Hello, I’m Kodak.
You do not need to speak fluent Japanese to travel around Japan.
Even a few carefully chosen phrases can help you ask for directions, find a restroom, understand instructions, order food, and ask for help in English.
Do I really need to memorize all of them before my trip?
Start with a small group of phrases that help you keep the conversation going when you are lost or confused.
The four most useful phrases in this guide are:
Wakarimasen.
I don’t understand / I don’t know.
～はどこですか？
… wa doko desu ka?
Where is …?
トイレはどこですか？
Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the restroom?
英語は話せますか？
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
すみません、日本語がよく分かりません。英語は話せますか？
Sumimasen, Nihongo ga yoku wakarimasen. Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese very well. Do you speak English?
This article explains essential Japanese for:
② saying you do not understand
③ asking where something is
④ finding the restroom
⑤ asking for help in English
⑥ using trains and buses
⑦ ordering at restaurants
⑧ shopping and paying
⑨ asking for urgent help
⑩ understanding common Japanese replies
20 Essential Japanese Travel Phrases at a Glance
Sumimasen.
Excuse me / Sorry.
2. ありがとうございます。
Arigatō gozaimasu.
Thank you.
3. お願いします。
Onegaishimasu.
Please / I would like this.
4. 分かりません。
Wakarimasen.
I don’t understand / I don’t know.
5. もう一度お願いします。
Mō ichido onegaishimasu.
Please say it again.
6. ゆっくり話してください。
Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
Please speak slowly.
7. 英語は話せますか？
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
8. ～はどこですか？
… wa doko desu ka?
Where is …?
9. トイレはどこですか？
Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the restroom?
10. これは何ですか？
Kore wa nan desu ka?
What is this?
11. これをお願いします。
Kore o onegaishimasu.
This one, please.
12. いくらですか？
Ikura desu ka?
How much is it?
13. カードは使えますか？
Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I use a card?
14. 切符売り場はどこですか？
Kippu uriba wa doko desu ka?
Where is the ticket counter?
15. この電車は新宿に行きますか？
Kono densha wa Shinjuku ni ikimasu ka?
Does this train go to Shinjuku?
16. どこで降りればいいですか？
Doko de orireba ii desu ka?
Where should I get off?
17. 予約しています。
Yoyaku shite imasu.
I have a reservation.
18. 水をお願いします。
Mizu o onegaishimasu.
Water, please.
19. 助けてください。
Tasukete kudasai.
Please help me.
20. 病院はどこですか？
Byōin wa doko desu ka?
Where is the hospital?
The Four Core Phrases Every Tourist Should Learn
The following four phrases form the center of this travel phrase guide. Each one also has a detailed individual article.
1. 分かりません: “I Don’t Understand” or “I Don’t Know”
Wakarimasen.
I don’t understand. / I don’t know. / I’m not sure.
Use 分かりません when a meaning, answer, method, or explanation is not clear to you.
すみません、分かりません。
Sumimasen, wakarimasen.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
日本語がよく分かりません。
Nihongo ga yoku wakarimasen.
I don’t understand Japanese very well.
The core idea is that something is not clear to you. English chooses “understand,” “know,” or “be sure” depending on the situation.
Learn more: Wakarimasen Meaning, Wakarimasen vs Wakaranai, and Wakarimasen vs Shirimasen
2. どこですか: “Where Is It?”
Doko desu ka?
Where is it?
どこ means “where.” Add a place or object before はどこですか to ask for its location.
Where is [place or object]?
駅はどこですか？
Eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the station?
出口はどこですか？
Deguchi wa doko desu ka?
Where is the exit?
Without context, name the place first: 駅はどこですか？
Learn more: Doko Meaning and Doko Desu Ka Meaning
3. トイレはどこですか: “Where Is the Restroom?”
Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka?
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
トイレ is the normal everyday Japanese word for a restroom or toilet facility.
お手洗いはどちらですか？
Otearai wa dochira desu ka?
Which way is the restroom?
お手洗い is a slightly softer or more refined alternative.
Learn more: Where Is the Bathroom in Japanese?
4. 英語は話せますか: “Do You Speak English?”
Sumimasen, eigo wa hanasemasu ka?
Excuse me, do you speak English?
話せます means “can speak.” The question therefore asks whether the listener is able to speak English.
英語を話せる方はいらっしゃいますか？
Eigo o hanaseru kata wa irasshaimasu ka?
Is there anyone who can speak English?
英語が分かりますか asks whether English is understood, while 英語が話せますか asks about speaking ability.
Learn more: How to Say “Do You Speak English?” in Japanese
Start Every Request with すみません
すみません is one of the most useful words for tourists. It can mean “excuse me,” “sorry,” or even a polite “thank you for the trouble,” depending on context.
Excuse me, where is the station?
すみません、もう一度お願いします。
Excuse me, please say it again.
すみません、英語は話せますか？
Excuse me, do you speak English?
