How much travel Japanese should I learn?

You might be wondering if you need to become a Japanese expert before your trip. The short answer is: no, not at all! While knowing some basic Japanese will definitely enhance your experience, you don't need to be fluent. Focus on key phrases that will help you with daily interactions. Think about what you'll be doing most: ordering food, asking for directions, shopping, and checking into accommodations. Learning essential greetings like "Konnichiwa" (Hello), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you), and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me/Sorry) will get you incredibly far. Phrases for asking prices, ordering coffee, and finding the nearest station are also super useful. Many places, especially in major cities and tourist hubs, will have English signage or staff who can speak some English. However, even just attempting a few words in Japanese will be genuinely appreciated by locals and can lead to more memorable interactions.

Basic Travel Japanese Phrases You Should Know

Q: Are there places where only Japanese is spoken locally?

Yes, you should definitely expect that Japanese will be the primary, and often only, language spoken in many places throughout Japan. While major international cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and popular tourist attractions will have more English support (signage, some English-speaking staff), this isn't universally true across the country. Smaller towns and rural areas: Venture outside the main tourist routes, and you'll find that English might be very limited or nonexistent. This is where even a few basic Japanese phrases will be incredibly helpful and appreciated. Local businesses: In smaller, local restaurants, shops, or guesthouses, particularly those that don't cater specifically to international tourists, it's highly probable that staff will only speak Japanese. Public transportation outside major hubs: While main train lines often have English announcements, local buses or smaller train lines in less visited areas might not. Always assume that Japanese will be the primary language of communication. This will encourage you to use the phrases you've learned and rely on translation apps as needed. Even if staff can communicate in English, starting with a polite Japanese greeting is always a respectful and good approach.

Planning a trip to Japan? Even a handful of basic travel Japanese phrases can transform your journey—from ordering ramen with confidence to finding the right train platform without stress. This guide is tailor-made for first-time visitors and beginner learners: people who love Japanese culture, have limited study time, and need practical language they can deploy the moment they land.

You’ll start with must-know words for greetings and polite interactions, then move through real-world scenarios—restaurants, shopping, transportation, hotels, and emergencies—so every phrase you learn solves a specific travel problem.

Ready to speak Japanese on your next adventure? Keep this article handy, practice the phrases out loud, and discover how a few well-chosen lines can open doors, spark smiles, and make your Japan trip smoother from day one.

contents

1. Essential Travel Japanese Phrases to Know
2. Travel Japanese Basics: Introductions, Greetings, and Politeness
3. Travel Japanese Phrases for Dining and Ordering
4. Travel Japanese Phrases for Shopping
5. Travel Japanese Phrases for Transportation
6. Travel Japanese Phrases for Accommodation and Hotels
7. Emergency Japanese Phrases for Travelers
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Japanese
Author

1. Essential Travel Japanese Phrases to Know

Useful Basic Vocabulary to Remember

Think of these as your pocket-knife words—tiny, versatile, and helpful everywhere:

English	Japanese (kana / kanji)	Romanization	When to Use
Yes / No	はい / いいえ	hai / iie	Confirming, declining
Please	お願いします	onegai-shimasu	Making any request
Thank you	ありがとう（ございます）	arigatō (gozaimasu)	Casual / polite gratitude
Excuse me / Sorry	すみません	sumimasen	Getting attention, light apology
Where?	どこ	doko	Asking location
This / That	これ / それ	kore / sore	Pointing at items

Learn these first—they combine smoothly into longer questions later.

Ready-to-Use Standard Phrases

英語のメニューはありますか？
Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? – “Do you have an English menu?”
○○へ行きたいです。
___ e ikitai desu. – “I’d like to go to ___.”
これをください。
Kore o kudasai. – “I’ll take this, please.”
いくらですか？
Ikura desu ka? – “How much is it?”
トイレはどこですか？
Toire wa doko desu ka? – “Where is the restroom?”

Memorise them exactly; they work in 80 % of travel situations.

