Japanese Travel Phrases · Komichi Language Companion

Must Knows

Six phrases. Every situation. Every day.

If you learn nothing else, learn these. They work everywhere, communicate respect, and will get you out of almost any situation.

すみません

Sumimasen soo-mee-mah-sen

Excuse me / sorry — the single most useful word in Japan. Use it to get attention, to apologise, to pass someone in a corridor. Use it constantly.

ありがとうございます

Arigatou gozaimasu ah-ree-gah-toh go-zah-ee-mas

Thank you — formal version. Say it to every shop worker, server, and hotel staff member, every single time. In Japan, this matters enormously.

Casual version: ありがとう (Arigatou · ah-ree-gah-toh) — use with friends or young people.

いらっしゃいませ

Irasshaimase ee-rah-shy-mah-seh

Welcome! — this is said to you when you enter any shop or restaurant. You don't need to respond. A nod or small bow is enough.

これ、ください

Kore, kudasai koh-reh, koo-dah-sigh

This one, please — point at what you want. Works in every konbini, market, restaurant, and shop without needing to name the item.

わかりません

Wakarimasen wah-kah-ree-mah-sen

I don't understand — honest and polite. Locals will immediately try to help in other ways. Much better than pretending to understand and getting lost.

はい / いいえ

Hai / Iie high / ee-eh

Yes / No — simple, but note that Japanese "no" in social contexts is often softened or avoided. A hesitant response or silence often means no.

Komichi note: Japanese people appreciate any effort with the language enormously. You don't need to be good at it — you need to try. Even sumimasen said with the right tone opens more doors than fluent English said with entitlement.

Getting Around

Trains, buses, taxis, and directions.

Japan's transport is excellent and well-signposted in English in major cities. These phrases fill the gaps on local lines, rural buses, and anywhere the signs run out.

〜はどこですか

~ wa doko desu ka ~ wah doh-koh des-ka

Where is ~? — fill in the place name. Works best pointing at a map or written destination. Almost always gets a helpful response.

〜まで、一枚お願いします

~ made, ichimai onegaishimasu ~ mah-deh, ee-chee-my oh-neh-gah-ee-shmas

One ticket to ~ please — point at the destination name on a map if needed. Works at unmanned ticket machines if you show a station employee.

この電車は〜に止まりますか

Kono densha wa ~ ni tomarimasu ka koh-no den-sha wah ~ nee toh-mah-ree-mas-ka

Does this train stop at ~? — essential on local lines with express services that skip stations, or anywhere English announcements are limited.

ここで降ります

Koko de orimasu koh-koh deh oh-ree-mas

I'm getting off here — useful on rural buses without stop announcements in English, or when you need to squeeze past people.

〜まで、お願いします

~ made, onegaishimasu ~ mah-deh, oh-neh-gah-ee-shmas

To ~ please — for taxis. Show the destination on your phone. Taxi doors open and close automatically — never touch them.

右 / 左 / まっすぐ

Migi / Hidari / Massugu mee-ghee / hee-dah-ree / mas-soo-goo

Right / Left / Straight ahead — useful when someone is directing you and you want to confirm what they're pointing at.

Komichi note: Get a Suica IC card at any major station on arrival. It works on virtually every train, bus, and metro in Japan, and in most convenience stores. It removes the need to buy individual tickets for every journey.

Eating & Drinking

From konbini to kaiseki.

Food is central to Japanese culture and travel. These phrases help you order, ask for recommendations, communicate dietary needs, and show respect for the meal.

いただきます

Itadakimasu ee-tah-dah-kee-mas

Said before every meal — always say it. It acknowledges the food, the people who grew it, and everyone involved in preparing it. Never skip this.

おすすめは何ですか

Osusume wa nan desu ka oh-soo-soo-meh wah nan des-ka

What do you recommend? — locals genuinely love being asked this. At a ramen counter or izakaya, the answer will almost always be the right choice.

一人です / 二人です

Hitori desu / Futari desu hee-toh-ree des / foo-tah-ree des

Just one / Just two — hold up fingers as you say it. Essential at ramen counters, small izakaya, and anywhere with a seating host.

〜アレルギーがあります

~ arerugii ga arimasu ~ ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mas

I'm allergic to ~ — say the ingredient clearly. For serious allergies, carry a printed allergy card in Japanese. Soy sauce (shoyu) is in almost everything.

Common: 小麦 (komugi · wheat), 卵 (tamago · egg), 乳製品 (nyuuseihin · dairy), えび (ebi · shrimp)

お会計をお願いします

Okaikei wo onegaishimasu oh-kigh-kay woh oh-neh-gah-ee-shmas

Bill please — or make a cross shape with your index fingers, which is universally understood. Many restaurants require payment at the counter rather than the table.

ごちそうさまでした

Gochisousama deshita go-chee-soh-sah-mah desh-tah

Said after every meal — the one phrase that always gets a genuine smile. Say it as you leave, directed at the staff. It means the meal was a feast.

