ) #3 customs ( zeikan 税関) #4 immigration ( nyuukoku shinsa 入国審査) #5 information ( desksougou annaijo 総合案内所) #6 souvenir shop ( omiyageya お土産屋) #7 Seat ( seki 席) #8 Train ( densha 電車) #9 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

These are the most likely places you’ll need to stop next once you arrive. If you need to locate a certain establishment or find where to go, you can always ask someone:

#10 Where is the ______? (____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿はどこですか。)

After you conclude your business wandering around the airport, you’ll probably be heading out into the city. In order to do that, you’ll most likely need to take a train out of the airport. If you feel confident using the airport’s self-service ticket machines, you can buy your own ticket.

However, if you have a JR Pass or need to use special train services, or if you don’t know how to use the machines, you can approach the manned ticket counter and ask:

#11 Can I have a ticket to _______ please? (____ made no chiketto wo kudasai. ＿＿までのチケットをください。)

If you are concerned that you may have to change trains during the process, you can ask about this too by saying:

#12 Is there a transfer? ( Norikae ha arimasu ka? 乗り換えはありますか。)

Taking A Taxi

Taxis in Japan are much more economical options than people give them credit for, so if you’re overwhelmed about navigating by yourself, a taxi can be a great option. The vocabulary for taking a taxi is simple, and drivers typically go above and beyond to help you.

#13 Taxi ( takushi タクシー)

When you have located the taxis, you will see that they typically drive up in a line. Wait your turn, and when one drives up, approach. Remember: do not open or close the taxi doors yourself; the driver has an automated button to do this for you.

#14 I’d like to go to _____, please. (____ made onegaishimasu ＿＿までお願いします) #15 How much does it cost? ( Ikura desu ka? いくらですか。)

One important thing to remember is that Japan is a very cash-centric society . The use of credit cards is much rarer than you may be used to, so you should plan to carry larger than normal amounts of cash with you in general. This also means that you should be prepared to ask your taxi driver if he or she accepts credit cards at all.

#16 Is paying by credit card okay? ( Kurejitto kaado de ii desu ka? クレジットカードでいいですか。)

Checking Into Your Hotel

So you have taken a taxi or train, and you’ve arrived at your hotel. Hotels have a wide array of commodities that you can take advantage of, which means that you’ll also get to use a lot of unique vocabulary.

Check out some of the words you’re most likely to use:

#17 Key ( kagi 鍵) #18 Front desk ( chouba (but furonto desuku is more common) 帳場 (フロントデスク)) #19 Lobby ( robii ロビー) #20 Dining room ( shokudou 食堂) #21 Hall ( rouka 廊下) #22 Towel ( taoru タオル) #23 Soap ( sekken 石鹸) #24 Toothbrush ( ha-burashi 歯ブラシ) #25 Toothpaste ( ha-migaki 歯磨き) #26 Razor ( kamisori かみそり) #27 Television ( terebi テレビ) #28 Housekeeping ( kaji-gakari かじがかり) #29 Laundry ( sentaku 選択)

If you are looking to do laundry at a hotel, be aware that Japanese dryers are not as powerful as most countries’, so you may need to run the dryer multiple times or simply hang your clothes to dry.

When you are ready to check in, you can approach the front desk. Depending on what you need to do next, you can use phrases such as:

#30 I’d like to check in. ( Chekku in wo onegaishimasu .チェックインをお願いします。) #31 My name is _______. ( Namae wa _____desu .名前あ＿＿＿です。) #32 I’d like to make a reservation. ( Yoyaku wo shitai desu .予約をしたいです。) #33 Is there wifi? ( Wi-Fi ga arimasu ka? WIFIがありますか。) #34 What time is checkout? ( Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka? チェックアウトは何時ですか。`) #35 Can you hold my luggage for me? ( Nimotsu wo koko ni oite itte mo ii desu ka? 荷物はここに置いていってもいいですか。)

Japanese Greetings

Now that you have settled into Japan a little bit, you’ll probably enjoy going for a walk to see the sights. As you interact with other people, the phrases you’re most likely to hear them say are:

#36 Ohayou/konnichiwa/konbanwa

These are the “daily” greetings that mean “hello.” Ohayou (good morning) is typically used until about 11:30 or noon, then people switch to konnichiwa (good afternoon). At about 5pm, most people will switch to konbanwa (good evening).

#37 Itterasshai/Okaeri

When you leave and return for the day, you may be greeted with unique phrases. Itterasshai means “have a safe trip” or simply “goodbye for the day,” said as you leave. Your hotel staff may say this to you. They may also greet you with okaeri (welcome back) when you return.

#38 Irasshaimase

Whenever you enter a business, you’ll likely be greeted with irasshaimase , a very formal welcome. You are not expected to say anything in response; it’s sort of like the staff saying hello while also thanking you for shopping or visiting.

Buying Coffee

If you can’t go a day without your morning brew, take heart—Japanese coffee shops are everywhere, and the vocabulary is actually almost identical to what you may be used to ordering.

#39 Coffee shop ( kissaten 喫茶店) #40 Hot coffee ( hotto kohi ホットコーヒー) #41 Iced coffee ( aisu kohi アイスコーヒー) #42 Cafe latte ( kafe rate カフェラテ) #43 Drip coffee ( dorippu kohi ドリップコーヒー) #44 Soy milk ( soi miruku ソイミルク)) #45 Espresso ( Esupuresso エスプレッソ)

When it comes time to order your drink, you can specify what you want via the following format:

#46 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

The [item] can be kohi, mizu (water), or any other item you would like to order. If you don’t know how to say what you want to order, you can point to a menu and simply say “kore” (this) in the [item] place. You can fill the [number] slot with the quantity you would like; the words hitotsu, futatsu , and mitsu mean one, two, and three, respectively.

For example:

• I’d like one hot coffee, please. ( Hotto kohi wo hitotsu onegaishimasu. )

After this, the waitress may ask what size you would like. You can typically choose from small (S), medium (M), and large (L).

Use the letter to indicate which size you would like:

#47 Size ( saizu サイズ) #48 Medium M ( saizuM サイズ)

In A Japanese Restaurant

If you’ve decided to stop by a Japanese restaurant instead of a café, you might need a wider variety of words to make sure you can get by.

The good news is that many restaurants—especially in large cities—have pictures on their menus, and no one will be upset if you point and simply say “this, please.”

To start, the vocabulary you’re most likely to need include:

#49 Fish ( sakana 魚) #50 Meat ( niku 肉) #51 Vegetables ( yasai 野菜) #52 Vegetarian ( begitarian ベジタリアン) #53 Beer ( biiru ビール) #54 Water ( mizu 水) #55 Tea ( ocha お茶)

As you enter a restaurant, you will likely be asked how many people are in your party. Using basic Japanese numbers 1-10, you can create the following sentence:

#56 There are [number] people. ([number] mei desu .___名です)

Once you have been seated, you may need to use some of the following phrases:

#57 Do you have an English menu? ( Eigo no menyu arimasu ka? 英語のメニューありますか。) #58 What is this [while pointing]? ( Kore ha nan desu ka? これは何ですか。)

When you have decided what you would like to order, you can simply state:

#59 [item] please. (____ onegaishimasu .＿＿お願いします。)

If you do not know the name of the item and would like to order just by pointing at the menu, you can use:

#60 I’d like to order [number] of [item]. ([item] wo [number] onegaishimasu .[item] を [number]お願いします。)

When your meal is over, your next step is to pay. Important phrases that can get you through this phase of the interaction include:

#61 Could we have the bill, please? ( Okaikei kudasai. お会計ください。) #62 Can I pay with a credit card? ( Kurejitto kaado de daijoubu desu ka? クレジットカードで大丈夫ですか。)

In A Convenience Store

If you don’t feel like stopping by a restaurant, or if you’d just like a quick bite to eat or other item, the thousands of convenience stores (called konbini , short for konbiniensu sutoa , “convenience store”) that appear on nearly every street corner are ready to serve you.

The easiest meals in terms of simplicity will be bento boxes, or small boxes (in the cold section) that serve as a whole meal. If you pick one of those up and stand in line, you will almost always hear the following three phrases (to which you can answer yes or no, which keeps things simple):

#63 Next in line, please! ( Otsugi no kata douzo! お次の方どうぞ。) #64 Do you have a point card [a rewards card for the convenience store]? ( Pointo ka-do ha omochi desu ka? ポイントカードはお持ちですか。) #65 Would you like your bento warmed up? ( Obento atatamemasu ka? お弁当温めますか。)

Getting Directions And Getting Lost

Almost inevitably, you’ll find yourself turned around once you start exploring. That’s not such a bad thing! Japan is full of small, tucked away secrets, and the people are eager to help you get back to a familiar place much more often than not.

If you need to ask directions, the phrases that will serve you best are:

#66 Where is [place]?( ____ ha doko desu ka? ＿＿ はどこですか。) #67 Can I ask you for directions? ( Michi wo kiite mo ii desu ka? 道を聞いてもいいですか。) #68 Can you help me? ( Tasukete kudasaimasen ka? 助けてくださいませんか。)

In response, Japanese people are likely to use the following words:

#69 Next ( totonari となり) #70 In front of ( mae 前) #71 Behind ( ushiro 後ろ) #72 Nearby ( chikaku 近く) #73 North ( kita 北) #74 South ( minami 南) #75 East ( higashi 東) #76 West ( nishi 西) #77 Right ( migi 右) #78 Left ( hidari 左) #79 Street/road/path ( michi 道) #80 Bridge ( hashi 橋) #81 Corner ( kado 角)

Thanks to the consistent presence of trains and other forms of public transport, you should feel emboldened to explore as much as you like. There will always be a train station or bus nearby where you can ask directions or head back to a familiar place!

Japanese Travel Phrases

So there you have it – 83 Japanese travel phrases to hit the ground running on your next trip to Japan. From the airport to the convenience store and from the hotel to Japanese restaurants these knowing these Japanese travel phrases will help you feel less like a tourist.

And who knows, maybe getting started with these Japanese travel phrases will be your gateway into learning the language.

By the way, if you'd like to learn some more Japanese phrases before your trip, make sure you check out this post on basic conversational Japanese for your first chat with a native speaker. You might also like this list of Japanese conversation starters.

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How to Say ‘I’m Traveling’ and Talk About Travel in Japanese**

Traveling is a wonderful way to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. When discussing travel in Japanese, you can enhance your interactions and connect with others who share a passion for exploration. In this guide, we’ll delve into how to say “I’m traveling” and engage in conversations about travel in the Japanese language.

**I’m Traveling:**

1. **旅行しています (Ryokou shiteimasu):**

   To express “I’m traveling,” use the phrase “旅行しています.” This straightforward phrase conveys your current journey and sense of adventure.

2. **出張中です (Shucchou-chuu desu):**

   If you’re on a business trip, say “出張中です,” which means “I’m on a business trip.” This phrase differentiates between leisure travel and work-related travel.

**Discussing Travel:**

1. **旅行の計画を立てています (Ryokou no keikaku o tateteimasu):**

   To discuss travel plans, use this phrase, which means “I’m making travel plans.” It’s a great way to initiate conversations about your upcoming adventures.

2. **新しい場所を探索しています (Atarashii basho o sousaku shiteimasu):**

   When talking about exploring new places, say “I’m exploring new locations.” This phrase captures the essence of discovery during your travels.

3. **異文化を体験しています (Ibunka o taiken shiteimasu):**

   If you’re experiencing different cultures, use this phrase, which means “I’m experiencing different cultures.” It reflects the enriching aspect of travel.

4. **観光名所を巡っています (Kankou meisho o megutteimasu):**

   When discussing visiting tourist attractions, say “I’m touring tourist spots.” It’s a way to share your sightseeing adventures.

5. **地元の食事を楽しんでいます (Jimoto no shokuji o tanoshindeimasu):**

   To talk about enjoying local cuisine, use this phrase, which means “I’m enjoying local meals.” It’s perfect for conversations about culinary experiences.

**Sharing Travel Experiences:**

1. **美しい景色を見つけました (Utsukushii keshiki o mitsukemashita):**

   Share your awe by saying “I found beautiful scenery.” It’s a way to express your admiration for the picturesque views you encountered.

2. **素敵な人々と出会いました (Suteki na hitobito to deaimashita):**

   To talk about meeting wonderful people, say “I met lovely individuals.” This phrase emphasizes the social aspect of travel.

3. **貴重な体験をしています (Kichou na taiken o shiteimasu):**

   Express that you’re having valuable experiences by saying “I’m having precious experiences.” This phrase underscores the transformative nature of travel.

**Asking About Travel:**

1. **どこに行っていますか？ (Doko ni itteimasu ka?):**

   To ask “Where are you going?” use this question. It’s a common way to inquire about someone’s travel destination.

2. **旅行は好きですか？ (Ryokou wa suki desu ka?):**

   To ask “Do you like to travel?” use this question. It’s a way to initiate a conversation about someone’s travel preferences.

