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    Language basics

    Japanese phrases for travel: stations, trains and daily basics

    You can travel Japan comfortably in English, but a handful of phrases makes ticket offices, small restaurants and asking for directions much smoother. These are the ones worth learning before you fly.

    01

    The essential six

    • Sumimasen, soo-mee-mah-sen: excuse me, and also sorry. Use it to start every question.
    • Arigatou gozaimasu, ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mahs: thank you.
    • Onegaishimasu, oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs: please, when asking for something.
    • Hai, hi: yes. Iie, ee-eh: no.
    • Eigo ga hanasemasu ka, ay-go ga ha-na-se-mahs ka: do you speak English?
    • Daijoubu desu, dai-joh-boo dess: it is fine, no thanks.
    02

    At the station and ticket office

    • Kyoto made, kyoh-toh mah-deh: to Kyoto.
    • Shiteiseki onegaishimasu: a reserved seat, please.
    • Madogawa no seki: a window seat. Tsuurogawa no seki: an aisle seat.
    • Nanbansen desu ka, nan-ban-sen dess ka: which platform is it?
    • Kono densha wa Kyoto ni ikimasu ka: does this train go to Kyoto?
    • Norikae wa doko desu ka: where do I change trains?
    03

    Signs worth recognising

    • 指定席, shiteiseki: reserved seat.
    • 自由席, jiyuuseki: unreserved seat.
    • グリーン車, guriin sha: Green Car.
    • 乗り換え, norikae: transfer.
    • 出口, deguchi: exit. 入口, iriguchi: entrance.
    • 東口 higashiguchi east exit, 西口 nishiguchi west exit.
    04

    Food and shopping

    • Kore o kudasai, ko-reh oh koo-da-sai: this one, please.
    • Osusume wa nan desu ka: what do you recommend?
    • Ikura desu ka: how much is it?
    • Niku nashi de onegaishimasu: without meat, please.
    • Gochisousama desu: thank you for the meal, said as you leave.
    05

    If something goes wrong

    • Michi ni mayoimashita: I am lost.
    • Kaban o nakushimashita: I lost my bag.
    • Tetsudatte kuremasen ka: could you help me?
    • Byouin wa doko desu ka: where is the hospital?

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Do I need Japanese to travel Japan by train?

    No. Major stations have English signs and staff, but a few phrases help at small stations and restaurants.

    What is the single most useful word?

    Sumimasen. It works as excuse me, sorry and to get attention politely.

    How do I ask for a reserved seat?

    Say your destination, then shiteiseki onegaishimasu, and add madogawa for a window seat.

    Will staff understand a Japan Rail Pass request?

    Yes. Show the pass and say your destination, then shiteiseki onegaishimasu for a free reservation.

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