You’re in Osaka. You’ve just come out of the subway, the streets look nothing like your map app promised, and there are five different exits behind you. A friendly-looking local is standing nearby. You know the name of the place you want to reach — but do you know how to ask for help in Japanese?
Asking for directions is one of the most immediately useful Japanese skills you can develop before visiting Japan. Japanese people are remarkably helpful to lost travelers, and even a simple, imperfect question will get you a warm response. This guide gives you every phrase you need: how to get someone’s attention, how to state where you want to go, key vocabulary for understanding the answer, what to say when you’re confused, and the graceful phrases that wrap up the interaction like a native.
📍 At a Glance: Essential Direction Phrases
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| すみません | すみません | Excuse me |
| 〜はどこですか？ | 〜はどこですか？ | where is ~? |
| 〜へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ | 〜へはどうやっていけばいいですか？ | How do I get to ~? |
| 〜を探しているのですが | 〜をさがしているのですが | I’m looking for ~… |
| 右に曲がってください | みぎにまがってください | Please turn right |
| 左に曲がってください | ひだりにまがってください | Please turn left |
| まっすぐ行ってください | まっすぐいってください | Please go straight |
| 〜の隣にあります | 〜のとなりにあります | It’s next to ~ |
| 〜メートル先です | 〜メートルさきです | It’s ~ meters ahead |
| もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ | もういちどおっしゃっていただけますか？ | Could you say that again, please? |
| ありがとうございます | ありがとうございます | Thank you very much |
| 助かりました | たすかりました | You really saved me / That helped a lot |
1. Getting Someone’s Attention Politely
Before you can ask for directions, you need to get someone’s attention without being rude. In Japan, the go-to phrase is すみません — literally “I’m sorry to trouble you,” but functionally meaning “Excuse me.” It’s the right word for stopping a stranger on the street, getting a staff member’s eye in a shop, or calling over a waiter. It signals respect and works everywhere.
Once you have their attention, a small bow — even just a slight head nod — sets the right tone. You don’t need to bow deeply; a polite nod communicates that you’re asking respectfully.
| Situation | Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopping a stranger | すみません、少しよろしいですか？ | すみません、すこしよろしいですか？ | Excuse me, do you have a moment? |
| Quick opener (casual) | あの、すみません | あの、すみません | Um, excuse me |
| At a shop / station staff | すみません、お聞きしたいのですが | すみません、おききしたいのですが | Excuse me, I’d like to ask something |
Cultural tip: Most Japanese people will try to help even if their English is limited. If they say 英語が話せません（えいごがはなせません） — “I can’t speak English” — don’t worry. The Japanese phrases in this guide will carry you through.
2. Three Ways to Ask where Something Is
Japanese gives you several different structures for asking for directions. Choose based on how much information you want to provide and how formal you want to sound.
Pattern 1: 〜はどこですか？ — The Simple Ask
[Place] + は + どこ + ですか？
This is the most beginner-friendly option. drop in the place name and you’re done. It’s direct, clear, and works every time.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 駅はどこですか？ | えきはどこですか？ | where is the station? |
| トイレはどこですか？ | トイレはどこですか？ | where is the restroom? |
| バス停はどこですか？ | バスていはどこですか？ | where is the bus stop? |
| コンビニはどこですか？ | コンビニはどこですか？ | where is a convenience store? |
Pattern 2: 〜へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ — How Do I Get There?
