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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

Често поставувани прашања

Брзи одговори на чести прашања.

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.

Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.

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Japanese phrases for travel: stations, trains and daily basics

The essential six

At the station and ticket office

Signs worth recognising

Food and shopping

If something goes wrong

Често поставувани прашања

Do I need Japanese to travel Japan by train?

What is the single most useful word?

How do I ask for a reserved seat?

Will staff understand a Japan Rail Pass request?

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