Traveling in Japan is exciting, busy, and full of surprises. Even though many people speak some English, a little Japanese can make your trip smoother and a lot more fun. These phrases cover what you’ll need for trains, food, shopping, and simple conversations.
Here are 45 essential phrases you can start using right away.
Hello and Basics
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — Hello
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) — Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) — Goodbye
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen) — Excuse me / Sorry
- はい (Hai) — Yes
- いいえ (Iie) — No
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) — Please
- わかりません (Wakarimasen) — I don’t understand
Getting Around
- 駅はどこですか (Eki wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the station?
- これはどこに行きますか (Kore wa doko ni ikimasu ka?) — Where does this go?
- 〜へ行きたいです (___ e ikitai desu) — I want to go to ___.
- 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita) — I am lost.
- タクシーを呼べますか (Takushii o yobemasu ka?) — Can you call a taxi?
At Restaurants
- メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) — The menu, please
- おすすめは何ですか (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) — What do you recommend?
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) — I’ll have this
- 水をください (Mizu o kudasai) — Water, please
- お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) — The check, please
- ベジタリアンです (Bejitarian desu) — I am vegetarian
- アレルギーがあります (Alerugii ga arimasu) — I have an allergy
Shopping and Money
- いくらですか (Ikura desu ka?) — How much is it?
- これありますか (Kore arimasu ka?) — Do you have this?
- 安いものはありますか (Yasui mono wa arimasu ka?) — Do you have something cheaper?
- カード使えますか (Kaado tsukaemasu ka?) — Can I use a card?
- 袋をください (Fukuro o kudasai) — A bag, please
Hotels and Staying Overnight
- 予約しています (Yoyaku shiteimasu) — I have a reservation
- チェックインをお願いします (Chekkuin o onegaishimasu) — Check-in, please
- チェックアウトは何時ですか (Chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka?) — What time is check-out?
- Wi-Fiはありますか (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) — Do you have Wi-Fi?
- タオルをください (Taoru o kudasai) — Towels, please
Emergencies and Help
- 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) — Please help
- 病院はどこですか (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the hospital?
- 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai) — Please call the police
- 気分が悪いです (Kibun ga warui desu) — I feel sick
Polite Small Talk
- 初めまして (Hajimemashite) — Nice to meet you
- どこから来ましたか (Doko kara kimashita ka?) — Where are you from?
- 少し日本語を話せます (Sukoshi nihongo o hanasemasu) — I can speak a little Japanese
- 写真を撮ってもいいですか (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) — May I take a photo?
- 写真を撮ってくれますか (Shashin o totte kuremasu ka?) — Can you take a photo of me?
Useful Extras
- 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) — I’m okay
- もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu) — One more time, please
- ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai) — Please speak slowly
- どこで買えますか (Doko de kaemasu ka?) — Where can I buy this?
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be fluent to get around Japan with confidence. A handful of phrases can break the tension, show respect, and open the door to friendly conversations. Keep these handy, use them often, and enjoy every moment of your trip.
