Japanese Travel Phrases for 2026: What to Say and What You’ll Hear in Japan

You’ve studied a few Japanese phrases, packed your bags, and landed in Tokyo. The immigration officer looks up and says something you didn’t expect. The train station announcement plays three times but you still can’t catch the platform number. The convenience store clerk asks you something, and you smile and nod — but you have no idea what she said.

This is the real experience of traveling in Japan. And it’s exactly why most travel phrase guides fall short: they teach you what to say, but not what you’ll hear.

This guide is different. For every situation — airport, train, restaurant, convenience store, hotel, emergency — you’ll get the phrases you need to say and the phrases staff will say back to you. You’ll also learn how to answer with just one or two words when you don’t fully understand, and what common tourist mistakes to avoid.

You don’t need to be fluent. You just need the right phrases at the right moment.

Why Listening Matters as Much as Speaking

Most travel phrase lists focus entirely on what you say. But in Japan, you’ll be spoken to constantly — by airport staff, train conductors, restaurant servers, hotel receptionists, and convenience store clerks. If you can only speak but not understand responses, you’ll end up nodding blankly or repeating yourself louder, which helps no one.

Phrases travelers say

These are the phrases you initiate — asking for directions, ordering food, requesting help. These are the phrases most guides cover, and we cover them in depth below.

Phrases staff say

Japanese service staff follow predictable scripts. A convenience store clerk will ask the same three questions to every customer. A hotel receptionist will follow a check-in formula. A restaurant host will ask almost the same question every time. Once you recognize these scripts, traveling becomes dramatically easier.

Questions you may be asked

Here are the most common questions you’ll be asked as a traveler in Japan, and what they mean:

How to answer with one or two words

You don’t need a full sentence to respond in Japan. Staff ask predictable yes/no or A/B questions. Here are the two-word answers that will get you through almost every situation:

Why listening matters more than memorizing 100 phrases

Japanese service culture is highly scripted. Staff in every industry follow similar patterns. A 7-Eleven clerk in Hokkaido asks the same questions as one in Osaka. If you learn to recognize 15–20 staff phrases, you’ll be prepared for most situations — even if you can’t read a single kanji.

The key mindset shift: instead of memorizing “what do I say if X happens,” also ask “what will I hear when X happens?”

Basic Polite Travel Japanese

Before we go scene by scene, let’s establish the six most important words and phrases you’ll use everywhere in Japan. These are the building blocks of polite interaction — learn these first.

こんにちは — Hello / Good afternoon

こんにちは — Konnichiwa — Hello / Good afternoon

Use this as your default greeting during daytime hours (roughly 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). In the morning, use おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu — Good morning). In the evening, use こんばんは (Konbanwa — Good evening). You don’t need to wait to be greeted — in Japan, walking into a shop or hotel and saying こんにちは immediately sets a friendly, polite tone.

すみません — Excuse me / I’m sorry / Pardon

すみません — Sumimasen — Excuse me / Pardon me / I’m sorry to bother you

This is the single most useful word for a tourist in Japan. Use it to:

• Get a staff member’s attention: すみません、いいですか？ (Sumimasen, ii desu ka? — Excuse me, is this okay?)
• Apologize for bumping into someone
• Begin any question: すみません、駅はどこですか？ (Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? — Excuse me, where is the station?)
• Signal you need help at a counter or shop

Note: すみません is softer and more polite than ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai — I’m sorry), which is used for genuine apologies. すみません is your everyday “pardon me.”

お願いします — Please (I request this)

お願いします — Onegaishimasu — Please / I’d like this / I’m counting on you

This phrase can end almost any request. Point to a menu item and say お願いします. Hand over your train ticket and say お願いします. It works as “yes please” or “I’d like this.” It’s warm, polite, and universally understood.

Compare with ください (Kudasai — Please give me), which is used when pointing at something specific: これをください (Kore o kudasai — This one please). Both are polite. お願いします has a slightly more humble, requesting tone.

ありがとうございます — Thank you very much

ありがとうございます — Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you very much

The full formal version. In casual settings, you’ll hear ありがとう (Arigatou) among friends. As a tourist, always use the full form — it shows respect and is always appropriate. Staff will appreciate it. You’ll also often hear どうもありがとうございます (Doumo arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you very much indeed), which adds even more warmth.

大丈夫です — It’s fine / No thank you

大丈夫です — Daijoubu desu — It’s fine / I’m okay / No thank you

One of the most versatile phrases in Japanese travel. When staff offer something you don’t need, 大丈夫です politely declines without sounding abrupt. It also works when someone checks if you’re okay: 大丈夫ですか？ (Daijoubu desu ka? — Are you all right?). Answer: 大丈夫です — I’m fine.

