If you’re traveling to Japan, knowing Japanese phrases for tourists can make your trip far smoother and more enjoyable. While many people in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto understand a little English, the reality is that fewer than 30% of Japanese people speak English at any conversational level. That’s why memorizing a few basic Japanese travel phrases—like greetings, asking directions, or ordering food—can help bridge the language barrier and connect you with the people you meet.
In this guide, you’ll learn over 100 essential Japanese words and phrases for tourists, organized by situation: greetings, transport, restaurants, shopping, and emergencies. You’ll also find pronunciation tips, cultural notes, and advice on when to use formal versus casual expressions. Whether you’ve traveled to Japan before or you’re planning your very first visit, this resource will prepare you to navigate with confidence.
Why Learn Japanese Phrases Before Traveling?
- Easier communication: Asking “駅はどこですか (Eki wa doko desu ka?)” means “Where is the station?”—a lifesaver when navigating train stations.
- Respect for culture: Saying itadakimasu before eating shows gratitude and good manners.
- Better experiences: Locals appreciate the effort, which often leads to friendlier service and even unexpected kindness.
Even if you don’t speak Japanese fluently, using a few travel phrases will help you overcome the language barrier and immerse yourself in the local culture.
1. Greetings and Polite Basics
Essential Greetings
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — Good morning (polite)
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) — Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) — Goodbye
Polite Basics
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — Thank you very much
- すみません (Sumimasen) — Excuse me / Sorry
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu) — Please (more formal)
- はい (Hai) — Yes
- いいえ (Iie) — No
📌 Tip: Always bow slightly when saying thank you. Politeness is deeply valued in Japan.
2. Asking for Help and Directions
When traveling, knowing how to ask where something is can save you from getting lost.
- 〜はどこですか (…wa doko desu ka?) — Where is …?
Example: トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the bathroom? - 駅はどこですか (Eki wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the station?
- ここに行きたいです (Koko ni ikitai desu) — I want to go here (use with a map or address).
💡 Locals often go out of their way to help tourists. Sometimes they will even walk you to your destination.
3. Transportation Phrases
Japan’s train system is efficient but complex. These phrases will help you navigate it:
- 切符をください (Kippu o kudasai) — A ticket, please.
- 東京に行きたいです (Tokyo ni ikitai desu) — I want to go to Tokyo.
- この電車は大阪に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa Osaka ni ikimasu ka?) — Does this train go to Osaka?
- バスのりばはどこですか？ (Basu noriba wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the bus stop?
🛤️ Pro tip: At ticket counters, pointing at a map while using “ikimasu ka?” is often the easiest way to communicate.
4. Dining and Food Phrases
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Japan is experiencing the incredible variety of food and drinks. From sushi and ramen to street food stalls and fine dining, knowing a few key Japanese phrases for tourists will make your meals smoother and more memorable.
Before eating, Japanese people often say itadakimasu (い た だ き ま す). This phrase doesn’t directly translate into English but conveys gratitude for the food, the cook, and everyone who contributed to the meal. Using it shows cultural respect and makes you sound more natural when sharing a meal with locals. At the end of the meal, say gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) to thank the host or restaurant staff.
When ordering in restaurants or cafés, polite phrases are essential. A simple konnichiwa (こ ん に ち は) when entering during the day or konbanwa (good evening) sets a friendly tone. After being served, saying arigatou gozaimasu (あ り が と う ご ざ い ま す) will always be appreciated. In Japan’s local language, politeness is a cultural cornerstone, and these expressions make visitors stand out as respectful travelers.
Before and After Meals
- いただきます (Itadakimasu) — Said before eating (like “bon appétit”).
- ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) — Said after eating (“thank you for the meal”).
Ordering
- メニューをください (Menyuu o kudasai) — Menu, please.
- 水をお願いします (Mizu o onegaishimasu) — Water, please.
- おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) — What do you recommend?
Dietary Needs
- 肉を食べません (Niku o tabemasen) — I don’t eat meat.
- ベジタリアン用の料理はありますか？ (Bejitarian you no ryouri wa arimasu ka?) — Do you have vegetarian dishes?
Common Food & Drink Phrases for Tourists
- Mizu kudasai (水ください) → “Water, please.”
- Ocha onegaishimasu (お茶お願いします) → “Tea, please.”
- Birru hitotsu kudasai (ビール一つください) → “One beer, please.”
- Menu arimasu ka? (メニューありますか？) → “Do you have a menu?”
- Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？) → “What do you recommend?”
- Okanjou onegaishimasu (お勘定お願いします) → “The check, please.”
5. Shopping Phrases
Shopping in Japan is a cultural experience—whether at convenience stores (konbini) or bustling markets.
- いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) — How much is it?
- カードは使えますか？ (Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?) — Do you accept credit cards?
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) — I’ll take this, please.
🛍️ Many shops are cash-preferred. Always carry some yen, especially in smaller towns.
6. Emergencies and Essential Help
Although Japan is very safe, emergencies can happen.
- 助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) — Help me!
- 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 o hanasemasu ka?) — Do you speak English?
- 警察はどこですか？ (Keisatsu wa doko desu ka?) — Where is the police station?
7. Cultural Notes for Tourists
- Politeness matters: Always use sumimasen before asking for help.
- Food etiquette: Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisousama afterward.
- Public behavior: Keep voices low on trains and avoid eating while walking.
- Bowing: A small bow is a sign of respect, even when paired with words.
Tourists who make the effort to use basic Japanese phrases are warmly received, even if their pronunciation isn’t perfect.
8. Quick Phrase Survival List
Here’s a condensed cheat sheet to keep in your pocket:
- Hello — こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
- Thank you — ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
- Excuse me / Sorry — すみません (Sumimasen)
- Where is ___? — はどこですか ( wa doko desu ka?)
- I want to go to ___ — に行きたいです ( ni ikitai desu)
- The check, please — お会計をお願いします (Okaikei o onegaishimasu)
- Help! — 助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!)
Conclusion
Learning a handful of Japanese phrases for tourists can transform your trip. From navigating train stations to enjoying authentic meals, these words and expressions help you overcome the language barrier and show respect for the local culture. Even if you don’t speak Japanese fluently, your effort will be noticed and appreciated.
Before you visit Japan, take a little time to practice these phrases. With a smile, a bow, and a few key words, you’ll create meaningful connections and enrich your journey.
Next Steps
👉 Want to practice Japanese pronunciation and travel phrases interactively? Try our Character Tool to listen, repeat, and improve your confidence before your trip.