3. **どんなところがお気に入りですか？ (Donna tokoro ga okiniiri desu ka?):**

   To ask about favorite places, say “What places do you like?” This question can lead to discussions about preferred travel destinations.

**Discussing Travel Plans:**

1. **次はどこに行く予定ですか？ (Tsugi wa doko ni iku yotei desu ka?):**

   To ask about someone’s upcoming travel plans, use this question, which means “Where are you planning to go next?”

2. **休暇にどこかへ行くつもりです (Kyuuka ni dokoka e iku tsumori desu):**

   If you’re planning to go somewhere for vacation, say “I plan to go somewhere for vacation.” This phrase indicates your holiday intentions.

3. **友達と旅行する予定です (Tomodachi to ryokou suru yotei desu):**

   If you’re planning to travel with friends, use this phrase, which means “I plan to travel with friends.” It reflects your social travel plans.

**Sharing Travel Tips:**

1. **現地の言葉を学ぶと便利ですよ (Genchi no kotoba o manabu to benri desu yo):**

   Offer a travel tip by saying “It’s useful to learn the local language.” This advice can enhance communication during your travels.

2. **旅行前に気候を調べておくといいです

 (Ryokou mae ni kikou o shirabete oku to ii desu):**

   Suggest researching the climate before traveling by saying “It’s a good idea to check the weather before traveling.” This tip helps with packing appropriately.

3. **地元の食事を試してみることをお勧めします (Jimoto no shokuji o tameshite miru koto o osusume shimasu):**

   Recommend trying local cuisine by saying “I recommend trying local meals.” This suggestion encourages immersive cultural experiences.

In conclusion, discussing travel in Japanese involves a variety of phrases and expressions that allow you to convey your travel plans, share experiences, ask about others’ adventures, and provide valuable tips. Traveling is a universal language that opens doors to new experiences and connections. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, enjoying culinary delights, or immersing yourself in different cultures, using these phrases will help you engage in meaningful conversations about your journeys.

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Japanese Travel Phrases for an Enjoyable Trip to Japan

Are you traveling to Japan and want to learn practical Japanese travel phrases? This article is designed to help you learn the most useful Japanese words for travel.

It’s always good to learn basic words when you travel to a foreign country. Not only does it make getting around easier, but it also allows you to enjoy communicating with the locals.

In general, Japanese people are not so good at speaking English , free wifi services aren’t very prevalent (especially outside of the central cities), and Japan is still more of a cash-based society than you may think. However, Japanese people are very kind; they’ll listen to you patiently and do their best to help. So just use these basic Japanese travel phrases to talk to Japanese people when you want to ask something.

When you speak even a little bit of Japanese, locals will appreciate your effort and will be more friendly. Here’s JapanesePod101’s list of practical Japanese travel phrases for your travels to Japan!

Table of Contents

• Greeting/Communication
• Asking for Directions
• Restaurants
• When You Need Help
• Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

1. Greeting/Communication

To begin our list of essential Japanese travel phrases, we’ll go over greetings and basic travel phrases in Japanese for solid communication. These simple Japanese travel phrases can make a world of difference in your conversations and overall experience in Japan.

• Romanization: Kon’nichiwa
• English Translation: Hello

In terms of must-know Japanese travel phrases, you probably already know that this is the most common Japanese greeting word . You can say this to anybody for any occasion during the daytime.

• Romanization: Hai / Iie
• English Translation: Yes / No

Hai is “Yes” and it’s pronounced like the English word “Hi.” In Japan, saying yes also means that you understand. Iie is “No” and it’s pronounced ‘EE-eh.’

3- ありがとうございます

• Romanization: Arigatō gozaimasu
• English Translation: Thank you

Arigatō gozaimasu is the polite way to say “Thank you” in Japanese, and you can use this for any occasion. In case of a casual situation, you can just say Arigatō , or even more casually, Dōmo (どうも) which means “Thanks.”

4- いいえ、いりません

• Romanization: Iie, irimasen
• English Translation: No, thank you.

It literally means “No, I don’t need it,” in Japanese. At a restaurant, say this phrase when a waiter offers to fill your glass of water and you don’t want more.

• Romanization: Sumimasen
• English Translation: I’m sorry / Excuse me

This word is usually used to say “sorry” or “excuse me” . Say this when you bump into someone in a crowd or when you ask someone for directions. Japanese people also use this to mean “thank you,” in some cases, such as when someone picks up something you dropped.

• Romanization: Onegai shimasu
• English Translation: Please

When you request something, it’s polite to say Onegai shimasu . When someone offers you something and says please, she/he would say Dōzo (どうぞ) in Japanese.

• Romanization: Watashi wa XX desu.
• English Translation: I am XX.

Watashi is “I,” wa is “am/is/are,” and desu is a present-tense word that links subjects and predicates; it’s placed at the end of a sentence. You can put your name, or your nationality, such as: Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu (私はアメリカ人です) which means “I am American.”　　

8- 私は日本語がわかりません

• Romanization: Watashi wa nihongo ga wakarimasen.
• English Translation: I don’t understand Japanese.

Nihongo is stands for the Japanese language, and Wakarimasen means “I don’t understand.” If you don’t know something, you can just say Wakarimasen meaning “I don’t know.”

9- 英語を話せますか

• Romanization: Eigo o hanasemasu ka
• English Translation: Can you speak English?

This is one of the most useful Japanese phrases for travelers. Eigo means “English,” Hanasemasu is a polite way to say “I speak,” and ka is a word that you add to the end of a complete sentence to make a question.

10- 英語でお願いします

• Romanization: Eigo de onegai shimasu
• English Translation: English, please.

This is another important Japanese travel phrase. De is the particle, and in this case it means “by” or “by means of.” The phrase literally translates as “English by please.” You can also say M saizu de onegai shimasu (Mサイズでお願いします) which means “Medium size, please.”

2. Asking for Directions

One of the most important Japanese travel phrases you should know are directions . Here are some useful vocabulary words and two Japanese language travel phrases you need to know!

1- Vocabulary

• 駅 ( Eki ) : Station
• 地下鉄 ( Chikatetsu ) : Subway/Metro
• トイレ ( Toire ) : Toilet
• 銀行 ( Ginkō ) : Bank
• 切符売り場 ( Kippu uriba ) : Ticket machine/Office
• 観光案内所 ( Kankō annaijo ) : Tourist information office
• 入口 ( Iriguchi ) : Entrance
• 出口 ( Deguchi ) : Exit
• 右 ( Migi ) : Right
• 左 ( Hidari ) : Left
• まっすぐ ( Massugu ) : Straight
• 曲がる ( Magaru ) : Turn
• 交差点 ( Kōsaten ) : Intersection
• 角 ( Kado ) : Corner

2- XXはどこですか

• Romanization: XX wa doko desu ka
• English Translation: Where is XX?

Doko means “where” and you replace XX with the name of where you want to go.

For example

• Toire wa doko desu ka (Where is the toilet?)
• Deguchi wa doko desu ka (Where is an exit?)

3- XX e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (XXへはどう行けばいいですか) : How can I go to XX?

• Romanization: XX e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka
• English Translation: How can I go to XX?

Dō is “how,” e is “to,” and ikeba ii can be translated as “good to go.” When you want to know how you can get somewhere, replace XX with where you want to go.

For example:

• Eki e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (How can I go to the station?)
• Ginkō e wa dō ikeba ii desu ka (How can I go to the bank?)

4- Other Examples

1. この道をまっすぐ行きます ( Kono michi o massugu ikimasu. )：Go straight on this street.

Kono michi is “this street” and ikimasu is the polite way to say “Go.” O is a Japanese postpositional particle which indicates an object (in this case, kono michi ).

2. 次の角を右へ曲がります ( Tsugi no kado o migi e magarimasu. )：Turn right at the next corner.

Tsugi no kado means “next corner” and magarimasu is the polite way to say “Turn.” E is another postpositional particle that indicates direction; this can be translated as the English word “to.”

3. 交差点を渡って左へ行きます ( Kōsaten o watatte hidari e ikimasu. )：Cross an intersection and go to the left (direction).

Watatte is a conjugated form of wataru which means “cross.”

3. Shopping

You’ll definitely love shopping when traveling in Japan, and some of the best Japanese phrases for travel are those related to this fun past-time. Knowing some useful Japanese words will make your shopping even more enjoyable.

1- XXはありますか

• Romanization: XX wa arimasu ka
• English Translation: Do you have XX?

When you’re at a store and looking for something, you can use this phrase by replacing XX with what you want.

• Romanization: Ikura desu ka
• English Translation: How much is it?

This is probably one of the most useful Japanese words for traveling and shopping. You can say Ikura desu ka in many situations, such as when you’re shopping, buying tickets, paying for a taxi, etc.

• Romanization: Menzei dekimasu ka
• English Translation: Can you do a tax exemption?

Did you know that, as a traveler, you can get a sales tax exemption when you purchase things greater than 5,000 yen? Menzei is “tax exempted” and dekimasu means “can do.” Don’t forget to say this when you buy something big!

• Romanization: Kore wa nan desu ka
• English Translation: What is this?

Kore is “this” and nan is another form of nani which means “what.” There are many unique foods, gadgets, and things which are unique to Japan, so when you wonder what it is, point to it and say this phrase.

• Romanization: Kore o kaimasu
• English Translation: I’ll buy this.

Kaimasu is the conjugation of the verb kau , which means “buy.”

6- カードは使えますか

• Romanization: Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka
• English Translation: Can I use a credit card?

Kādo is “card” and you pronounce it just like the English word “card.” Tsukaemasu is a conjugation of the potential form of the verb tsukau which means “use.” This phrase is useful when you want to use your card at small shops and restaurants.

4. Restaurants

Japan has an array of delicious foods, of which sushi and ramen are just the tip of the iceberg. Amazingly, Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, for several consecutive years. Enjoy yummy food at restaurants with useful Japanese words for restaurants and easy Japanese travel phrases related to food.

• 英語のメニュー ( Eigo no menyū ) : English menu
• ベジタリアンのメニュー ( Bejitarian no menyū ) : Vegetarian menu
• 豚肉を含まないメニュー ( Butaniku o fukumanai menyū ) : Menu without pork
• 水 ( Mizu ) : Water
• 白/赤ワイン ( Shiro / Aka wain ) : White / Red wine

2- XXはありますか

When you want to ask if the restaurant has something you want, say this phrase (replacing XX with what you want).

• Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka (Do you have an English menu?)
• Aka wain wa arimasu ka (Do you have red wine?)
• Romanization: XX o kudasai
• English Translation: Can I have XX?

This is another very useful phrase. Simply replace XX with what you want. You can also use this versatile phrase in various occasions, such as when shopping, choosing something, etc.

• Kore o kudasai (Can I have this?)
• Mizu o kudasai (Can I have water?)

4- お会計お願いします

• Romanization: O-kaikei onegai shimasu
• English Translation: Check, please.

O-kaikei means “check.” In Japan, people often cross their index fingers in front of their face as a gesture to indicate “check, please” at casual restaurants. However, when you’re at a nice restaurant, simply tell a waiter: O-kaikei onegai shimasu .

5. When You Need Help

Sometimes you get faced with unexpected emergencies while you’re traveling. Japan is famous for being one of the safest countries in the world, but you might fall very ill or be caught in a great earthquake.

1- Vocabularies

• 警察 ( Keisatsu ) : Police
• 病院 ( Byōin ) : Hospital
• 救急車 ( Kyūkyūsha ) : Ambulance
• ドラッグストア/薬局 ( Doraggu sutoa / Yakkyoku ) : Drug Store/Pharmacy
• タクシー ( Takushī ) : Taxi

2- XXを呼んでください

• Romanization: XX o yonde kudasai
• English Translation: Can you call XX?

When you’re severely ill or in case of emergency, let people know by using this phrase. Japanese people will kindly help you.

• Yūkyūsha o yonde kudasai (Can you call an ambulance?)
• Keisatsu o yonde kudasai (Can you call the police?)

3- どこでインターネットを使えますか

• Romanization: Doko de intānetto o tsukaemasu ka
• English Translation: Where can I use the internet?

Although large cities in Japan provide free public wifi at major stations, metros, and cafes, you may need to find internet access in smaller cities. Remember that there will be kind Japanese people who will share their personal hotspots, or look things up for you with their own phones, as well.

4- 電話を貸してください

• Romanization: Denwa o kashite kudasai
• English Translation: Can I use your phone?

Denwa is “phone” and kashite is a conjugation word of kasu , which means “lend.” This phrase is literally translated as “Please lend (me) a phone.”

• Romanization: Tasukete kudasai
• English Translation: Please help me.

I believe this phrase is the last thing you would ever use in Japan, but in case something does happen, this is useful survival Japanese for tourists.

6. Conclusion: How JapanesePod101 Can Help You Learn More Japanese

I hope this article of Japanese travel phrases is helpful and that you’ll enjoy your trip to Japan!