Commonly Misunderstood Japanese Phrases

Common Mistake	Correct Idea
すみません (sumiasen) only means “sorry.”	It also means “excuse me,” so use it to get attention.
大丈夫 (daijobu) means “I’m fine” only.	It can mean “No, thank you” when declining offers.

Knowing these nuances prevents accidental rudeness or confusion.

How to Read Common Signs and Notices in Japanese

入口 (いりぐち, iriguchi) – Entrance
出口 (でぐち, deguchi) – Exit
非常口 (ひじょうぐち, hijōguchi) – Emergency Exit
禁煙 (きんえん, kin’en)、喫煙禁止（きつえんきんし, kitsuen kinshi） – No Smoking
満席 (まんせき, manseki) – Full / No Seats
Spotting these kanji in stations, elevators, and restaurants keeps you moving smoothly.

A Japanese no smoking sign on a window, with bold kanji stating "Smoking on the street is prohibited" (路上喫煙禁止) and a smaller red sign saying "This is not a smoking area" (ここは喫煙所ではありません). — **Watch for 禁煙 (No Smoking) Signs in Public Spaces**
This sign says “Smoking on the street is prohibited” and reminds you that this is *not* a designated smoking area.

Japanese Words and Phrases You Should Avoid

おまえ (omae)、あなた (anata) – “You.” Sounds blunt; replace with the person’s name or omit.
バカ (baka) – “Idiot.” Never necessary on a trip.
Over-casual endings like だよ or じゃん with strangers—they feel overly familiar.
Stick to neutral polite form (desu/masu) and you’ll never offend.

How to Say Numbers, Time, and Dates in Japanese

Numbers 1–10: ichi, ni, san, yon, go, roku, nana, hachi, kyū, jū
Time: “It’s 3 p.m.” → 午後三時です (gogo san-ji desu)
Date: “April 5th” → 四月五日です (shigatsu itsuka desu)
Practice counting yen aloud while shopping—it cements both numbers and currency terms.

Want to master Japanese numbers and telling time? Read the full Numbers in Japanese guide and Telling Time in Japanese guide here.

Basic Reading Skills for Katakana and Kanji

Katakana usually shows loan-words: コーヒー (kōhī, coffee), タクシー (takushī, taxi). If it looks like English, try sounding it out.
Basic kanji examples:
- 駅 (えき, eki) – Station
- 円 (えん, en) – Yen
- 薬 (くすり, kusuri) – Pharmacy
- 水 (みず, mizu) – Water
  Learn these 10–15 characters before departure and you’ll decode most menus, maps, and tickets with ease.

Want to learn more about katakana and kanji? Read the Beginner Katakana Guide and Kanji Guide here.

Tip — Don’t skip hiragana: Even though many travel signs use kanji and katakana, hiragana appears on tickets, menus, and directional arrows. Make sure you can at least read し, つ, and り—three characters tourists often mix up. Need a refresher? Check our Beginner Hiragana Guide here.

2. Travel Japanese Basics: Introductions, Greetings, and Politeness

Japanese Phrases for Self-Introduction

Start with the “ABC” pattern—Age/Name, Background, Connection point:

はじめまして。アリスです。アメリカのボストンから来ました。日本のアニメが大好きです。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite. Alice desu. Amerika no Boston kara kimashita. Nihon no anime ga daisuki desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Key verbs:

来ました (kimashita, “I came from”)
大好きです (daisukidesu, “I love…”) or 好きです (sukidesu, “I like…”)
End with よろしくお願いします, the all-purpose “nice to meet you / please treat me kindly.”

Common Japanese Greetings and How to Use Them

Time / Situation	Phrase	When to Use
Morning	おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu)	Until ~10 a.m.; hotels, cafés
Daytime	こんにちは (konnichiwa)	10 a.m.–sunset; shops, tours
Evening	こんばんは (konbanwa)	After dark; restaurants, bars
Goodbye	さようなら (sayōnara)	Long partings, not casual exits

Polite Phrases and Manners in Japanese

お願いします / お願いできますか (onegai-shimasu / onegai dekimasu ka) – softens any request.
失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) – “excuse my rudeness,” said before leaving, entering, or interrupting.
Hand gestures: point with an open hand, never a finger. Bow lightly (15°) instead of shaking hands unless offered.

