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73+ Essential Japanese travel phrases for travelers visiting Japan (+ Free pdf)

Going to Japan and thinking you might struggle to order food or ask for directions? Knowing just a few basic Japanese words and phrases will make your trip much smoother!

I’ve been to Japan and in this guide, I’ll share essential Japanese travel phrases for tourists. And I’ve also included FREE Japan travel phrases cheat sheet you can find below.

BEST PLACES TO STAY in JAPAN:
Be like a bee for Nine hours (my favourite capsule hotel)
Yiyi Tokyo Disney minpaku (house close to Tokyo Disneyland)
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso (onsen and Mt. Fuji view!)
Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi (the best Ryokan in Kyoto with a private onsen)
Miyajima guest house (perfect place to stay close to Itsukushima shrine)
Guest house Pongyi (sleep in old kimono shop!)
Yudanaka Yasuragi (small traditional Japanese ryokan)

TOP EXPERIENCES in and around JAPAN:
Drive a Go-Cart on Tokyo streets (super fun Super Mario for a day!)
The ABSOLUTE BEST museum ever (TeamLab is MUST VISIT!)
Rent a Kimono (… when in Rome Kyoto …)
Fushimi Inari Walking Tour (Nice way to learn about Torii Gates)
Hiroshima and Miyajima (perfect day tour!)
Food tasting in little Kyoto (come hungry!)
Shirakawa go Village (see traditional Japan)
Tea ceremony (experience the art of drinking tea)

Looking for the best way to GET TO JAPAN:
Find best flight fares to Japan
• Having a Japan Rail Pass is the best way to travel around Japan


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 delicious cuisine. Especially popular is in Spring at sakura or in Autumn for fall foliage.  

Some Japanese people speak English, but it is not as common as you would think. Thus for traveling in Japan, you will need to know some useful Japanese words and phrases. Knowing them will also show respect to the locals.

Powered by GetYourGuide


This Japanese language guide will answer your question “What are some common phrases i need to learn before my trip to Japan?” Inside you can find transportation-related phrases, phrases to use when ordering food in Japanese restaurant, and simple phrases that will help you navigate through Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
 
Now, learn basic Japanese for travel, download your Japanese phrases cheat sheet, and bring it with you to Japan!

FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.


essential Japanese words and phrases


List of essential Japanese travel phrases for your trip to Japan. Learn basic Japanese words and download Japanese phrases for travelers cheat sheet.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Learn must-know Japan language words and simple Japanese phrases you’ll likely need for ordering food, asking for directions, and greeting locals.

● Find Japanese pronunciation so you don’t need to worry about saying useful words and phrases.

● Download basic Japanese travel phrases pdf for easy access on your Japan trip!



Where is Japanese spoken?

Did you know that over 125 million people speak Japanese?

Japanese is the official language of Japan. You will mostly hear it in Nippon, but 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.

If you wish to learn basic Japanese phrases for tourists, you can do so by using apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. If your Japan itinerary is longer than 2 weeks, maybe sign up for a language course or go on a language exchange. But if you don’t have time, just download Japanese basic words pdf in this blog post.


Japanese language basics: alphabet and pronunciation

Before you start learning useful phrases, 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 traditional 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

Now, don’t get scared! 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 fluently and with ease.  

Below you will find a guide for Hiragana and Katakana symbols and a similar sound in English language.

HIRAGANAKATAKANAENGLISH SOUNDHIRAGANAKATAKANAENGLISH SOUND
aka
iki
uku
eke
oko
sata
shi chi
sutsu
sete
soto
naha
nihi
nufu
nehe
noho
maya
mi
muyu
me
moyo
rawa
riwo
ru
ren
ro


Essential Japanese travel phrases

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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Hiやあ
ya
Pleaseおねがいします
onegai shimasu
Thank youありがとうございます
arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse meすみません
sumimasen
Sorryごめんなさい
gomen nasai
Yes / Noはい / いいえ
hai / iie
I don’t understandわかりません
wakarimasen
Do you speak [language]?… をはなせますか?
… o hanasemasu ka?
What is the WiFi password?WiFi のパスワードはなんです?
Waifai no passwardu wa nan desu ka?
Could you take my picture?わたしのしゃしんをとってくれませんか?
Watashi no shashin o totte kuremasen ka?
Where is the bathroom/toilet?おてあらい / トイレはどこですか?
Otearai / toire wa doko desu ka?


Useful 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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Helloこんにちは
konnichiwa
Goodbyeさようなら
sayonara
Good morningおはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
Good day良い一日
yoi tsuitachi
Good eveningこんばんは
konbanwa
Good nightおやすみなさい
oyasumi nasai
Nice to meet youはじめまして
hajimemashite
How are you?おげんきですか?
Ogenki desu ka?
My name is …わたしのなまえは …
Watashi no namae wa …
How do you say […] in [language]?[language] […] はなんていいます?
[language] de … wa nante iimasuka?
Speak slowly, please.ゆっくりはなしてください
yukkuri hanashite kudasai


Japanese travel phrases for directions and getting around

Phrases and words in Japanese when asking for directions will enable you to navigate train stations, unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Where is …… はどこですか?
… wa doko desu ka?
What time is ……はなんじですか?
… wa nan desu ka?
How do I get to …… にはどういきますか?
… niwa dou ikimasuka?
How far away is …… はどれくらいとおいですか?
… wa dore kurai tooi desu ka?
Do you have a map?ちずはありますか?
Chizu wa arimasuka?
When does the next … arrive?つぎの … はいつとうちゃくしますか?
tsugi no … wa itsu touchakurimasu ka?
How long does it take to get to….?… まではどれくらいかかりますか?
… made wa dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
here / thereここ / そこ
koko / soko
North / South / East / Westきた / みなみ / ひがし / にし
kita / minami / higashi / nishi
left / right / straight / back / up / downひだり / みぎ / まっすぐ / うしろ / うえ / した
hidari / migi / massugu / usir / ue / shita
car / bus / train / taxi / metro / planeくるま / バス / でんしゃ / タクシー / ちかてつ / ひこうき
kuruma/ basu / densha / takushi / chikatetsu / hikouki
bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospitalおてあらい / レストラン / ホテル / ぎんこう / やっきょく / びょういん
otearai / resutoran / hoteru / ginkou / yakkyoku / byoin


