Awesome 34 Common Japanese Phrases for Tourist

Learn some helpful common Japanese phrases for tourist to make your trip unforgettable. Show your appreciation by immersing into the Japanese culture through language. It goes a long way.

 

Common Japanese Phrases for Tourists

Learning Japanese phrases as a tourist is essential for smooth and respectful travel. It helps bridge language barriers, allowing for basic communication in restaurants, transport, and shops. Simple greetings and polite expressions like “arigatou” (thank you) or “sumimasen” (excuse me) show cultural respect and often earn friendlier responses from locals.

In emergencies or unfamiliar situations, knowing key phrases can also be crucial for safety. While many Japanese people study English, fluency is not widespread, especially outside major cities. By learning a few phrases, tourists enhance their experience, demonstrate appreciation for the culture, and make their trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

Essential Japanese Phrases for Tourist: Easy Words & Travel Vocabulary with Translations

Traveling to Japan? Knowing even a few basic Japanese words can go a long way in helping you connect with locals, navigate public transport, and enjoy your trip more confidently. 

 

Here’s a complete list of 34 easy Japanese phrases for tourists—perfect for shopping, eating out, asking for help, and saying thank you—with English translations, romaji (pronunciation), and Japanese spelling.

 

Why Learn Common Japanese Phrases for Tourist?

Even though many Japanese people speak some English (especially in cities), using simple Japanese travel phrases is polite, appreciated, and often improves the service or help you receive. 

 

It’s also a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and make your trip more meaningful.

 

Top Basic Common Japanese Phrases for Tourists

Greetings & Polite Expressions

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
Hello / Good day	こんにちは	Konnichiwa
Good morning	おはようございます	Ohayou gozaimasu
Good evening	こんばんは	Konbanwa
Goodbye	さようなら	Sayounara
Thank you	ありがとう / ありがとうございます	Arigatou / Arigatou gozaimasu
You’re welcome	どういたしまして	Dou itashimashite
Excuse me / Sorry	すみません	Sumimasen
Yes	はい	Hai
No	いいえ	Iie
Please	おねがいします	Onegaishimasu

 

Asking for Directions or Help

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
Where is [location]?	[場所] はどこですか？	[Basho] wa doko desu ka?
Train station	駅	Eki
Toilet / Bathroom	トイレ	Toire
I’m lost	道に迷いました	Michi ni mayoimashita
Can you help me?	手伝ってくれますか？	Tetsudatte kuremasu ka?

 

At a Restaurant or Café

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
Menu, please	メニューをください	Menyuu o kudasai
Water, please	お水をください	Omizu o kudasai
I’m vegetarian	私はベジタリアンです	Watashi wa bejitarian desu
Is this spicy?	これは辛いですか？	Kore wa karai desu ka?
Check, please (bill)	お会計をお願いします	Okaikei o onegaishimasu

 

Shopping & Markets

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
How much is this?	これはいくらですか？	Kore wa ikura desu ka?
It’s too expensive	高すぎます	Takasugimasu
Do you accept credit card?	クレジットカードは使えますか？	Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?
I’ll take this	これをください	Kore o kudasai
Tax-free?	免税ですか？	Menzei desu ka?

 

Public Transport & Hotels

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
Which line is this?	これは何線ですか？	Kore wa nani-sen desu ka?
Does this go to Tokyo?	これは東京に行きますか？	Kore wa Tokyo ni ikimasu ka?
I have a reservation	予約があります	Yoyaku ga arimasu
Check-in / Check-out	チェックイン / チェックアウト	Chekku-in / Chekku-auto
Luggage	荷物	Nimotsu

 

Must-Know Emergency Phrases

English	Japanese (Spelling)	Romaji (Pronunciation)
Help!	助けて！	Tasukete!
Call the police!	警察を呼んでください！	Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!
I don’t feel well	気分が悪いです	Kibun ga warui desu
I need a doctor	医者が必要です	Isha ga hitsuyou desu

 

Tips for Using Japanese as a Tourist

• Be polite: Add “お願いします (onegaishimasu)” or “ください (kudasai)” to soften requests.
• Body language matters: Bowing slightly shows respect.
• Speak slowly: Even a few words in Japanese go a long way.
• Use Google Translate: For signage or real-time conversation, it’s a life-saver