Speak Like a Local: Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Introduction

Tokyo’s neon streets, sushi counters, and crowded trains can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. If you pick up a handful of japanese phrases for travelers before you land, you’ll turn curious stares into warm smiles. Fewer than 30 percent of locals speak English, with under 8 percent fluent (Lingopie), so knowing key travel Japanese really pays off. In this ultimate guide, you’ll get essential expressions for greetings, dining, directions, emergencies, and more. Let’s dive in and get you sounding like a seasoned visitor – or maybe even a local.

H2: Master basic greetings

First impressions count. A polite bow paired with a simple phrase can open doors and spark friendly chats.

H3: Simple hellos and goodbyes

Japanese	Romaji	English
こんにちは	Konnichiwa	Hello
おはようございます	Ohayou gozaimasu	Good morning
こんばんは	Konbanwa	Good evening
さようなら	Sayounara	Goodbye

Use こんにちは after 10 AM, and こんばんは after sunset. A slight bow and this greeting will show respect and friendliness.

H3: Expressing thanks politely

Saying thank you the right way is a must. Add a touch of formality in shops, trains, and hotels.

• ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thanks
• ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you very much
• どうもすみません (Doumo sumimasen) – Thanks and sorry (if you’re interrupting)

In formal settings, go with ありがとうございます. If you’re at home sharing travel tales, a simple ありがとう works fine.

H2: Navigate dining situations

Eating out in Tokyo is a highlight, and a few phrases make ordering smoother. Ready to order sashimi or ramen without guessing?

H3: Getting staff attention

When you need a server, raise your hand slightly and say:

• すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me

By lifting your hand, you’re polite and clear. No shouting required, unlike in some countries.

H3: Ordering like a pro

Use the pattern “item + をください (wo kudasai)” to request dishes or drinks:

• ラーメンをください (Rāmen wo kudasai) – Ramen, please
• ビールをください (Biiru wo kudasai) – Beer, please

Want seconds? Try おかわりください (Okawari kudasai) to ask for a refill (byFood).

H3: Special requests and payment

If you have allergies or ingredient prefs:

• アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu) – I have allergies to…
• ○○抜きでお願いします (○○ nuki de onegaishimasu) – Without ○○, please

When it’s time to pay:

• お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – Check, please
• 別々にお願いします (Betsubetsu ni onegaishimasu) – Separate bills, please

After dining, show respect by saying ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) – Thank you for the meal (Japanese dining etiquette).

H2: Ask for directions

Even with an app, chatting with locals can speed you up and score you insider tips. Ready to find your way without Google Translate?

H3: Starting your request

Begin politely:

• すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me
• ちょっといいですか (Chotto ii desu ka) – May I ask you something?

This combo shows humility and respect right away (JapanesePod101).

H3: Directional vocabulary

English	Japanese	Romaji
Straight	まっすぐ	Massugu
Turn left	左に曲がる	Hidari ni magaru
Turn right	右に曲がる	Migi ni magaru
Floor (level)	～階	～kai

Pair these with “どこですか” (doko desu ka) to ask “Where is…?”

H3: Transportation phrases

Getting around Tokyo’s 30 subway lines can feel like a puzzle. Ask:

• 次の電車は何時ですか (Tsugi no densha wa nanji desu ka) – What time is the next train?
• この電車は○○に行きますか (Kono densha wa ○○ ni ikimasu ka) – Does this train go to ○○?

For apps and cash-free travel, see [tokyo metro app recommendations] and [japan cash or card payments]. Know the rules in advance by checking [tokyo public transport rules].

H2: Handle emergencies and essentials

A clear phrase can be critical in a pinch. Keep these ready so you can stay calm if something goes wrong.

H3: Medical and safety phrases

It’s rare you’ll need an ambulance, but you should know how to ask. Call 119 for fire or medical, 110 for police. You can also ask:

• 病院に行きたいです (Byouin ni ikitai desu) – I want to go to a hospital
• 医者を呼んでください (Isha wo yonde kudasai) – Please call a doctor

For more on emergency numbers, visit [tokyo emergency numbers guide]. Read about accessible travel phrases at Accessible Japan.