Standard Expressions to Start and End a Conversation

すみません、ちょっといいですか？ – “Excuse me, do you have a moment?” (opens)
ありがとうございました。助かりました。 – “Thank you, that helped a lot.” (closes)
Pair an opening apology or request with a closing thanks—this sandwich shows politeness without overdoing honorifics.

How to Speak Politely Without Being Too Casual or Too Formal

Stick to –です / –ます endings; avoid rough male speech (俺, だぜ) and ultra-formal corporate honorifics (でございます). When unsure, add a softener, てform+もらえますか (moraemasu ka):

“てform+もらえますか？” means “Could you do something for me?” It’s a polite way to ask someone to do something. You use it after the て-form of a verb.

これ、英語で書いてもらえますか？ (…moraemasu ka?) Drops the tone to “Could you possibly…?”—polite yet traveler-friendly. Observe the other person’s level and mirror it one notch more polite; you’ll rarely go wrong.

3. Travel Japanese Phrases for Dining and Ordering

Japanese Phrases for Ordering at Restaurants

Situation	Japanese	Romanization	English
Getting staff’s attention	すみません！	Sumimasen!	“Excuse me!”
Asking for a menu	メニューをお願いします。	Menyū o onegai-shimasu.	“Menu, please.”
Point-and-order	これ（を）ください。	Kore (o) kudasai.	“I’ll have this.”
Asking for a recommendation	おすすめは何ですか？	Osusume wa nan desu ka?	“What do you recommend?”
Set meal request	定食にできますか？	Teishoku ni dekimasu ka?	“Can I make it a set meal?”

Pro tip: Pair each request with a smile and お願いします (onegai-shimasu) to soften the tone; it works in any eatery from sushi bars to ramen stalls.

How to Communicate Allergies and Food Preferences

私は○○アレルギーがあります。
Watashi wa ___ arerugī ga arimasu. – “I’m allergic to ___.”
- 例: peanuts → ピーナッツ (pīnattsu), shrimp → えび (ebi)
○○は食べられません。
___ wa taberaremasen. – “I can’t eat ___.”
- vegetarian → 肉 (niku)、vegan → 動物性食品 (dōbutsusei shokuhin)
Carry a small allergy card in Japanese; staff will often show it to the chef.

Useful Expressions for Payment and Checkout

Need	Phrase	English
Ask for the bill	お会計をお願いします。(O-kaikei o onegai-shimasu.)	“Check, please.”
Split the bill	別々でお願いします。(Betsu-betsu de…)	“Separate checks, please.”
Credit card OK?	クレジットカードは使えますか？ (Kurejitto kado wa tsukae masuka.)	“Can I use a credit card?”
Pay by cash	現金で払います。(Genkin de haraimasu.)	“I’ll pay in cash.”

In Japan you usually pay at the register near the exit, not at the table—look for the レジ (reji) sign.

Phrases for Different Types of Eateries (Izakaya, Cafés, Fast Food, etc.)

居酒屋 (izakaya)
- 飲み放題はありますか？ (nomihodaiha arimasuka) – “Do you have all-you-can-drink?”
カフェ / 喫茶店 (kissaten)
- ラテのトールサイズをお願いします。 (rateno torusaizuo onegaishimasu) – “A tall latte, please.”
ファストフード
- セットにしますか？ (settoni shimasuka) – Staff: “Do you want the combo?”
- 店内ですか？お持ち帰りですか？ (tennaidesuka omochikaeridesuka) – “For here or to go?”

Knowing the venue type helps you choose polite vs. casual language; cafés lean casual, izakaya may get lively but still expect basic manners.