失礼します — Excuse me (entering/leaving a space)

失礼します — Shitsurei shimasu — Excuse me (lit. I will be rude) / Goodbye (formal)

Use this when entering a room where others are working, passing in front of someone, or leaving a formal space like a hotel front desk or ryokan. It’s a small, gracious phrase that signals awareness of others. In business settings it’s used when leaving a meeting; in travel, it works when you leave a ryokan room or step past someone on a narrow path.

Polite but simple travel Japanese

One more phrase belongs in this foundation section:

わかりません — Wakarimasen — I don’t understand

This is your safety net. If staff are speaking too fast or using words you don’t know, say わかりません clearly. Most Japanese staff will then slow down, use simpler words, or — in tourist-heavy areas — switch to English. It’s far better than nodding and pretending you understood.

You can also say: もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu — Once more, please) to ask them to repeat.

Airport and Immigration Phrases

Your first encounter with Japanese communication happens at the airport. Immigration officers follow a very standardized script, and knowing what to expect removes a lot of stress. Most major airports — Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu — have English-speaking staff at immigration, but knowing a few phrases signals respect and makes the interaction smoother.

入国審査（にゅうこくしんさ）で使う表現 — Phrases for immigration

観光です — Kankou desu — I’m here for tourism / sightseeing

This is the most important thing you’ll say at immigration. If asked 目的は何ですか？ (Mokuteki wa nan desu ka? — What is the purpose of your visit?), “観光です” covers leisure travel. If visiting for business, say 仕事です (Shigoto desu). For visiting friends/family: 知人訪問です (Chijin houmon desu).

〜日間滞在します — ~nichi-kan taizai shimasu — I will stay for ~ days

Example: 七日間滞在します (Nanoka-kan taizai shimasu — I will stay for seven days). You can also hold up fingers — immigration officers are accustomed to this.

〜ホテルに泊まります — ~ hoteru ni tomarimasu — I’m staying at ~ hotel

Have your hotel reservation printout or booking confirmation visible. This makes the question easy to answer even without speaking — point to the address.

荷物（にもつ）に関する表現 — Luggage phrases

これは私のです — Kore wa watashi no desu — This is mine

荷物が出てきません — Nimotsu ga dete kimasen — My luggage hasn’t come out (baggage claim)

If your bag is missing, go to the baggage claim desk and say this. They will direct you to fill out a lost luggage form. Have your luggage tag number and boarding pass ready.

スーツケースが壊れています — Suutsukeesu ga kowarete imasu — My suitcase is damaged

税関（ぜいかん）で聞かれる表現 — What customs may ask

Customs in Japan is usually straightforward for tourists. You’ll fill out a customs declaration card on the plane. Officers may ask:

空港スタッフに聞く表現 — Asking airport staff for help

〜行きのゲートはどこですか？ — ~ yuki no geeto wa doko desu ka? — Where is the gate for the flight to ~?

Example: 東京行きのゲートはどこですか？ (Toukyou yuki no geeto wa doko desu ka? — Where is the gate for the Tokyo flight?)

両替はどこでできますか？ — Ryougae wa doko de dekimasu ka? — Where can I exchange currency?

SIMカードはどこで買えますか？ — SIM kaado wa doko de kaemasu ka? — Where can I buy a SIM card?

電車で都心へ行くにはどうすればいいですか？ — Densha de toshin e iku ni wa dou sureba ii desu ka? — How do I get to the city center by train?

What you may hear at the airport

Emergency airport phrases

フライトに乗り遅れました — Furaito ni noriokuremashita — I missed my flight

乗り継ぎがあります — Noritsugi ga arimasu — I have a connecting flight

パスポートをなくしました — Pasupooto o nakushimashita — I’ve lost my passport

If you lose your passport, go immediately to the airport information desk and say this. They will direct you to contact your country’s embassy or consulate. Having a photo of your passport stored on your phone is strongly recommended before traveling.

Train Station and Transportation Phrases

Japan’s train network is one of the best in the world — punctual, clean, and extensive. But it can be confusing for first-time visitors. Knowing the key phrases (and what signs mean) will make you feel confident navigating Tokyo, Osaka, or any major city.

駅（えき）はどこですか — Where is the station?

〜駅はどこですか？ — ~ eki wa doko desu ka? — Where is ~ station?

Example: 渋谷駅はどこですか？ (Shibuya-eki wa doko desu ka? — Where is Shibuya station?)

Tip: You can also just say the station name followed by “eki” and add a questioning tone with rising intonation: 渋谷駅？ — most people will understand and point or lead you there.

この電車は〜に行きますか — Does this train go to ~?

この電車は〜に行きますか？ — Kono densha wa ~ ni ikimasu ka? — Does this train go to ~?

