So, you’re planning a trip to Japan? That’s awesome! But let’s be real—navigating a new country where most people speak a different language can be a bit tricky, right? Especially if you’re a tourist trying to order food, ask for directions, or just be polite to locals. That’s exactly why learning a few Japanese phrases for tourists can make your whole travel experience smoother—and honestly, way more fun!
If you’re someone who loves connecting with people, exploring culture, and avoiding awkward “uh… what did they just say?” moments, then this guide is totally for you.
Ready to sound like a friendly traveler instead of a confused foreigner? Let’s dive into the essential Japanese phrases that’ll make your trip unforgettable! 🌸✨
🌏 Why It Matters
Learning Japanese phrases for tourists isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. Japan is known for its politeness, precision, and hospitality. Using the right expressions can make your journey feel warm and respectful.
Imagine you’re lost in Osaka and say “Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka?” (Excuse me, where is the station?). Instantly, people are more likely to help you. Or picture yourself enjoying ramen in Tokyo — saying “Oishii desu!” (It’s delicious!) makes the chef smile.
Knowing even simple Japanese tourist phrases can:
- Help you navigate restaurants, transport, and hotels easily 🚉
- Show cultural respect when greeting locals 🙇
- Break barriers and create friendly interactions 💬
- Make you feel confident instead of overwhelmed in a new environment ✨
Whether you’re backpacking through Japan or visiting for business, these travel-ready Japanese phrases will make your adventure more enjoyable and authentic.
🏯 1. Basic Greetings and Introductions
These are your must-know Japanese phrases for tourists — useful from your first “hello” to your final “goodbye.”
Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good afternoon
Use When: Greeting people during the day.
Example: Konnichiwa! Watashi wa John desu. (Hello! I’m John.)
Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning
Use When: Meeting someone before noon.
Example: Ohayou gozaimasu! (Good morning!)
Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening
Use When: Greeting people in the evening.
Example: Konbanwa! Genki desu ka? (Good evening! How are you?)
Hajimemashite (はじめまして) – Nice to meet you
Use When: First-time introductions.
Example: Hajimemashite! Watashi wa Emma desu. (Nice to meet you! I’m Emma.)
Sayounara (さようなら) – Goodbye
Use When: Leaving or ending a conversation politely.
Example: Sayounara! Mata ne! (Goodbye! See you later!)
🍣 2. Restaurant and Food Phrases
Dining in Japan is an adventure! These Japanese phrases for tourists will help you order and eat like a local.
Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
Use When: Calling a waiter’s attention or apologizing.
Example: Sumimasen! Menyuu onegaishimasu. (Excuse me! The menu, please.)
Kore kudasai (これください) – This one, please
Use When: Pointing to something on the menu.
Example: Kore kudasai! (This one, please.)
Oishii desu (おいしいです) – It’s delicious
Use When: Complimenting food.
Example: Oishii desu! (It’s delicious!)
Mizu kudasai (水ください) – Water, please
Use When: Asking for drinking water.
Example: Mizu kudasai. (Water, please.)
Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – Thank you for the meal
Use When: After eating to show gratitude.
Example: Gochisousama deshita!
🚉 3. Transportation and Directions
Navigating Japan’s trains, subways, and buses is easy once you know these Japanese tourist phrases.
Eki wa doko desu ka? (駅はどこですか？) – Where is the station?
Use When: Asking for directions.
Example: Sumimasen, Shibuya eki wa doko desu ka?
Kono densha wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka? (この電車は東京に行きますか？) – Does this train go to Tokyo?
Use When: Confirming your train’s direction.
Example: Kono densha wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka?
Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) – How much is it?
Use When: Asking for prices (tickets, fares).
Example: Kippu wa ikura desu ka? (How much is the ticket?)
Tomete kudasai (止めてください) – Please stop here
Use When: In a taxi or bus.
Example: Koko de tomete kudasai. (Please stop here.)
Kippu wo futatsu kudasai (切符を二つください) – Two tickets, please
Use When: Buying tickets.
Example: Kippu wo futatsu kudasai.
🛍️ 4. Shopping and Souvenir Phrases
Shopping is part of every trip! Here are the Japanese phrases for tourists to make it fun and easy.
Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか？) – What is this?