[Place] + へは + どうやって行けばいいですか？（どうやっていけばいいですか？）
This pattern asks for the route, not just the location. It’s slightly more conversational and is the phrase to use when you’re ready to follow step-by-step directions. どうやって means “how” (in what way), and 行けばいい（いけばいい） means “should I go.” Together they form a natural, everyday question.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 渋谷駅へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ | しぶやえきへはどうやっていけばいいですか？ | How do I get to Shibuya Station? |
| この住所へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ | このじゅうしょへはどうやっていけばいいですか？ | How do I get to this address? |
| 空港へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ | くうこうへはどうやっていけばいいですか？ | How do I get to the airport? |
Pattern 3: 〜を探しているのですが — I’m Looking For…
〜を + 探しているのですが（さがしているのですが）
This is a softer, more conversational way to open a direction request. The trailing 〜のですが leaves the sentence “open-ended” — literally “I’m looking for ~, but…” — and signals to the listener that you need help. Japanese speakers use this structure constantly because it’s polite and inviting without being demanding.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| この店を探しているのですが | このみせをさがしているのですが | I’m looking for this shop… |
| 郵便局を探しているのですが | ゆうびんきょくをさがしているのですが | I’m looking for a post office… |
| このホテルを探しているのですが | このホテルをさがしているのですが | I’m looking for this hotel… |
Pro tip: Combining patterns works well. Try: すみません、〜を探しているのですが、どこか知っていますか？（すみません、〜をさがしているのですが、どこかしっていますか？） — “Excuse me, I’m looking for ~, do you happen to know where it is?”
3. Direction Words, Landmarks, and Distance
Once someone starts giving you directions, you’ll need to understand what they’re saying. Japanese directions rely on three building blocks: directional words (right, left, straight), landmark references (next to the konbini, across from the park), and distance expressions (100 meters ahead, about five minutes on foot). Learn these and even rapid-fire directions become manageable.
Core Direction Words
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 右（みぎ） | みぎ | right |
| 左（ひだり） | ひだり | left |
| まっすぐ | まっすぐ | straight ahead |
| 前（まえ） | まえ | ahead / in front |
| 後ろ（うしろ） | うしろ | behind / back |
| 角（かど） | かど | corner |
| 交差点（こうさてん） | こうさてん | intersection / crossroads |
| 信号（しんごう） | しんごう | traffic light |
| 横断歩道（おうだんほどう） | おうだんほどう | pedestrian crossing / crosswalk |
Movement Verbs in Directions
These verbs are almost always delivered in て-form (te-form) so they can be chained together — “turn right, then go straight, then cross the street.” Think of each te-form verb as saying “do this, and then…”
| Verb | Reading | Meaning | て-form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 曲がる | まがる | to turn | 曲がって（まがって） |
| 渡る | わたる | to cross | 渡って（わたって） |
| 進む | すすむ | to go forward / proceed | 進んで（すすんで） |
| 戻る | もどる | to go back | 戻って（もどって） |
| 歩く | あるく | to walk | 歩いて（あるいて） |
Pattern: [Verb te-form] + [next action] — For example: 信号を渡って、左に曲がってください（しんごうをわたって、ひだりにまがってください） — “Cross at the traffic light, then turn left.”
Landmark Reference Patterns
Japan’s city streets often have no official names, so locals navigate by landmark. When someone gives you directions using a shop, building, or park as a reference point, these patterns are what you’ll hear:
| Pattern | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〜の隣に | 〜のとなりに | next to ~ |
| 〜の向かいに | 〜のむかいに | across from ~ / opposite ~ |
| 〜のそばに | 〜のそばに | near ~ / close to ~ |
| 〜の手前に | 〜のてまえに | just before ~ / on this side of ~ |
| 〜を過ぎたら | 〜をすぎたら | after you pass ~ |
| 〜が見えたら | 〜がみえたら | when you see ~ |
Distance Expressions
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 〜メートル先です | 〜メートルさきです | It’s ~ meters ahead |
| 〜分ほど歩きます | 〜ふんほどあるきます | You walk for about ~ minutes |
| すぐそこです | すぐそこです | It’s right there / just nearby |
| 遠いです | とおいです | It’s far |
| 近いです | ちかいです | It’s close |
| 歩いて5分くらいです | あるいて5ふんくらいです | It’s about a 5-minute walk |
Note on すぐそこです: Sugu soko literally means “right there” and is one of the most reassuring phrases you’ll hear while lost. However, Japanese people sometimes use it loosely — “right there” can occasionally mean a 10-minute walk. If in doubt, follow up with 何分くらいですか？（なんぷんくらいですか？） — “About how many minutes?”
4. Real Dialogues: Asking in Action
Let’s see the phrases working in three realistic situations you might encounter while traveling or living in Japan.
Dialogue 1: Finding a Convenience Store
Yuka is a traveler looking for a convenience store near the station. She stops Rei on the street.