Example: この電車は新宿に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa Shinjuku ni ikimasu ka? — Does this train go to Shinjuku?)

If the answer is はい (yes) — great. If いいえ (no) — ask: どの電車に乗ればいいですか？ (Dono densha ni noreba ii desu ka? — Which train should I take?)

何番線（なんばんせん）ですか — What platform number?

〜行きは何番線ですか？ — ~ yuki wa nan-ban-sen desu ka? — What platform is the train to ~ on?

Example: 京都行きは何番線ですか？ (Kyouto yuki wa nan-ban-sen desu ka? — What platform is the Kyoto train on?)

Platform numbers are always displayed on digital boards. Learn the kanji: 番線（ばんせん） means “platform line.” The Shinkansen uses 〜番ホーム (~-ban hoomu) at some stations.

切符（きっぷ）はどこで買えますか — Where can I buy a ticket?

切符はどこで買えますか？ — Kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka? — Where can I buy a ticket?

Most ticket machines have an English option — look for the button labeled “English” in the lower corner. For Shinkansen, visit the みどりの窓口 (Midori no Madoguchi — Green Window), the staffed JR ticket office found at major stations.

〜まで一枚ください — ~ made ichimai kudasai — One ticket to ~ please

Example: 新大阪まで一枚ください (Shin-Osaka made ichimai kudasai — One ticket to Shin-Osaka please)

ICカードは使えますか — Can I use an IC card?

ICカードは使えますか？ — IC kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? — Can I use an IC card?

Suica and Pasmo are IC cards that work on most trains and buses in Japan. They can also be used at convenience stores and many shops. You can get a Suica card at major JR stations or on your iPhone (Apple Pay). Tourists can get a Welcome Suica that doesn’t require a deposit.

チャージしたいのですが — Chaaji shitai no desu ga — I’d like to top up (my IC card)

What you may hear at train stations

Common signs travelers should recognize

Taxi and Bus Phrases

Taxis in Japan are clean, metered, and reliable — but more expensive than trains. Buses vary widely by city and can be harder to navigate. Here are the essential phrases for both.

ここまでお願いします — Take me here, please

ここまでお願いします — Koko made onegaishimasu — Take me here, please (pointing to a map or address)

This is the easiest way to use a taxi. Show the driver a Google Maps pin or your hotel’s address card (ホテルカード — many hotels provide a small card with their address and a map specifically for taxi use). Most taxi drivers do not speak English, but a map is universally understood.

〜に行きたいです — ~ ni ikitai desu — I’d like to go to ~

Example: 新宿駅に行きたいです (Shinjuku-eki ni ikitai desu — I’d like to go to Shinjuku station)

Fare and change phrases

いくらですか？ — Ikura desu ka? — How much is it?

You generally don’t need to ask this in a metered taxi — the meter displays the fare clearly. But for informal situations (e.g., a private shuttle or hired driver), this is the phrase to use.

お釣りはいりません — Otsuri wa irimasen — No change needed / Keep the change

Note: Tipping is not a custom in Japan. Saying “keep the change” in a restaurant context can cause confusion or even embarrassment. In a taxi, it’s acceptable if the difference is small, but many Japanese drivers will insist on giving exact change regardless.

カードで払えますか？ — Kaado de haraemasu ka? — Can I pay by card?

Most major taxis in Tokyo and Osaka accept credit cards. Smaller taxis in rural areas may be cash only. Always ask before you assume.

Bus phrases

このバスは〜に行きますか？ — Kono basu wa ~ ni ikimasu ka? — Does this bus go to ~?

〜で降ります — ~ de orimasu — I’ll get off at ~

整理券を取ってください — Seiri-ken o totte kudasai — Please take a numbered ticket (said by the driver or shown on a sign). In many non-urban buses in Japan, you take a numbered ticket when boarding and pay when you exit based on the route distance.

次は〜です — Tsugi wa ~ desu — The next stop is ~. You’ll hear this announcement on most buses. Listen for your stop name.

What you may hear in taxis

Important note about taxis: The rear door opens and closes automatically. Do not try to open or close it yourself — this surprises many first-time visitors to Japan and can cause problems.

Restaurant and Cafe Phrases

Eating out is one of the great joys of traveling in Japan. Even if you can’t read a menu, you can use the plastic food displays outside many restaurants, point, and order successfully. Knowing a few key phrases makes the experience much more enjoyable.

何名様ですか — How many people in your party?

When you walk in, staff will ask: 何名様ですか？ (Nan-mei-sama desu ka? — How many people?)

