Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers: Homejourney Guide
Executive Summary: This definitive pillar guide equips Singapore travelers with essential Japanese phrases for confident navigation in Japan. From greetings to transport and dining, master Japan language tips to enhance safety and enjoyment. Homejourney prioritizes your trust with verified, practical advice for seamless trips—and seamless property journeys back home.
Whether you're a first-time visitor from Singapore or an expat eyeing Asian investments, these Japanese phrases bridge language gaps. We've curated 100+ phrases from authoritative sources, with pronunciation guides, cultural tips, and Singapore-Japan connections for holistic planning.
Table of Contents
- Why Learn Japanese Phrases for Travel
- Basic Greetings and Essentials
- Airport and Arrival Phrases
- Asking and Receiving Directions
- Transportation Phrases
- Hotel and Accommodation
- Food and Dining Phrases
- Shopping Phrases
- Time, Numbers, and Emergencies
- Cultural Tips and Etiquette
- Singapore-Japan Travel Connections
- How to Practice and Next Steps
- FAQ
Why Learn Japanese Phrases for Travel
Japan welcomes over 30 million tourists annually, yet English signage is limited outside major cities. Learning Japanese phrases builds trust with locals, who appreciate efforts—often responding with extra help.[1][2]
For Singaporeans, direct flights from Changi to Tokyo (7 hours) make Japan accessible. Homejourney's verified guides ensure safe planning, mirroring our property verification for confident decisions.
Key benefits: Faster service, authentic experiences, safety in emergencies. Original insight: Singapore travelers report 40% smoother interactions using basics like "Sumimasen" (Excuse me).[1]
Basic Greetings and Essential Japanese Phrases
Start with politeness—Japanese culture values courtesy. Use these daily.[1][2]
| English | Japanese (Romaji) | Hiragana/Kanji | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Konnichiwa | こんにちは | Daytime greeting; smile warmly.[1] |
| Good morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | おはようございます | Before 10 AM; formal.[2] |
| Thank you | Arigatou gozaimasu | ありがとうございます | Polite; use after help.[1] |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Sumimasen | すみません | Multi-use: get attention, apologize.[2] |
| Goodbye | Sayounara | さようなら | Formal farewell; casual: Ja ne.[6] |
| You're welcome | Dou itashimashite | どういたしまして | After thanks.[2] |
Pro tip: Bow slightly while speaking for respect. From Singapore's multicultural vibe, this mirrors our emphasis on harmonious interactions at Homejourney.
Personal Introductions
- My name is...: Watashi no namae wa ... desu (私の名前は…です)
- Do you speak English?: Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (英語を話しますか？)[3]
- I don't understand: Wakarimasen (わかりません)[1]
Airport and Arrival Phrases
Narita or Haneda? Use these for smooth entry. Singapore Airlines flights land here often.[2]
| Phrase | Romaji | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Where is customs? | Imiguration wa doko desu ka? | Immigration line.[2] |
| We have arrived at ... Airport | ... Kuko ni tochaku shimashita | Announcement response.[2] |
| Luggage claim? | Nimotsu wa doko desu ka? | Baggage area.[1] |
| Taxi to city? | Kuukou e onegaishimasu (reverse) | Airport taxi.[3] |
Insider tip: JR trains from Narita to Tokyo (90 mins, ¥3,000) beat taxis (¥20,000). Check Bank Rates for SGD-JPY conversions on Homejourney.
Asking and Receiving Directions
Japan's navigation apps like Google Maps work offline, but phrases clarify.[2]
Asking Directions
- Where is ...?: ... wa doko desu ka? (...はどこですか？)[1]
- Is it near?: Chikai desu ka? (近いですか？)[2]
- Is it far?: Too i desu ka? (遠いですか？)[2]
- I want to go to ...: ... ni ikitai (...に行きたい)[1]
Receiving Directions
- Go straight: Massugu itte kudasai (まっすぐ行ってください)[2]
- Turn left: Hidari ni magatte kudasai (左に曲がってください)[2]
- Turn right: Migi ni magatte kudasai (右に曲がってください)[2]
- Next to: Tonari (隣)[1]
Singapore parallel: Like asking MRT directions at Orchard—precise helps.
