24 Must-Know Japanese Travel Phrases for Your Trip

Traveling to Japan is an exciting adventure, and knowing just a few key phrases can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Imagine being able to connect with locals, order your favorite meal, or ask for directions effortlessly. It’s easier than you think!

Learning some practical Japanese travel phrases will boost your confidence and help you feel more immersed in the culture.

Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, having these expressions ready can open doors and create memorable moments.

Plus, mastering these phrases shows respect and appreciation for the language, which locals always appreciate.

Let’s dive into 24 must-know Japanese travel phrases that will have you ready for your next trip!

Getting Started: Why Basic Phrases Matter

Starting with simple phrases is the best way to begin your Japanese journey.

These basics help build a foundation and make everyday interactions easier and more enjoyable. You don’t need to be fluent to get by!

Small efforts like greeting someone or thanking them go a long way.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Practicing a little each day makes these phrases stick naturally.

It’s an easy trick that you can apply right away and enjoy the benefits instantly.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. Hello / Good Day – こんにちは (Konnichiwa, kon-nee-chee-wah)

This is the classic way to say hello during the daytime.

It’s short, easy to remember, and widely understood. Use it to start conversations politely without sounding formal.

Great for shops, restaurants, or meeting new friends.

Saying “konnichiwa” sets a warm tone right away.

A related phrase is おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) for “good morning.”

Keep it simple and friendly to make a great first impression.

2. Thank You – ありがとう (Arigatou, ah-ree-gah-toh)

Expressing gratitude goes a long way in any culture.

“Arigatou” is casual and easy to use with friends or young people. Practice saying it with a slight bow for added politeness.

For more formal situations, add ございます (gozaimasu) to make it ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).

Don’t forget to smile when you say it!

Avoid overusing it in a formal setting without the “gozaimasu” part.

Try it when someone helps you or gives you something—it’s a small word with big impact.

3. Excuse Me / Sorry – すみません (Sumimasen, soo-mee-mah-sen)

This phrase is perfect for getting someone’s attention or apologizing.

It’s polite and versatile, great for asking questions or navigating crowded places.

Use it before asking for help or when you bump into someone accidentally.

“Sumimasen” is your polite all-purpose phrase.

Avoid confusing it with ごめんなさい (gomennasai), which is more personal and emotional apology.

Practice this phrase daily to sound natural and respectful.

4. Yes – はい (Hai, hi)

Simple and straightforward, “hai” means yes.

It’s essential for agreeing, confirming, or responding politely.

Use it with a nod or smile to show attentiveness.

Short, sweet, and easy to remember.

Avoid saying “hai” too quickly or without eye contact—it can seem dismissive.

Try pairing it with いいえ (iie) for no, to balance your responses.

5. No – いいえ (Iie, ee-eh)

“Iie” means no and is useful when refusing or disagreeing politely.

It’s easy to say and important for setting boundaries respectfully.

Use it gently, with a soft tone to avoid sounding harsh.

Simple but powerful in communication.

Don’t confuse it with だめ (dame), which means “not allowed” or “bad.”

Practice with “hai” to master simple responses confidently.

6. Please – お願いします (Onegaishimasu, oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss)

Use this phrase when requesting something politely.

It’s very common in shops, restaurants, or asking for favors.

Adding “onegaishimasu” makes any request sound courteous and respectful.

It’s a must-know for friendly interactions.

Be sure to pair it with a smile to enhance kindness.

Try to remember it as a polite “please” that smoothens communication.

7. Where is…? – どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?, doh-koh dess kah)

This handy question helps you ask for locations.

“Doko” means where, and “desu ka?” turns it into a polite question.

Use it to find places like stations, restrooms, or restaurants.

Simple structure, easy to adapt with different nouns.

For example: トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) means “Where is the restroom?”

Practice this phrase to navigate confidently anywhere.

8. How much is this? – これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?, koh-reh wah ee-koo-rah dess kah)

Perfect for shopping and bargaining.

“Kore” means this, “ikura” means how much, and “desu ka” is the question ending.

Use it to ask the price of anything you want to buy.

Polite and straightforward.

Don’t rush the phrase; clear pronunciation helps.

Trying this phrase boosts your confidence when exploring markets or shops.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. Nice to meet you – はじめまして (Hajimemashite, hah-jee-meh-mah-shee-teh)

Use this phrase when meeting someone for the first time.

It literally means “for the first time” and is a polite greeting.

It sets a respectful and warm tone for new relationships.

Always say it with a slight bow for extra politeness.

Follow it with your name and よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu) to say “please treat me well.”

This combo is a polite and thoughtful introduction.

10. Excuse me (to get past) – 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu, shits-oo-ray shee-mahss)

This phrase is used to politely excuse yourself or get past people.

It literally means “I’m committing a rudeness,” but it’s a common polite expression.

Use it when entering or leaving rooms, or squeezing through crowds.

A respectful way to avoid being intrusive.

Don’t confuse it with すみません (sumimasen), which is more for apologies or getting attention.

Practice using it to feel at ease in formal settings.