Hold up fingers. Or say: 一人です / 二人です / 三人です (Hitori desu / Futari desu / San-nin desu — One person / Two people / Three people). The counting system for people goes: 一人（ひとり）, 二人（ふたり）, 三人（さんにん）, 四人（よにん）, 五人（ごにん）.

店内ですか、お持ち帰りですか — Dining in or takeaway?

At cafes, fast food spots, or any counter service, you’ll hear: 店内でございますか、お持ち帰りでございますか？ (Ten’nai de gozaimasu ka, omochikaeri de gozaimasu ka? — Will you be dining in or taking it to go?)

Answer: 店内で (Ten’nai de — Dining in) or 持ち帰りで (Mochikaeri de — Takeaway)

おすすめは何ですか — What do you recommend?

おすすめは何ですか？ — Osusume wa nan desu ka? — What do you recommend?

This is a great phrase to use when you’re unsure what to order. Staff in Japanese restaurants often take pride in recommending seasonal specials. Many menus also mark popular items with 人気No.1 (Ninki nanbaa wan — Popularity No. 1) — you can simply point to those.

Alternatively: これをください (Kore o kudasai — I’ll have this one) while pointing at the menu is always effective.

これをください — I’ll have this / This one please

これをください — Kore o kudasai — I’ll have this (pointing)

Combined with pointing at a menu photo or a plastic display, this phrase handles most ordering situations. You can add numbers: これを二つください (Kore o futatsu kudasai — Two of these please).

When your food arrives: ありがとうございます is appropriate. Some Japanese also say いただきます (Itadakimasu — a phrase said before eating, expressing gratitude for the meal) — you can say this too, and it will delight restaurant staff.

お会計お願いします — The bill, please

お会計お願いします — Okaikei onegaishimasu — Check please / The bill please

In Japan, the bill is not usually brought to you automatically. You must ask. You can also make the gesture of writing in the air (mimicking signing a check) — this is universally understood.

At many restaurants, particularly family restaurants (ファミレス) and ramen shops, you pay at the register near the exit rather than at your table. Look for a 会計（かいけい）sign near the entrance or cash register.

Allergy and dietary phrases

Japan has improving allergen labeling, but communicating dietary needs clearly is still important. Here are the key phrases:

〜アレルギーがあります — ~ arerugii ga arimasu — I have a ~ allergy

〜は入っていますか？ — ~ wa haitte imasu ka? — Does this contain ~?

Example: 小麦は入っていますか？ (Komugi wa haitte imasu ka? — Does this contain wheat?)

ベジタリアンです — Bejitarian desu — I’m vegetarian

ビーガンです — Biigan desu — I’m vegan

Note: Vegetarian and vegan dining in Japan is growing but still limited outside major cities. Many dishes contain dashi (出汁, dashi — fish-based broth) even if no meat is visible. Be specific about your needs. In Tokyo and Kyoto, vegetarian/vegan restaurants are more common; in smaller towns, it may be challenging.

What restaurant staff may say

Note on いらっしゃいませ: This greeting is shouted by all staff when you enter any shop or restaurant in Japan. You are not expected to reply to it — just smile or nod. Tourists sometimes feel awkward because there’s no equivalent greeting in English that requires no response, but this is completely normal.

Convenience Store Phrases

Japan’s convenience stores — 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — are legendary. They’re open 24 hours, sell hot food, useful supplies, and accept IC cards. They also follow one of the most predictable service scripts in Japan. Once you know the convenience store conversation, it’s automatic.

袋（ふくろ）はいりますか — Do you need a bag?

袋はいりますか？ — Fukuro wa irimasu ka? — Do you need a bag?

Since Japan’s 2020 plastic bag charge, convenience stores now charge for bags (typically ¥3–5). This question is asked every time. Answer: はい (Hai — Yes) or 大丈夫です / いりません (Daijoubu desu / Irimasen — No thank you).

温めますか — Shall I heat this up?

温めますか？ — Atatamemasu ka? — Would you like me to heat this up?

Asked when you buy a bento box, onigiri, or hot food item. Answer: はい、お願いします (Hai, onegaishimasu — Yes please) or いいえ、大丈夫です (Iie, daijoubu desu — No, I’m fine).

ポイントカードはありますか — Do you have a point card?

ポイントカードはありますか？ — Pointo kaado wa arimasu ka? — Do you have a point card?

Each major convenience store chain has a loyalty card. As a tourist, you almost certainly don’t have one. Simply say: ありません (Arimasen — I don’t have one). No explanation needed.

レシートはいりますか — Would you like a receipt?

レシートはいりますか？ — Reshiito wa irimasu ka? — Would you like a receipt?

Answer: はい (yes) or 大丈夫です (no thank you). If you need receipts for business expense purposes, always say はい.