What to Say When You Do Not Understand
A useful travel conversation does not end with 分かりません. Tell the listener what would help next.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
もう一度お願いします。
Please say it again.
もう少しゆっくり話してください。
Please speak a little more slowly.
書いてください。
Please write it down.
これを見てください。
Please look at this.
翻訳アプリを使ってもいいですか？
May I use a translation app?
意味が分かりません。
I don’t understand the meaning.
If you could not catch the sounds, say:
聞き取れませんでした。
I couldn’t catch what you said.
Essential Japanese for Trains and Stations
Where is the station?
切符売り場はどこですか？
Where is the ticket counter?
改札はどこですか？
Where are the ticket gates?
三番線はどこですか？
Where is platform three?
この電車は東京に行きますか？
Does this train go to Tokyo?
どこで乗り換えますか？
Where do I transfer?
どこで降りればいいですか？
Where should I get off?
次の電車は何時ですか？
What time is the next train?
Train Station Dialogue
Excuse me, does this train go to Kyoto?
Staff: いいえ。大阪で乗り換えてください。
No. Please transfer in Osaka.
Traveler: すみません、よく分かりません。もう一度お願いします。
Sorry, I don’t quite understand. Please say it again.
京都？ この電車ですか？
Kyoto? Is it this train?
A map, ticket, or phone screen can supply the missing context.
Essential Japanese for Restaurants
There are two of us.
英語のメニューはありますか？
Do you have an English menu?
これをお願いします。
This one, please.
おすすめは何ですか？
What do you recommend?
水をお願いします。
Water, please.
これは辛いですか？
Is this spicy?
肉は入っていますか？
Does this contain meat?
お会計をお願いします。
The bill, please.
Restaurant Dialogue
Are you ready to order?
Traveler: すみません、日本語がよく分かりません。英語のメニューはありますか？
Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese very well. Do you have an English menu?
Staff: はい、あります。
Yes, we do.
Traveler: では、これをお願いします。
Then, this one, please.
Essential Japanese for Shopping
How much is this?
これを見せてください。
Please show me this.
別のサイズはありますか？
Do you have another size?
試着してもいいですか？
May I try this on?
カードは使えますか？
Can I use a card?
現金だけですか？
Is it cash only?
袋をお願いします。
A bag, please.
大丈夫です。
No, thank you / I’m okay.
Shopping Dialogue
Excuse me, how much is this?
Staff: 三千円です。
It is 3,000 yen.
Customer: カードは使えますか？
Can I use a card?
Staff: はい、使えます。
Yes, you can.
Essential Japanese for Hotels
I have a reservation.
名前はスミスです。
The name is Smith.
チェックインをお願いします。
I would like to check in.
朝食は何時からですか？
What time does breakfast start?
朝食会場はどこですか？
Where is the breakfast area?
Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか？
What is the Wi-Fi password?
荷物を預かってもらえますか？
Could you keep my luggage?
英語を話せる方はいらっしゃいますか？
Is there anyone who can speak English?
Essential Japanese for Directions
そこ (soko) — there, near the listener
あそこ (asoko) — over there
右 (migi) — right
左 (hidari) — left
まっすぐ (massugu) — straight ahead
奥 (oku) — farther inside / in the back
隣 (tonari) — next to
前 (mae) — in front of
後ろ (ushiro) — behind
一階 (ikkai) — first floor
二階 (nikai) — second floor
It is on the right.
左に曲がってください。
Please turn left.
まっすぐ行ってください。
Please go straight.
駅の隣です。
It is next to the station.
二階にあります。
It is on the second floor.
ここですか？
Is it here?
Or ask the person to point:
地図で教えてください。
Please show me on the map.
Emergency Japanese Phrases
Please help me.
警察を呼んでください。
Please call the police.
救急車を呼んでください。
Please call an ambulance.
病院はどこですか？
Where is the hospital?
気分が悪いです。
I feel sick.
痛いです。
It hurts.
財布をなくしました。
I lost my wallet.
パスポートをなくしました。
I lost my passport.
英語を話せる人をお願いします。
Please get someone who can speak English.
助けてください is the most important general emergency phrase.
Common Japanese Replies Tourists Should Recognize
Yes.
いいえ。
No.
大丈夫です。
It is okay / No, thank you / I’m fine.
あります。
There is / We have it.
ありません。
There is not / We do not have it.
できます。
It is possible / You can.
できません。
It is not possible / You cannot.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
こちらです。
It is this way.
あちらです。
It is over there.
分かりました。
I understand / Okay.
When someone offers you something, that can indirectly mean “I’m okay without it,” or “No, thank you.” Context and gesture matter.