Komichi note: Convenience store food in Japan (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is genuinely good — onigiri, hot food, sandwiches, and cold brew coffee. Learn to use konbini confidently and your Japan trip becomes significantly better.

Shopping

Markets, konbini, and paying.

Japan is still largely cash-based. These phrases navigate konbini counters, markets, and the occasional moment of confusion at the register.

いくらですか

Ikura desu ka ee-koo-rah des-ka

How much is it? — most places have clear price tags, but useful at outdoor markets or when haggling (rare in Japan) isn't appropriate anyway.

カードで払えますか

Kaado de haraemasu ka kah-doh deh hah-rah-eh-mas-ka

Can I pay by card? — acceptance is improving but many smaller restaurants, temples, and rural businesses are cash only. Always carry yen.

袋はいりません

Fukuro wa irimasen foo-koo-roh wah ee-ree-mah-sen

No bag needed — said at any counter. Well received everywhere, especially at konbini where you're offered a bag for every single item.

見ているだけです

Mite iru dake desu mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh des

Just looking — a polite way to decline assistance in a shop without dismissing the staff member. Much warmer than ignoring them.

免税になりますか

Menzei ni narimasu ka men-zay nee nah-ree-mas-ka

Is this tax-free? — tourists can claim consumption tax (10%) back on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating shops. Passport required.

レシートをください

Reshiito wo kudasai reh-shee-toh woh koo-dah-sigh

Receipt please — important for tax-free shopping claims, expense records, and returning items (rare but possible at larger stores).

Komichi note: Get cash from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATM on arrival — they reliably accept foreign cards. Many beautiful local restaurants, ryokan, and small shops are still cash only, and being caught without yen is genuinely inconvenient.

At Your Stay

Hotel, ryokan, capsule hotel.

Most front desks in tourist areas have English speakers, but these phrases open warmly at any property and are essential at traditional ryokan where English may be limited.

チェックインをお願いします

Chekkuin wo onegaishimasu chek-in woh oh-neh-gah-ee-shmas

I'd like to check in please — most front desks will switch to English if needed, but starting in Japanese sets a warm tone from the beginning.

よろしくお願いします

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu yoh-roh-shee-koo oh-neh-gah-ee-shmas

I'm in your care — said on arrival at a ryokan, or when introduced to someone who will be helping you. Warm, humble, and always appropriate.

温泉は何時までですか

Onsen wa nanji made desu ka on-sen wah nan-jee mah-deh des-ka

Until what time is the onsen open? — essential at any ryokan. Many have separate morning and evening bathing windows. Ask on arrival.

タオルをもう一枚ください

Taoru wo mou ichimai kudasai tah-oh-roo woh moh ee-chee-my koo-dah-sigh

One more towel please — substitute any item (pillow: まくら makura, blanket: 毛布 moufu). Works at any accommodation type.

朝食は何時からですか

Choushoku wa nanji kara desu ka choh-shoh-koo wah nan-jee kah-rah des-ka

What time does breakfast start? — ryokan breakfasts are often elaborate and time-specific. Worth knowing the evening you arrive.

ありがとうございました

Arigatou gozaimashita ah-ree-gah-toh go-zah-ee-mash-tah

Thank you very much (past tense) — said when checking out or after a ryokan dinner. The past tense ～mashita is warmer than the present when thanking for a completed experience.

Komichi note: At a ryokan, the staff who bring your dinner are often the same people who set up your futon. Thank them directly, by name if you know it. The formality of a ryokan experience is matched by its genuine hospitality — meet it in kind.

Outdoors & Active

Ski lifts, trails, dive boats, gear shops.

Major ski resorts and dive operators in tourist areas have English-speaking staff. These phrases help everywhere else — smaller resorts, local trail guides, and gear shops that rarely see foreign visitors.

リフト券はどこで買えますか

Rifuto-ken wa doko de kaemasu ka ree-foo-toh-ken wah doh-koh deh kah-eh-mas-ka

Where can I buy a lift pass? — at smaller resorts like Nozawa Onsen or Myoko, the ticket office may not have English signs.

コースは閉まっていますか

Koosu wa shimatte imasu ka koh-soo wah shee-mah-teh ee-mas-ka

Is the course/run closed? — important on powder days when backcountry gates or upper courses may be shut due to avalanche risk.

このルートは安全ですか

Kono ruuto wa anzen desu ka koh-no roo-toh wah an-zen des-ka

Is this route safe? — for hiking and trail conditions. Local rangers and hut staff take this question seriously and give honest answers.

ダイビングの予約をしたいです

Daibingu no yoyaku wo shitai desu digh-bin-goo no yoh-yah-koo woh shee-tigh des

I'd like to make a diving reservation — useful at smaller Okinawa operators who may not have online booking in English.