これをください — I’ll have this one

If you want to ask for something from behind the counter (cigarettes, specific items, postal stamps), use: これをください (Kore o kudasai — I’d like this) while pointing, or say the item name: 切手（きって）をください (Kitte o kudasai — Stamps please).

支払い方法（しはらいほうほう）の表現 — Payment method phrases

Suicaで払います — Suica de haraimasu — I’ll pay with Suica (IC card)

現金で払います — Genkin de haraimasu — I’ll pay with cash

カードで払えますか？ — Kaado de haraemasu ka? — Can I pay by card?

Most convenience stores accept major credit cards and IC cards. Touch payment (Suica on iPhone, Pasmo on Android) is very common — look for the IC card symbol at the register.

How to answer quickly — the full convenience store script

Here is the typical script at any convenience store in Japan. Memorize this and you’ll sail through every コンビニ visit:

Shopping Phrases

Japan is a shopper’s paradise — from department stores to 100-yen shops, streetwear boutiques to traditional craft shops. Shopping requires a small but important set of phrases, especially around pricing, sizing, and tax-free purchases.

いくらですか — How much is it?

これはいくらですか？ — Kore wa ikura desu ka? — How much is this?

Most Japanese shops display prices clearly with tax included (税込み, zeikomi). Prices are usually shown on tags or stickers. If you want to double-check: いくらですか is always appropriate.

これを見てもいいですか — May I look at this?

これを見てもいいですか？ — Kore o mite mo ii desu ka? — May I have a look at this?

Use this when something is in a display case or behind glass, or when you want to pick up an item to inspect it more closely. Staff will bring it out for you.

試着（しちゃく）してもいいですか — May I try this on?

試着してもいいですか？ — Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? — May I try this on?

Fitting rooms are called 試着室（しちゃくしつ） (shichaku-shitsu). Staff will take you there. Some budget clothing shops (Uniqlo, GU, etc.) have a maximum number of items you can bring in at once — staff will count them and give you a numbered tag.

もっと大きいサイズはありますか — Do you have a larger size?

もっと大きいサイズはありますか？ — Motto ookii saizu wa arimasu ka? — Do you have a larger size?

もっと小さいサイズはありますか？ — Motto chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka? — Do you have a smaller size?

Note: Japanese clothing sizing runs smaller than US/EU sizes. If you wear a US size Large, you may need an XL or even XXL in Japanese sizing. It’s always worth asking. Some shops stock extended sizes (大きいサイズ — ookii saizu) in separate sections.

免税（めんぜい）できますか — Can I get tax-free?

免税できますか？ — Menzei dekimasu ka? — Can I get this tax-free?

Japan offers a tax exemption (免税 — consumption tax refund) for foreign visitors spending over ¥5,000 (tax excluded) at a single shop. Look for the 免税 or “Tax Free” sign at the entrance. You’ll need to show your passport, and the purchase price will have the 10% consumption tax removed. Note: Japan’s tax-free program rules changed in 2024 — tax is now collected at the border when you leave, so receipts are checked at customs. Keep all tax-free receipts in your passport.

カードは使えますか — Can I use a card?

カードは使えますか？ — Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? — Can I pay by card?

Japan is increasingly cashless, but smaller shops, temples, and some local restaurants are still cash only. Always carry some cash (¥10,000–¥20,000) as a backup. Convenience stores and ATMs (especially 7-Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores) accept international Visa and Mastercard cards.

What shop staff may say

Directions and Getting Lost

Getting a little lost in Japan is actually a wonderful experience — you often discover something beautiful. But when you genuinely need to find your destination, these phrases will help. Google Maps works extremely well in Japan, but knowing how to ask a local adds a personal touch.

〜はどこですか — Where is ~?

〜はどこですか？ — ~ wa doko desu ka? — Where is ~?

This is the fundamental directions phrase. Fill in any destination:

• トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka? — Where is the toilet?)
• 出口はどこですか？ (Deguchi wa doko desu ka? — Where is the exit?)
• 〜ホテルはどこですか？ (~ hoteru wa doko desu ka? — Where is ~ hotel?)

駅（えき）までどう行けばいいですか — How do I get to the station?

駅までどう行けばいいですか？ — Eki made dou ikeba ii desu ka? — How do I get to the station?

Alternatively, simpler: 駅はどっちですか？ (Eki wa docchi desu ka? — Which way is the station?) — this is casual but very effective. Most people will point.

近くにトイレはありますか — Is there a toilet nearby?

近くにトイレはありますか？ — Chikaku ni toire wa arimasu ka? — Is there a toilet nearby?

Good news: Japan has some of the best public toilets in the world, and they’re usually free. You’ll find them in train stations, parks, convenience stores, and department stores. In a pinch, any convenience store will have a clean toilet — you don’t need to buy anything to use it (though it’s polite to make a small purchase).

