Common Japanese Phrases For Traveling
If you’re ready to take a tour of the Far East, Japan is an essential destination. The country’s storied history, amazing culinary scene, exciting nightlife, and time-honored traditions (including a polite, welcoming attitude toward visitors) make it a must-visit country.
However exciting traveling to Japan can be, it can also be a little nerve-wracking for native English speakers. Unlike traveling in European countries, in Japan you’re less likely to bump into an English speaker. That’s why it’s important to learn a few useful Japanese phrases for travel before you leave.
In this article, we’ll explain why you should learn basic Japanese travel phrases and highlight some important Japanese phrases to bring with you on your trip.
Why Learn Japanese Phrases For Your Trip?
Learning Japanese is a worthwhile investment in yourself. Knowing some Japanese travel phrases is essential for accomplishing all your vacation goals.
From seeing awesome sights to dining at the best restaurants, it always helps to have Japanese phrases at the ready. You just never know when you’ll need to rely on the kindness of a stranger…who doesn’t speak English!.
Aside from the day-to-day benefits of knowing useful Japanese travel phrases, they’re also a gateway into the wider language spoken by over 100 million people worldwide. Once you acquire a few expressions, you’re more likely to learn the entire Japanese language. Imagine traveling to Japan with the ability to speak conversationally instead of having only a few dozen sayings!
If you’re an aspiring Japanese learner, these common Japanese phrases for travel are a great stepping stone to practical, purposeful learning!
Essential Japanese Phrases for Travel Everyone Should Know
| Polite Interludes & Introductions Japanese phrases that are great for breaking the ice with locals. | |
| Hello. | こんにちは。Kon’nichiwa. |
| Goodbye. | さようなら。Sayōnara. |
| Good morning. | おはようございます。Ohayōgozaimasu. |
| Good evening. | こんばんは。Konbanwa. |
| Pardon me. | すみません。Sumimasen. |
| Thank you. | ありがとう。Arigatō. |
| Can we speak in English? | 英語は大丈夫ですか。Eigo wa daijoubu desu ka? |
| I didn’t understand that. | わかりません。Wakarimasen. |
| Yes. | はい。Hai. |
| No. | いいえ。Iie. |
| Navigating Japan Basic Japanese travel phrases for directions & places. | |
| Map | 地図chizu |
| On the left / to the left | 左hidari |
| On the right / to the right | 右migi |
| Bathroom? | トイレtoire |
| Can you please show me the way? | 案内してくれませんか。Annai shite kuremasen ka? |
| How do I get to ____? | ____までどうやって行きますか。____ made douyatte ikimasu ka? |
| Train | 電車densha |
| Taxi | タクシーtakushii |
| Rideshares / rental cars | レンタカーrenta kaa |
| Bus | バスbasu |
| Ferry / boat | 船fune |
| Subway station | 駅eki |
| Mt. Fuji | 富士山Fujisan |
| Zoo | 動物園doubutsuen |
| Museum | 博物館hakubutsukan |
| Aquarium | 水族館suizokukan |
| Dining Helpful Japanese travel phrases for ordering food. | |
| Can I have a menu in English? | 英語のメニューがありますか。Eigo no menyuu ga arimasu ka? |
| Beverage | 飲み物nomimono |
| Food | 注文chuumon |
| What do you recommend? | おすすめは？Osusume wa? |
| Thank you. (to server, before you eat) | いただきます！Itadakimasu! |
| I cannot eat ____ . | ____が食べられません。____ ga taberaremasen. |
| I have allergies to _____. | ＿＿＿ のアレルギーがあります。＿＿＿ no arerugii ga arimasu. |
| I’ll pay with cash. | 現金で。Genkin de. |
| I’ll pay with credit card. | クレジットカードで。Kurejitto kaado de. |
Take a Tour of the Japanese Language with Pimsleur
Now that you have some common Japanese phrases for travel in your vocabulary, why not learn the language conversationally? Basic Japanese travel phrases are great for a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, but what if you could actually converse in Japanese with a native speaker?
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, connect with a friend in Japan, or ensure your next vacation is even more memorable, Pimsleur’s Japanese courses and lessons will take you on a different sort of trip – a journey to the heart of the Japanese language.We’ll help you learn Japanese phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more, the way a child would – by listening and speaking your way to success. Sign up for an All Access or Premium subscription today, and you’ll be speaking Japanese conversationally in a matter of weeks. You will be able to speak core words and phrases after your very first lesson. All it takes is 30 minutes per day!