220+ Japanese Phrases for Travelers For (2026)

Planning to visit Japan? 🇯🇵 Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s neon streets, relaxing in Kyoto’s temples, or enjoying sushi at a local izakaya, knowing Japanese phrases for travelers can make your trip unforgettable. You don’t have to be fluent—just a few simple expressions can help you connect, show respect, and move around like a pro.

Japanese people deeply appreciate visitors who make the effort to speak even a few words. These handy travel phrases will help you ask for directions, order food, say thank you, and create friendly moments along your journey. Let’s dive into the essential Japanese phrases for travelers that will make your adventure smoother and more enjoyable! 🌏✨

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Why It Matters 💡

Japan is a fascinating mix of modern technology and ancient tradition—but English isn’t widely spoken outside major cities. Learning a few Japanese travel phrases can:

• Save you from confusion at train stations and restaurants 🚉🍱
• Help you show politeness, which is a big part of Japanese culture 🙇‍♂️
• Open doors to authentic experiences and friendly local interactions 🗣️

For example, saying “Sumimasen” (excuse me) with a smile can instantly make a stranger willing to help. Or using “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) when paying at a shop makes locals appreciate your respect.

Now, let’s explore the most useful Japanese phrases for travelers, divided by real-life travel situations.

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🏨 1. Essential Greetings and Introductions

Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello / Good afternoon

Use When: Meeting someone during the day.
Example: Konnichiwa! Watashi wa Sam desu. (Hello! I’m Sam.)

Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning

Use When: Greeting people before noon.
Example: Ohayou gozaimasu! (Good morning!)

Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening

Use When: Greeting someone at night.
Example: Konbanwa, o-genki desu ka? (Good evening, how are you?)

Hajimemashite (はじめまして) – Nice to meet you

Use When: Introducing yourself for the first time.
Example: Hajimemashite! Watashi wa Alex desu. (Nice to meet you! I’m Alex.)

Sayounara (さようなら) – Goodbye

Use When: Leaving a place or ending a conversation politely.
Example: Sayounara! Mata ne! (Goodbye! See you later!)

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🍣 2. Restaurant & Food Phrases

Japan’s food scene is delicious but menus can be confusing if you can’t read Japanese. These phrases will help you order confidently!

Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me

Use When: Getting the waiter’s attention.
Example: Sumimasen! Menyuu onegaishimasu. (Excuse me! The menu, please.)

Kore kudasai (これください) – This one, please

Use When: Pointing to an item you want.
Example: Kore kudasai! (This one, please!)

Oishii (おいしい) – Delicious

Use When: Complimenting the food.
Example: Oishii desu! (It’s delicious!)

Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – Thank you for the meal

Use When: After finishing your food.
Example: Gochisousama deshita! (Thanks for the meal—it was great!)

Mizu kudasai (水ください) – Water, please

Use When: Asking for drinking water.
Example: Mizu kudasai. (Water, please.)

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🚉 3. Transportation and Directions

Getting around Japan can be confusing if you don’t know the right words. These will help you navigate smoothly.

Eki wa doko desu ka? (駅はどこですか？) – Where is the station?

Use When: Asking for directions.
Example: Sumimasen, Shinjuku eki wa doko desu ka? (Excuse me, where is Shinjuku Station?)

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 route.
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 a price (train ticket, taxi fare, etc.)
Example: Ikura desu ka? (How much?)

Tomete kudasai (止めてください) – Please stop here

Use When: In a taxi.
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 train or bus tickets.
Example: Kippu wo futatsu kudasai. (Two tickets, please.)

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🏯 4. Sightseeing and Shopping Phrases

Shopping in Japan is fun—especially with these handy expressions!

Kore wa nan desu ka? (これは何ですか？) – What is this?

Use When: Asking about a product.
Example: Kore wa nan desu ka? (What’s this?)

Takai desu (高いです) – It’s expensive

Use When: Commenting on a high price.
Example: Sukoshi takai desu ne! (It’s a bit expensive, huh?)

Mou sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka? (もう少し安くなりますか？) – Can it be cheaper?

Use When: Politely asking for a discount.
Example: Mou sukoshi yasuku narimasu ka?

Kaimasu (買います) – I’ll buy it

Use When: Confirming your purchase.
Example: Kore kaimasu. (I’ll take this.)

Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you very much

Use When: Thanking shop staff.
Example: Arigatou gozaimasu! (Thank you!)

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🏨 5. Hotel and Accommodation Phrases

Checking in or asking for help at a hotel? These phrases make communication easy.

Yoyaku shiteimasu (予約しています) – I have a reservation

Use When: Checking in at your hotel.
Example: Yoyaku shiteimasu. Watashi wa Sam desu. (I have a reservation. I’m Sam.)

Kagi wo onegaishimasu (鍵をお願いします) – Room key, please

Use When: Requesting your room 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 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.

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🚑 6. Emergency and Help Phrases

You hope you won’t need them, but it’s good to be prepared!

Tasukete! (助けて！) – Help!

Use When: In an emergency.
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: Sumimasen, 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: Reporting a crime or problem.
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: In need of medicine.
Example: Yakuin wo yonde kudasai.

Watashi wa mayoi mashita (私は迷いました) – I’m lost

Use When: Lost in an unfamiliar place.
Example: Watashi wa mayoi mashita. Eki made dou ikeba ii desu ka? (I’m lost. How do I get to the station?)

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🎎 7. Politeness and Cultural Etiquette

Politeness is key in Japan. These simple words can earn you smiles and respect.

Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me / I’m sorry

Use When: Apologizing or catching attention.
Example: Sumimasen! Wasuremashita! (Excuse me! I forgot!)

Arigatou (ありがとう) – Thanks

Use When: Informally thanking someone.
Example: Arigatou!

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: Politely making a 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.)

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🌸 Bonus Recap Table

Category	Phrase	Meaning	Use When	Example
Greetings	Konnichiwa	Hello	Meeting during the day	Konnichiwa!
Restaurant	Kore kudasai	This one, please	Ordering food	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 an item	Kore kaimasu.
Hotel	Yoyaku shiteimasu	I have a reservation	Checking in	Yoyaku shiteimasu.
Emergency	Tasukete!	Help!	Urgent situations	Tasukete!
Politeness	Arigatou gozaimasu	Thank you very much	Showing gratitude	Arigatou gozaimasu!

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✈️ Final Thoughts

Learning Japanese phrases for travelers isn’t just practical—it’s a bridge to connection and respect.

Every word you learn opens a new door to understanding Japanese culture.

Even simple greetings can make your trip smoother, warmer, and more meaningful.

So, practice these phrases and travel with confidence! 🌏