地図（ちず）で教えてもらえますか — Can you show me on a map?

地図で教えてもらえますか？ — Chizu de oshiete moraemasu ka? — Could you show me on a map?

Simply hold up your phone with Google Maps open and ask this. Most Japanese people, even if they speak no English, are happy to point at the screen or gesture in the right direction. Japanese culture places high value on helping others, and a tourist asking for directions is almost always met with genuine effort.

もう一度お願いします — Please say that again

もう一度お願いします — Mou ichido onegaishimasu — Please say that again / Once more please

Or slower: ゆっくり話してもらえますか？ (Yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka? — Could you speak more slowly?)

How to understand direction words

What to do if you do not understand

If someone gives you directions you can’t follow, say: わかりません。地図で見せてもらえますか？ (Wakarimasen. Chizu de misete moraemasu ka? — I don’t understand. Could you show me on a map?)

Most people will take your phone and point at the map. Some may even walk you to your destination — this happens more often than you’d expect in Japan, where helping a lost visitor is seen as an act of hospitality.

Hotel Check-In Phrases

Hotel check-in in Japan is a well-choreographed process. Front desk staff are trained in customer service to a remarkably high standard. Even in budget hotels, you’ll be welcomed warmly and given clear instructions. Knowing these phrases helps the interaction flow smoothly.

チェックイン / チェックアウト phrases

チェックインをお願いします — Chekku-in o onegaishimasu — I’d like to check in please

予約した〜です — Yoyaku shita ~ desu — I have a reservation under the name ~

Example: 予約したスミスです (Yoyaku shita Sumisu desu — I have a reservation under Smith). Having your booking confirmation on your phone makes this even easier.

チェックアウトは何時ですか？ — Chekku-auto wa nan-ji desu ka? — What time is check-out?

レイトチェックアウトはできますか？ — Reito chekku-auto wa dekimasu ka? — Is late check-out available?

Room request phrases

〜のある部屋をお願いします — ~ no aru heya o onegaishimasu — I’d like a room with ~

Example: バスタブのある部屋をお願いします (Basutabu no aru heya o onegaishimasu — I’d like a room with a bathtub)

静かな部屋はありますか？ — Shizuka na heya wa arimasu ka? — Do you have a quiet room?

部屋にWi-Fiはありますか？ — Heya ni Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka? — Is there Wi-Fi in the room?

タオルをもう一枚もらえますか？ — Taoru o mou ichimai moraemasu ka? — Could I have one more towel?

エアコンの使い方を教えてもらえますか？ — Eakon no tsukaikata o oshiete moraemasu ka? — Could you show me how to use the air conditioning?

What hotel staff may say at check-in

Ryokan-specific phrases

If you’re staying at a traditional Japanese inn (旅館（りょかん）— ryokan), a few additional phrases are helpful:

浴衣の着方を教えてもらえますか？ — Yukata no kikata o oshiete moraemasu ka? — Could you show me how to wear a yukata?

大浴場は何時から使えますか？ — Daiyokujou wa nan-ji kara tsukaemasu ka? — From what time can I use the communal bath?

夕食は何時からですか？ — Yuushoku wa nan-ji kara desu ka? — What time is dinner?

Emergency Phrases

We hope you never need these. But knowing them is essential — if a situation arises, having the right words can make a critical difference. Japan is a very safe country, but medical emergencies, lost items, and accidents do happen.

Core emergency phrases

助けてください！ — Tasukete kudasai! — Help me please!

救急車（きゅうきゅうしゃ）を呼んでください！ — Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai! — Please call an ambulance!

警察（けいさつ）を呼んでください！ — Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! — Please call the police!

Emergency numbers in Japan: 119 for ambulance and fire; 110 for police. The Japan Tourism Agency also operates a 24-hour multilingual helpline: 050-3816-2787 — you can connect to an English-speaking operator.

病院（びょういん）はどこですか？ — Byouin wa doko desu ka? — Where is the hospital?

アレルギーがあります — Arerugii ga arimasu — I have an allergy

If you have a serious allergy, write this on a card in Japanese to show medical staff: 〜アレルギーがあります。〜は使わないでください。 (~ arerugii ga arimasu. ~ wa tsukawanaide kudasai. — I have a ~ allergy. Please do not use ~.)

財布（さいふ）をなくしました — Saifu o nakushimashita — I’ve lost my wallet

スマートフォンをなくしました — Sumaatofon o nakushimashita — I’ve lost my smartphone

盗まれました — Nusumaremashita — I was robbed / It was stolen

Japan’s lost and found system is remarkable — items turned in to police are often returned to their owners. If you lose something on a train, go to the station’s lost property office (忘れ物センター — wasuremono sentaa) or contact the train operator’s lost and found.

