Japanese Travel Phrases: 100+ Essential Words for Your Trip
Master 100+ essential Japanese travel phrases for tourists. Includes greetings, ordering food, directions, emergencies, and pronunciation tips.
Planning a trip to Japan? While many Japanese people speak some English in tourist areas, knowing essential Japanese phrases will transform your experience. Beyond practical benefits, locals genuinely appreciate when visitors try their language – it opens doors to authentic experiences you'd otherwise miss.
This comprehensive guide covers 100+ essential phrases organized by situation, with pronunciation guides and cultural tips to help you navigate Japan like a pro.
Essential Survival Phrases (20 Must-Know Phrases)
Memorize these first – they'll cover 80% of basic situations:
Greetings
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello | Daytime (10am-6pm) |
| おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning | Before ~10am |
| こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening | After 6pm |
| さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye | Formal farewell |
| じゃあね | jaa ne | See ya | Casual bye |
Politeness Essentials
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ありがとうございます | arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) | Always appropriate |
| すみません | sumimasen | Excuse me / Sorry | Getting attention, light apologies |
| ごめんなさい | gomen nasai | I'm sorry | Apologies |
| おねがいします | onegai shimasu | Please | Requests |
| はい | hai | Yes | Affirmative |
| いいえ | iie | No | Negative (but often avoided) |
Emergency Phrases
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 助けて！ | tasukete! | Help! |
| 警察を呼んでください | keisatsu wo yonde kudasai | Please call the police |
| 救急車をお願いします | kyuukyuusha wo onegai shimasu | Please call an ambulance |
| 病院はどこですか？ | byouin wa doko desu ka? | Where is the hospital? |
| 英語を話せますか？ | eigo wo hanasemasu ka? | Do you speak English? |
At the Airport & Transportation
Arriving in Japan
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| パスポート | pasupooto | Passport |
| 入国審査 | nyuukoku shinsa | Immigration |
| 税関 | zeikan | Customs |
| 荷物 | nimotsu | Luggage |
| 出口 | deguchi | Exit |
Navigating Trains
Japan's train system is world-class but complex. These phrases help:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 駅 | eki | Station |
| 切符 | kippu | Ticket |
| 改札 | kaisatsu | Ticket gate |
| ホーム | hoomu | Platform |
| 電車 | densha | Train |
| 地下鉄 | chikatetsu | Subway |
| 新幹線 | shinkansen | Bullet train |
Useful Station Phrases:
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〇〇駅はどこですか？ | [station] eki wa doko desu ka? | Where is [station] station? |
| この電車は〇〇に行きますか？ | kono densha wa [place] ni ikimasu ka? | Does this train go to [place]? |
| 次の駅は何ですか？ | tsugi no eki wa nan desu ka? | What's the next station? |
| 乗り換えはどこですか？ | norikae wa doko desu ka? | Where do I transfer? |
| 片道/往復 | katamichi / oufuku | One-way / Round-trip |
Taxis
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〇〇までお願いします | [place] made onegai shimasu | To [place], please |
| ここで止めてください | koko de tomete kudasai | Stop here, please |
| いくらですか？ | ikura desu ka? | How much is it? |
| 領収書をください | ryoushuusho wo kudasai | Receipt, please |
| 右/左/まっすぐ | migi / hidari / massugu | Right / Left / Straight |
At Hotels & Accommodations
Check-In
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| チェックインお願いします | chekku-in onegai shimasu | Check-in please |
| 予約しています | yoyaku shite imasu | I have a reservation |
| 〇〇という名前です | [name] to iu namae desu | My name is [name] |
| 部屋は何階ですか？ | heya wa nankai desu ka? | What floor is the room? |
| Wi-Fiのパスワードは？ | waifai no pasuwaado wa? | What's the WiFi password? |
Room Requests
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| タオルをお願いします | taoru wo onegai shimasu | Towels, please |
| もう一つの毛布をください | mou hitotsu no moufu wo kudasai | Another blanket, please |
| エアコンが動きません | eakon ga ugokimasen | The AC doesn't work |
| お湯が出ません | oyu ga demasen | No hot water |
| 部屋を掃除しないでください | heya wo souji shinaide kudasai | Please don't clean the room |
Check-Out
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| チェックアウトお願いします | chekku-auto onegai shimasu | Check-out please |
| 荷物を預かってもらえますか？ | nimotsu wo azukatte moraemasu ka? | Can you hold my luggage? |
| タクシーを呼んでください | takushii wo yonde kudasai | Please call a taxi |
Ordering Food & Drinks
Japanese food culture is incredible – these phrases help you navigate it!
