You do not need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan, but a handful of phrases makes every day smoother and friendlier. The most useful ones are greetings, thank you and excuse me, plus a few phrases for restaurants, shops and trains. Learn around twenty phrases and you can handle almost every common situation.
Below you will find the essential Japanese phrases for travellers, with simple pronunciation and tips on when to use them. I studied computer science at Waseda and lived in Tokyo for three years, so these are phrases you will hear constantly in daily life.
How to Pronounce Japanese
Japanese pronunciation is easier than many people expect. Vowels are always pronounced the same way:
- a as in “father”
- i as in “machine”
- u as in “food”, but shorter
- e as in “bed”
- o as in “more”
The “u” at the end of words like “desu” and “masu” is often almost silent, so “arigatou gozaimasu” sounds more like “arigatoo gozaimas”. Do not worry about being perfect. People appreciate the effort.
Essential Greetings and Basics
| English | Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Konnichiwa | During the day |
| Good morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | Until about late morning |
| Good evening | Konbanwa | In the evening |
| Thank you (polite) | Arigatou gozaimasu | All the time |
| Excuse me / sorry | Sumimasen | To get attention, apologise or say thanks |
| Yes / No | Hai / Iie | “Iie” can sound strong; people often soften it |
| Please (when offering or asking) | Onegaishimasu | When requesting something |
| I do not understand | Wakarimasen | When you are lost in the conversation |
| Do you speak English? | Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? | Use it kindly, not as an expectation |
If you only learn one word, make it sumimasen. It works for “excuse me”, “sorry” and even a light “thank you” when someone helps you.
The phrases I used most as a student in Tokyo were sumimasen and … wa doko desu ka? (where is …?). And of course the self introduction, which you say again and again when you meet new people: Suisu-jin desu (I am Swiss), sanjussai desu (I am 30 years old) and Waseda daigaku no gakusei desu, konpyuuta saiensu o benkyou shite imasu (I am a student at Waseda and study computer science).
Phrases for Restaurants and Izakaya
Restaurants are where you will use Japanese the most. Many places have picture menus or tablets, but these phrases still help:
- Futari desu: “Two people.” Replace the number: hitori (1), futari (2), sannin (3), yonin (4).
- Kore o kudasai: “This one, please.” Point at the menu.
- Osusume wa nan desu ka?: “What do you recommend?”
- Nama biiru, onegaishimasu: “A draft beer, please.”
- Mizu o kudasai: “Water, please.”
- Okaikei onegaishimasu: “The bill, please.”
- Itadakimasu: said before eating.
- Gochisousama deshita: said after eating, a nice way to thank the staff when you leave.
To learn more about food culture, read my Japanese food guide.
Phrases for Shopping and Convenience Stores
- Ikura desu ka?: “How much is it?”
- Kaado de ii desu ka?: “Can I pay by card?”
- Fukuro wa iranai desu: “I do not need a bag.” Bags usually cost a few yen.
- Atatamete kudasai: “Please heat it up.” Useful for bento at the konbini.
- Daijoubu desu: “It is fine” or “No thank you.” Very useful when the cashier asks if you need chopsticks, a bag or a receipt.
Convenience store staff often ask several quick questions. If you are unsure, “daijoubu desu” with a smile usually works. My Japan convenience store guide explains what they typically ask.
Phrases for Trains and Getting Around
- … wa doko desu ka?: “Where is …?” For example, “Eki wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the station?)
- Toire wa doko desu ka?: “Where is the toilet?”
- Kono densha wa … ni ikimasu ka?: “Does this train go to …?”
- Kippu: ticket. Eki: station. Deguchi: exit.
- Massugu: straight. Migi: right. Hidari: left.
An IC card saves you from buying tickets at all, so you will need fewer phrases at the station. See my Suica IC card guide.
Phrases for Hotels and Emergencies
- Chekkuin onegaishimasu: “Check in, please.”
- Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?: “Can you keep my luggage?”
- Tasukete!: “Help!”
- Byouin: hospital. Keisatsu: police.
- Guai ga warui desu: “I feel sick.”
In an emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance.
Polite Habits That Matter More Than Words
Politeness in Japan is as much about behaviour as language. A small bow when you say thank you, speaking quietly on trains and handing money with both hands all leave a good impression. You do not need to learn keigo (formal Japanese), but basic courtesy goes a long way. My guide to Japan etiquette for tourists covers the most important rules.
My own habit: with Japanese people I always made a small bow, and when I did something wrong, I said a quick sumimasen. Those two small things made most situations easier.
Useful Tools If Your Japanese Runs Out
- A translation app with camera mode for menus and signs
- Offline language packs in case you lose connection
- Written notes with key phrases or allergy information to show staff
- Pointing and gestures, which work surprisingly well
If you want to go further, my guide on learning Japanese for beginners explains where to start.
Numbers and Phrases You Will Hear
Numbers and counting
Numbers come up constantly, from prices to the size of your group. Here are the basics:
- 1 to 5: ichi, ni, san, yon (or shi), go
- 6 to 10: roku, nana (or shichi), hachi, kyuu, juu
- 100 and 1,000: hyaku and sen
- Yen: en, for example “sen en” for 1,000 yen
For objects, Japanese uses counters, which can get complicated. A simple trick is the general counter: hitotsu (one thing), futatsu (two), mittsu (three), yottsu (four), itsutsu (five). Combined with pointing, “kore o futatsu kudasai” (two of these, please) works in almost any shop or bakery.
Prices are usually shown in numbers anyway, and cash registers display the total, so you rarely need to understand a price spoken aloud. Still, recognising numbers helps when staff tell you the waiting time at a restaurant or the platform number at a station.
Common phrases from staff
Understanding what people say to you is just as useful as speaking. These are the phrases you will hear most often:
- Irasshaimase: “Welcome”, called out when you enter a shop or restaurant. No reply needed.
- Nanmei sama desu ka?: “How many people?”
- Shou shou omachi kudasai: “Please wait a moment.”
- Pointo kaado wa arimasu ka?: “Do you have a point card?” Just say “nai desu” (I do not).
- Arigatou gozaimashita: “Thank you” (for your visit), said as you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
No. Signs in big cities are in English, and many restaurants have picture menus. A few phrases just make things easier and friendlier.
What is the most useful Japanese word for tourists?
“Sumimasen”. It means excuse me, sorry and sometimes thank you, so you can use it in almost every situation.
How do you say thank you in Japanese?
“Arigatou gozaimasu” is the polite version. “Arigatou” alone is casual and better for friends.
Is it rude to speak English in Japan?
No, but it is polite to start with a Japanese greeting or “sumimasen” and to ask kindly whether someone speaks English.
How do I ask for the bill in Japanese?
Say “okaikei onegaishimasu”. In many restaurants you take the bill to the register at the entrance yourself.
Should I tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is not part of the culture. A sincere “gochisousama deshita” when you leave is the best way to say thanks.
Final Thoughts
A few Japanese phrases go a long way. Practise the basics before your trip and do not be shy to use them. For more tips, read how to travel in Japan without speaking Japanese.
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