Must-Know Japanese Words for Your Trip to Japan

2025-11-02

Is It Really Necessary to Know Japanese Words and Phrases Before Traveling to Japan?

This was one of my questions before my first trip, and the short answer is: it’s not mandatory, but it helps a lot.

After spending some time in the country, I realized that just knowing how to say hello, thank you, and sorry can make the day run much more smoothly.

Japanese people are extremely helpful, but they really appreciate it when a foreigner tries to communicate in their language, even if the pronunciation isn’t perfect.

There’s another advantage: using Japanese words shows respect and cultural curiosity. It demonstrates that you’re willing to connect and experience the country more authentically.

That’s why I’ve gathered in this article the Japanese words and phrases I consider most useful for first-time visitors to Japan.

Throughout the text, I explain the meaning and context of each phrase, and at the end, you’ll find a complete list to save or print.

Ready to discover the essential vocabulary before embarking on this trip? Let’s go!

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👉 Don’t travel to Japan without good travel insurance!

Why Learn a Few Japanese Words?

Knowing a few Japanese words does much more than just make communication easier. It’s a gesture of respect toward a culture that values politeness, courtesy, and the effort of others.

Even in big cities, where English is more common, using simple expressions like arigatou (thank you) or sumimasen (sorry/excuse me) completely changes how you are received.

During my trip, just trying one or two Japanese words was enough to get smiles and hear a “nihongo jōzu!”, which means “You speak Japanese well!” I only realized the meaning later using a translator, even when it was clear I wasn’t fluent.

It’s a compliment, showing how much they appreciate the effort.

So, it’s definitely worth learning the basics, not just to make things easier, but also to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

Essential Greetings and Phrases in Japanese

Let’s start with the basics: greetings. They are essential for any interaction and show respect.

• Ohayou gozaimasu – good morning
• Konnichiwa – hello / good afternoon
• Konbanwa – good evening
• Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you very much
• Sumimasen – sorry / excuse me
• Hai – yes
• Iie – no
• Sayounara – goodbye

I remember once in Kyoto saying ohayou gozaimasu in the middle of the afternoon, and the waitress looked at me in surprise, smiled, and replied konnichiwa. That’s when I realized that in Japan, even mistakes can be friendly.

These expressions are the foundation for any polite conversation. Always use them with a smile, as it makes all the difference.

Polite Phrases: How to Be a Respectful Tourist

In Japan, politeness is almost an art, and there are expressions you’ll hear all the time:

• Onegaishimasu – please
• Dōmo arigatou gozaimasu – thank you very much (even more formal)
• Daijoubu desu – it’s okay / no problem
• Wakarimasen – I don’t understand
• Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? – Do you speak English?

The first time I said onegaishimasu when ordering an iced coffee at Seven Eleven, the clerk replied with a cheerful hai! and a big smile. That’s when I realized that just two or three words are enough to be treated kindly.

👉 Get unlimited internet in Japan with 5% off!
👉 Don’t travel to Japan without good travel insurance!

Useful Everyday Questions

These are practical expressions that help in any situation:

• Ikura desu ka? – How much is it?
• Doko desu ka? – Where is it?
• Toire wa doko desu ka? – Where is the bathroom?
• Tasukete kudasai – Please help me
• Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? – Can I take a photo?

They are short, easy-to-remember phrases, but very useful, especially in places where English is limited, like small shops or markets.

Japanese Words Related to Food

Eating in Japan is a delight, but it can be challenging when the menu is all in kanji. Here are some words that can save your meal:

• Menyuu – menu
• Mizu – water
• Oishii desu! – it’s delicious!
• Niku nashi – no meat
• Sakana nashi – no fish
• Okanjou onegaishimasu – the bill, please

💡 Tip: In Japan, tipping is not customary. A sincere “thank you” is more than enough.

👉 Get unlimited internet in Japan with 5% off!
👉 Don’t travel to Japan without good travel insurance!

Basic Directions and Transportation

Transport in Japan is flawless, but the language can be confusing. These words help a lot:

• Eki – station
• Kippu – ticket
• Densha – train
• Shinkansen – bullet train
• Migi / Hidari – right / left

When I tried to buy a ticket at Osaka station, I attempted a few words in Japanese, but clearly got everything wrong, and the staff laughed like there was no tomorrow.

At least I made her day a little more fun! How did I solve it? I switched to English, super embarrassed, while my family laughed beside me.

Japanese Words to Explore Local Culture and Traditions

Learning the meaning of a few words helps you understand the country better:

• Omotenashi – Japanese hospitality
• Onsen – hot springs
• Torii – traditional temple gate
• Kimono – traditional clothing
• Matsuri – festival

Understanding these terms makes the trip more enriching. Many tourists visit onsen, which are hot springs with very specific rules, and others rent kimonos.

Expressions for Shopping and Markets

In Japanese markets, there’s always lots of interaction, even if it’s just with gestures. But these expressions help:

• Kore onegaishimasu – this, please
• Motto ookii / chiisai arimasu ka? – do you have a bigger / smaller one?
• Takai desu! – it’s expensive! (say it with humor)

Emergency and Health Terminology

Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s good to know the basics:

• Byouin – hospital
• Koban – police box
• Isha – doctor
• Kega – injury
• Tasukete! – help!

In any case, don’t even think about traveling to Japan without good travel insurance! I use and recommend IATI Travel Insurance, which offers great coverage and excelent customer service.

👉 Don’t travel to Japan without good travel insurance!

Final Tips for Communicating in Japanese

You don’t need to memorize a lot, just learn about ten words and use them confidently. The Japanese don’t expect foreigners to speak Japanese, so any attempt is always appreciated.

💡 Tip: write the words in romaji (the Latin alphabet) on your phone or on paper so you don’t forget. Apps like Google Translate (offline mode) and Duolingo are very helpful before your trip.

The camera translation feature on smartphones is also great for reading labels in supermarkets and Japanese menus.

And most importantly: don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because the effort is always worth it.

List of Japanese Phrases and Expressions

Traveling in Japan is more than visiting temples and tasting ramen; it’s also about immersing yourself in a culture that values respect and kindness.

Even if you only know how to say arigatou and sumimasen, you’re already on the right track to experiencing the country more authentically.

In Japan, a small effort with the language can earn big smiles.

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• Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.