Entering a Restaurant
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 何名様ですか？ | nanmeisama desu ka? | How many people? (staff asks) |
| 二人です | futari desu | Two people |
| 予約はありますか？ | yoyaku wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a reservation? |
| 予約していません | yoyaku shite imasen | No reservation |
| 禁煙席/喫煙席 | kin'en seki / kitsuen seki | Non-smoking / Smoking seat |
Ordering
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| メニューをください | menyuu wo kudasai | Menu, please |
| おすすめは何ですか？ | osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? |
| これをお願いします | kore wo onegai shimasu | This one, please |
| 注文をお願いします | chuumon wo onegai shimasu | I'd like to order |
| まだ決まっていません | mada kimatte imasen | I haven't decided yet |
During the Meal
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| いただきます | itadakimasu | (Said before eating) |
| ごちそうさまでした | gochisousama deshita | (Said after eating) |
| おいしい！ | oishii! | Delicious! |
| お水をください | omizu wo kudasai | Water, please |
| おかわりをください | okawari wo kudasai | Refill, please |
Dietary Needs
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| アレルギーがあります | arerugii ga arimasu | I have allergies |
| 〇〇が食べられません | [food] ga taberaremasen | I can't eat [food] |
| ベジタリアンです | bejitarian desu | I'm vegetarian |
| 肉/魚/卵/乳製品 | niku / sakana / tamago / nyuuseihin | meat / fish / eggs / dairy |
| 〇〇抜きでお願いします | [ingredient] nuki de onegai shimasu | Without [ingredient], please |
Paying
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| お会計をお願いします | okaikei wo onegai shimasu | Check, please |
| 別々にお願いします | betsubetsu ni onegai shimasu | Separate checks, please |
| カードで払えますか？ | kaado de haraemasu ka? | Can I pay by card? |
| 現金だけですか？ | genkin dake desu ka? | Cash only? |
| おつりです | otsuri desu | Here's your change |
Shopping
Finding What You Need
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〇〇はありますか？ | [item] wa arimasu ka? | Do you have [item]? |
| 〇〇を探しています | [item] wo sagashite imasu | I'm looking for [item] |
| これはいくらですか？ | kore wa ikura desu ka? | How much is this? |
| 高い/安い | takai / yasui | Expensive / Cheap |
| 大きい/小さい | ookii / chiisai | Big / Small |
Sizes & Colors
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| S/M/L/XL | esu / emu / eru / ekusueru | Sizes |
| もっと大きいのはありますか？ | motto ookii no wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a bigger one? |
| 違う色はありますか？ | chigau iro wa arimasu ka? | Other colors available? |
| 試着できますか？ | shichaku dekimasu ka? | Can I try it on? |
Purchasing
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| これをください | kore wo kudasai | I'll take this |
| 袋はいりますか？ | fukuro wa irimasu ka? | Do you need a bag? |
| 袋をお願いします | fukuro wo onegai shimasu | A bag, please |
| いいえ、大丈夫です | iie, daijoubu desu | No, I'm fine |
| 免税 | menzei | Tax-free |
Asking for Directions
Basic Direction Questions
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〇〇はどこですか？ | [place] wa doko desu ka? | Where is [place]? |
| 〇〇への行き方を教えてください | [place] e no ikikata wo oshiete kudasai | How do I get to [place]? |
| ここはどこですか？ | koko wa doko desu ka? | Where am I? |
| 近くに〇〇はありますか？ | chikaku ni [place] wa arimasu ka? | Is there a [place] nearby? |
Direction Words
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 右 | migi | Right |
| 左 | hidari | Left |
| まっすぐ | massugu | Straight |
| 前 | mae | In front |
| 後ろ | ushiro | Behind |
| 隣 | tonari | Next to |
| 角 | kado | Corner |
Common Places
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| トイレ | toire | Restroom |
| コンビニ | konbini | Convenience store |
| 薬局 | yakkyoku | Pharmacy |
| 銀行 | ginkou | Bank |
| 病院 | byouin | Hospital |
| 郵便局 | yuubinkyoku | Post office |
| 警察署 | keisatsusho | Police station |
Numbers & Counting
Essential for shopping, restaurants, and transportation:
Basic Numbers
| Number | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ゼロ/零 | zero / rei |
| 1 | 一 | ichi |
| 2 | 二 | ni |
| 3 | 三 | san |
| 4 | 四 | yon / shi |
| 5 | 五 | go |
| 6 | 六 | roku |
| 7 | 七 | nana / shichi |
| 8 | 八 | hachi |
| 9 | 九 | kyuu / ku |
| 10 | 十 | juu |
Larger Numbers
| Number | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 百 | hyaku |
| 1,000 | 千 | sen |
| 10,000 | 万 | man |
| 100,000 | 十万 | juuman |
Price Examples:
- ¥500 = 五百円 (gohyaku en)
- ¥3,000 = 三千円 (sanzen en)
