Top 20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers: Quick Guide

You've been planning you trip to Japan for a while, and you've finally made it long-awaited dream holiday. You're excited, but a little nervous. You've heard about issues caused by overtourism in Japan and you can't speak any Japanese. That’s enough to make you feel nervous!

The good news is that making the effort to use local phrases is one of the best ways to show you're a respectful visitor. Don't worry! You don't need to know a lot of Japanese language to travel Japan. With a handful of useful basic Japanese phrases, you'll get around Japan with ease.

In this guide, we'll help you with the top 20 Japanese phrases for travelers. You'll learn:

• basic greetings to make a great first impression;
• Common Japanese phrases for shopping and dining;
• Key Japanese sentences to use while navigating transportation;
• We'll also cover important cultural etiquette expressions and useful Japanese phrases for emergencies.

1. Language Apps to Help Learn Japanese

While this guide provides essential Japanese phrases, if you’re looking to improve your Japanese skills before your trip, structured lessons from platforms like:

• Rocket Languages (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
• Mondly (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)

These apps can be a great way to boost your confidence. Language apps are a great way to practice pronunciation and build vocabulary before your trip to Japan. Give one of them a go!

Both apps have strengths that make them well suited for Japanese specifically. Rocket Languages takes a structured approach, covering grammar, speaking, and listening in a way that builds real confidence, ideal if you want to go beyond memorising phrases. Mondly uses conversation-based practice and AR features that make learning feel more natural and interactive. If you're short on time before your trip, even 10 to 15 minutes a day for a few weeks will make a noticeable difference to your confidence on the ground in Japan.

2. Basic Japanese Greetings for Travelers

The most basic Japanese language skills you need are greetings. Remember these Japanese words and use them on your trip around Japan. If you learn to greet people, the Japanese locals will show great appreciation.

2.1. Ohayou gozaimasu: "Good morning"

The perfect way to start your first day in Japan is to begin with "Ohayou gozaimasu" (おはよう ございます), which means "Good morning" in Japanese . This greeting is used before 10:00 a.m. (opens in new tab) and carries a formal tone, making it suitable for most situations . For a more casual interaction with friends or family, simply say "Ohayou" (おはよう).

2.2. Konnichiwa: "Hello/Good afternoon"

Through the day, travelers find "Konnichiwa" (こんにちは) to be their most common greeting . This well-known phrase serves as a general "hello." It is usually used from late morning until sunset. It's a safe choice for various social situations, from meeting new people to entering shops or restaurants .

2.3. Konbanwa: "Good evening"

As the day moves into evening, the appropriate greeting to use is "Konbanwa" (こんばんは). This means "Good evening" in Japanese. This phrase is commonly used from sunset until late at night and is a polite way to greet others during this time.

2.4. Sayounara: "Goodbye"

As the day winds down or when parting ways, "Sayounara" (さようなら) is the classic way to say goodbye in Japanese . This farewell carries a sense of finality (opens in new tab), similar to "farewell" in English. It's important to note that "Sayounara" is not typically used for casual partings or when you expect to see the person again soon .

2.5. Oyasuminasai: "Goodnight"

If your staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), you might find yourself saying goodnight to the staff. If this happens, you can say "oyasuminasai" (お休みなさい). This is how to say "goodnight" in Japanese . A shorter and more casual way of saying this is "oyasumi" (お休み).

3. Japanese Phrases for Shopping and Dining

Going out shopping and trying delicious food are essential parts of any trip to Japan. You can make this experience even better by using a few key phrases to make interactions more enjoyable.

3.1. Ikura desu ka?: "How much is it?"

When browsing through markets or small shops, one of the most useful phrases to know is "Ikura desu ka?" (いくらですか) .

This simple question means "How much is this?" and is perfect for inquiring about prices. Imagine pointing to a beautiful souvenir and confidently asking its cost. Bridging the language gap with ease!

3.2. Kore o kudasai: "I would like this, please"

You are shopping in a Kyoto market and you see something you want to buy. The phrase "Kore kudasai" (これください) means "This one, please".

This expression is useful when pointing to an item in a store or selecting a dish from a menu. For a more polite request, one can say "Kore onegaishimasu" (これお願いします) which means "I would like this, please".

3.3. Oishii desu: "It's delicious"

Japanese cuisine is world-renowned. Expressing appreciation for a meal is an important part of the dining experience. "Oishii desu" (おいしいです) is the perfect phrase to convey that the food is delicious.

You'll get the most out of this phrase by using it immediately after tasting something — a warm smile and an "Oishii desu!" directed at the chef or server will genuinely make their day. In casual settings with friends or at a food stall, you can drop the "desu" and simply say "Oishii!" for a more natural, relaxed feel.

While you're at it, it's worth learning two companion phrases that frame the meal beautifully. Before eating, say "Itadakimasu" (いただきます) — a respectful expression of gratitude for the food. When you've finished, say "Gochisousama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) to thank the host or chef. These two phrases are deeply embedded in Japanese dining culture and will impress anyone you eat with.

3.4. Okaikei Onegaishimasu: "The bill, please."

When you have finished your Japanese meal and you're ready to go, you should call out "Okaikei onegaishimasu" (お会計お願いします) . This means "Bill, please." It's a little long to say, but that is because it is using very polite Japanese. Any restaurant staff or bar staff in Japan will really be thankful if you can say this.