11. Could you please speak slowly? – ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai, yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh koo-dah-sah-ee)

This phrase helps when you’re struggling to understand fast speech.

“Yukkuri” means slowly, “hanashite” is speak, and “kudasai” is please.

It’s polite and very useful for beginners.

Use it anytime you need to catch up with the conversation.

Avoid sounding demanding by keeping a gentle tone.

Try it out early to reduce stress during interactions.

12. I don’t understand – わかりません (Wakarimasen, wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)

This phrase is essential for honest communication.

It means “I don’t understand” and helps clarify confusion politely.

Use it when you need someone to repeat or explain.

Clear and direct but not rude.

Pair it with ゆっくり話してください (please speak slowly) for more help.

Using it shows you’re trying and open to learning.

13. Can you help me? – 手伝ってくれますか？ (Tetsudatte kuremasu ka?, teh-tsoo-daht-teh koo-reh-mahss kah)

This polite request is great for asking assistance.

“Tetsudatte” means help, and “kuremasu ka” turns it into a polite question.

Use it when you need directions, carrying bags, or advice.

Always say it with a thankful smile.

Avoid sounding demanding by keeping your tone soft.

It’s a phrase that opens doors to kindness from locals.

14. I’m sorry (formal) – 申し訳ありません (Moushiwake arimasen, moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen)

This is a very formal and sincere apology.

Use it in serious or business contexts to show deep regret.

It’s stronger than ごめんなさい (gomennasai).

Perfect for situations where you want to be extra polite.

Avoid overusing it in casual situations to prevent sounding stiff.

Practice it with the right tone to express true remorse.

15. May I take a photo? – 写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka?, shah-shin woh toht-teh moh ee dess kah)

Asking permission before taking photos is respectful in Japan.

Use this phrase to politely request taking pictures of people or places.

“Shashin” means photo, and the rest creates a polite question.

It’s a nice way to avoid misunderstandings.

Don’t take photos without asking in private or sacred spaces.

Showing respect with this phrase earns you smiles and nods.

16. Where is the restroom? – トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?, toy-reh wah doh-koh dess kah)

One of the most practical questions you’ll need.

“Toire” means restroom, combined with “doko desu ka” for “where is.”

Use it anywhere to quickly find facilities.

Polite and straightforward.

Try to remember this phrase early in your trip.

It’s a lifesaver in busy or unfamiliar places.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. What’s up? – どうした？ (Doushita?, doh-shee-tah)

This is a casual way to ask “what’s wrong?” or “what’s up?” among friends.

It’s informal and not for strangers or formal settings.

Great for making friends or sounding more native.

Short and easy to say.

Be mindful of tone; it can sound blunt if used incorrectly.

Use it when hanging out with peers to sound relaxed.

18. I’m full – お腹いっぱい (Onaka ippai, oh-nah-kah ee-ppai)

Say this after eating to express you’re full.

“Onaka” means stomach, “ippai” means full.

It’s a common and friendly phrase.

Use it to show appreciation for a meal.

It also helps servers know you’re satisfied.

Try it after meals to sound more natural.

19. Let’s go! – 行こう！ (Ikou!, ee-koh)

Use this energetic phrase to say “let’s go!”

It’s casual and perfect for friends or family outings.

Short and punchy, easy to remember.

Use it to show enthusiasm.

Avoid using it in formal situations.

It’s a great way to sound lively and engaged.

20. Really? / Seriously? – ほんとう？ (Hontou?, hohn-toh)

This expression shows surprise or disbelief.

It’s casual and often used in conversations among friends.

Use it to react naturally to stories or news.

Short and easy.

Be careful with tone to avoid sounding rude.

It’s a handy phrase for sounding more like a native speaker.

21. I’m tired – 疲れた (Tsukareta, tsu-kah-reh-tah)

Use this phrase to say you’re tired.

It’s casual and commonly used after a long day.

Short and straightforward.

It can invite sympathy or a helping hand.

Use it with friends or when chatting casually.

Good for expressing feelings naturally.

22. No problem / It’s okay – 大丈夫 (Daijoubu, die-joh-boo)

This phrase means “it’s okay” or “no problem.”

Very common and casual.

Use it to reassure people or decline politely.

It’s useful in many situations.

Don’t overuse it in formal settings.

It’s a friendly way to keep conversations smooth.

23. I like it – 好きです (Suki desu, sk-ee dess)

Use this phrase to express liking something.

“Suki” means like, and “desu” adds politeness.

Great for food, places, or activities.

Simple and positive.

Try it to share your preferences naturally.

It’s a great way to connect with locals.

24. See you later – またね (Mata ne, mah-tah neh)

Use this casual phrase to say “see you later.”

It’s informal and perfect among friends.

Short and friendly.

Use it to end conversations on a warm note.

Avoid using it in formal situations where さようなら (sayounara) is better.

It’s a nice way to sound relaxed and approachable.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 phrases is a fantastic first step to connecting with Japan and its people.

They’ll help you navigate daily situations with ease and confidence, making your trip more enjoyable and authentic.

So grab your phrasebook, practice a bit, and get ready to explore Japan with a smile and a few handy words in your pocket!