You don’t need to speak fluent Japanese to enjoy your trip. Even a few simple phrases can make everyday interactions easier, and Japanese people will usually appreciate you making the effort. And if you’re stuck, smile, say “Sumimasen,” and use your translation app. You’ll be just fine. ☺︎
Here are some useful phrases you can keep handy while traveling in Japan.
👋 Greetings
Hello
こんにちは
Konnichiwa
Good morning
おはようございます
Ohayou gozaimasu
Good evening
こんばんは
Konbanwa
🗺️ Directions
Where is [place]?
[場所]はどこですか？
[place] wa doko desu ka?
Which way is [street/place]?
[場所]はどちらですか？
[place] wa dochira desu ka?
How do I get to [landmark] from here?
ここから[場所]へは、どうやって行きますか？
Koko kara [place] e wa, dou yatte ikimasu ka?
Where’s the bathroom?
トイレはどこですか？
Toire wa doko desu ka?
🍣 Dining
Do you have an English menu?
英語のメニューはありますか？
Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?
I’d like to order [dish], please.
[料理]をお願いします。
[dish] o onegai shimasu.
Water, please.
お水をお願いします。
Omizu o onegai shimasu.
What do you recommend?
おすすめは何ですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
Could I have the bill, please?
お会計をお願いします。
O-kaikei o onegai shimasu.
💡 Tip: At many Japanese restaurants, you can simply say the name of the dish followed by onegai shimasu when ordering.
🛍️ Shopping
How much does this cost?
これはいくらですか？
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Can I use a credit card?
クレジットカードは使えますか？
Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
🚆 Transportation
Is this train going to [place]?
この電車は[場所]に行きますか？
Kono densha wa [place] ni ikimasu ka?
I’d like to go to [place].
[場所]に行きたいです。
[place] ni ikitai desu.
Could you tell me how to get to [place]?
[場所]への行き方を教えてください。
[place] e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai.
Where can I catch a taxi?
タクシーはどこで乗れますか？
Takushii wa doko de noremasu ka?
🙏 Basic Phrases
Thank you
ありがとうございます
Arigatou gozaimasu
Yes / No
はい / いいえ
Hai / Iie
I’m okay. / No, thank you.
大丈夫です
Daijoubu desu
→frequently used 🤣
Please. / I’d like that, please.
お願いします
Onegai shimasu
Excuse me. / Sorry.
すみません / ごめんなさい
Sumimasen / Gomennasai
→frequently used 🤣
I don’t understand.
わかりません
Wakarimasen
Could you say that again?
もう一度言ってください。
Mou ichido itte kudasai.
❤️ Expressing Appreciation
This is delicious!
おいしいです！
Oishii desu!
→frequently used 🤣
This is beautiful!
きれいです！
Kirei desu!
💡 Tip: Kirei is often more natural than utsukushii when complimenting scenery, a place, food presentation, or something you see while traveling.
👂 Phrases You May Hear in Japan
You may hear these phrases frequently during your trip. Don’t worry if you don’t understand them at first!
Welcome! / Welcome to our shop!
いらっしゃいませ！
Irasshaimase!
You’ll hear this when entering shops and restaurants. You don’t need to respond. A smile or small nod is perfectly fine.
Please wait a moment.
少々お待ちください。
Shoushou omachi kudasai.
You’ll often hear this at restaurants, stores, hotels, and other service counters.
Please come again.
またお越しくださいませ。
Mata okoshi kudasaimase.
You may hear this when leaving a shop, restaurant, or hotel. It’s a polite way of saying, “Please come visit us again.”