4. Asking About Transportation and Direction using Japanese Phrases

Navigating Japan's transportation system can be an exciting part of the travel experience. With a few key phrases, travelers can get around Japan's famous public transport system with ease.

4.1. Eki wa doko desu ka?: "Where is the station?"

One of the most useful Japanese phrases for travelers is "Eki wa doko desu ka?" (駅はどこですか) which means "Where is the station?" This simple Japanese phrase can be a lifesaver when trying to locate the nearest train or subway station. Japanese people are often willing to help, and many will go out of their way to guide lost travelers .

4.2. Kono basu wa ... ni ikimasu ka?: "Does this bus go to...?"

When using busses, it's essential to know how to ask if the bus goes to a specific destination. For example, if you want to go to Kyoto Station (Kyoto eki), you say "Kono basu wa Kyoto eki ni ikimasu ka?" (このバスは京都駅に行きますか).

4.3. Taxi o yonde kudasai: "Please call a taxi"

For times when public transportation isn't available or convenient, knowing how to request a taxi is crucial. "Taxi o yonde kudasai" (タクシーを読んでください) means "Please call a taxi" . In major cities, taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands, often located near train stations. It's also worth knowing that taxi apps such as GO — Japan's leading taxi app — allow cashless booking in English, making taxis even more accessible for foreign visitors.

5. Japanese Etiquette and Expressing Politeness

Understanding proper Japanese etiquette and polite expressions can change your travel experience. It can open doors to meaningful interactions and show your respect for local customs.

5.1. Sumimasen: "Excuse me/Sorry"

"Sumimasen" (すみません) is a phrase that every traveler should know because you will use it often. Picture yourself accidentally bumping into someone on a crowded Tokyo subway platform. Saying "Sumimasen" is a polite apology. But that's not all! this word also means "excuse me." When you need to get through a packed izakaya or busy Tokyo street, this word will come in handy.

5.2. Arigatou gozaimasu: "Thank you very much"

Between Japan's traditional temples and high-tech shops, you'll find many chances to show gratitude. "Arigatou gozaimasu" is your go-to phrase for showing appreciation . Use it when receiving directions from a helpful stranger on the streets of Osaka or being served a delicious meal at a local Tokyo restaurant.

5.3. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu: "Nice to meet you"

When meeting new people during your travels, "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (よろしくお願いします) is an essential phrase to know. It's a unique expression that doesn't have a direct English equivalent but conveys a mix of "nice to meet you" and "please take care of me" .

In practice, you'll find yourself using this phrase most naturally when a tour guide introduces themselves at the start of an excursion, when checking into a ryokan and meeting your host, or when a mutual friend or colleague introduces you to someone new.

It's also worth knowing that "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (よろしくお願いします) is almost always accompanied by a bow. The depth of the bow reflects the formality of the situation. A gentle nod works fine in casual encounters, while a deeper bow shows greater respect in more formal settings. Pairing the phrase with the right bow ties perfectly into the broader etiquette theme we've covered in this section.

6. Useful Japanese Phrases for Emergencies

While emergencies are rare, knowing an essential phrases can make a significant difference. Let's explore some key expressions that could prove invaluable in critical moments.

6.1. Tasukete kudasai: "Please help me!"

In any emergency, the ability to call for help is crucial. "Tasukete kudasai" (助けてください) is a powerful phrase meaning "Please help me" . This simple yet effective expression can quickly alert those around you that you're in distress on a crowded Japanese street.

6.2. Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?: "Do you speak English?"

When seeking help, it's often useful to find someone who speaks English. "Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?" (英語が話せますか？) translates to "Do you speak English?" While many Japanese people, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, have some English ability, it's polite to ask first .

Remember to use sumimasen (excuse me - すみません) before asking about their language skills. If you're in a more urgent situation, you can simplify it to "English?" which most Japanese people over 10 understand .

6.3. Byouin wa doko desu ka?: "Where is the hospital?"

In case of a medical emergency, knowing how to ask for the nearest hospital is essential. "Byouin wa doko desu ka?" (病院はどこですか。) means "Where is the hospital?" . Remember that many hospitals in Japan offer multilingual services.

For more severe emergencies, remember these critical phrases:

1. "Kyukyusha o yonde!" (救急車を呼んで) (Call an ambulance!)
2. "Keisatsu o yonde!" (警察を呼んで) (Call the police! 110!)

In Japan, 119 is the number for fire and medical emergencies, while 110 is for police and traffic accidents .

6.4. Byouin wa doko desu ka?: "Where is the hospital?"

In case of a medical emergency, knowing how to ask for the nearest hospital is essential. "Byouin wa doko desu ka?" (病院はどこですか) means "Where is the hospital?" Many hospitals in Japan, particularly in major cities, offer multilingual services, so don't hesitate to ask.

For more severe emergencies, keep these critical phrases and numbers to hand:

- "Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai!" (救急車を呼んでください) — Please call an ambulance! - "Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!" (警察を呼んでください) — Please call the police!

In Japan, 119 is the number for ambulance and fire emergencies, and 110 is the number for police and traffic accidents. If you need English-language support, the Japan Visitor Hotline (0570-06-6151) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is specifically set up to assist tourists in difficult situations.

7. Conclusion

Mastering these essential Japanese phrases can truly transform your travel experience in Japan. By using these expressions on your Japanese trip, you'll connect more with the local culture and people. From getting around on public transportation to showing respect in social interactions. These phrases open doors to authentic experiences and memorable encounters.