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese language, you’ll find more useful content on JapanesePod101.com . We provide a variety of free lessons for you to improve your Japanese language skills.

We also have YouTube channel: JapanesePod101 . It’s fun to learn Japanese through watching videos and listening to actual Japanese pronunciation, so we recommend you check it out!

Don’t forget to study with our free Japanese vocabulary lists , read more insightful blog posts like this one, and download our mobile apps to learn anywhere, anytime! Whatever your reason for learning Japanese , know that we’re here to help and you can do it ! Keep in mind that the best way to learn Japanese phrases for travel is repetition and practice.

Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about using these useful travel phrases in Japanese after reading this article. More confident, or still a little confused about something? Feel free to ask questions in the comments!

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Survival Japanese for Travelers

October 31, 2022 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

So, you’re on the hunt for Japanese travel phrases besides “ konnichiwa ” and “ arigatou “? Great—you’re in the right place.

Learning basic Japanese is relatively easy, whether you practice phrases before your flight to Tokyo, or print them out on a cheat sheet. The hard part? Putting them into action when you get to Japan. Japanese people don’t speak much English , but it’s easy enough to get by if you don’t speak Japanese.

It’s my hope that reading through this post will inspire you not only to learn some Japanese, but to use it as often as possible as you’re traveling. Doing so will greatly enhance your trip, even if only in the form of more smiles and goodwill. 

You Can Travel in Japan Without Knowing Japanese, But…

In the lead up to the doomed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, many Japanese people (especially those in the travel and tourism industry) greatly improved their English skills. As a result, it become easier than ever to travel throughout the country without speaking a lick of Nihongo , not even the everyday Japanese phrases I’m going to be describing as we get deeper into this post.

There are a few problems with this approach, however—and I’m not just talking about the fact that Japanese people largely lost their hard-fought English aptitude during the country’s nearly three years of covid closure. Not speaking even a word of Japanese can make you seem impolite or even arrogant; being able to communicate even on a basic level will unlock a huge number of experiences and interactions. 

Essential Japanese Travel Phrases

Japanese greetings.

The bad news? Konnichiwa (こんにちは) doesn’t mean “hello” in Japanese—it means “good day.” The good news? Even if you forget to use ohayou (おはよう) in the morning or konbanwa (こんばんは) in the afternoon, you’re still likely to be understood. Sayounara (さようなら) is another confusing one; it’s usually only used when you will never, ever see someone again. Instead, say mata ne (またね), which basically means “see you later.” Youkoso (ようこそ) means “welcome,” although Irrashaimase (いっらしゃいませ) is just as commonly used.

Restaurants and bars

Not surprisingly, a lot of useful Japanese relates to eating and drinking. When sitting down, keep in mind Japan’s unique counting rules: Hitori de (rather than ichi jin ) means “one person”: futari de means “two people” and so forth. When ordering food or drink items, say the name of the item, how many you want ( hitotsu , futatsu , etc) and kudasai (ください) or onegaishimasu (お願いします) to add a “please” at the end, i.e. tekka maki futatsu, onegaishimasu (two tuna rolls, please). If you want to ask whether something is delicious or express that it does, say oishi desu (美味しいです) or ask oishi desu ka ? (美味しいですか). Most importantly, kanpai (乾杯) means “cheers!”. Another interesting fact? Sake (酒) technically just means alcohol, not Japanese rice wine (which is Nihonshu /日本酒 – literally “Japanese alcohol”).

Payment words and phrases

If you’re curious about how much something costs, simply ask ikura desu ka ? (いくらですか). Keep in mind, however, that unless you learn Japanese numbers , the information you receive in response might not be useful to use. Want to know whether a place accepts credit cards? Ask kaa-do de haraemasuka ? (カードで払えますか), or simply hold your card up and ask dai joubu desu ka? (大丈夫ですか). Meanwhile, to ask for a bill, you can say o kaikei onegaishimasu or, more informally, chek-ku onegaishimasu .

Getting around

Not surprisingly, a lot of travel Japanese relates to, well, travel. These include basic vocabulary words like eki (駅 – station), hikouki (飛行機 – airplane) and Shinkansen (新幹線 – bullet train), as well as practical phrases and questions. For instance, if you want to ask where to board the Yamanote Line at a busy train station in Tokyo, you may ask Yamanote-sen wa (山手線は) doko desu ka (どこですか – where is it?) or nanban sen desu ka (何番線ですか – which platform?).

Life and death

This one isn’t dramatic as it sounds—doctors ( isha – 医者), first responders, staff at the hospital ( byōin – 病院), police ( keisatsu – 警察) and other people tasked with your safety in Japan can usually speak some English. However, having some key words in case of the worst-case scenario probably isn’t a bad idea, whether that’s knowing the words for common disasters— taifu (台風 – typhoon) or jishin (地震 – earthquake), or being able to located the emergency exit, represented by the characters 非常口 ( hijouguchi ).

Other Survival Japanese for Travelers

Here are some other Japanese words and phrases you might find helpful as you travel:

• Sugoi (すごい) : Awesome or cool, often used in combination with the particular Ne (ね).
• Nihon/Nippon (日本) : Japan
• Inu (犬) : Dog, i.e. Shiba inu  (柴犬)
• Neko (猫) : Cat, i.e. Maneki neko (招き猫; beckoning cat)
• Hontou ni (本当に) : Really/really?
• Sou desu ne/Sou da ne (そうですね/そうだね) : I see.
• Dai joubu (大丈夫) : Often used in conjunction with desu (です), this phrase means “that’s good” or “that’s fine.”
• _____ wa doko desu ka (____はどこですか) : Where is ______? (i.e. toilet or toi-re /トイレ)
• Sakura (桜) : Cherry blossoms; see also hanami (花見), cherry blossom viewing
• Tenki (天気) : Weather; see also ame (雨; rain), yuki (雪; snow); hare (晴れ; sunny); kumori (曇り; cloudy)
• Dera/Tera or Ji (寺) : Temple, i.e. Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera  (清水寺)
• Shinsetsu (親切): Kind
• Taisetsu (大切): Important
• Tomodachi (友達): Friend

Other FAQ About Japanese Travel Phrases

What are some popular japanese phrases.

Most travelers will only learn the most basic phrases, such as greetings like konnichiwa and konbanwa (good day or good evening) and arigatou gozaimasu , which means “thank you very much.” However, learning a wide variety of Japanese phrases will better prepare you for your trip.

How do you respond to “Irasshaimase”?

You can response to Irasshaimase (which you will often hear entering shops and restaurants) with a greeting appropriate for the time of day: Ohayo ( gozaimasu ) in the morning; konnichiwa during the daytime; or konbanwa in the evening. Or you can choose not to respond at all; many people (including Japanese people) sometimes don’t.

What is “Itadakimasu”?

Itadakimasu literally means “I receive” or “we receive.” In practice, however, it serves the same roles as “bon appetit” does in Western countries; it’s said after you receive your food, but before eating it. When someone says “ itadakimasu ,” they’re literally saying “I receive this food.”

The Bottom Line

Looking for useful Japanese travel phrases? You’re in the right spot. From greetings and dining vocabulary, to phrases you can use when using planes, trains and automobiles, having a variety of practical Japanese under your belt will make your trip a lot easier. It will also make your interactions with Japanese people more meaningful—they’ll respect you more, and maybe even treat you more kindly. Need help with more than just your language skills, as you plan your trip to Japan? Commission a custom Japan itinerary , and let me sweat all the details of your travel on your behalf.

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Enhance your trip with some basic language skills

Learning a few everyday Japanese phrases will make your trip even more memorable. See below for a list of basic Japanese greetings, phrases to get attention, and simple questions.

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73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet

Disclosure: This essential Japanese travel phrases for tourists article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

Going to Japan? Searching for essential Japanese travel phrases for tourists ? Look no further! When in Japan, being familiar with common Japanese phrases for tourists will be beyond helpful! Trust me! I have been to Japan and knowing basic Japanese phrases helped me to enjoy exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo , serene temples of Kyoto , or the natural beauty of Mount Fuji during sakura.

Before you travel to the land of the rising Sun, learn Japanese travel phrases which will help to order ramen, and to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and their way of life. Curious, what are some common phrases I need to learn before my trip to Japan ?

🥘 If you have been wondering “What is Anja’s favorite Japanese food?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Japan is one of the most sought-after and visited countries in Asia, known for its fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned cuisine. Especially popular in Spring at sakura or in Autumn for fall foliage.   There are people in Japan, who speak English. But it is not as common as you would think. Thus, japanese phrases to know when traveling will come in handy. By knowing basic Japanese words you will also be able to show respect to the locals. In this common travel phrases Japanese language guide , you are going to find useful phrases in Japanese for tourists. From typical Japanese phrases for greetings, Japanese hotel phrases and Japanese words for simple conversation. Inside the post you will also find a FREE Japanese travel phrases pdf , that you can download and bring with you to Japan.   Let’s begin your Japanese adventure by learning essential Japanese phrases for travel .

for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES: • 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know • 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download • 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet • 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download • 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages spoken In the World • How to say Happy New Year in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation

for general JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS: • GET OVER JET LAG WITH THESE 19 EASY-TO-FOLLOW TIPS • ULTIMATE TRAVELER SAFETY GUIDE: WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE for JAPAN TIPS: • Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan • JAPAN COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN • HOW TO SPEND SEVENTEEN DAYS IN JAPAN: FIRST TIME ITINERARY • 73+ Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet for best TOURS IN JAPAN: • TOP 5 RAMEN TOURS IN TOKYO TO UNLOCK YOUR TASTEBUDS • 10 STUNNING JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS THAT YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE for INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS about JAPAN: • 55 BEST KYOTO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – GOLDEN AND KAWAII • 55 BEST TOKYO CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – KAWAII AND CUTE • 73 Best Ramen Captions for Instagram – Delicious Like Broth • 87 Simplistic Cherry Blossom Captions for Sakura – Sweet and Dreamy • 135 Best Japan Captions for Instagram – Puns, Quotes, Riddles & Jokes

Table of Contents

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1. Where is Japanese spoken?

Did you know that more than 125 million people speak Japanese? Japanese is primarily spoken in Japan. It is the official language of Japan and is spoken by the majority of the population there. Due to globalization and the popularity of Japanese culture, Japanese is studied and spoken by learners in many countries worldwide. There are Japanese-speaking communities in countries around the world, particularly in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines. The best way to learn Japanese for travel is by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise. If your Japan itinerary is longer than 2 weeks, maybe sign up for a language course. To master the basic Japanese phrases for conversation the best way would be going on a language exchange but if you don’t have time, just download Japanese cheat sheet in this blog post.

2. Japanese language basics: alphabet and pronunciation

Before you start learning common Japanese phrases for tourists, you have to familiarize yourself with the basics of the Japanese language . The Japanese writing system consists of three alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji . Hiragana and Katakana are native to Japan. They both use 46 characters , each representing one syllable and a specific phonetic sound . Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and Katakana for words borrowed from foreign languages. Kanji is a writing system borrowed from China, where each ideogram stands for a certain meaning and can have multiple pronunciations.  Don’t get scared, let me tell you that Japanese alphabet has fewer letters than English alphabet, 21 in total. It uses the same sounds that you use in the English language. Each character represents a specific sound , and once you grasp the sounds, you will be able to read and pronounce Japanese with ease.   Below you will find a guide for Hiragana and Katakana symbols and a similar sound in English language.

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3. Essential Japanese travel phrases

3.1. basic japanese phrases for travelers.

Basic Japanese phrases for conversation that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication. Those are basic phrases to know when visiting Japan.

ALSO READ: • HOW TO SPEND SEVENTEEN DAYS IN JAPAN: FIRST TIME ITINERARY

3.2. Essential Japanese phrases for greetings and introductions

Japanese words and phrases for greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. They are easy Japanese words to learn.

ALSO READ: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages around the World

3.3. Essential Japanese travel phrases for directions and getting around

Japanese travel phrases when asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

ALSO READ: • Japan Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown

3.4. Useful Japanese phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks

Japanese language phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines.

3.5. Essential phrases in Japanese for shopping

Japanese basics terms for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and Japan tourist phrases for asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.

ALSO READ: • Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan

🥘 “What is Anja’s favorite Japanese food?” It is ramen. I love ramen and could eat it every day.

3.6. Useful Japanese hotel phrases

Japanese language words and hotel phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate.

ALSO READ: • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages in the World

3.7. Survival Japanese phrases and Japanese travel terms in case of emergencies

Here you will find helpful Japanese travel terms in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.