Useful phrases in Japanese for 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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Cheers!かんぱい!
Kanpai!
Is this …これは … ですか?
Kore wa … desu ka?
I’m allergic to …私は … アレルギーです
watashi wa … arerugii desu
The bill, please.おかいけいをおねがいします
okaikei o onegai shimasu
I would like to have …… をおねがいします
… o onegai shimasu
May I see the menu?メニューをみてもいいですか?
Menyu o mi te mo ii desu ka?
What do you recommend?おすすめはありますか?
Osusume wa arimasuka?
vegetarian / vegan / gluten freeベジタリアン / ビーガン / グルテンフリー
vegitarian / viigan / guluten frii
sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicyあまい / にがい / すっぱい / しょっぱい / からい
amai / nigai / suppai / shoppai / karai
coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beerコーヒー / おちゃ / みず / ジュース / ワイン / ビール
ko-hi- / ocha / mizu / ju-su / wain / biiru
milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeansぎゅうにゅう / たまご / さかな / ピーナッツ / こうかくるい / むぎ / だいず
gyuunyuu / tamago / sakana / piinattsu / kokakurui / mugi / daizu


Basic 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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
How much?いくら?
Ikura?
May I try this on?これをしちゃくしてもいいですか?
Kore o shichakushite mo ii desu ka?
Do you have this in …… サイズはありますか?
… size wa arimasuka?
Excuse me, I’m looking for … すみません … をさがしています
sumimasen, … o sagashite imasu
Is this on sale?これは販売されていますか?
Kore wa hanbai sa rete imasu ka?
When do you close? いつ閉まりますか?
Itsu shimarimasu ka
Do you accept credit cards?クレジットカードはつかえますか?
Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
bigger / smallerおおきい / ちいさい
ookii / chiisai
1 one / 2 two / 3 three / 4 four / 5 five / 6 six / 7 seven / 8 eight / 9 nine / 10 ten1 いち / 2 に / 3 さん / 4 よん / 5 ご / 6 ろく / 7 なな / 8 はち / 9 きゅう / 10 じゅう
1 ichi / 2 ni / 3 san / 4 yon / 5 go / 6 roku / 7 nana / 8 hachi / 9 kyuu / 10 juu
50 fifty / 100 hundred / 1000 thousand50 ごじゅう / 100 ひゃく / 1000 せん
50 gojuu / 100 hyaaku / 1000 sen
white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / blackしろ / きいろ / オレンジ / あか / あお / みどりの / ピンク / むらさき / グレー / ちゃいろ / くろ
shiro / kiiro / orenji / aka / ao / midori no / pinku / murasaki / guree / chairo / kuro


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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
What time is …… はなんじですか?
… wa nan desu ka?
… is not working.… がつかえません
… ga tsukaeemasen
Do you have WiFi?WIFIはありますか?
WiFi wa arimasuka?
Can I drink the tap water?すいどうすいをのんでもいいですか?
Suidou sui o nonde mo ii desu ka?
breakfast / lunch / dinnerあさごはん / おひるごはん / よるごはん
asa gohan / hiru gohan / yoru gohan
toilet paper / key / towelトイレットペーパー / かぎ / タオル
toiretto pe-pa- / kagi / taoru
air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryerエアコン / せんぷうき / ヒーター / ドライヤー
eakon / senpuuki / hiitaa / doraiya-


Important 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.

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Helpたすけてください
tasukete kudasai
I am lostみちにまよっています
michi ni mayotteimasu
There is a …… があります
… ga arimasu
Please call the …… をよんでください
… o yonde kudasai
I lost my passportパスポートをなくしてしまいました
pasupooto o nakushite shimaimashita
My money was stolen私のお金が盗まれました
watashi no okane ga nusuma remashita
fire / flood / earthquakeかさい / こうずい / じしん
kasai / kouzui / jishin
police / firemen / ambulanceけいさつ / しょうぼうし / きゅうきゅうしゃ
keisatsu / shouboushi / kyuukyuusha


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;

ENGLISHJAPANESE & HOW TO SAY IT
Loveあい
ai
Friendともだち
tomodachi
You have beautiful eyesめがうつくしいですね
me ga utsukushii desu ne
You have a beautiful smileえがおがうつくしいですね
egao ga utsukushii desu ne


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.

Google Translate

Price: Free
Language: 200+ languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website

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.

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➤ Read more Japan travel guides

Did you enjoy this guide with common japanese words, common japanese phrases for tourists and basic japanese phrases with pronunciation.

Don’t forget you can download basic words in japanese language cheat sheet.

If you liked this post, check out others below!

10 Best Japan Cherry blossom tours – Visit best sakura spots hassle free
15+ Best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan (+ Map!)
Japan itinerary – How to spend perfect 2 weeks in Japan
23 Best app for travel to Japan – From maps, food guides, transport and more
How to visit Fushimi Inari – Useful guide if heading to Kyoto
Short cherry blossom captions for sakura – Caption cherry blossom

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About the author: Anja

Photo of author
Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.