Travel Survival Japanese
Find the Japanese you need right now — at the station, restaurant, hotel, and more.
This page focuses on short, practical Japanese that travelers can use with context, gestures, or pointing. It is a survival tool — not a complete guide to Japanese conversation.
ESSENTIALS
Useful almost anywhere.
+ MORE USEFULWhen you have a little more room
TRAIN & STATION
Find the station, train, platform, or exit you need.
+ MORE USEFULUseful in specific situations
DIRECTIONS & TAXI
Find a place or tell a taxi driver where you want to go.
RESTAURANT
Get seated, order, and pay with short Japanese.
👂 YOU MAY HEARWhat staff may say to you
+ MORE USEFULNice to know
For serious allergies, do not rely on spoken Japanese alone. Show a clear allergy card or written information as well.
SHOPPING & CONVENIENCE STORE
Ask the price, pay, and handle common checkout questions.
👂 YOU MAY HEARAt the register
+ MORE USEFULFor specific shops
HOTEL
Check in, check out, and ask for the basics.
+ MORE USEFULLess common
PHOTOS & SIGHTSEEING
Ask for a photo or check whether photography is okay.
👂 YOU MAY HEARSomeone may offer to help
HELP & EMERGENCY
Short phrases for when something is wrong.