ALSO READ: • Best Japan Captions for Instagram – Puns, Quotes, Riddles & Jokes

3.8. Beyond tourist Japanese phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the essential travel phrases . I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit a country without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

4. Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Japanese phrases , or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Japanese travel phrases won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘ camera translation ’. All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

5. Final Thoughts on Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Tourists

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, this travel japanese guide and Japanese for tourists not only open doors to easier communication, but also show respect and will help you to understand Japanese culture in a different way. Before traveling to Nippon, learn Japanese words for tourists that will help you to navigate through this modern but culturally entwined land, full of history, sushis, shrines, and geishas. How to say Hello in Japanese and how to say thank you in Japanese language. Basic Japanese phrases for directions, ordering food, and checking in a hotel. And don’t forget to download Japanese travel cheat sheet . Which of these must know Japanese phrases for travel have you managed to memorize so far? Let me know in the comments! Safe travels = 安全な旅行 [anzen’na ryokō], Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• How to spend 17 days in Japan • Japan Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown • Ultimate List of 23 Best Apps for Travel to Japan • 135 Best Japan Captions for Instagram – Puns, Quotes, Riddles & Jokes • How to say Hello in 101 different languages

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✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

Where is Japanese spoken?

Japanese is an official language in Japan. There are some Japanese-speaking communities in various other countries around the world, like the United States, Brazil, Canada and Australia.

How to say Good Morning in Japanese?

おはようございます pronounced as “ohayou gozaimasu” Learn basic Japanese words and quick Japanese phrases easy on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Japanese phrases for travelers pdf and key Japanese phrases for tourists.

How to say Thank you in Japanese?

Thank you in Japanese is ありがとうございます, which is pronounced as “ arigatou gozaimasu”. Learn more Japanese language basics and easy Japanese phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD basic Japanese travel phrases pdf and coloring pages with Japanese words.

How to say Hello in Japanese?

こんにちは pronounced as “konnichiwa” Learn basic Japanese for tourists and important Japanese phrases for travel on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Japanese for travelers pdf and Japan basic words.

How to say My name is in Japanese?

わたしのなまえは …, pronounced as “ Watashi no namae wa …”. Learn Japan travel phrases and top Japanese phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD basic Japanese words pdf and Japanese phrases while travelling Japan.

How to say How are you in Japanese?

おげんきですか? , pronounced as “ Ogenki desu ka?” Learn more Japanese phrases to know and basic Japanese phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Japanese phrase cheat sheet pdf and useful kanji for tourists.

How do you say Hi in Japanese?

Hi in Japanese language is やあ , pronounced as “ya”. Learn learn basic Japanese for travel and Japanese phrases for travelling on Anja On Adventure blog. Here you can also FREE DOWNLOAD japanese cheat sheet tourist pdf and Japan phrases for travelers.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

Boutique Japan

20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers to Japan

If you’re visiting Japan and a little worried about the language barrier (or you simply love languages), we’ve got you covered with these essential Japanese phrases for travelers.

In our guide to what we believe are the most important Japanese phrases for travel, we’ll introduce you to a selection of key words and phrases — and explain why the Japanese language barrier is not as worrisome as you might think.

The truth is, you do not need to speak any Japanese to have a successful, wonderful trip to Japan (and if you’re looking for travel inspiration, check out our favorite destinations in Japan ). However, learning a few key Japanese phrases can make your trip just that much better. So let’s get into it!

Download our Free Japanese Phrasebook:

Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on November 1, 2019.

The Most Essential Japanese Words & Phrases for Your Trip to Japan

Learning Japanese can seem daunting, but don’t worry. You don’t need to learn any of these words or phrases to have a great time (see why we love Japan ).

However, as any seasoned traveler knows, making a little linguistic effort can go a long way, and it can be helpful to learn even a little of the local language for your travels. We’ve narrowed it down to a small selection of key words and phrases, divided by category:

• The Basics: Key Japanese Words and Phrases
• Food and Drink: Eating Your Way Around Japan
• Now or Later: Time-Related Phrases in Japanese
• Getting Around Japan: Transportation-Related Phrases

Here is a quick look at the words and phrase you’ll find below:

Top 20 Essential Japanese Travel Phrases:

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
• __ o Kudasai (__をください) – I would like __, please
• __ wa Doko Desu ka? (__はどこですか) – Where is __?
• Itadakimasu (いただきます) – An expression of gratitude for the meal you’re about to eat
• Omakase de (お任せで) – Used to order chef’s recommendation (often for sushi)
• O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol
• Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese sake
• Kinen Seki (禁煙席) – Non-smoking seat
• Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?
• Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?
• Asa (朝) – Morning
• Kyou (今日) – Today
• Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow
• __ ni Ikitai (__に行きたい) – I want to go to __
• Tomete Kudasai (止めてください) – Stop, please
• Kippu (切符) – Ticket
• Shinkansen (新幹線) – Bullet train
• Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which train?

If you’re concerned about memorizing all this Japanese, or want to learn even more words and phrases, download Boutique Japan’s Tiny Phrasebook for free.

And for an introduction to how to say these words and phrases, see our bonus video to help you practice your Japanese pronunciation .

Basic Japanese Words and Phrases

Let’s start with a few of the most basic-yet-essential Japanese words and phrases. Even if you only remember how to say hello or thank you , you’ll find that Japanese people will be appreciative of your efforts!

1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello

Let’s start with one you’ve probably heard before: the word for hello is konnichiwa .

Konnichiwa is typically used during the day, and there are other phrases for good morning and good evening ( ohayou gozaimasu , and konbanwa , respectively). But when you’re starting out it’s best to keep things simple, and if you simply learn konnichiwa you can use it throughout the day to say hello !

2. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you

In Japan, etiquette is no joke, and chances are you’ll be saying thank you a lot (learn more in our guide to Japanese etiquette ).

The word for thank you in Japanese is arigatou gozaimasu (in Japanese, the u at the end of some words is barely pronounced to the point of being nearly silent). You can usually simply say arigatou , which is a little more casual but usually perfectly fine. In Japan, where politeness is such a key part of the culture, you’ll be saying arigatou gozaimasu a lot!

3. Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me

Excuse me is an important expression in any language, and Japanese is no exception.

The word for excuse me in Japanese is sumimasen . Chances are you’ll also be using this one quite a bit, so if you can try and memorize it! It’s a doubly useful word, as it can be used both to get a person’s attention, and also to apologize.

For example, use sumimasen at an izakaya (a Japanese-style gastropub) to get a waiter’s attention. At izakaya , it’s often called out as sumimaseeeeee~n ! On the other hand, if you accidentally walk onto a tatami floor with your shoes on (something you’re likely to do at some point) you can use sumimasen to say I’m sorry .

4. __ o Kudasai ( をください) – I would like , please

Now that we’ve covered three basic essentials, we can move onto two key sentences that will hopefully help you a lot.

First is I would like __, please . This is useful in a variety of situations: at restaurants, in stores, and on many other occasions you’ll encounter while traveling. In Japanese, it’s __ o kudasai (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the item of your choice).

To get the most out of this phrase, you may want to learn a few vocabulary words, such as water (mizu), beer (biiru) , sake , and others you think you may need.

5. __ wa Doko Desu ka? ( はどこですか) – Where is __?

Last but not least, we think it’s quite useful to be able to ask Where is the __? This is useful even if you can’t understand the answer, because once you ask, people will be able to point you in the right direction, or even help you get to where you’re going!

In Japanese, it’s __ wa doko desu ka? (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the place you’re trying to reach, such as the Ghibli Museum ). One key vocabulary word that often goes along with this phrase for travelers is eki , which means station (for example, Shinjuku eki is Shinjuku station ).

Eating Your Way Around Japan: Food and Drink Phrases

For many travelers, Japanese food is a top priority! From classic Tokyo sushi restaurants to the legendary food culture of Okinawa , there’s a lot to take in. For alcohol afficionados, Japan also offers sake , Japanese whisky , shochu , and other traditional beverages.

While you don’t need to speak any Japanese to enjoy eating and drinking in Japan, these key words and phrases will help you make the most of your culinary experiences.

6. Itadakimasu (いただきます) – An expression of gratitude for the meal you’re about to eat

Certainly not required, but if you say itadakimasu before you begin eating, whether in a restaurant or at a person’s home, they will surely be impressed with your manners.

Essentially, this phrase expresses humility and thanks for the meal you are about to enjoy. The website Tofugu does a very nice job of explaining the meaning of itadakimasu .

7. Omakase de (お任せで) – Used to order chef’s recommendation (often for sushi)

If you’re a passionate sushi enthusiast, you probably already know the meaning of omakase .

When you tell a chef omakase de , you’re letting them know that you’re placing the meal in their hands. Especially for travelers with adventurous palates, this is the best way to experience a meal at a Tokyo sushi shop , for example.

However, the phrase is not only used at sushi restaurants, and can often be used at other types of establishments as well.

8. O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol

Technically osake , this word has tripped many a non-Japanese speaker up! While in English the word sake means, well, sake , in Japanese the word sake — more politely, osake — refers to alcoholic beverages in general.

( Sake and osake are virtually interchangeable; the “o” is what is known as an honorific prefix, but unless you’re studying Japanese in more depth, you really don’t need to worry about this!)

So if you’re looking for sake (which in Japanese is called nihonshu) , it’s best to ask for nihonshu (see below). If you’re simply looking for an adult beverage (such as nihonshu , shochu , or Japanese whisky ), the catchall term sake will do the trick.

9. Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese sake

See above for the distinction between sake and nihonshu !

10. Kinen Seki (禁煙席) – Non-smoking seat

Encountering cigarette smoke is somewhat of an unavoidable aspect of traveling around Japan. This being said, most of our travelers are quite averse to smoke, and fortunately it’s possible to travel around Japan without smoke becoming too much of a nuisance.

In some places, such as restaurants, you may have a choice between the smoking and non-smoking sections. Kinen means non-smoking, and seki means seat : put them together and you’ve just conveyed that you’d like to be seated in the non-smoking area!

Time-Related Phrases in Japanese

Time-related phrases can be extremely helpful in certain travel situations, and below you’ll find a few of the most practical Japanese words and phrases on this topic.

11. Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?

Chances are you’ll have a watch or cell phone on you, but once in a while you may need to ask a stranger for the time.

The basic phrase is simply nanji desu ka? which means, What time is it? People also commonly say ima nanji desu ka? which simply means, What time is it now? ( Ima means now.)

12. Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?

This is a particularly useful phrase while traveling. It can be helpful when purchasing rail tickets (see more on getting around Japan below), making meal reservations, or arranging tickets to events.

Sure, you could just ask nanji? ( what time? ) and hope your point gets across, but by adding the preposition ni you can be assured of much more clarity!

13. Asa (朝) – Morning

This one is fairly self-explanatory: asa means morning . While it’s no surprise that a food-loving culture like Japan has multiple words for breakfast , one of the most common is asagohan ( gohan literally means rice , but is more generally used to mean food ).

14. Kyou (今日) – Today

Words like today and tomorrow can be particularly useful when buying train tickets, for example. For more on transport, see the transport-related phrases below.

15. Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow

When pronouncing the word for tomorrow, ashita , the i is virtually silent, so it ends up sounding more like ashta . If you need to express the day after tomorrow, the word is asatte .

Getting Around Japan: Transportation-Related Phrases for Travelers to Japan

For some travelers, one of the biggest concerns about not speaking the language is the prospect of getting around the country, navigating the trains, and trying to avoid getting lost.

Fortunately, Japan has an incredibly efficient and easy-to-use rail network, and you can read all about it in our guide to train travel and getting around Japan . And here are some key Japanese words and phrases to help you on your way.

16. __ ni Ikitai ( に行きたい) – I want to go to __

On its own, ikitai means, I want to go .

To express that you’d like to go somewhere, use the phrase __ ni ikitai (simply fill in the __ [blank] with the place you’re trying to reach). For example, Kyoto ni ikitai means, I want to go to Kyoto .

17. Tomete Kudasai (止めてください) – Stop, please

Tomete means stop , and is particularly useful in taxis. The kudasai here means please , and makes the phrase much more polite ( tomete on its own would come off as quite brusque).

18. Kippu (切符) – Ticket

Kippu means ticket (as in train tickets). As you can easily imagine, when purchasing rail tickets it can be very useful to be able to tell the ticket agent that you’d like a ticket to a certain place!

Made means until or to (in this case, to your destination). For example, Osaka made means to Osaka . Thus, Osaka made no kippu means ticket to Osaka . Put it all together with kudasai (for politeness) and you have Osaka made no kippu o kudasai .

19. Shinkansen (新幹線) – Bullet train

Ah, the shinkansen . One of the utter joys of traveling around Japan is the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train).

Whether you have the well-known Japan Rail Pass or not, if you’re doing any domestic travel within Japan, chances are you’ll end up on the incredible (and incredibly pleasant) shinkansen for at least one if not more of your journeys. Enjoy, and grab a bento and some nihonshu (see above) for the ride!

20. Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which train?

Wondering which train you need? Imagine you’re in Kyoto Station, headed for Tokyo. You’re on your shinkansen’s departure platform, but you see two trains.

You show your ticket to a friendly Japanese person, and ask, dono densha? They take a look at your ticket and the two trains, and point you to the right one. And you’re on your way – happy travels!