具合が悪いです — Guai ga warui desu — I feel unwell

頭が痛いです — Atama ga itai desu — I have a headache

お腹が痛いです — Onaka ga itai desu — I have a stomachache

Prepare emergency phrases offline

Before your trip, take these steps:

• Screenshot this emergency phrase list and save it to your phone’s camera roll (accessible without Wi-Fi)
• Write your critical medical information (allergies, medications, blood type) in Japanese on a small card to carry in your wallet
• Save Japan’s emergency numbers: 119 (ambulance), 110 (police), 050-3816-2787 (Tourist multilingual helpline)
• Note your travel insurance emergency number
• Download Google Translate’s Japanese offline package — you can use the camera to read signs even without internet

What Not to Say — Japanese Phrases Tourists Often Get Wrong

Knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do. Here are the most common communication mistakes tourists make in Japan — and how to fix them.

Avoid overly blunt or demanding expressions

Japanese polite speech uses softening expressions constantly. Compare:

Don’t mistake volume for communication

Speaking louder in Japanese does not help comprehension. If staff don’t understand you, try writing the word, showing a translation app, or drawing a picture. Japan is a low-volume culture in service settings — raise your voice and you’ll cause discomfort, not clarity.

Avoid these specific cross-cultural mistakes

• Don’t tip. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can cause embarrassment or even offense. Service excellence is considered a given, not something that requires financial reward. If you leave money on the table, staff may run after you thinking you forgot it.
• Don’t point with one finger. In Japanese culture, gesturing with an open hand (palm up) is more polite than pointing with a single finger, which can seem rude. When indicating something on a map or menu, use an open hand or your whole hand as a gesture.
• Don’t eat or drink while walking. This is a social norm in Japan, especially in traditional areas. It’s acceptable at festivals and street food stalls (食べ歩き — tabearuki — eating while walking) where it’s specifically designed for that, but eating a convenience store snack while walking down a regular street draws frowns.
• Don’t speak on your phone on trains. Train announcements explicitly ask passengers to set phones to silent (マナーモード — manaa moodo — manner mode) and refrain from talking on calls. Texting and using apps is fine; speaking is not.
• Don’t use “arigatou” (plain form) with service staff. ありがとう (Arigatou) is casual and used between friends and family. With service staff, always use ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu).

What to say instead of “I’m sorry” for everything

Many English speakers default to saying “sorry” constantly in Japanese as ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai). But this is actually used for genuine apologies — something you did wrong. For everyday situations like bumping into someone or getting someone’s attention, use すみません (Sumimasen) instead. Using ごめんなさい constantly can make interactions feel dramatically apologetic when a light すみません is all that’s needed.

Japanese Travel Phrase Practice

Reading phrases is one thing. Using them naturally is another. Practice these role-plays before your trip — even a few minutes of out-loud rehearsal dramatically improves your confidence when the real moment arrives.

Restaurant role-play

Scene: You walk into a ramen restaurant alone.

Staff (Rei)

いらっしゃいませ！何名様ですか？ (Irasshaimase! Nan-mei-sama desu ka?) — Welcome! How many people?

Yuka (traveler)

一人です。 (Hitori desu.) — One person.

Staff (Rei)

こちらへどうぞ。ご注文はお決まりですか？ (Kochira e douzo. Go-chuumon wa o-kimari desu ka?) — This way please. Are you ready to order?

Yuka (traveler)

すみません、おすすめは何ですか？ (Sumimasen, osusume wa nan desu ka?) — Excuse me, what do you recommend?

Staff (Rei)

醤油ラーメンが人気です。 (Shouyu raamen ga ninki desu.) — The soy sauce ramen is popular.

Yuka (traveler)

じゃあ、それをお願いします。 (Jaa, sore o onegaishimasu.) — In that case, I’ll have that please.

Train station role-play

Scene: You’re at a station ticket window and want to buy a ticket to Kyoto.

Yuka (traveler)

すみません、京都まで一枚ください。 (Sumimasen, Kyouto made ichimai kudasai.) — Excuse me, one ticket to Kyoto please.

Staff (Rei)

自由席ですか、指定席ですか？ (Jiyuu-seki desu ka, shitei-seki desu ka?) — Non-reserved or reserved seat?

Yuka (traveler)

指定席をお願いします。 (Shitei-seki o onegaishimasu.) — Reserved seat please.

Staff (Rei)

〇〇号車、〇〇番の座席です。〇〇円になります。 (~-gou-sha, ~-ban no zaseki desu. ~-en ni narimasu.) — Car ~, seat ~. That will be ¥~.