Yukaすみません！コンビニを探しているのですが、近くにありますか？
(Excuse me! I’m looking for a convenience store — is there one nearby?)
Reiはい、あります。まっすぐ行って、あの交差点を渡ったら、右側にすぐ見えますよ。
(Yes, there is. Go straight, cross that intersection, and you’ll see it right away on the right side.)
Yukaありがとうございます！歩いて何分くらいですか？
(Thank you! About how many minutes on foot?)
Rei2、3分ほどですよ。すぐそこです！
(About 2 or 3 minutes. It’s just right there!)
Dialogue 2: Asking How to Get to a Museum
Yuka needs directions to the national museum. She asks a police officer at a koban (police box).
Yukaすみません、国立博物館へはどうやって行けばいいですか？
(Excuse me, how do I get to the National Museum?)
Reiこの道をまっすぐ進んで、二つ目の信号を左に曲がってください。公園のそばにあります。歩いて10分くらいです。
(Go straight along this road, and turn left at the second traffic light. It’s near the park. It’s about a 10-minute walk.)
Yukaすみません、もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？少しゆっくりお願いします。
(Excuse me, could you say that again? A little slower, please.)
Reiもちろんです。まっすぐ……進んで……二つ目の……信号を……左に曲がってください。
(Of course. Go… straight… second… traffic light… turn left.)
Dialogue 3: Asking for a Map When You’re Still Lost
Yuka is completely confused even after hearing directions twice. She asks if the local can draw a simple map.
Yuka本当に申し訳ないのですが、地図を書いていただけますか？
(I’m truly sorry to trouble you, but could you draw me a map?)
Reiもちろん！どうぞ。ここが今いる場所で、こっちへ行けば着きますよ。
(Of course! Here you go. This is where you are now, and if you go this way you’ll get there.)
Yukaありがとうございます、助かりました！本当にありがとうございます。
(Thank you so much, you really saved me! Thank you so very much.)
Reiいいえ、お気をつけて！
(Not at all — take care!)
5. When You Don’t Understand the Answer
Getting directions in Japanese is one thing — understanding the reply is another. A native speaker giving directions at natural speed can be overwhelming even for intermediate learners. Here are the essential rescue phrases you need when the explanation is moving too fast or using unfamiliar words.
| Japanese | Reading | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ | もういちどおっしゃっていただけますか？ | Politely ask someone to repeat themselves (very respectful — great for strangers) |
| ゆっくり話してください | ゆっくりはなしてください | Ask them to speak more slowly |
| 地図を書いていただけますか？ | ちずをかいていただけますか？ | Ask if they can draw you a simple map |
| 日本語が少しわかります | にほんごがすこしわかります | Let them know your Japanese is limited |
| すみません、わかりませんでした | すみません、わかりませんでした | Politely say you didn’t understand |
| 英語で教えていただけますか？ | えいごでおしえていただけますか？ | Ask if they can help in English (at shops, info desks) |
Note on formality: もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ uses osshatte, which is the honorific form of 言う（いう）— “to say.” This is the most polite phrasing for asking a stranger to repeat themselves. A simpler but still polite version is もう一度言っていただけますか？（もういちどいっていただけますか？）. Both work well in real-life situations.
Practical backup plan: If verbal directions still aren’t clicking, show your phone with the destination on Google Maps and say ここへ行きたいのですが（ここへいきたいのですが） — “I’d like to get here.” A map cuts through every language barrier.
6. Responding Gracefully When You Receive Help
Knowing how to thank someone properly is just as important as the question itself. Japanese culture values sincere acknowledgment of effort, and a heartfelt response leaves a good impression even if your Japanese was far from perfect.
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとうございます | ありがとうございます | Thank you (standard polite) |
| どうもありがとうございます | どうもありがとうございます | Thank you very much (slightly warmer) |
| 助かりました | たすかりました | “You saved me / That was a great help” — very natural, very warm |
| おかげさまで | おかげさまで | “Thanks to you…” — humble, sincere expression of gratitude |
| ご親切にありがとうございます | ごしんせつにありがとうございます | Thank you for your kindness (formal, heartfelt) |
| お手数をおかけしました | おてすうをおかけしました | “Sorry for the trouble / I’m sorry to have bothered you” |
Why 助かりました matters: Tasukarimashita literally means “I was saved / I was helped.” It’s a deeply natural expression that shows genuine relief and gratitude — much warmer than a plain “thank you.” Japanese people appreciate hearing it because it acknowledges that their help actually made a difference. Use it whenever someone goes out of their way to help you.