Japanese for Takeout and Making Reservations

テイクアウトできますか？
Teiku auto dekimasu ka? – “Is takeout available?”
予約したいのですが。
Yoyaku shitai no desu ga. – “I’d like to make a reservation.”
- 7時に2名で – Shichi-ji ni futari de – “For two at 7 p.m.”
禁煙席をお願いします。
Kinen-seki o onegai-shimasu. – “Non-smoking, please.”

Confirm the name and phone number at the end: 名前はジョンです。 (namaeha jondesu) 090-1234-5678 です。 – “My name is John, number is…”. A quick, clear reservation script avoids mix-ups at busy restaurants.

Want a deeper dive into restaurant Japanese—including meal-ticket machines and ramen customizations?
Check our Travel Japanese Dining Guides: Part 1 – Ordering & Etiquette and Part 2 – Meal Ticket Tips & Ramen Customizations.

4. Travel Japanese Phrases for Shopping

Asking About Prices in Japanese

English	Japanese	Romanization
How much is this?	これはいくらですか。	Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Is the tax included?	税込みですか。	Zeikomi desu ka?
Do you have anything cheaper?	もっと安いのはありますか。	Motto yasui no wa arimasu ka?

Tip: In many stores the price tag shows 税込 (zeikomi = tax-in) or 税抜 (zeinuki = tax-out). Confirm before paying.

Phrases for Confirming Sizes, Colors, and Stock

Mサイズはありますか。
Emu saizu wa arimasu ka? – “Do you have size M?”
この赤いのは在庫がありますか。
Kono akai no wa zaiko ga arimasu ka? – “Is this red one in stock?”
別の色はありますか。
Betsu no iro wa arimasu ka? – “Do you have another color?”

Expressions for Trying On, Returning, or Exchanging Items

試着してもいいですか。
Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? – “May I try it on?”
少し大きいです。小さいサイズはありますか。
Sukoshi ōkii desu. Chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka? – “It’s a bit big. Do you have a smaller size?”
返品／交換できますか。
Henpin / kōkan dekimasu ka? – “Can I return / exchange this?”

Want an even bigger toolkit of shopping phrases and insider tips? Browse our full Travel Japanese Shopping Guide here.

5. Travel Japanese Phrases for Transportation

Common Phrases for Trains, Buses, and Subways

English	Japanese	Romanization
Which line/platform is this?	これは何線／何番線ですか。	Kore wa nani-sen / nan-bansen desu ka?
Does this train stop at ___?	この電車は ___ に止まりますか。	Kono densha wa ___ ni tomarimasu ka?
Local / Rapid / Express	各駅 / 快速 / 急行	Kakueki / kaisoku / kyūkō
One ticket to Shibuya, please.	渋谷まで切符を一枚ください。	Shibuya made kippu o ichimai kudasai.

Tip: Watch the overhead sign for 次は (tsugi wa) meaning “next stop.”

Asking for Directions in Japanese

○○はどこですか。
___ wa doko desu ka? – “Where is ___?”
この地図で今どこですか。
Kono chizu de ima doko desu ka? – “Where are we on this map?”

Add すみません at the start for extra politeness: Sumimasen, ___ wa doko desu ka?

Buying Tickets and Navigating Transfers

English	Japanese	Romanization
How much is a ticket to ___?	___ までいくらですか。	___ made ikura desu ka?
I’d like a day pass.	一日乗車券をください。	Ichinichi jōshaken o kudasai.
Do I need to transfer?	乗り換えが必要ですか。	Norikae ga hitsuyō desu ka?
Where do I transfer?	どこで乗り換えますか。	Doko de norikaemasu ka?

Tip: For IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, ask: Suicaを買いたいです (suikao kaitaidesu) – “I’d like to buy a Suica.”