Japanese Pronunciation Tips for Tourists
Keep the Rhythm Even
Japanese rhythm is based on short timing units called morae. Avoid strongly stressing one syllable as in English.
wakarimasen
ど・こ・で・す・か
doko desu ka
え・い・ご・が・は・な・せ・ま・す・か
eigo ga hanasemasu ka
Remember That は Is Sometimes Pronounced “Wa”
Written: toire ha doko desu ka
Pronounced: toire wa doko desu ka
Do Not Worry About Perfect Accent
Clear vowels, a moderate speed, and simple wording are more important for a beginner than reproducing pitch accent perfectly.
Say the key noun clearly, use gestures or a screen, and keep the sentence short.
Polite, Neutral, and Casual Travel Japanese
トイレはどこですか？
Where is the restroom?
Casual:
トイレ、どこ？
Where’s the restroom?
Polite:
分かりません。
I don’t understand.
Casual:
分からない。
I don’t understand / I don’t know.
Polite:
英語は話せますか？
Do you speak English?
Casual:
英語、話せる？
Can you speak English?
You do not need advanced honorific Japanese. Basic です・ます forms are enough for most situations.
A Simple Japanese Travel Conversation Formula
You can build many interactions with the following four steps.
すみません。
Excuse me.
Step 2: Ask the question
トイレはどこですか？
Where is the restroom?
Step 3: Repair the conversation if needed
分かりません。もう一度お願いします。
I don’t understand. Please say it again.
Step 4: Thank the person
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
Mini Phrasebook by Situation
When You Are Lost
Excuse me, where am I / what place is this?
このホテルはどこですか？
Where is this hotel?
地図で教えてください。
Please show me on the map.
When You Cannot Understand
I don’t understand.
もう一度お願いします。
Please say it again.
ゆっくり話してください。
Please speak slowly.
When You Need English Help
Do you speak English?
英語を話せる方はいらっしゃいますか？
Is there anyone who can speak English?
英語の案内はありますか？
Is there information in English?
When You Need a Restroom
Where is the restroom?
近くにトイレはありますか？
Is there a restroom nearby?
トイレを使ってもいいですか？
May I use the restroom?
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Memorizing Only the Question
Learn the likely reply and one repair phrase. Asking どこですか is not enough if you cannot recognize 右・左・あちら・二階.
Mistake 2: Using Casual Forms with Every Stranger
I don’t know.
Polite: 分かりません。
I don’t know / I don’t understand.
Mistake 3: Translating “Bathroom” as バスルーム
In Japanese, バスルーム usually refers to a room with a bath or shower. Ask for トイレ or お手洗い when you need a restroom.
Mistake 4: Asking 英語を話しますか About Ability
英語が話せますか clearly asks whether someone can speak English. 英語を話しますか may instead ask whether they will use English in a particular situation.
Mistake 5: Trying to Translate a Long English Sentence Word for Word
Short Japanese phrases plus gestures are usually clearer than a complicated sentence with uncertain grammar.
新宿？ この電車ですか？
Shinjuku? Is it this train?
It is not an elegant textbook sentence, but the meaning is clear in the right context.
FAQ About Japanese Travel Phrases
What Japanese phrases should tourists learn first?
Start with すみません, 分かりません, もう一度お願いします, ～はどこですか, トイレはどこですか, and 英語は話せますか.
How do you say “I don’t understand” in Japanese?
Say 分かりません (wakarimasen). A useful full sentence is すみません、よく分かりません, meaning “Sorry, I don’t quite understand.”
How do you ask where something is in Japanese?
Use [place or object] はどこですか. For example, 駅はどこですか means “Where is the station?”
How do you say “Where is the bathroom?” in Japanese?
Say トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?). A slightly more refined version is お手洗いはどこですか.
How do you say “Do you speak English?” in Japanese?
Say 英語が話せますか？ or 英語は話せますか？. Adding すみません makes the approach softer.
Is basic Japanese enough for a trip to Japan?
A small set of polite phrases can be very helpful. Maps, signs, translation tools, gestures, and visual information can support communication when vocabulary is limited.
Should tourists use polite Japanese?
Yes. Basic です・ます forms are the safest choice with strangers and service staff. Advanced honorific language is not necessary for most tourist interactions.
How do I ask someone to speak slowly?
Say もう少しゆっくり話してください, meaning “Please speak a little more slowly.”
How do I ask someone to repeat something?
Say もう一度お願いします, meaning “One more time, please.”
What is the most important emergency phrase in Japanese?
助けてください (tasukete kudasai) means “Please help me.”
Summary: Essential Japanese for Tourists
すみません。
Excuse me.
● Say you do not understand
分かりません。
I don’t understand.
● Ask for repetition
もう一度お願いします。
Please say it again.
● Ask for a location
～はどこですか？
Where is …?
● Find the restroom
トイレはどこですか？
Where is the restroom?
● Ask for English help
英語は話せますか？
Do you speak English?
● Thank the person
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
すみません。
Excuse me.
～はどこですか？
Where is …?
分かりません。もう一度お願いします。
I don’t understand. Please say it again.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
Those phrases give you a simple way to begin, repair, and finish many travel conversations.