Download our Free Japanese Phrasebook PDF

For those of you who want to learn even more Japanese for travel, we’ve created the Boutique Japan Tiny Phrasebook.

Our Tiny Phrasebook features carefully selected Japanese words and phrases designed to help you get the most out of your trip to Japan. You’ll find all of the words and phrases featured above, and many more!

The phrasebook is a beautifully designed PDF (it may take a few moments to load depending on your internet speed).

Simply save it to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. We suggest using an app like iBooks (or another PDF reader) so you can search for words and navigate easily.

Bonus Video: Practice your Japanese Pronunciation

One of the best things about Japanese is that it’s surprisingly easy to pronounce. Unlike several other languages throughout Asia, Japanese is not a tonal language.

In the video below, we go over basic pronunciation for some of the most useful Japanese words and phrases for your trip to Japan.

Do you need to speak any Japanese to travel around Japan ?

Absolutely not. You can travel to Japan without learning any of these words and have a great time.

People ask us about the Japanese language barrier all the time, with common questions such as, Do Japanese people speak English? How much (or how little)? The language barrier is a common myth that shouldn’t get in your way. Most of our travelers don’t speak a single word of Japanese, yet come back with testimonials of how much they love Japan .

The truth is that most Japanese people speak at least a little bit of English. These days, all Japanese students study English for a minimum of six years in secondary school, and many students — as well as adults — also take English-language classes after school or on weekends.

English-language fluency is not widespread, so most people you meet probably won’t be fluent in English, but almost everyone you meet will know at least a few English words – and many will know anywhere from hundreds to thousands.

Sometimes you may find that the people you meet are hesitant to try their English on you, but you’ll likely find that you can communicate in basic English in a huge variety of situations while traveling around Japan.

The Japanese Written Language

You may also be worried about the written language. The good news is that you don’t need to be able to read or write Japanese to enjoy Japan.

Japanese people don’t expect you to be able to read the Japanese language, and you’ll find English-language signage throughout the country. This is especially true in places frequented by travelers, such as sightseeing spots, shopping areas, train stations, airports, and often even on the street.

As for at restaurants, though it’s not always the case, in some cases you will find English-language menus. When English-language menus are not available, photos are often included to make pointing and ordering possible.

Despite Japan’s travel-friendliness, every visitor to Japan at some point finds him or herself in a situation in which linguistic communication is simply not possible, and sign language and gesturing are required.

Getting lost in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language is a fear of many would-be travelers, but if you had to pick a country in which to get lost, you couldn’t do much better than Japan! Japan is by far one of the safest countries in the world, with crime rates that are astonishingly low compared to places like the US and most of Europe. And Japanese people will often go to surprising lengths to help tourists.

Back when I first moved to Japan I spoke very little Japanese, and on my first visit to Kyoto I accidentally took the wrong train and ended up wandering around a neighborhood with no idea how to get where I wanted to go. Luckily, an older gentleman with his wife spotted me looking confused and came up to me with perhaps one of the only English phrases he knew: “ Are you lost? ” I said yes and showed him the name of the place I wanted to go.

If he had simply pointed me in the right direction it would have been helpful, but instead he started walking me in the right direction. After a few minutes of walking his wife split off, presumably to go home, and we continued. After 15 minutes of walking he had dropped me off at exactly the spot I needed to be, and – as is typical in Japanese culture – expected nothing in return. I thanked him profusely and we had a good laugh despite our inability to communicate linguistically.

Why Learn Any Japanese if You Won’t Need it?

Almost everyone who has visited Japan has a similar story of a random act of kindness and generosity from a Japanese stranger (or a tale of a camera or passport left on a train being miraculously returned). So you can rest assured that even if you forget all of the words and phrases we’ve shown, you’ll be in good hands with the wonderful people of Japan.

But aside from the fact that it’s a rich and fascinating language, learning even just one or two Japanese words or phrases will help endear you to the Japanese people you meet during your trip, and enhance your overall travel experience.

Japanese people tend to be extremely appreciative of visitors who take the time to learn even just a word or phrase or two, and if you try then chances are you’ll be greeted with oohs and aahs of encouragement.

We hope you’ve found our guide to Japanese words and phrases for travelers helpful. Arigatou gozaimasu!

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気を付けて Ki o tsukete Have a Safe Trip! Travel Phrases in Japanese

• Post author: Language Garage
• Post published: August 12, 2020
• Post category: Japanese / Travel / Vocabulary

In this post we’ll look at a lot of Japanese vocabulary and expressions that will come in handy when you travel. Let’s start with the basics.

私のスーツケース Watashi no Suutsukeesu My Suitcase

Before you travel, you of course need to pack. So let’s start there.

• スーツケース suutsukeesu suitcase
• スーツケースを詰めなければいけません。 Suutsukeesu o tsumenakereba ikemasen. I need to pack my suitcase.
• 私のスーツケースは｛重い・軽い・一杯・からっぽ｝です。 Watashi no suutsukeesu wa {omoi/karui/ippai/karappo } desu. My suitcase is heavy/light/full/empty.
• 私の洋服はスーツケースに入りません。 Watashi no youfuku wa suutsukeesu ni hairimasen. My clothes don’t fit in my suitcase.
• もう一つ｛バッグ・スーツケース｝が要ります。 Mou hitotsu {baggu/suutsukeesu} ga irimasu. I need another bag/suitcase.

空港で Kuukou de At the Airport

If you’re traveling, you’re probably going to leave from and arrive at an airport.

• 航空券、ボーディングパス、パスポート、フライト koukuuken, boodingupasu, pasupooto, furaito plane ticket, boarding pass, passport, flight
• 到着、出発、ゲート、手荷物受取所 touchaku, shuppatsu, geeto, tenimotsu uketorijo arrivals, departures, gate, baggage claim
• 入国審査、税関 nyuukoku shinsa, zeikan passport control, customs
• 荷物を預ける必要があります。 Nimotsu o azukeru hitsuyou ga arimasu. I need to check my luggage.
• 手荷物があります。 Tenimotsu ga arimasu. I have a carry-on bag.
• 飛行機はいつ出発しますか。 Hikouki wa itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka. When does the flight leave?
• 保安検査場に行列ができています。 Hoan kensajou ni gyouretsu ga dekite imasu. There’s a long line at security.
• あと10 分で搭乗が始まります。 Ato juppun de toujou ga hajimarimasu. We’re boarding in ten minutes.
• 窓側、通路側、中央 madogawa, tsuurogawa, chuuou window seat, aisle seat, middle seat
• パイロット、客室乗務員 pairotto, kyakushitsu joumuin pilot, flight attendant
• シートベルトを着用してください。 Shiitoberuto o chakuyou shite kudasai. Please fasten your seatbelt.
• 携帯電話の電源を切ってください。 Keitai denwa no dengen o kitte kudasai. Please turn off your cell phone.
• 飛行時間はどのぐらいですか。 Hikou jikan wa dono gurai desu ka. How long is the flight?
• あと10 分で着陸します。 Ato juppun de chakuriku shimasu. We’re landing in ten minutes.
• 税関と入国審査を通らなければいけません。 Zeikan to nyuukoku shinsa o tooranakereba ikemasen. We need to go through customs and passport control.
• 手荷物受取所はどこですか。 Tenimotsu uketorijo wa doko desu ka. Where’s the baggage claim area?
• タクシーはどこですか。 Takushii wa doko desu ka. Where are the taxis?
• 市内へ行く｛電車・バス｝はありますか。 Shinai e iku {densha/basu} wa arimasu ka. Is there a train/bus to the city?
• 両替をしなければいけません。 Ryougae o shinakereba ikemasen. I need to exchange money.

ホテルで Hoteru de   At the Hotel

You’ve finally arrived, so let’s get you settled in your hotel room.

• ホテルはどこですか。 Hoteru wa doko desu ka. Where is the hotel?
• チェックインをお願いします。 Chekku in o onegaishimasu. I’d like to check in.
• 予約をしてあります。私の名前は _____ です。 Yoyaku o shite arimasu. Watashi no namae wa _____ desu. I have a reservation. My name is _____.
• エレベーターはどこですか。 Erebeetaa wa doko desu ka. Where’s the elevator?
• 私の部屋は何階ですか。 Watashi no heya wa nangai desu ka. What floor is my room on?
• 部屋、ベッド、バスルーム、窓、テレビ、電話 heya, beddo, basuruumu, mado, terebi, denwa room, bed, bathroom, window, television, phone
• シーツ、毛布、枕、バスローブ shiitsu, moufu, makura, basuroobu sheets, blanket, pillow, bathrobe
• ルームサービスはありますか。 Ruumu saabisu wa arimasu ka. Is there room service?
• 毛布をもう一枚いただけますか。 Moufu o mou ichimai itadakemasu ka. Can I have an extra blanket?
• アイロンとアイロンボードをお借りできますか。 Airon to aironboodo o okari dekimasu ka. Can I have an iron and an ironing board?
• ドライヤーをお借りできますか。 Doraiyaa o okari dekimasu ka. Can I have a blow-dryer?
• ランドリーサービスはありますか。 Randorii saabisu wa arimasu ka. Can I have my clothes washed?
• 暖房がききません。 Danbou ga kikimasen. The heat isn’t working.
• 空調がききません。 Kuuchou ga kikimasen. The air conditioning isn’t working.
• お部屋のお掃除をお願いできますか。 Oheya no osouji o onegai dekimasu ka. Please clean my room.
• ｛別の・もっと大きい・もっと静かな｝お部屋をお願いできますか。 {Betsu no/Motto ookii/Motto shizukana} oheya o onegai dekimasu ka. Can I have another room / a bigger room / a quieter room?
• どこで朝食が食べられますか。 Doko de choushoku ga taberaremasu ka. Where do we eat breakfast?
• ジムはありますか。 Jimu wa arimasu ka. Is there an exercise room?
• プールはありますか。 Puuru wa arimasu ka. Is there a pool?
• バーはありますか。 Baa wa arimasu ka. Is there a bar?
• レストランはありますか。 Resutoran wa arimasu ka. Is there a restaurant?
• WiFiはありますか。 Waifai wa arimasu ka. Do you have WiFi?
• WiFiのパスワードは何ですか。 Waifai no pasuwaado wa nan desu ka. What’s the WiFi password?
• チェックアウトは何時ですか。 Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka. What time is check-out?
• チェックアウトをお願いします。 Chekku auto o onegaishimasu. I would like to check out.
• タクシーを呼んでいただけますか。 Takushii o yonde itadakemasu ka. Can you call a taxi for me?

おなかがすきました！ Onaka ga sukimashita! I’m hungry!

When you’re traveling, it’s important to know some basic terms for food, drink, and how to navigate a nice meal at a local restaurant. Check out this post , which covers all of that!

• 駅はどこですか。 Eki wa doko desu ka. Where is the train station?

Once you’re settled into your hotel, you probably want to know where things are in case you need to pop out and buy something.

• この近くにコンビニはありますか。 Kono chikaku ni konbini wa arimasu ka. Is there a convenience store nearby?
• この近くに薬局はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni yakkyoku wa arimasu ka. Is there a pharmacy nearby?
• この近くにスーパーはありますか。 Kono chikaku ni suupaa wa arimasu ka. Is there a supermarket nearby?
• この近くにいいレストランはありますか。 Kono chikaku ni ii resutoran wa arimasu ka. Is there a good restaurant nearby?
• この近くに病院はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni byouin wa arimasu ka. Is there a hospital/doctor’s office nearby?
• この近くに本屋はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni hon’ya wa arimasu ka. Is there a bookstore nearby?
• この近くに洋服屋はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni youfukuya wa arimasu ka. Is there a clothing store nearby?
• この近くに靴屋はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni kutsuya wa arimasu ka. Is there a shoe store nearby?
• この近くに地下鉄の駅はありますか。 Kono chikaku ni chikatetsu no eki wa arimasu ka. Where is the subway station?
• バス停はどこですか。 Basutei wa doko desu ka. Where is the bus station?
• ホテルの隣です。 Hoteru no tonari desu. It’s next to the hotel.

Of course, if you ask where things are, you’ll need some basic vocabulary related to directions and getting around.

• ここから近いですか。 Koko kara chikai desu ka. Is it nearby?
• ここから遠いですか。 Koko kara tooi desu ka. Is it far from here?
• 歩いて行けますか。 Aruite ikemasu ka. Can I walk there?
• ここから近いです。 Koko kara chikai desu. It’s nearby.
• ここから遠いです。 Koko kara tooi desu. It’s far from here.
• 通りの向こう側です。 Toori no mukougawa desu. It’s across the street.
• 道を渡ってください。 Michi o watatte kudasai. Cross the street.
• 橋を渡ってください。 Hashi o watatte kudasai. Cross the bridge.
• 右に曲がってください。 Migi ni magatte kudasai. Turn right.
• 左に曲がってください。 Hidari ni magatte kudasai. Turn left.
• まっすぐ行ってください。 Massugu itte kudasai. Go straight ahead.
• 駅の隣です。 Eki no tonari desu. It’s next to the train station.
• 駅の近くです。 Eki no chikaku desu. It’s near the train station.
• 駅の裏です。 Eki no ura desu. It’s behind the train station.
• 駅の左です。 Eki no hidari desu. It’s the left of the train station.
• 駅の右です。 Eki no migi desu. It’s to the right of the train station.
• 駅の前です。 Eki no mae desu. It’s in front of the train station.