Useful Phrases for Airports and Flights

English	Japanese	Romanization
Where is check-in for ANA?	ANA のチェックインはどこですか。	ANA no chekku-in wa doko desu ka?
I have a reservation.	予約があります。	Yoyaku ga arimasu.
What time is boarding?	何時に搭乗開始ですか。	Nanji ni tōjō kaishi desu ka?
Could I have an aisle seat?	通路側の席にできますか。	Tsūrogawa no seki ni dekimasu ka?
My luggage is missing.	荷物が出てきません。	Nimotsu ga detekimasen.

Memorize 搭乗口 (tōjō-guchi) = “boarding gate” and 到着 (tōchaku) = “arrivals” to navigate airport signs quickly.

Want an even deeper look at getting around Japan? Check our Travel Japanese Transportation Guides: Part 1 – Trains, Buses & Shinkansen Basics and Part 2 – High-Tech Tickets, Taxis & Travel Etiquette.

6. Travel Japanese Phrases for Accommodation and Hotels

Phrases for Check-in and Check-out

English	Japanese	Romanization	English
reservation	予約しています。	Yoyaku shite imasu.	“I have a reservation.”
show passport	パスポートです。	Pasupōto desu.	“Here’s my passport.”
Ask check-out time	チェックアウトは何時ですか。	Chekku auto wa nan-ji desu ka?	“What time is check-out?”
Request to check out	チェックアウトをお願いします。	Chekku auto o onegai shimasu.	“I’d like to check out.”
Ask luggage storage	荷物を預かってもらえますか。	Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?	“Could you hold my luggage?”

Phrases for Asking About Rooms and Facilities

Wi-Fi はありますか。
Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka? – “Is there Wi-Fi?”
大浴場は何階ですか。
Daiyokujō wa nankai desu ka? – “Which floor is the public bath on?”
朝食は何時からですか。
Chōshoku wa nan-ji kara desu ka? – “What time does breakfast start?”

Tip: If you need English support, ask 英語ができるスタッフはいますか。 (Eigo ga dekiru sutaffu wa imasu ka?) – “Is there an English-speaking staff member?”

Phrases for Handling Problems During Your Stay

Trouble	Japanese	Romanization
The air-conditioner isn’t working.	エアコンが動きません。	Eakon ga ugikimasen.
The room smells of smoke.	部屋がタバコの匂いがします。	Heya ga tabako no nioi ga shimasu.
There’s no hot water.	お湯が出ません。	O-yu ga demasen.
The Wi-Fi is slow.	Wi-Fi が遅いです。	Wi-Fi ga osoi desu.

Add a softener: すみませんが… – “Excuse me, but…” before the statement for extra politeness.

Expressing Preferences and Making Requests

シングルベッドをツインに変更できますか。
Shinguru beddo o tsuin ni henkō dekimasu ka? – “Can you change the single bed to twins?”
アイロンを借りられますか。
Airon o karirare masuka – “Can I borrow an iron?”
枕をもう一つお願いします。
Makura o mō hitotsu onegai shimasu. – “One more pillow, please.”

Phrases for Complaints or Serious Issues

申し訳ありませんが、部屋を変えていただけますか。
Mōshiwake arimasen ga, heya o kaete itadakemasu ka? – “I’m sorry, but could you change my room?”
返金は可能でしょうか。
Henkin wa kanō deshō ka? – “Is a refund possible?”
責任者の方とお話しできますか。
Sekininsha no kata to ohanashi dekimasu ka? – “May I speak with a manager?”

Keep a calm tone, start with 申し訳ありませんが (Mōshiwake arimasen ga), and end with お願いします (onegai shimasu) to maintain politeness, even when lodging a complaint.

Want more hotel-specific language and insider tips? Explore our Travel Japanese Hotel Guides: Part 1 – Hotel Types, Customs & Basic Requests and Part 2 – Unique Stays, Hot Springs & Laundry Tips.

7. Emergency Japanese Phrases for Travelers

Asking for Help in Japanese

Situation	Japanese	Romanization	English
Need help	助けてください！	Tasukete kudasai!	“Please help!”
Call police	警察を呼んでください。	Keisatsu o yonde kudasai.	“Call the police, please.”
Need doctor	医者が必要です。	Isha ga hitsuyō desu.	“I need a doctor.”
want to know if someone speaks English	英語は話せますか。	Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?	“Do you speak English?”

