Japanese for Travel: Essential Phrases Every Visitor Must Know

Japan is one of the top destinations for Indian travellers — and knowing even basic Japanese dramatically improves your experience. While English is understood in major tourist areas, most local restaurants, smaller cities and everyday situations require some Japanese. Here are the essential phrases every India-to-Japan traveller needs.

Essential Greetings

Ohayou gozaimasu — Good morning (formal). Konnichiwa — Hello/Good afternoon. Konbanwa — Good evening. Sumimasen — Excuse me (also used to get attention). Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you very much. Douitashimashite — You're welcome. Hajimemashite, yoroshiku onegaishimasu — Nice to meet you. Wakarimasen — I don't understand. Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? — Do you speak English?

Transportation Phrases

~eki wa doko desu ka? — Where is the ~ station? ~made ikura desu ka? — How much to ~? Kono densha wa ~ ni tomarimasu ka? — Does this train stop at ~? ~ni itte kudasai — Please go to ~ (to taxi driver). Sumimasen, ~ wa dochira desu ka? — Excuse me, which way is ~? Jikan wa dono kurai kakarimasu ka? — How long will it take?

Food and Restaurants

Itadakimasu — Said before eating. Gochisousama deshita — Said after eating. ~wo kudasai — Please give me ~ / I'd like ~. Kore wa nan desu ka? — What is this? Karai desu ka? — Is it spicy? Bejitarian desu — I am vegetarian. Arerugi ga arimasu — I have an allergy. Okaike wo onegaishimasu — Bill please. Totemo oishii desu — It is very delicious.

Shopping Phrases

Ikura desu ka? — How much is it? Takai desu ne — It's expensive. Yasuku narimasen ka? — Can you reduce the price? Kore wo kudasai — I'll take this. Kore wo mite mo ii desu ka? — May I look at this? Chigau saizu wa arimasu ka? — Do you have a different size? Kado wa tsukaemasu ka? — Can I use a card? Fukuro wa irimasen — I don't need a bag.

Emergency Phrases

Tasukete! — Help! Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai — Please call the police. Kyukyusha wo yonde kudasai — Please call an ambulance. Byouin wa doko desu ka? — Where is the hospital? Kusuri ga hitsuyou desu — I need medicine. Indo taishikan wa doko desu ka? — Where is the Indian Embassy? Pasupoto wo nakushimashita — I lost my passport. Kachi ga wakaranai desu — I don't understand the value (when negotiating or confused).

Japan Travel Tips for Indian Visitors

IC card (Suica/Pasmo): Get one at the airport for seamless train and bus travel. Cash: Many smaller places are cash only — carry at least Rs.5000 equivalent in Yen. Food for vegetarians: Inform staff 'Niku to sakana nuki de onegaishimasu' (Without meat and fish please) — even 'vegetarian' food in Japan may contain fish broth. Prayer: There are Hindu temples in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka). Temples and shrines: Remove shoes when indicated, be quiet and respectful.