Basic Japanese Phrases for Travel

Essential Phrases Every Japan Traveler Needs

Greetings

Konnichiwa — Hello (daytime)
Ohayou gozaimasu — Good morning (polite)
Konbanwa — Good evening
Sayonara — Goodbye (formal, somewhat final-sounding)
Ja ne / Mata ne — See you / Bye (casual)

Politeness Essentials

Sumimasen — Excuse me / Sorry / Pardon me (use constantly)
Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you (polite)
Dou itashimashite — You’re welcome
Gomen nasai — I’m sorry

Getting Around

___ wa doko desu ka? — Where is ___?
Eki wa doko desu ka? — Where is the station?
___ ni ittai desu — I want to go to ___
Tsugi no eki wa nan desu ka? — What is the next station?

Shopping and Eating

Ikura desu ka? — How much is it?
Kore wo kudasai — I’ll take this please
Okaikei onegaishimasu — Bill/check please
Eigo no menyu wa arimasu ka? — Do you have an English menu?

Emergencies

Tasukete! — Help!Byouin wa doko desu ka? — Where is the hospital?
Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai — Please call the police