観光に行きましょう。 Kankou ni ikimashou. Let’s go sightseeing.

• 観光に行きたいです。 Kankou ni ikitai desu. We want to go sightseeing.
• 街の地図はありますか。 Machi no chizu wa arimasu ka. Do you have a map of the city?
• 観光バスはありますか。 Kankou basu wa arimasu ka. Is there a tour bus?
• 観光ガイドはいますか。 Kankou gaido wa imasu ka. Is there a tour guide?
• ｛美術館/ 博物館｝に行きたいです。 {Bijutsukan/Hakubutsukan} ni ikitai desu. We want to go to an art museum/a museum.
• ｛教会・お寺・モスク｝に行ってみたいです。 {Kyoukai/Otera/Mosuku} ni itte mitai desu. We want to visit a cathedral/temple/mosque.
• 公園に行きたいです。 Kouen ni ikitai desu. We want to go to the park.
• アートギャラリーに行ってみたいです。 Aato gyararii ni itte mitai desu. We want to visit an art gallery.
• { 演劇・オペラ・コンサート} を見てみたいです。 {Engeki/Opera/Konsaato} o mite mitai desu. We want to see a play/opera/concert.
• お城に行ってみたいです。 Oshiro ni itte mitai desu. We want to visit a castle.
• 記念碑を見に行きたいです。 Kinenhi o mini ikitai desu. We want to visit a monument.
• 歴史的な場所を見に行きたいのですが、どこへ行ったらいいですか。 Rekishitekina basho o mini ikitaino desu ga, doko e ittara ii desu ka. Which historical sites should we visit?
• 文化的な場所に行ってみたいのですが、どこへ行ったらいいですか。 Bunkatekina basho ni itte mitaino desu ga, doko e ittara ii desu ka. Which cultural sites should we visit?
• 買い物はどこでするのがいいですか。 Kaimono wa doko de suru no ga ii desu ka. Where’s the best neighborhood for shopping?
• ナイトライフを楽しむにはどこへ行けばいいですか。 Naito raifu o tanoshimu ni wa doko e ikeba ii desu ka. Where’s the best neighborhood for nightlife?
• ｛バー・ナイトクラブ｝に行きたいです。 {Baa/Naito kurabu} ni ikitai desu. We want to go to a bar/nightclub.
• どこへ行けば街を一望できますか。 Doko e ikeba machi o ichibou dekimasu ka. Where is there a good view of the city?
• 市場に行ってみたいです。 Ichiba ni itte mitai desu. We want to visit a market.
• この辺りに公衆便所はありますか。 Kono atari ni koushuu benjo wa arimasu ka. Is there a public bathroom nearby?
• お手洗いはどこですか。 Otearai wa doko desu ka. Where is the bathroom?
• ｛出口・入口｝はどこですか。 {Deguchi/Iriguchi} wa doko desu ka. Where is the exit/entrance?
• ツアーはいくらですか。 Tsuaa wa ikura desu ka. How much does a tour cost?

この電車はどこ行きですか。 Kono densha wa dokoiki desu ka. Where does this train go?

You probably want to see some sights outside of the city, and for that you’ll need to get around.

• 京都に行きたいです。 Kyouto ni ikitai desu. We want to go to Kyoto.
• 京都までの｛バスの切符・電車の切符｝が欲しいのですが。 Kyouto made no {basu no kippu/densha no kippu} ga hoshii no desu ga. I’d like a bus ticket/train ticket to Kyoto.
• チケットはいくらですか。 Chiketto wa ikura desu ka. How much does a ticket cost?
• 片道切符をお願いします。 Katamichi kippu o onegaishimasu. I want a one-way ticket.
• 往復切符をお願いします。 Oufuku kippu o onegaishimasu. I want a round-trip ticket.
• いつ｛電車・バス｝は出発しますか。 Itsu {densha/basu} wa shuppatsu shimasu ka. When does the train/bus leave?
• いつ｛電車・バス｝は到着しますか。 Itsu {densha/basu} wa touchaku shimasu ka. When does the train/bus arrive?
• この｛バス・電車｝は京都まで行きますか。 Kono {basu/densha} wa kyouto made ikimasu ka. Does this bus/train go to Kyoto?
• 京都までどのぐらいかかりますか。 Kyouto made dono gurai kakarimasu ka. How long does it take to go to Kyoto?
• レンタカーはどこですか。 Rentakaa wa doko desu ka. Where can I rent a car?
• ｛ビーチ・山・国立公園｝へはどうやって行けばいいですか。 {Biichi/Yama/Kokuritsu kouen} e wa dou yatte ikeba ii desu ka. How can I get to the beach/mountains/national park?
• いくらですか。 Ikura desu ka. How much does it cost?

When you’re traveling, you probably need to by all sorts of things. Let’s cover that vocabulary.

• どこで｛地図・お水・コーヒー｝が買えますか。 Doko de {chizu/omizu/koohii} ga kaemasu ka. Where can I buy a map/a bottle of water/a cup of coffee?
• どこで｛サングラス・頭痛薬・日焼け止め｝が買えますか。 Doko de {sangurasu/zutsuuyaku/hiyakedome} ga kaemasu ka. Where can I buy sunglasses/aspirin/sunscreen?
• どこで｛絵葉書・お土産｝が買えますか。 Doko de {ehagaki/omiyage} ga kaemasu ka. Where can I buy postcards/souvenirs?
• どこで｛食べ物・飲み物｝が買えますか。 Doko de {tabemono/nomimono} ga kaemasu ka. Where can I buy something to eat/something to drink?
• 値段を書いてください。 Nedan o kaite kudasai. Please write the price.
• 現金でいいですか。 Genkin de ii desu ka. Can I pay by cash?
• クレジットカードで払えますか。 Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka. Can I pay by credit card?
• 高過ぎます。 Takasugimasu. That’s too expensive.
• もう少し安いのはありますか。 Mou sukoshi yasuino wa arimasu ka. Do you have something less expensive?
• あれを見せていただけますか。 Are o misete itadakemasu ka. Can I see that, please?
• ｛これ・それ・あれ｝をいただきます。 {Kore/Sore/Are} o itadakimasu. I’ll take this/that/that over there.
• 試着してもいいですか。 Shichakushitemo ii desu ka. Can I try it on?

Learn Japanese with the Language Garage

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How to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways

Planning to wish someone a safe journey in Japanese but unsure about the appropriate phrases? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to express “have a safe trip” in both formal and informal Japanese. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, preparing for a trip to Japan, or simply want to impress your Japanese friends, this guide has got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Japanese

When addressing someone with a higher social status or simply aiming for a polite conversation, using formal expressions is crucial. Here are a few ways to wish someone a safe trip formally:

1. ご旅行をお楽しみください。 (Go-ryokō o o-tanoshimi kudasai.) This phrase is a formal and polite way to wish a person to enjoy their trip while also emphasizing safety implicitly.

“先生、ご旅行をお楽しみください。しっかりお体をお守りくださいね。” (Sensei, go-ryokō o o-tanoshimi kudasai. Shikkari o-karada o o-mamori kudasai ne.)

Translation: “Teacher, please enjoy your trip. Take care of yourself.”

2. ご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。 (Go-takō o o-inori mōshiagemasu.) This phrase expresses the wish for someone to have a safe journey and experience happiness along the way, making it ideal for formal situations.

“弘子さん、ご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。旅行中に心地よい思い出がたくさんできますように。” (Hiroko-san, go-takō o o-inori mōshiagemasu. Ryokō-chū ni kokochiyo-i omoidasu ga takusan dekimasu yō ni.)

Translation: “Hiroko-san, I pray for your happiness and hope you create many pleasant memories during your trip.”

Informal Ways to Say “Have a Safe Trip” in Japanese

When conversing with friends, family, or people you have a close relationship with, using informal expressions is more suitable. Here are a few ways you can wish someone a safe journey informally:

1. いってらっしゃい！ (Itte rasshai!) A common phrase used when someone is leaving, whether for a trip or any other occasion. It expresses the wish for a safe departure and return.

“お兄ちゃん、いってらっしゃい！気をつけて行ってらっしゃいね！” (Onii-chan, itte rasshai! Ki o tsukete itte rasshai ne!)

Translation: “Big brother, have a safe trip! Take care on your way!”

2. 行ってらっしゃいませ！ (Itte rasshaimase!) This phrase is similar to “Itte rasshai,” but it is an even more polite variant commonly used by shopkeepers and staff when customers leave.

“さとみさん、行ってらっしゃいませ！楽しい旅行になりますように！” (Satomi-san, itte rasshaimase! Tanoshii ryokō ni narimasu yō ni!)

Translation: “Satomi-san, have a safe trip! I hope you have a enjoyable journey!”

Essential Tips for Wishing a Safe Trip

While knowing how to say “have a safe trip” in Japanese is important, a few additional tips can enhance your cultural understanding and help you communicate more effectively:

• Consider the recipient: It’s crucial to gauge the formality and politeness level required based on the relationship you share with the person you are addressing.
• Pair it with well-wishes: When wishing someone a safe trip, it’s common to include additional phrases like “enjoy your journey” or “take care of yourself.”
• Use appropriate honorific prefixes: Adding a respectful prefix such as “o” before certain words, like “o-genki ni” (take care of yourself), adds politeness and shows consideration.
• Consider regional variations: While this guide mainly focuses on standard Japanese, it is important to note that there might be subtle variations in local dialects or customs throughout Japan. Always prioritize the standard and formal expressions unless you are familiar with specific regional variations.

With these tips in mind, you will be well-equipped to wish someone a safe trip in Japanese while respecting the language and culture.

In Conclusion

Mastering the appropriate phrases to wish someone a safe trip in Japanese allows you to convey your good wishes while showing respect and politeness. Whether you opt for formal expressions like “ご旅行をお楽しみください” or use familiar phrases like “いってらっしゃい,” your sincerity and warmth will surely be appreciated. Remember to consider the formality of the situation, the person you are addressing, and to add well-wishes for an even more thoughtful message. Happy travels and safe journeys!

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Getting-On in Japan: Language & Etiquette

International visitors love many things about Japan. Safe and easy to travel around and endlessly interesting, it is in many ways an ideal travel destination.

1 / Japanese Language:  Learning the Basics

2 / Japanese Language:  Useful Apps

3 / English & Other Foreign Languages

4 / General Etiquette:  Do’s & Don’ts While in Japan

5 / Onsen Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts

For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page .

1 / J APANESE LANGUAGE: LEARNING THE BASICS

While all Japanese have to learn English at school and often have much better English ability than they might let on – see below for why that’s the case – one of the great pleasures of traveling in any country is engaging in the local language – and this is certainly the case while in Japan! When heading this way it pays to learn and use a little Japanese and the best way to do so is by dispelling a commonly held misconception that Japanese is a difficult language to learn. It’s true that learning Japanese to an advanced level is challenging – most notably in learning to read and write fluently – however when getting started, the basics are actually pretty easy. The following points are often over-looked about the Japanese language:

— Japanese pronunciation is pretty straight-forward, especially for English-speakers

— Japanese does not have any tone (a big reason pronunciation is pretty straightforward)

— Japanese sentence structure is pretty easy and doesn’t change = SUBJECT + OBJECT + VERB. When getting started, you are usually talking about yourself or want you need so you can drop the subject and just put the object and verb together. You can even drop the particle words – the equivalent of ‘to’, ‘for’, ‘in’, etc. – and still make sense. So it’s actually quite easy to get your point across

— Japanese are very appreciate if you make the effort to even speak a little. They are also very encouraging and patient and will try hard to understand what you are saying

— Japanese is a nice language to speak. Many people remark that it sounds nice and is fun to try!

English is in common use in Japan with Chinese and Korean also becoming more common meaning that you can certainly get around without using Japanese. This is most true in the big cities and in areas frequented by foreign visitors. But as you move outside of the cities, foreign languages will quickly dry-up. To get the most out of your travels, learning some basic can really add to your experience here.

Where to start?

The following basic words are easy to learn and can be used immediately upon arriving in the Japan. It’s amazing what a difference knowing and using just these basic words like make to you time here:

Japan’s national broadcaster NHK provides useful basic Japanese videos for travellers in English, Chinese, Bahasa, Thai and Vietnamese and provide this extensive ‘Tourist’s Language Handbook’ free of charge .