Hotel check-in role-play

Scene: You arrive at a hotel and go to the front desk.

Yuka (traveler)

チェックインをお願いします。スミスで予約しています。 (Chekku-in o onegaishimasu. Sumisu de yoyaku shite imasu.) — I’d like to check in. I have a reservation under Smith.

Staff (Rei)

スミス様でございますね。パスポートを拝見できますか？ (Sumisu-sama de gozaimasu ne. Pasupooto o haiken dekimasu ka?) — Mr./Ms. Smith, is that right? May I see your passport?

Yuka (traveler)

はい、どうぞ。チェックアウトは何時ですか？ (Hai, douzo. Chekku-auto wa nan-ji desu ka?) — Yes, here you are. What time is check-out?

Staff (Rei)

チェックアウトは午前11時でございます。お部屋は305号室です。ごゆっくりどうぞ。 (Chekku-auto wa gozen juuichi-ji de gozaimasu. O-heya wa san-zero-go-gou-shitsu desu. Go-yukkuri douzo.) — Check-out is at 11 a.m. Your room is 305. Please enjoy your stay.

Convenience store role-play

Scene: You buy a bento and a drink at 7-Eleven.

Staff (Rei)

いらっしゃいませ！ポイントカードはありますか？ (Irasshaimase! Pointo kaado wa arimasu ka?) — Welcome! Do you have a point card?

Yuka (traveler)

ありません。 (Arimasen.) — I don’t have one.

Staff (Rei)

お弁当、温めますか？ (O-bentou, atatamemasu ka?) — Shall I heat up the bento?

Yuka (traveler)

はい、お願いします。Suicaで払います。 (Hai, onegaishimasu. Suica de haraimasu.) — Yes please. I’ll pay with Suica.

Travel phrases quiz — 5 fill-in-the-blank questions

Test yourself on what you’ve learned. Fill in the blank with the correct Japanese phrase.

1. You want to get a staff member’s attention to ask a question. You say: ___________

2. The convenience store clerk asks if you need a bag. You don’t. You say: ___________

3. You want to ask where the nearest toilet is. You say: ___________

4. At a restaurant, you’re ready to pay. You say to the staff: ___________

5. Someone is speaking too fast and you didn’t understand. You say: ___________

Answers:

1. すみません (Sumimasen)
2. 大丈夫です / いりません (Daijoubu desu / Irimasen)
3. 近くにトイレはありますか？ (Chikaku ni toire wa arimasu ka?)
4. お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)
5. もう一度お願いします / ゆっくり話してもらえますか？ (Mou ichido onegaishimasu / Yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka?)

Summary: Your Japanese Travel Phrase Toolkit

You don’t need to memorize all 200+ phrases in this guide before your trip. Start with the ones that match your itinerary. If you’re spending three days in Tokyo doing restaurants, trains, and convenience stores — focus on those sections. If you’re staying at a ryokan — learn the hotel and onsen phrases.

Here is the minimal toolkit that will serve you in almost every situation:

Print this table. Keep it in your bag. Use it whenever you need a quick reference. Japan is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for tourists — a genuine effort to speak even a few words of Japanese is always appreciated, always noticed, and always remembered.

💬 Want to practice these phrases with a real Japanese tutor? Get $10 in italki credits and book your first lesson today.

Recommended Next Articles

Ready to go deeper? These articles cover more detail on specific travel situations:

あわせて読みたい

Japanese Restaurant Phrases: Order, Pay, and Eat with Confidence Ordering food in Japan doesn't require perfect Japanese — but knowing the right phrases turns a nerve-wracking experience into a fun one. Whether you're at a...

Looking to sharpen your grammar skills for real conversation? These articles are a great next step:

あわせて読みたい

ください vs おねがいします: Two Ways to Say Please in Japanese Both ください (kudasai) and おねがいします (onegaishimasu) translate as 'please' in English — but they work differently and mixing them up can sound unnatura...

あわせて読みたい

Japanese Honorifics: さん vs くん vs ちゃん vs さま — Complete Guide If you've ever introduced yourself in Japanese and wondered whether to add さん, くん, or ちゃん after someone's name — you're not alone. Every Japanese lear...

あわせて読みたい

Itadakimasu, Otsukaresama, Tadaima: Japanese Cultural Etiquette Phrases いただきます. ごちそうさまでした. お疲れ様です. Some Japanese expressions don't have direct English translations — and that's exactly what makes them fascina...

あわせて読みたい

Japanese Small Talk: How to 世間話 Without Awkwardness Master Japanese small talk (世間話): openers, agreement responses, food topics, and graceful exits. Includes cultural context for why small talk works differently in Japan.