Add すみません (sumimasen) before any request to soften the tone if urgency allows.

Useful Expressions for Hospitals and Pharmacies

Need	Japanese	Romanization
I feel sick.	気分が悪いです。	Kibun ga warui desu.
I have a fever.	熱があります。	Netsu ga arimasu.
It hurts here.	ここが痛いです。	Koko ga itai desu.
Do you have medicine for headaches?	頭痛薬はありますか。	Zutsūyaku wa arimasu ka?
I’m allergic to ___ .	___ アレルギーがあります。	___ arerugī ga arimasu.

Tip: Pharmacies are marked 薬局 (yakkyoku); show your symptoms or a translation app if needed.

A visual guide with common Japanese phrases for describing symptoms such as headache, stomachache, nausea, chills, and dizziness. Includes both Japanese script, romaji, and English translations. — **Essential Japanese Phrases for Describing Your Symptoms**
Learn how to explain pain, nausea, dizziness, and more in Japanese—especially useful for visiting clinics or pharmacies in Japan.

Reporting Lost, Stolen, or Forgotten Items

English	Japanese	Romanization
I lost my passport.	パスポートを失くしました。	Pasupōto o nakushimashita.
My wallet was stolen.	財布を盗まれました。	Saifu o nusumaremashita.
I left my phone on the train.	電車にスマホを忘れました。	Densha ni sumaho o wasuremashita.
Where is the lost-and-found?	忘れ物センターはどこですか。	wasuremono senta wa doko desuka

At stations, look for the 忘れ物センター (wasuremono sentā) counter to report items.

Describing Accidents or Injuries in Japanese

交通事故に遭いました。
Kōtsū jiko ni aimashita. – “I was in a traffic accident.”
足を捻挫しました。
Ashi o nenza shimashita. – “I sprained my ankle.”
火事です！
Kaji desu! – “Fire!” (shout to alert people)
When calling emergency services, dial 110 for police or 119 for ambulance/fire. State location first, then the problem:

東京駅で、友人が倒れました。救急車をお願いします。
Tōkyō-eki de, yūjin ga taoremashita. Kyūkyūsha o onegai shimasu.
“At Tokyo Station, my friend collapsed. Please send an ambulance.”

Want even more safety tips—like how to find a Kōban, describe symptoms, and call 110 or 119? Read our full Travel Japanese Emergency Preparedness Guide.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Japanese

Q How much travel Japanese should I learn?: A
You might be wondering if you need to become a Japanese expert before your trip. The short answer is: no, not at all! While knowing some basic Japanese will definitely enhance your experience, you don’t need to be fluent.
Focus on key phrases that will help you with daily interactions. Think about what you’ll be doing most: ordering food, asking for directions, shopping, and checking into accommodations. Learning essential greetings like “Konnichiwa” (Hello), “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you), and “Sumimasen” (Excuse me/Sorry) will get you incredibly far. Phrases for asking prices, ordering coffee, and finding the nearest station are also super useful.
Many places, especially in major cities and tourist hubs, will have English signage or staff who can speak some English. However, even just attempting a few words in Japanese will be genuinely appreciated by locals and can lead to more memorable interactions.

Q What should I do if I can’t get my pronunciation right?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Japanese pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers, especially sounds like “r” which is somewhere between an English “l” and “d,” or distinguishing between long and short vowels.

Here’s what to do if you’re struggling:

Don’t be afraid to try. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Speak slowly and clearly. This gives you time to articulate and gives the listener time to understand.
Show them the word. If you have a phrasebook or a translation app, point to the written Japanese word. This is a very common and effective way to communicate when speaking is difficult.
Break words down. Try to pronounce words syllable by syllable.
Listen and imitate. Use apps or online resources with native speaker audio and try to mimic exactly what you hear. Repetition is key.
Use gestures. Sometimes, a simple hand gesture can convey what words can’t.

