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

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

🥘 “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.

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.

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;

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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

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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

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