‘ Daijoubu desu ‘

One of the most simple yet useful words in Japanese, ‘daijoubu’ can be used in lots of situations to convey that you are ok, understand, or do or don’t want something. ‘Daijoubu’ or it’s polite form, ‘daijobu desu’ translate as ‘OK’ , ‘I’m OK or more broadly, ‘no problem’. It can cover all manner of situations from simply confirming that you understand or are ok with something, expressing that everything is fine – for example, if some apologises to you and you want to convey that everything is fine i.e. ‘daijoubu desu’ = no problem – or if you want to say you’re ok and you don’t need something i.e. if you want to avoid be given endless plastic bags just shake your head and say ‘daijoubu desu’ = I’m ok, I don’t need it. It’s all about the context and it can be used to lots of situations making it one of the most useful words to know while travelling around.

Something that might surprise you is that Japanese takes a lot of words from foreign languages including English, German, Italian, French and many others. This provides visitors with something of a language hack in that the names of many daily items are taken from a foreign language, most notably English. For example, table in Japanese is ‘ta-be-ru’, knife is ‘nai-fu’, salad is ‘sa-la-da’ and so on. Hotel is ‘ho-te-ru’, taxi is ‘ta-ku-shi’ and bus is ‘ba-su’ (unfortunately this doesn’t extend to train which is ‘densha’). So while it might sound like a joke, if you’re asking for something and struggling to be understood, break the word-up and put a ‘a’, ‘o’ or ‘u’ at the end of the word and you may well get it right! A useful tip for receiving your ‘bi-ru’ faster than you’ll receive our beer.

2 / JAPANESE LANGUAGE: USEFULS APPS & WEBSITES

Whether you speak some Japanese or nothing at all, arming yourself with a language app on your phone is always recommended. This will prove especially helpful when dealing with written Japanese, which is notably harder to master than spoken language.

The most obvious place to start is Google Translate. Available on both iOS and Android the app translates spoken and written language. You can type English or Japanese into your phone for a translation or most helpfully, use the phone’s microphone to translate speech in real-time. The app also has the ability to read and translate text using your phone’s camera, particularly useful for understanding menus! Available for download for free, Google Translate is a good place to start.

While Google Translate is terrific for language on the go, we also recommend DeepL Translator . We find that it’s translation is more accurate and nuanced the Google Translate and is particularly good when handling longer text including complicated clauses and subclauses i.e. booking confirmations with terms and conditions. The free version of DeepL doesn’t have the same range of features as Google Translate but if you’re after accuracy in translation of longer text it really is excellent.

3 / ENGLISH & OTHER FOREIGN LANGUAGES

There is something of a misconception that most Japanese can’t speak English. While it is true that Japanese (in general) don’t have as much confidence speaking English as many other nationalities, it should not be mistaken with an inability to do so. English is a compulsory language for all Japanese throughout their schooling. Despite this, many visitors to Japan are surprised by the apparent lack of English and other foreign languages spoken here. First impressions are however a little misleading.

While Japanese learn English for the duration of their schooling, their tuition has a strong focus on reading and writing. Many Japanese read and write English at a high level but when it comes to speaking, they can lack confidence. This is likely the result of an education system that does not prioritise speaking nor instill students with the confidence to try.

This should however not be mistaken with an inability to speak English. Even if they are not confident speaking English, many Japanese have a good understanding and adequate vocabulary to comprehend what you are saying as long as you speak clearly, slowly and politely. Remember, Japanese borrows a lot of words from English and other languages – ‘loan words’ as described above – so you can often get your point across by just slowing down and using plain language.

When it comes to other foreign languages, Chinese and Korean and the next most common. Signs and announcements in areas frequented by tourists are increasingly available in Chinese and Korean – a reflection of the fact that they represent a large section of the inbound tourism industry with large communities living here. The average Japanese will not speak either language however, nor are they likely to speak other Asian or European languages. Need to find an English or other foreign language service? See our ‘Getting Assistance in Japan’ page for suggestions.

4 / GENERAL ETIQUETTE: DO’S & DON’TS WHILE IN JAPAN

Another big misconception about Japan is all the cultural rules and that it’s easy to offend people. It’s true that there lots of rules for Japanese to abide by, they know that visitors to Japan are not aware of most of them and do not expect you to follow them. You are not Japanese therefore all the rules and complex etiquette you might have read about really doesn’t apply to you and rest assured, even if you get something wrong Japanese are very courteous and forgiving. With that said, let’s run through some of the etiquette including basic do’s and don’ts starting with the ones you really should try to follow:

Leave your shoes at the door :  Japanese do not wear their shoes inside their home. When entering someone’s home make sure to take your shoes off at the entrance. They will most likely then offer you slippers to wear. In terms of public spaces in Japan, some restaurants, stores and accommodation also follow this norm. It will usually be clear if you are required to take your shoes-off as there will likely by a shoe box of shelving, other shoes and slippers at the entrance. If in doubt, just ask and you’ll be told.

Definitely no shoes on the ‘tatami’ : many Japanese homes, businesses and hotels retain the tradition of using ‘tatami’ (straw-matting). If dirt gets into tatami it can be very hard to clean and in the end may need to be replaced. Under no circumstances should you wear shoes when stepping onto tatami. While there’s always a degree of forgiveness if you wear shoes into a home or business you should not, that is easily cleaned and excused, however should you step onto tatami-flooring wearing shoes, expect a stern reaction. This is one rule not to break.

Be mindful of noise : Japanese are very considerate of others when it comes to noise, especially on trains, buses and while in public spaces. Follow their lead and be quiet in these areas especially while on trains as many people are tired and sleeping. Do not speak on the phone while on trains and buses unless completely necessary – and if you do, try to move away from people and speak quietly – and don’t speak loudly to people you are traveling with.

Personal space : Japanese are also very mindful of personal space and not encroaching on others. Make sure to allow people as much space as possible and don’t allow your personal items including luggage to impede people. Even on crowded trains Japanese will try to take-up as little room as possible. Not always easy, the important thing is that you are seen to try and that you move aside to let people pass.

Physical contact & displays of affection : travellers to Japan will quickly notice the lack of physical contact here. Traditionally, Japanese do not shake hands or touch each other, unless they are family or friends. Refrain from physical contact on people you do not know and when it comes to your loved ones, it’s best from to refrain from obvious displays of affection. This applies mostly to couples. Japanese traditionally do not show physical affection in public and the sight of a couple doing so, can be very uncomfortable for older Japanese. Things are changing with many younger couples now affectionate in public but best to follow tradition if you want to get along.

Cleaning-up after yourself : Japanese have the rather fantastic habit of cleaning-up after themselves and never leaving their surroundings untidy. Make sure to do the same while here. If that means carrying you rubbish with you until you can find a bin, so be it. It’s exactly what Japanese do. Many restaurants also expect you to remove your tray, plates, cutlery and rubbish to a designated spot at the end of your meal. Just look around and see what others are doing and follow their lead.

That’s it! Those are the rules that you really should try to follow and if you do, you are unlikely to have any problem while here. But you’re correct in thinking that Japan has lots and lots of rules and etiquette! You’re not expected to know it all and will certainly be forgiven for breaking these rules, but they are also worth making note of (including a couple of things that don’t happen here):

Bathing : whether at home using the family bath or in public at ‘onsen’ (hot springs), shared bathing is common in Japan. As a traveller in Japan, you are most likely to encounter this a traditional guesthouses or public hot springs. For onsen etiquette including do’s and don’ts see below. Should you be offered a bath in a small guesthouses or family home, the water will typically be shared by everyone. Ensure that you shower and thoroughly wash yourself before entering the water and clean-up after yourself for the next person.

Bowing : traditionally Japanese bow as a formal greeting and sign of respect. The longer and deeper the bow, the more meaning that is carried by it – whether that be gratitude, apology and everything in-between. So pocket that handshake and polish-up your bowing.

Business cards : called ‘meishi’ in Japanese, business cards are essential to getting along in Japan. If you’re here for business or think the possibility might arise during your travel, it pays to have your meishi on standby. There is a whole ritual for Japanese when exchanging cards but as a foreigner, you’re not expected to know. The important thing is to offer your card using both hands – holding the card at its corners – and accepting a card in the same manner. It also looks good to study the details of the card before placing in down carefully.

Chopsticks : it pays to polish-up your chopstick skills in preparation for your visit. Called ‘hashi’ or ‘o-hashi’ in Japanese, chopsticks are standard and while Western cutlery is also available, we recommend at least trying your hand at chopsticks. When using them, don’t use them to point or pass things to others. Also don’t stand them up in your dish and especially do stick them into/stand them in rice. Doing so is associated with funeral rituals and while you’ll be excused for not knowing, it will definitely get some dirty looks.

Conflict & disputes : in a culture that values harmony above most other things, it comes as no surprise that most Japanese go out of their way to avoid conflict or public disputes. While this attitude extends to international visitors and it is likely that you will enjoy your time here with no trouble at all, should something arise leading to a dispute choose your approach and words carefully. Be respectful and do not raise your voice. Even if you are certain that you are correct, don’t push the person into a position that leads to public embarrassment and do not raise your voice. Even if someone doesn’t pay you the same respect, if you choose to do so it will most likely only escalate the situation. Stay calm and polite and when possible, just let it go.

Disposing of rubbish : visitors to Japan always notice the lack of rubbish bins available. This can be annoying to begin with but you quickly get used to it and realise that Japanese will often carry their rubbish with them to be disposed of at home or in the office. Carry a zip-lock plastic bag in which you can keep your rubbish until you find a bin. When you do, please also follow the instructions and dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bin. This may seem like a small thing but if you don’t, your obliging someone else to go through the bin to separate it for you.

Eating & drinking in public : it’s becoming more common to see Japanese walking with a coffee however traditionally, eating and drinking while you walk has always been frowned upon. There exceptions such popular attractions or during ‘hanami’ (cherry blossom-viewing) season when people often wander with drink and snacks, however for the most part it’s best to avoid eating while you walk.

Escalators : when standing on escalators always stand single file and on the left*. Leave the righthand-side of the escalator for people to pass you on, noting that being on-time in Japan means being early and many people will be rushing past you on their way to work, meetings and appointments.

*Confusingly, in Osaka you are expected to stand on the righthand-side and people pass on the left.

Getting-on & off trains : Japanese love to queue and no place more so than at train stations. People from queues either side of where the train doors will be positioned once the train arrives. They are mindful not to impede people getting-off first before moving onto the train. Don’t cut the queue and make sure to let everyone off before getting on.

Gift-giv ing: is a big and endless part of Japanese culture. As a foreign visitor your outside of this system but should you be invited to a home, it’s a good idea to take something. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s the effort that counts. Supermarkets and conveniences stores are geared-up for this with simple gifts such as food and fruit always being a safe bet.

Holding doors for others : does not happen. While it’s common in many other countries, it isn’t a custom in Japan so be prepared for the person if front of you to allow the door to fly straight back at you. If you’re from a cultured in which holding the door is engrained in you, this can be annoying but in a land of sliding doors, the custom just never got a chance to establish itself.

Lining-up : Japanese love to line-up and it’s rare to see anyone cut a queue. It’s a very nice custom and one that Japanese will appreciate if you follow.

Names : in Japan, family name comes first, given name comes second and there are no middle names. Japanese understand that in the West, the order is reversed however can get confused by middle names and sometimes mistake middle names for a persons’ family or given name. But typically you’ll be referred to your family name plus the honorific of ‘san’. You might also like to use this for Japanese – family name + ‘san’ – until you are familiar or they tell you otherwise. You don’t use ‘san’ to refer to yourself.

Smoking in public : smoking rates in Japan remain notably higher than in many other countries with smoking indoors, including restaurants and bars, still permitted. This is slowly changing with more-and-more venues now banning it but be prepared to encounter more smoking here than you may be used to. Smoking in public especially while walking is however frowned upon. Most cities and towns prohibit smoking on the street and provide designated smoking areas.

Sniffing/blowing your nose : blowing your nose into a handkerchief is considered bad manners. Japanese will choose to sniff rather than do so and while for many foreign visitors this will be equally unpleasantly, it’s considered normal and the best way to go.

Tattoos : while things are slowly changing, tattoos are nowhere near as common in Japan as they are in many other countries. Indeed, for Japanese to have tattoos remains largely frowned upon and should they have a visible tattoo, they are making a big decision in terms of the work and lifestyle they can have. There are reasons for this. In the past and f or many years, tattoos were used to brand criminals in Japan. The patterns and symbols used would reflect the nature and place of the crime and therefore, in the eyes of law-abiding citizens, tattoos identified criminal and dangerous individual s . From the late-18 th century onward, criminals embraced this practice as their own and began to use elaborate decorative pattern s as a mark of pride. As a result, the practice of tattooing was outlawed in Japan and only practiced by the criminal underground, most notoriously, the yakuza (Japanese mafia). Most Japanese realise that for foreigners, tattoos do not have the same stigma however they may still be uncomfortable with them. This will be most apparent at ‘onsen’ (hot springs) which often deny entry to anyone with a tattoo. Should you have a tattoo and be denied entry to an onsen or other place of business, take it gracefully and move on. The owner might actually have no problem with it but be thinking of their regular customers who, especially if elderly, may not be comfortable, complain and stop using their business. For younger Japanese, the stigma is fading so look around and sooner or later you’ll find an onsen with an open policy.