7. Common Mistakes When Asking for Directions
Even well-prepared learners fall into predictable traps when asking for directions in Japanese. Here are the three most common errors — and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using どこ When You Mean どちら
どこ（どこ） and どちら（どちら） both mean “where,” but どちら is more polite and is strongly preferred when asking a stranger for directions. Compare:
| Less Polite | More Polite |
|---|---|
| 駅はどこですか？ | 駅はどちらですか？ |
| 出口はどこですか？ | 出口はどちらですか？ |
Both are grammatically correct and will get you an answer, but どちら sounds more respectful when you’re asking a stranger. Think of it as “Which way is the station?” versus “where is the station?” — the meaning is the same, but the register is higher.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Use すみません First
Jumping straight into a question without an opener can come across as abrupt in Japanese culture. Always start with すみません — or at minimum あの、すみません — before your question. It only takes a second and makes the entire interaction much smoother.
Compare:
Abrupt: 駅はどこですか？
Natural: すみません、駅はどちらですか？
Mistake 3: Confusing 〜の手前 and 〜の向かい
These two landmark phrases trip up many learners:
| Japanese | Meaning | Common Error |
|---|---|---|
| 〜の手前（てまえ） | Just before ~ (on your side of it, before you reach it) | Confused with “in front of” (which is 〜の前) |
| 〜の向かい（むかい） | Directly across from ~ (on the opposite side of the street) | Confused with “next to” (which is 〜の隣) |
| 〜の隣（となり） | Next to ~ (immediately beside it, same side) | Confused with 向かい (opposite side) |
Example: コンビニの手前を右に曲がってください（コンビニのてまえをみぎにまがってください） — “Turn right just before the convenience store” (you haven’t passed it yet). If they say コンビニを過ぎたら（コンビニをすぎたら） — “after you pass the convenience store” — you keep walking past it first.
Quick Quiz: Can You Ask for Directions?
Test what you’ve learned with these fill-in-the-blank questions. Answers are shown below each question.
Q1. You want to ask where the station is. Fill in the blank:
________、駅はどちらですか？
Answer: すみません、駅はどちらですか？
Excuse me, which way is the station?
Q2. You’re looking for the post office. Use the 〜を探しているのですが pattern:
郵便局を________のですが。
Answer: 郵便局を探している（さがしている）のですが。
I’m looking for the post office…
Q3. Someone gave you directions but you didn’t understand. Which phrase do you use?
(a) ありがとうございます
(b) もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？
(c) 助かりました
Answer: (b) もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？
Could you say that again, please?
Q4. The person says コンビニの向かいにあります. where is your destination?
(a) Next to the convenience store
(b) Just before the convenience store
(c) Directly across the street from the convenience store
Answer: (c) Directly across the street from the convenience store.
向かい（むかい）= across from / opposite
Q5. Someone helped you find your destination after a lot of effort. Which phrase is the most heartfelt way to thank them?
(a) ありがとう
(b) 助かりました
(c) すみません
Answer: (b) 助かりました（たすかりました）
“You really saved me” — a warm, sincere expression that shows their help genuinely made a difference.
Have a direction story from your time in Japan? Or a phrase that rescued you when you were completely lost? Share it in the comments below — we’d love to hear your experience, and your story might help another learner who’s about to take their first trip to Japan!
Keep Learning
Ready to build on your direction-asking skills? These JPyokoso articles will help you get even more comfortable navigating Japan in Japanese:
📖 Want to take your Japanese further? Practice speaking with a professional Japanese tutor on italki — affordable 1-on-1 online lessons at your own pace.
About the Author
Daisuke is the creator of JP YoKoSo — a Japanese learning site for English speakers. Every article is written to explain Japanese clearly, with real examples, grammar notes, and practical tips for learners at every level.
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