Remember, practice makes progress, not necessarily perfection right away!

Q Are there places where only Japanese is spoken locally?

Yes, you should definitely expect that Japanese will be the primary, and often only, language spoken in many places throughout Japan. While major international cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and popular tourist attractions will have more English support (signage, some English-speaking staff), this isn’t universally true across the country.

Smaller towns and rural areas: Venture outside the main tourist routes, and you’ll find that English might be very limited or nonexistent. This is where even a few basic Japanese phrases will be incredibly helpful and appreciated.
Local businesses: In smaller, local restaurants, shops, or guesthouses, particularly those that don’t cater specifically to international tourists, it’s highly probable that staff will only speak Japanese.
Public transportation outside major hubs: While main train lines often have English announcements, local buses or smaller train lines in less visited areas might not.

Always assume that Japanese will be the primary language of communication. This will encourage you to use the phrases you’ve learned and rely on translation apps as needed. Even if staff can communicate in English, starting with a polite Japanese greeting is always a respectful and good approach.

Q What services or contact points can I rely on when I’m in trouble?

It’s always wise to know who to turn to if you encounter an issue during your trip. Japan is a very safe country, but it’s good to be prepared.

Your Embassy/Consulate: For serious emergencies or legal issues, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan.
Hotel Front Desk: Your hotel staff are often your first and best resource for local information, directions, or assistance with minor issues.
“Japan Visitor Hotline”: This is a 24/7 multilingual call center operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). You can call them for tourist information, emergencies, or if you need assistance in various languages. The number is 050-3816-2787.
Police (Koban/交番): If you lose something or need urgent help, look for a “koban” (police box) found in most neighborhoods. While not all officers speak English, they can often direct you or call for an interpreter. The emergency number for police is 110.
“Omotenashi Guides” (Goodwill Guides): In many tourist areas, you might find volunteer guides who offer free assistance to foreign visitors. Look for people wearing special badges.
Translation Apps: Have a reliable translation app on your phone (like Google Translate or DeepL) with offline capabilities. This can be a lifesaver for quick communication.

Q What’s the most efficient way to learn travel Japanese in a short time?

If your trip is just around the corner and you want to maximize your travel Japanese learning, here’s how to do it efficiently:

Prioritize Key Phrases: Don’t try to learn everything. Focus on common situations:
- Greetings and polite expressions (Konnichiwa, Arigatou gozaimasu, Sumimasen)
- Asking for directions (~wa doko desu ka? – Where is ~?)
- Ordering food (~ o kudasai – Please give me ~)
- Shopping (Ikura desu ka? – How much is it?)
- Numbers (especially 1-10 and then 100, 1000 for prices)
- Basic polite requests (Onegai shimasu – Please)
Use Audio Resources: Listen to and repeat phrases. This helps with pronunciation and memorization. Many apps and YouTube videos focus specifically on “travel Japanese.”
Flashcards (Physical or Digital): Create flashcards for phrases you want to remember. Use apps like Anki or Memrise.
Practice Role-Playing: Even by yourself, imagine scenarios (ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions) and practice the phrases aloud.
Utilize Translation Apps: Learn how to use a good translation app effectively. It’s a fantastic backup.
Focus on Listening: Try to get used to the sound of Japanese. Even if you don’t understand every word, familiarity helps.

By concentrating on these practical, high-frequency phrases and using effective learning tools, you can build surprising confidence in a short amount of time!

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Author: gokigen japanese
gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service launched in 2023. Flexible, interactive, and culture-rich, gokigen japanese supports learners at all levels with bilingual Japanese tutors.
Over 1,000 students from 30+ countries have used our 300+ original materials, including grammar guides and cultural content.

gokigen japanese was founded by Hirofumi Naramura, a Kyoto University graduate and former Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group (2010–2020). The service has received recognition such as the Chiyoda CULTURE x TECH Award 2024 and acceptance into NEXs Tokyo, a startup program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.