Tipping : tipping is not typical or expected in Japan. Japanese do not expect to receive a tip and may be uncomfortable if you offer them one. This is simply a reflection that there is no tradition of tipping in Japanese culture and many people don’t like to be singled-out even if it’s for a positive reason. However to say that tipping is rude is also not accurate. It’s just not typical. If you’d like to leave a tip, for example at a restaurant, do so when leaving and offer it as a tip to the restaurant/all staff rather than an individual.  

5 / ONSEN ETIQUETTE: DO’S & DON’TS

Known as ‘onsen’ in Japan, natural hot springs are dotted throughout the country and offer one of the most relaxing and quintessentially ‘Japanese’ experiences while here. For many Japanese, onsen is a regular (if not daily) activity, something they engage in from infancy and throughout their lives. Yet for international visitors, entering and using an onsen can be intimidating, especially on their first visit. Rest assured it’s nothing to worry about. While there is certainly an onsen etiquette, it is not as strict as many imagine rather just a few basic rules to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of guests and maintain the cleanliness of the hot spring.

Many onsen refuse entry to guests with tattoos. As noted above, there are historical reasons for this but attitudes are also changing. Guests with tattoos should always check first before entering to avoid any awkward interactions once in the onsen. We hope the following STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS are of assistance:

–  most importantly, start by entering the correct onsen ! While many will use the English words for men’s and women’s, others may only display the ‘kanji’ character. For men, look for 男 (‘otoko’ meaning male) and for women, look for 女 (‘onna’ meaning female)

–  when passing from the hotel into the onsen, take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance or inside a shoebox

–  there will usually be a change room with lockers. Remove all clothes – yes, all clothes – and place your clothing and large towel in a locker or basket

–  you are now ready to enter the onsen. The only things you can take with you is your small towel and locker key (if required).

–  it’s now time to wash. Sit on a stool and thoroughly wash your body and if you want, also wash your hair. Guests with long hair should tie it so it doesn’t enter the water

–  wash bowls are usually on-hand to allow you to throw water over yourself. Once done, make sure you are clean of any soap and place everything back as you found it

–  you can now enter the bath and ensure nothing above your neck is below the water surface

–  your towel should not enter the water but instead can be placed to the side of the bath or atop of your head, as long as it’s out of the water

–  when leaving the onsen, some people choose to wash themselves down again with the shower – especially if the water is acidic or sulphuric – but there’s no requirement to do so

–  as you leave and re-enter the change room, ensure you wipe yourself down as best as possible to avoid creating a mess in the change room.

This will quickly become second-nature and you’ll be able to relax fully into the experience.

To make it easier, just  follow these SIMPLE RULES and you’ll be fine :

–  never wash yourself in the onsen water

–  do not wear any clothing into the onsen water (unless you are told it’s acceptable)

–  do not put anything in the onsen water

–  do not splash or cause a disturbance

–  don’t speak loudly or yell

–  never take alcohol into the onsen (unless you are told it’s acceptable)

For more information including tips and advice about where to find the best hot springs in Central Japan, see our ‘Onsen in Japan’ main page .

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Best Time to Visit Japan?

Entering & Exiting Japan

Moving Around Japan: Using Trains, Buses, Planes or Drive Yourself

Staying Cashed-Up & Connected in Japan

Staying Safe & Healthy in Japan

Accommodation in Japan: Types, Tips & Avoiding Surprises

Moving Around Japan: Wheelchair & Mobility/Vision-Impaired Travel

Getting Assistance in Japan

How do you say safe travel in Japanese 2024

Table of Contents

How to Say Safe Travel in Japanese

How do you say safe travel in Japanese? Are you planning a trip to Japan soon and want to know how to say “safe travels” in Japanese? Knowing a few key phrases can make all the difference when traveling to a foreign country, especially if you’re not a native speaker of the language. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to say “ safe travels” in Japanese and provide you with some useful travel phrases to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible.

One way to say “ safe travels ” in Japanese is “anzen na tabi wo” (安全な旅を). This phrase can be used to wish someone a safe journey whether they’re traveling by train, taxi, or any other mode of transportation. It’s a polite and formal way to express your well wishes to someone before they embark on their journey.

Another phrase you can use to wish someone a safe trip in Japanese is “ki wo tsukete” (気をつけて). This phrase can be translated as “take care” or “be careful” and is commonly used in everyday conversation. You can use this phrase to wish someone a safe journey or to remind them to be cautious while traveling.

Understanding Basic Japanese Phrases

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, learning some basic Japanese phrases is important to help you navigate the country. Here are some essential phrases to get you started:

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) : This is a common Japanese greeting that means “hello” or “good day.” You can use it to greet people during the day.
• Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます) : This is a polite way to say “good morning” in Japanese. It’s a great way to greet people in the morning.
• Konbanwa (こんばんは) : This means “good evening” in Japanese. You can use it to greet people in the evening.
• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) : This is a polite way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It’s important to show gratitude when interacting with locals.
• Sumimasen (すみません) : This phrase means “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” in Japanese. You can use it to apologize or get someone’s attention.
• Doko (どこ) : This means “where” in Japanese. It’s useful when you’re lost or trying to find a specific location.
• Toire (トイレ) : This is the Japanese word for “toilet.” It’s important to know this word when you’re out and about in Japan.
• Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) : This means “how much does it cost?” in Japanese. It’s useful when you’re shopping or dining out.

Learning a new language can be challenging, but there are resources available to help you. One such resource is HiNative, a language learning platform where you can ask native speakers questions and get your writing corrected by experts. Sign up today and start improving your Japanese language skills!

Useful Japanese Travel Phrases

When traveling to Japan , knowing a few basic Japanese phrases is always helpful to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some useful Japanese travel phrases that you should know :

Greetings and Basic Japanese Phrases

• Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/Good day
• Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much
• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
• Hai (はい) – Yes
• Iie (いいえ) – No

Transportation Phrases

• Doko made ikimasu ka? (どこまで行きますか？) – Where are you going?
• Eki wa doko desu ka? (駅はどこですか？) – Where is the train station?
• Takushii wa doko desu ka? (タクシーはどこですか？) – Where is the taxi?
• Kono basu wa (destination) ni ikimasu ka? (このバスは〇〇に行きますか？) – Does this bus go to (destination)?

Hotel Phrases

• Hoteru wa doko desu ka? (ホテルはどこですか？) – Where is the hotel?
• Heya wa ikura desu ka? (部屋はいくらですか？) – How much is the room?
• Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？) – Where is the restroom?
• Te-rebi ga arimasu ka? (テレビがありますか？) – Is there a TV?
• Taoru wa arimasu ka? (タオルはありますか？) – Is there a towel?

Eating and Drinking in Japan

• Oishii desu (美味しいです) – It’s delicious
• Osusume wa nanidesu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？) – What do you recommend?
• Kudasai (ください) – Please give me
• Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – Thank you for the meal

Learning and using these basic Japanese travel phrases can make your trip to Japan more enjoyable and stress-free.

Saying Safe Travel in Japanese

If you are planning to travel to Japan or have a friend or family member who is traveling to Japan, it is important to know how to say “safe travel” in Japanese. Here are some phrases you can use to wish someone a safe trip in Japanese:

• Anzen na ryokou wo – This phrase means “safe travel” in Japanese. You can use it to wish someone a safe journey before they leave.
• Ki wo tsukete – This phrase means “take care” in Japanese. It is common to say goodbye and wish someone a safe trip. You can use it when saying goodbye to someone who is traveling.
• Oki o tsukete – This phrase means “take care” or “be careful” in Japanese. It is another way to wish someone a safe trip and remind them to be careful.
• Yoi tabi wo – This phrase means “have a good trip” in Japanese. It is a common way to wish someone a safe and enjoyable journey.
• Bon voyage – Although not a Japanese phrase, the French phrase “bon voyage” is also commonly used in Japan to wish someone a safe and enjoyable trip.

It is important to note that in Japan, it is customary to bow when saying goodbye to someone who is traveling. This is a sign of respect and well-wishes for their journey.

In addition to these phrases, you can also use body language and gestures to convey your well-wishes. For example, you can give a thumbs up or a wave to show your support and encouragement.

Overall, knowing how to say “safe travel” in Japanese is an essential part of traveling to Japan or communicating with Japanese speakers. Remember to use these phrases and gestures to show your support and well-wishes for those who are traveling.

Learning Resources for Japanese Language

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it can also be an enjoyable experience with the right resources. Japanese is a complex language, but many resources are available to help you learn it. Here are some resources you can use to improve your Japanese language skills:

Native Speakers

One of the best ways to learn a language is to practice speaking with native speakers. This can help you improve your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. You can find native speakers to practice with by joining language exchange groups or attending language meetups. You can also find language partners online through websites such as Hinative.

Learning a Language

There are many online resources available to help you learn Japanese. Some popular options include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel. These resources offer a variety of lessons, exercises, and quizzes to help you improve your language skills. Additionally, many Japanese language textbooks and workbooks can help you learn grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

Writing Corrected

Writing is an important part of language learning, and it can be helpful to have your writing corrected by a native speaker. You can find language partners who are willing to correct your writing on websites such as Lang-8. Additionally, some language exchange groups and meetups may offer writing correction services.

How do you say safe travel in Japanese? Tourist Guide for Japan

If you are planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to understand the language and customs. While many Japanese people speak English, you’ll find that knowing a few key phrases will go a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help you navigate Japan like a pro:

Transportation

Japan has an excellent transportation system, with trains, buses, and subways that can take you just about anywhere you want to go. The Japan Rail Pass is a great option for tourists, as it allows unlimited travel on JR trains for a set period of time. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider getting a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo, which can be used on trains, buses, and even vending machines.

If you plan to do business in Japan, it’s important to understand the country’s business culture. Japanese businesspeople place a high value on punctuality, respect, and hierarchy. It’s also common to exchange business cards when meeting someone for the first time, so be sure to have plenty on hand.

Japan is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, there is something for everyone. If you plan to visit popular tourist sites, be prepared for crowds and long lines. It’s also a good idea to book accommodations and tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a guide to show you around. Many tour companies offer guided tours in English, and some even specialize in niche areas like food or history. A guide can help you navigate the language barrier, provide insider tips, and make the most of your time in Japan.

Information

Finally, be sure to stay informed about current events and safety issues in Japan. The Japan National Tourism Organization provides up-to-date information on travel advisories, weather, and other important topics. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and contact information for your embassy or consulate.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a safe and enjoyable trip to Japan.

Understanding Japanese Culture

When traveling to Japan, it is important to understand and respect their culture. The Japanese people are known for their politeness, and following their customs can help you make a good impression. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

In Japan, it is customary to greet people with a bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect you are showing. Use “Konnichiwa” to say hello during the day, “Ohayou gozaimasu” in the morning, and “Konbanwa” in the evening.

When using public restrooms, it is important to wear slippers provided outside the restroom and not wear them outside. Also, remember to flush the toilet and wash your hands.

Asking for Prices

If you want to know the price of something, you can say “Ikura desu ka?” which means “How much is it?” If you do not want to purchase the item, say “Iie” which means “No, thank you.”

Understanding and respecting Japanese culture can help you have a more enjoyable and respectful trip.

Quick Guide

• 安全な旅行 (anzen na ryokou) – Safe travel.
• 気をつけて (ki o tsukete) – Take care or be careful.
• 良い旅行を (yoi ryokou o) – Have a good trip.
• 休憩を楽しんでください (kyuukei o tanoshinde kudasai) – Please enjoy your break.
• 日本への帰りの飛行機が安全でありますように (Nihon e no kaeri no hikouki ga anzen de arimasu you ni) – May the flight back to Japan be safe.
• ご無事で (go-buji de) – Safely or without any problems.
• 楽しんでください (tanoshinde kudasai) – Please enjoy or have fun.
• 旅行 (ryokou) – Travel or trip.
• 行ってらっしゃい (Itterasshai) – Used by someone staying behind, it means “Go and come back.”
• 行ってきます (Ittekimasu) – Said by the person leaving, it means “I’m going and coming back.”
• 無事に帰る (Buji ni kaeru) – Return safely.
• 楽しい休暇を (Tanoshii kyuka o) – Have a fun holiday/vacation.
• 滞在を楽しんで (Taizai o tanoshinde) – Enjoy your stay.
• 素晴らしい経験を (Subarashii keiken o) – Have a wonderful experience.
• 安全な旅を (Anzen na tabi o) – Have a safe journey.
• 気をつけて運転して (Ki o tsukete unten shite) – Drive safely.
• 早く帰ってきて (Hayaku kaette kite) – Come back soon.
• たくさんの思い出を作って (Takusan no omoide o tsukutte) – Make lots of memories.

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