- ¥15,000 = 一万五千円 (ichiman gosen en)
At Tourist Attractions
Museums & Temples
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 入場料はいくらですか？ | nyuujouryou wa ikura desu ka? | How much is admission? |
| 営業時間は？ | eigyou jikan wa? | What are the hours? |
| 写真を撮ってもいいですか？ | shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka? | May I take photos? |
| ガイドはありますか？ | gaido wa arimasu ka? | Is there a guide? |
| 日本語/英語のパンフレット | nihongo / eigo no panfuretto | Japanese/English pamphlet |
Taking Photos
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 写真を撮ってもらえますか？ | shashin wo totte moraemasu ka? | Could you take my photo? |
| このボタンを押してください | kono botan wo oshite kudasai | Please press this button |
| 一緒に写真を撮りましょうか？ | issho ni shashin wo torimashou ka? | Shall we take a photo together? |
Making Connections
Basic Conversation
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| お名前は？ | onamae wa? | What's your name? |
| 〇〇といいます | [name] to iimasu | I'm called [name] |
| どこから来ましたか？ | doko kara kimashita ka? | Where are you from? |
| 〇〇から来ました | [country] kara kimashita | I'm from [country] |
| 日本は初めてですか？ | nihon wa hajimete desu ka? | Is this your first time in Japan? |
| はい、初めてです | hai, hajimete desu | Yes, it's my first time |
Expressing Enjoyment
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 楽しいです！ | tanoshii desu! | I'm having fun! |
| 日本が大好きです | nihon ga daisuki desu | I love Japan |
| とてもきれいです | totemo kirei desu | It's very beautiful |
| すごい！ | sugoi! | Amazing! / Wow! |
| また来たいです | mata kitai desu | I want to come again |
Pronunciation Tips for Travelers
Quick Rules
- 01
Vowels are consistent:
- あ (a) = "ah" like "father"
- い (i) = "ee" like "feet"
- う (u) = "oo" like "food"
- え (e) = "eh" like "bed"
- お (o) = "oh" like "go"
- 02
Each syllable gets equal time – don't stress syllables like English
- 03
Long vowels matter:
- おばさん (obasan) = aunt
- おばあさん (obaasan) = grandmother
- 04
The "r" sound is between "r" and "l" – tap your tongue
Cultural Tips for Using These Phrases
Bowing
When greeting or thanking, a small bow adds sincerity:
- Casual greeting: Slight nod
- Thank you: 15-30 degree bow
- Deep apology: 45+ degree bow
Voice Level
Japanese people generally speak more quietly than Westerners. Adjust your volume, especially on trains (where phone calls are taboo!).
Group Ordering
In Japanese restaurants, everyone often orders at once. Wait for the group, and the most senior person may order first.
Shoes
Remove shoes when:
- Entering homes
- Traditional restaurants (look for a step up)
- Some temples and cultural sites
- Watch for shoe lockers at entrances
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to learn Japanese for traveling to Japan?
No, but it helps enormously. Major tourist areas have English signage and many people speak some English. However, Japanese opens doors to authentic experiences, better service, and genuine connections.
What's the minimum Japanese I should know before visiting?
Master these 10 phrases:
- 01ありがとうございます (thank you)
- 02すみません (excuse me)
- 03おねがいします (please)
- 04これをください (this one, please)
- 05いくらですか？ (how much?)
- 06〇〇はどこですか？ (where is...?)
- 07こんにちは (hello)
- 08英語を話せますか？ (do you speak English?)
- 09だいじょうぶ (I'm okay / it's okay)
- 10お会計 (check, please)
Should I learn hiragana before traveling?
Ideally, yes! Learning hiragana takes 1-2 weeks and lets you read menus, signs, and more. Start learning with KanaDojo.
What translation app should I use?
Google Translate works well for:
- Camera translation (point at signs)
- Voice translation
- Offline mode (download Japanese language pack first!)
But knowing key phrases yourself is faster and more reliable.
Conclusion: You're Ready for Japan!
With these 100+ phrases, you're equipped to navigate Japan confidently. Remember:
✅ Start with the 20 essential phrases – they cover most situations ✅ Don't be afraid to try – Japanese people appreciate effort ✅ Use gestures and pointing – communication is more than words ✅ Download phrases offline – Internet isn't always available ✅ Learn to read hiragana – it opens up even more possibilities
The best preparation is practice. Start learning hiragana now so you can read signs, menus, and more during your trip!
いい旅を！(Ii tabi wo! – Have a great trip!)
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