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I've Lived in Tokyo for 20 Years and These Are the 3 Most Important Phrases to Know When Visiting Japan

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/28 .. portant-phrases-to-know-when-visiting-japan.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 16:39 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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What You’ll Actually Hear in Japan – A Deep Dive Into the Phrases Every Traveler Should Master

If you’ve ever read a travel guide, you know that a handful of key phrases can make the difference between a polite, smooth trip and a frustrating, “What did you just say?” moment. The Travel + Leisure article “Japanese Phrases Travelers Should Know, According to Local Experts” distills a lifetime of on‑the‑ground experience into a concise, practical list. The piece, written for a global audience, breaks the language down into clear sections and backs each phrase up with local insight – often including cultural context that will help you avoid faux pas and connect more authentically with locals.

Below, we’ll walk through the article’s core content, expand on a few of the “must‑know” expressions, and pull in extra detail from the linked resources that the article recommends for readers who want to dig deeper.

1. Greetings and Etiquette

The foundation of any polite conversation in Japan starts with a respectful greeting. Travel + Leisure opens with:

The article emphasizes that Japanese people greet with a bow of varying depth depending on the situation. Even a simple “Konnichiwa” paired with a half‑bow goes a long way. Travelers are also advised to learn the appropriate level of formality, especially when speaking to shopkeepers or in hotels.

Link Insight: The piece links to a Lonely Planet guide on Japanese bowing etiquette, which details the angle, duration, and cultural nuance that go beyond the word itself.

2. Ordering Food & Eating Out

A good meal is often the highlight of any trip to Japan, and the Travel + Leisure article highlights the phrases that will keep the chef smiling and the wait staff on schedule:

• いただきます (Itadakimasu) – “Let’s eat” (said before starting a meal).
• ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita) – “Thank you for the meal” (said after finishing).
• おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – “What do you recommend?”
• これをください (Kore o kudasai) – “I’ll take this.”
• おかわりはありますか？ (Okawari wa arimasu ka?) – “Do you have a second helpings?”

The article notes that many Japanese diners use “すみません” (Sumimasen) both to catch the waiter’s attention and as a polite way to say “Excuse me.” For those who have dietary restrictions, it’s handy to know “ベジタリアンです (Bejitarian desu)” (I’m a vegetarian) or “肉を食べません (Niku o tabemasen)” (I don’t eat meat).

Link Insight: A side‑link in the article directs readers to a Tokyo Foodie blog post that explains regional variations in the phrase “Itadakimasu” and how it’s used differently in sushi vs. ramen restaurants.

3. Navigating Public Transport

Japan’s rail and bus systems can be daunting, but the phrases highlighted in the article make the experience smoother:

• 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – “Where is the station?”
• 切符をください (Kippu o kudasai) – “Ticket, please.”
• この電車は○○行きですか？ (Kono densha wa ○○-yuki desu ka?) – “Does this train go to ○○?”
• 次の駅は何ですか？ (Tsugi no eki wa nan desu ka?) – “What’s the next stop?”
• 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me” (used when moving through crowded areas).

The article underscores that travelers should always carry a copy of the line map and be prepared to ask for clarification in a calm, friendly tone. Even if you don’t know Japanese, simply pointing at a station sign and saying “これですか？” (Kore desu ka?) can suffice.

Link Insight: The linked Japan Rail Guide offers a downloadable PDF of major train routes with essential vocabulary and audio pronunciation guides, a valuable resource for pre‑trip preparation.

4. In Hotels and Accommodations

Staying at a traditional ryokan or a modern business hotel has distinct differences in language. The Travel + Leisure piece lists phrases that will make your stay feel more “homely” and will earn you that coveted “omotenashi” smile from staff:

• チェックイン (Chekku in) – “Check‑in.”
• チェックアウト (Chekku aut)** – “Check‑out.”
• 予約しています (Yoyaku shiteimasu) – “I have a reservation.”
• 水は飲めますか？ (Mizu wa nomemasu ka?) – “Is the water drinkable?”
• 退室の時間は何時ですか？ (Taishutsu no jikan wa nanji desu ka?) – “What time is check‑out?”

The article explains the ritual of “hanami” (tea ceremony) that some ryokan guests can request, and encourages travelers to ask “お茶のセットはありますか？” (Ocha no setto wa arimasu ka?) “Do you have a tea set?”

Link Insight: The article links to a Ryokan Insider tutorial video that walks you through the typical check‑in ceremony, the importance of removing shoes, and how to use the “shōji” (paper screens) properly.

5. Social Interactions and Small Talk

Japanese society values humility and harmony, so the language reflects that. The article highlights phrases that help you engage in small talk or express apologies:

• お世話になります (Osewa ni narimasu) – “Thank you for your assistance.”
• 失礼しました (Shitsurei shimashita) – “I’m sorry for my mistake.”
• お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me for leaving first.”
• いいですね (Ii desu ne) – “Sounds good / That’s nice.”
• どうぞ (Dōzo) – “Please (give it to me).”

These expressions can help you build rapport with shopkeepers, taxi drivers, or even strangers in a café. The article stresses that tone and intonation are key: a rising intonation at the end of “Ii desu ne” turns a simple statement into an invitation for discussion.

Link Insight: A hyperlink to a Japanese Language Learner forum provides user‑generated audio clips for each phrase, giving you a realistic sense of how locals modulate their voices.

6. Emergency Phrases

If the unexpected happens, you’ll need to communicate clearly and calmly. The article recommends memorizing:

• 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – “Help, please.”
• 警察 (Keisatsu) – “Police.”
• 救急 (Kyūkyū) – “Emergency medical services.”
• 火事 (Kaji) – “Fire.”
• 事故 (Jiko) – “Accident.”

The piece also includes a concise list of numbers that are helpful to keep in your phone: the emergency hotline 119 (for ambulance or fire) and 110 (for police). Travelers are advised to write these numbers on a card and carry them at all times.

Link Insight: The article links to the Japan Safety Network, a Japanese government site that provides downloadable safety checklists in English and Japanese, complete with step‑by‑step instructions on what to do if you’re injured or if you witness an accident.

7. Going Further

Travel + Leisure encourages readers to explore the additional resources linked in the article. These include:

1. “Japanese Phrasebook for Beginners” – a printable PDF that groups phrases by scenario.
2. “Audio Phrase Practice” – a mobile app with voice‑matching exercises.
3. “Cultural Etiquette in Japan” – a guide that explains customs like gift‑giving, chop‑stick etiquette, and the “go‑go” (shush) culture in public spaces.
4. “Japanese Dialects and Regional Variants” – an article exploring how expressions differ between Kansai, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.

The final takeaway from the piece is that learning even a few polite phrases can dramatically enhance your travel experience. It shows respect for the culture, opens doors to meaningful interactions, and can sometimes even get you a better room at a ryokan or a discount on a souvenir.

Bottom Line

The Travel + Leisure article serves as a quick‑start guide that blends linguistic basics with cultural nuance. Whether you’re ordering sushi, asking for directions, or simply saying “thank you” in a local café, the phrases highlighted will help you navigate Japan with confidence. The article’s supplemental links provide the depth you need to go from a tourist to a respectful guest, and ultimately, a traveler who truly connects with the Japanese spirit of hospitality.

So, next time you land in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, grab a copy of the article, practice the phrases, and remember that a respectful “Konnichiwa” can go a long way in opening the city’s doors to you. Happy travels!