Useful Japanese Phrases for Visiting Japan: A Guide for Foreign Travelers
Planning your Japan travel adventure to Tokyo, Kyoto, or beyond? Knowing a few useful Japanese phrases can make your trip smoother, help you connect with locals, and unlock authentic experiences. In this guide for foreigners, you’ll find essential Japanese phrases (with romaji and English translations), a quick intro to Japanese scripts, etiquette tips, and practical advice for navigating Japan’s vibrant cities and serene countryside.
Meta Description Suggestion
Discover 25+ useful Japanese phrases for foreigners visiting Japan. Learn essential greetings, restaurant and emergency Japanese, etiquette, and tips for Tokyo and Kyoto travel.
Understanding Japanese Scripts: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji
Japan uses three scripts:
Hiragana: Curvy, basic script for native Japanese words.
Katakana: Angular, used for foreign words and names.
Kanji: Complex characters borrowed from Chinese, representing whole words or ideas.
Most useful Japanese phrases for tourists are written in hiragana or katakana, with kanji for place names like 東京 (Tokyo) and 京都 (Kyoto)3.
Essential Japanese Phrases for Sightseeing
Whether you’re exploring the neon lights of Tokyo or the tranquil temples of Kyoto, these basic phrases will help you get around:
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello/Good afternoon | Greeting anyone, anytime |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| こんばんは | Konbanwa | Good evening | Evening greeting |
| さようなら | Sayounara | Goodbye | Formal farewell |
| またね | Matane | See you later | Casual goodbye |
| はじめまして | Hajimemashite | Nice to meet you | First meeting |
| ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you | Polite gratitude |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me/Sorry | Get attention, apologize, or ask for help |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please | Making requests |
| はい／いいえ | Hai / Iie | Yes / No | Answering questions |
Asking for Directions in Japan
Navigating Japan’s efficient but sometimes overwhelming transport system is easier with these phrases:
えきはどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the train station?13
トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the bathroom?13
…にいきたいです (…ni ikitai desu) – I want to go to… (e.g., 新宿駅に行きたいです Shinjuku eki ni ikitai desu – I want to go to Shinjuku Station)3
ちずをお願いします (Chizu o onegai shimasu) – A map, please3
ちかいですか？ (Chikai desu ka?) – Is it near?3
とおいですか？ (Tooi desu ka?) – Is it far?3
右にまがってください (Migi ni magatte kudasai) – Turn right3
左にまがってください (Hidari ni magatte kudasai) – Turn left3
まっすぐいってください (Massugu itte kudasai) – Go straight ahead3
Restaurant Japanese for Tourists
Enjoying sushi in Tokyo or kaiseki in Kyoto? Use these phrases:
メニューをお願いします (Menyuu o onegai shimasu) – Menu, please
おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll have this, please
お会計をお願いします (Okanjou o onegai shimasu) – Check, please
おいしいです！ (Oishii desu!) – It’s delicious!
Emergency Japanese Phrases
Stay safe and prepared with these useful Japanese phrases:
助けてください！ (Tasukete kudasai!) – Help, please!
病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
警察はどこですか？ (Keisatsu wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the police station?
英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?5
分かりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand5
日本語が話せません (Nihongo ga hanasemasen) – I don’t speak Japanese5
Japanese Etiquette Tips for Foreign Travelers
Bow slightly when greeting or thanking.
Use “sumimasen” to politely get attention or apologize.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants or temples.
Speak softly in public spaces, especially on trains.
Try to use “arigatou gozaimasu” and “onegaishimasu” frequently—politeness is highly valued.
Recommended Apps and Resources
Google Translate: For instant translation and pronunciation help.
Lingopie: Learn Japanese through TV shows and movies.
Japan Official Travel App: Navigation and travel tips.
Phrasebooks: Downloadable guides from Rakuten Travel and other reputable sites.
With these useful Japanese phrases and etiquette tips, your Japan travel experience—whether in Tokyo, Kyoto, or the countryside—will be more enjoyable and meaningful. Don’t worry about perfection; locals appreciate any effort to speak Japanese. Safe travels and have an “oishii” (delicious) adventure!
Comments
Post a Comment