Top Words and Phrases for Travelers in Japan Who Don’t Speak Japanese

Navigating Japan without speaking Japanese can feel daunting, but a handful of key words and phrases can transform your journey into a seamless adventure. Fukuoka’s yatai stalls, Nara’s deer-filled parks, and Tokyo’s neon-lit streets welcome travelers with warm hospitality, and even basic Japanese opens doors to deeper connections. Whether you’re ordering ramen in Osaka or asking for directions in Kyoto, these essential phrases, rooted in polite Kansai and Kanto dialects, will help you communicate with locals, many of whom appreciate your effort despite limited English in rural areas like Yoshino or Asuka. From sumimasen to arigatou, this guide equips you with practical, easy-to-pronounce words and cultural tips to navigate Japan’s train stations, izakayas, and shrines with confidence, ensuring you feel like a welcomed guest in Japan’s cultural tapestry.

Sumimasen (すみません): Means “excuse me” or “sorry.” Use it to get attention in a shop, apologize for bumping into someone on a crowded Shinkansen, or ask for help at Hakata Station. Pronounce: soo-mee-mah-sen.  

Arigatou (ありがとう): Means “thank you.” A casual way to show gratitude after buying umegaemochi in Dazaifu or receiving directions in Sapporo. For politeness, say “Arigatou gozaimasu.” Pronounce: ah-ree-gah-toh.  

Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Means “hello.” Perfect for greeting staff at a Kyoto ryokan or locals in Furano’s lavender fields. Use during the day. Pronounce: kon-nee-chee-wah.  

Onegaishimasu (お願いします): Means “please, do it.” Use when ordering food at a Hiroshima okonomiyaki diner or requesting a ticket at Nagoya Station. Pronounce: oh-neh-guy-shee-mas.  

Doko desu ka? (どこですか？): Means “where is it?” Pair with a place name (e.g., “Todai-ji doko desu ka?”) to ask directions in Nara Park or Yokohama’s Chinatown. Pronounce: doh-koh dess-kah.  

Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？): Means “how much is it?” Essential for shopping at Osaka’s Dotonbori or Otaru’s glass shops. Pronounce: ee-koo-rah dess-kah.  

Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (英語を話せますか？): Means “do you speak English?” Useful in rural areas like Tenkawa or Asahikawa where English is less common. Pronounce: ay-goh oh hah-nah-seh-mas-kah.  

Oishii (美味しい): Means “delicious.” Compliment a chef after enjoying Kobe beef or Itoshima’s uni don. Pronounce: oy-shee.

Tips for Use:  

Politeness: Japanese culture values courtesy. Add “desu” or “masu” for formal settings (e.g., hotels in Tokyo). Avoid loud tones in quiet spaces like Nara’s temples. 

Apps: Download Google Translate for kanji menus in Hakata’s yatai or Yoshino’s tea houses. Phrase apps like Duolingo help practice pronunciation.  

Gestures: Pointing at maps or items (e.g., in Sapporo’s ramen alleys) paired with “Kore onegaishimasu” (this, please) works wonders in non-English areas like Noboribetsu.  

Practice: Locals in tourist hubs like Kyoto’s Gion or Fukuoka’s Tenjin are patient with beginners. Try phrases at konbini (convenience stores) for low-pressure practice.

With these phrases, you’ll navigate Japan’s cultural mosaic from Hokkaido’s snowy festivals to Kyushu’s coastal cliffs, earning smiles and forging connections with every “arigatou.”