H3: Hotel and accommodation terms

Checking in or out? Here’s what to say:

• チェックインをお願いします (Chekku in wo onegaishimasu) – I’d like to check in
• もう一泊できますか (Mou ippaku dekimasu ka) – Can I stay one more night?
• 荷物を預かってもらえますか (Nimotsu wo azukatte moraemasu ka) – Can you hold my luggage?

For storage tips, see [tokyo luggage storage options] and booking advice at [tokyo accommodation booking tips].

H3: Cash and card use

Japan is still cash based, so grab yen at ATMs in konbini (convenience stores). Ask:

• 両替したいです (Ryougae shitai desu) – I want to exchange money
• クレジットカードは使えますか (Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka) – Do you accept credit cards?

Get full payment tips at [japan cash or card payments] and check [japan convenience store guide] for ATM access.

H2: Shop and relax

Whether you’re picking up souvenirs or just grabbing coffee, a few phrases go a long way.

H3: Convenience stores and shopping

Konbini staff often speak basic English, but try this:

• これください (Kore kudasai) – I’ll take this
• ポイントカードありますか (Pointo kaado arimasu ka) – Do you have a loyalty card?

When you ask politely, you’ll feel right at home. Learn more in [japan convenience store guide].

H3: Entertainment and leisure

Heading to karaoke or a café? Try:

• カラオケはどこですか (Karaoke wa doko desu ka) – Where is karaoke?
• コーヒーを一杯ください (Koohii wo ippai kudasai) – A cup of coffee, please

After a long day, ask for directions to toilets by saying トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka) and see [tokyo restroom locations guide].

H2: Deepen your cultural etiquette

Tokyo’s manners might feel strict, but a little know-how helps you fit right in.

H3: Politeness levels and speech

Japanese has formal (keigo) and casual forms. When in doubt, stick with polite endings like です (desu) and ます (masu). Tourists are expected to use respectful language (Lingopie).

H3: Bowing and gestures

A slight bow replaces handshakes. Nodding the head about 15 degrees shows thanks or greeting. Too deep a bow might signal an apology.

H3: Gift giving and business cards

Gift giving is an art. Use both hands when offering a small present. Business cards demand the same respect—receive cards with both hands and study them briefly (japanese business card etiquette). For more customs, check [japan cultural etiquette guide], [japanese gift giving etiquette], and [japanese table manners].

H2: Practice and pronunciation tips

Learning a phrase once is fine, but practicing daily makes it stick.

H3: Apps and resources

• Duolingo and Lingodeer for bite-sized lessons
• JapanesePod101 for audio drills
• Tandem or HelloTalk to chat with native speakers

Pair apps with phrasebooks you can slip into a pocket.

H3: Pronunciation tricks

• Vowel sounds are crisp and short, like “a” in “car” but quicker
• Roll your “r” gently, halfway between an “r” and “l”
• Say each syllable evenly—Japanese is very rhythmic

Record yourself mimicking locals or ask staff to repeat a phrase.

H2: Frequently asked questions

1. What’s the easiest way to remember phrases?
   Use flashcards and repeat aloud each morning, maybe while grabbing coffee.

2. Can I mix romaji and kana when writing?
   Locals read kana, but staff often understand romaji too, especially in tourist areas.

3. Is it rude to speak English loudly?
   Yes, Japanese culture values quiet speaking in public. Try to keep your volume down (tokyo transportation etiquette).

4. How can I improve listening skills quickly?
   Listen to Japanese radio or podcasts on your phone and follow along with scripts if available.

5. Are translation apps reliable?
   They help, but double-check key phrases—some nuance gets lost in machine translation.

With these expressions and tips under your belt, you’re ready to explore Tokyo confidently. Try using one new phrase each day and watch doors open, conversations flow, and your adventure deepen. Safe travels and enjoy every moment in Japan!