自転車を借りたいです

Jitensha wo karitai desu jee-ten-sha woh kah-ree-tigh des

I'd like to hire a bicycle — for the Shimanami Kaidō and other cycling routes. Follow up with どのくらいですか (how much is it) or 一日いくらですか (how much for one day).

天気はどうですか

Tenki wa dou desu ka ten-kee wah doh des-ka

How's the weather? / What's the weather like? — useful when asking local hut staff, lift operators, or boat captains about conditions for the day.

Komichi note: At ski resorts, backcountry and off-piste rules vary by resort and by day. Always check with the ski patrol (スキーパトロール) before leaving marked terrain. Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba both have English-language patrol staff at major lifts.

Getting Help

Unwell, lost, or in an emergency.

Japan is one of the world's safest countries and its emergency services are excellent. These phrases are for the rare moments when things go wrong — have them memorised, not just saved on a phone that may have no signal.

助けてください

Tasukete kudasai tah-soo-keh-teh koo-dah-sigh

Please help me — for urgent situations. Say it clearly and firmly. Japanese people respond to genuine distress immediately and practically.

気分が悪いです

Kibun ga warui desu kee-boon gah wah-roo-ee des

I feel unwell — said to anyone nearby, at a pharmacy, or at a hotel front desk. Japan's pharmacies (薬局 yakkyoku) are well-stocked and staff are helpful.

病院はどこですか

Byouin wa doko desu ka byoh-in wah doh-koh des-ka

Where is the hospital? — Japan's hospitals are excellent. For non-emergencies, a clinic (クリニック kurinikku) is faster and usually has English-speaking staff in cities.

道に迷いました

Michi ni mayoimashita mee-chee nee mah-yoy-mah-shtah

I'm lost — say this with your map showing and someone will help within seconds. Japanese people go significantly out of their way to assist lost travellers.

〜をなくしました

~ wo nakushimashita ~ woh nah-koo-shee-mah-shtah

I lost my ~ — Japan has an extraordinary lost and found culture. Wallets, phones, and cameras are routinely handed in intact. Report losses to the nearest koban (police box).

パスポート (pasupooto · passport), 財布 (saifu · wallet), 携帯 (keitai · mobile phone)

警察を呼んでください

Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai kay-sah-tsoo woh yon-deh koo-dah-sigh

Please call the police — emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire. Both services can access English interpretation by phone.

Komichi note: Download the Safety Tips app (by Japan Tourism Agency) before you travel. It gives earthquake alerts, disaster information, and emergency guidance in English — and works offline once installed.

Being Polite

The phrases that genuinely make locals smile.

These aren't essential for survival — they're for connection. Saying any of these in the right moment transforms a transaction into a small, genuine exchange between people.

お邪魔します

Ojama shimasu oh-jah-mah shee-mas

I'm intruding / excuse me for disturbing — said when entering someone's home, workspace, or a small private space. Shows genuine cultural awareness.

おいしい！

Oishii! oh-ee-shee!

Delicious! — one word, said with feeling, means everything to a chef or cook. Say it looking at the food, then at the person who made it. Always lands perfectly.

お疲れ様です

Otsukaresama desu oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah des

Thank you for your hard work / you must be tired — said to someone finishing a shift or working hard. Hearing this from a foreign visitor genuinely surprises and pleases people.

写真を撮ってもいいですか

Shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka sha-shin woh toh-teh moh ee des-ka

May I take a photo? — always ask before photographing people, temple interiors, or private spaces. The act of asking is as important as the answer.

一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか

Issho ni shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka ee-shoh nee sha-shin woh toh-teh moh ee des-ka

May I take a photo with you? — at festivals or traditional events where someone is in beautiful dress, asking this properly is always appreciated.

また来ます

Mata kimasu mah-tah kee-mas

I'll come again — said leaving a restaurant or shop you loved. Four syllables that communicate more goodwill than any amount of effusive English praise.

Komichi note: A small bow accompanies almost all of these phrases naturally — a slight forward lean of the head and shoulders, not a deep formal bow. Watch what the people around you do and mirror it at about half the depth. You'll get it right instinctively within a day.

Phrases you'll actually
use in Japan.

Six phrases. Every situation. Every day.

Trains, buses, taxis, and directions.

From konbini to kaiseki.

Markets, konbini, and paying.

Hotel, ryokan, capsule hotel.

Ski lifts, trails, dive boats, gear shops.

Unwell, lost, or in an emergency.

The phrases that genuinely make locals smile.

Ready to plan your Japan trip?

Phrases you'll actuallyuse in Japan.

Six phrases. Every situation. Every day.

Trains, buses, taxis, and directions.

From konbini to kaiseki.

Markets, konbini, and paying.

Hotel, ryokan, capsule hotel.

Ski lifts, trails, dive boats, gear shops.

Unwell, lost, or in an emergency.

The phrases that genuinely make locals smile.

Ready to plan your Japan trip?

Phrases you'll actually
use in Japan.