Best Japanese Words for Traveling — A Must-Know Guide for Tourists and First-Timers

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

🎌 Introduction: Why Learn Travel Japanese?

So, you’ve booked your flight to Japan — you’re dreaming of sushi, cherry blossoms, and maybe a little anime shopping. But there’s one problem: you don’t speak Japanese.

Relax! You don’t need to be fluent. But knowing a few key Japanese words will make your trip smoother, safer, and 1000% more fun. From navigating the train system to ordering ramen without fear, a few well-placed phrases can go a long way.

This guide covers the best Japanese words for traveling, broken down by situations like airports, restaurants, hotels, and sightseeing.

Ready? Let’s travel smart — the Japanese way!

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✈️ At the Airport & Getting Around

Whether you’re arriving at Narita, Kansai, or Haneda, these words are essential as soon as you touch down.

Japanese	Hiragana/Katakana	Meaning
空港	くうこう (kūkō)	Airport
飛行機	ひこうき (hikōki)	Airplane
電車	でんしゃ (densha)	Train
駅	えき (eki)	Station
地下鉄	ちかてつ (chikatetsu)	Subway
出口 / 入口	でぐち / いりぐち	Exit / Entrance
ここ・そこ・あそこ	—	Here / There / Over there
時間	じかん (jikan)	Time
切符	きっぷ (kippu)	Ticket
いくらですか？	—	How much is it?

✨ Pro Tip: Stations in Japan can be massive. Look for 出口 (exit) signs and platform numbers!

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🏨 At the Hotel or Airbnb

Checking into a hotel? These phrases will help you avoid awkward smiles and panicked gestures.

Japanese	Hiragana/Katakana	Meaning
ホテル	hoteru	Hotel
チェックイン / チェックアウト	—	Check-in / Check-out
予約	よやく (yoyaku)	Reservation
パスポート	pasupōto	Passport
トイレ	toire	Toilet
部屋	へや (heya)	Room
鍵	かぎ (kagi)	Key
エレベーター	erebētā	Elevator
Wi-Fi ありますか？	—	Do you have Wi-Fi?

🛏️ Say: “Yoyaku shita [your name] desu.” = I have a reservation under [your name].

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🍜 In Restaurants & Cafes

Japan is a foodie paradise. Don’t let the language barrier stop you from eating like a local!

Japanese	Hiragana/Katakana	Meaning
メニュー	menyū	Menu
おすすめは何ですか？	—	What do you recommend?
水 / お茶	みず / おちゃ	Water / Tea
ビール	bīru	Beer
美味しい！	おいしい！ (oishii!)	Delicious!
ごちそうさまでした	—	Said after eating, means “thank you for the meal”
会計お願いします	かいけい おねがいします	Check, please
禁煙 / 喫煙	きんえん / きつえん	Non-smoking / Smoking

🍣 Don’t be afraid to point at food and say, “Kore kudasai” = I’ll take this one!

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🏞️ Sightseeing & Emergencies

From temples to convenience stores, these words can help you ask for help or directions.

Japanese	Hiragana/Katakana	Meaning
トイレはどこですか？	—	Where is the toilet?
助けて！	たすけて！ (tasukete!)	Help!
病院	びょういん (byōin)	Hospital
薬	くすり (kusuri)	Medicine
地図	ちず (chizu)	Map
写真を撮ってもいいですか？	—	Can I take a photo?
お願いします / ありがとう	—	Please / Thank you
分かりません	—	I don’t understand

📷 Use gestures + “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” = Do you speak English?

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🧠 Bonus: Japanese Travel Hacks

• Download Google Translate and Google Maps (with Japanese labels)
• Install NAVITIME for train schedules
• Use cash often — many places still don’t take cards
• Buy a Suica/PASMO card for trains and buses
• Learn to say “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) — it solves everything

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🧳 Conclusion: You Don’t Need Fluency — Just Confidence

You don’t need to speak perfect Japanese to have an amazing trip. But knowing these essential travel words can boost your confidence, show respect for the culture, and make your journey smoother.

And hey — once you master “oishii,” you’re already winning.

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🎓 Want to Go Beyond Travel Phrases?

Take our “Survival Japanese for Travelers” Course — a quick, fun, and zero-pressure way to:

• Speak useful Japanese in real-life situations
• Read signs, menus, and simple directions
• Sound polite and confident (without memorizing 1,000 kanji!)