Use When: Asking about an item.
Example: Kore wa nan desu ka? (What’s this?)
Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？) – How much is it?
Use When: Asking for price.
Example: Ikura desu ka?
Takai desu (高いです) – It’s expensive
Use When: Commenting politely on price.
Example: Chotto takai desu ne! (It’s a bit expensive, right?)
Mou sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka? (もう少し安くなりますか？) – Can it be cheaper?
Use When: Negotiating gently.
Example: Mou sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka?
Kaimasu (買います) – I’ll buy it
Use When: Confirming a purchase.
Example: Kore kaimasu. (I’ll take this.)
🏨 5. Hotel and Accommodation Phrases
Checking in, asking for help, or ordering room service? Use these handy Japanese tourist phrases.
Yoyaku shiteimasu (予約しています) – I have a reservation
Use When: Checking in.
Example: Yoyaku shiteimasu. Watashi wa Emily desu.
Kagi wo onegaishimasu (鍵をお願いします) – Room key, please
Use When: Asking for your key.
Example: Kagi wo onegaishimasu.
Wi-Fi arimasu ka? (Wi-Fiありますか？) – Do you have Wi-Fi?
Use When: Asking for internet access.
Example: Wi-Fi arimasu ka?
Check out wa nanji desu ka? (チェックアウトは何時ですか？) – What time is check-out?
Use When: Asking for check-out time.
Example: Check out wa nanji desu ka?
Mou ichinichi tomaritai desu (もう一日泊まりたいです) – I’d like to stay one more night
Use When: Extending your stay.
Example: Mou ichinichi tomaritai desu.
🚑 6. Emergency and Help Phrases
Better safe than sorry — every traveler should know these Japanese phrases for tourists in emergencies.
Tasukete! (助けて！) – Help!
Use When: Urgent situations.
Example: Tasukete! Fire!
Byouin wa doko desu ka? (病院はどこですか？) – Where is the hospital?
Use When: Needing medical help.
Example: Byouin wa doko desu ka?
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai (警察を呼んでください) – Please call the police
Use When: In serious trouble.
Example: Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai!
Yakuin wo yonde kudasai (薬員を呼んでください) – Please call a pharmacist
Use When: Need medicine.
Example: Yakuin wo yonde kudasai.
Watashi wa mayoi mashita (私は迷いました) – I’m lost
Use When: Asking for help finding your way.
Example: Watashi wa mayoi mashita. Eki wa doko desu ka?
🙇 7. Politeness and Cultural Etiquette
Japan values respect. Using polite Japanese phrases for tourists helps you blend in smoothly.
Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / I’m sorry
Use When: Apologizing or politely interrupting.
Example: Sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka? (Excuse me, may I?)
Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much
Use When: Expressing gratitude.
Example: Arigatou gozaimasu!
Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして) – You’re welcome
Use When: Responding to “thank you.”
Example: Dou itashimashite.
Onegaishimasu (お願いします) – Please
Use When: Making a polite request.
Example: Menyuu onegaishimasu. (Menu, please.)
Hai / Iie (はい / いいえ) – Yes / No
Use When: Responding politely.
Example: Hai, wakarimashita. (Yes, I understand.)
📘 Bonus Recap Table
| Category | Phrase | Meaning | Use When | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Konnichiwa | Hello | Meeting people | Konnichiwa! |
| Restaurant | Kore kudasai | This one, please | Ordering | Kore kudasai |
| Transport | Eki wa doko desu ka? | Where is the station? | Asking directions | Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? |
| Shopping | Kaimasu | I’ll buy it | Buying | Kore kaimasu |
| Hotel | Yoyaku shiteimasu | I have a reservation | Checking in | Yoyaku shiteimasu |
| Emergency | Tasukete! | Help! | Urgent situation | Tasukete! |
| Politeness | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you very much | Expressing gratitude | Arigatou gozaimasu |
✈️ Final Thoughts (Conclusion)
Mastering a few Japanese phrases for tourists can transform your travel experience.
You’ll connect more deeply with people, navigate confidently, and show genuine respect for the culture.
Even simple words like arigatou or sumimasen can open doors and hearts.
So, before you board your flight, practice these phrases — they’re your passport to smoother, friendlier adventures across Japan! 🌏❤️
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