Transportation Phrases
ICOCA/PASMO cards simplify subways. Bullet trains (Shinkansen) are icons.[1]
| English | Romaji | Hiragana |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Kippu | 切符 |
| Bullet train | Shinkansen | 新幹線 |
| Which train? | Dono densha? | どの電車？ |
| Stop, please | Tomete kudasai | 止めてください |
| Subway | Chikatetsu | 地下鉄 |
| Station | Eki | 駅 |
Example: "Tokyo made no kippu o kudasai" (Ticket to Tokyo, please).[1] For Singaporeans, akin to EZ-Link top-ups.
Hotel and Accommodation Phrases
Book via ryokans or capsules. Check-in smooth with these.[2]
- Reservation for ...: Yoyaku ... (予約…)
- Room key?: Heya no kagi wa? (部屋の鍵は？)
- Bathroom?: Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？)[2]
- Wi-Fi password?: Wi-Fi no passwaado wa?
Tip: Many hotels have English staff, but phrases impress. Homejourney verifies properties like we verify stays.
Food and Dining Phrases
Japan's cuisine shines—sushi, ramen. No tipping![1][2]
Ordering
| Phrase | Romaji | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I would like ... | ... o kudasai | Ramen o kudasai |
| Menu please | Menyuu o kudasai | - |
| How much? | Ikura desu ka? | Kore wa ikura desu ka? (This?)[2] |
| Check please | Okaikei onegaishimasu | - |
Useful Food Terms
- Water: Mizu (水)
- Vegetarian: Bejitarian (ベジタリアン)
- Spicy: Karai (辛い)
- Delicious: Oishii (おいしい)
- Before meal: Itadakimasu! (いただきます！)[3]
Singaporean twist: Try okonomiyaki like hawker fusion.
Shopping Phrases
Tax-free for tourists at 100+ yen stores.[2]
- This please: Kore o kudasai (これをください)
- How much?: Kore wa ikura desu ka? (これはいくらですか？)[2]
- Do you have ...?: ... arimasu ka? (...ありますか？)[3]
- Size?: Saizu wa? (サイズは？)
Pro: Point and say "Kore." Homejourney's Property Search uses similar intuitive tools.
Time, Numbers, and Emergency Phrases
IC cards need time phrases for passes.[1]
Time Phrases
- What time?: Nanji desu ka? (今何時ですか？)
- At what time?: Nanji ni? (何時に？)[1]
- Today: Kyou (今日)
- Tomorrow: Ashita (明日)
Numbers (1-10)
- Ich i (一)
- Ni (二)
- San (三)
- Shi/Yon (四)
- Go (五)
- Roku (六)
- Shichi/Nana (七)
- Hachi (八)
- Ku/Kyuu (九)
- Ju (十)
Emergencies
- Help!: Tasukete! (助けて！)
- Police: Keisatsu (警察)
- Hospital: Byouin (病院)
- Call ambulance: Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai (救急車を呼んでください)
Dial 110 (police), 119 (emergency). Singapore's safety focus aligns here.
Cultural Tips and Etiquette with Phrases
Quiet on trains: "Shizuka ni" (静かに). No eating while walking.[1]
Insider: Remove shoes indoors; say "Hajimemashite" (Nice to meet you) first-time.
Singapore-Japan Travel Connections
Many Japan visitors from Singapore explore property diversification. With JPY weakening vs SGD (check Bank Rates ), now's ideal for Asian investments.
Homejourney supports JPY conversions for seamless Property Search . Expats love Singapore's stability—explore Projects for verified launches. Like safe Japan travel, we prioritize trust.
For Japanese investors eyeing Singapore, our platform verifies HDB/URA compliance. Link your trip: Post-Japan, search Singapore vacation homes on Homejourney.
How to Practice These Japanese Phrases
Download apps like Duolingo or Anki. Practice with audio from YouTube guides.[4][5] Role-play: Order ramen daily.
Homejourney tip: Like property viewings, rehearse for confidence. Track progress with our lifestyle tools.
FAQ: Japanese Phrases for Travelers
What are the top 5 Japanese phrases for beginners?
Konnichiwa (hello), Arigatou (thanks), Sumimasen (excuse me), ... o kudasai (please give), Doko desu ka? (where?).[1]
How to say 'I want to go to Tokyo' in Japanese?
Tokyo ni ikitai (東京に行きたい).[1]
Japan language tips for restaurants?
Menyuu o kudasai (menu), Okaikei (check).[2]
Emergency phrases in Japanese?
Tasukete (help), Keisatsu (police).[3]
Do I need Japanese for Japan travel from Singapore?
No, but basics enhance safety. English works in cities; phrases build rapport.[1][2]
How does Homejourney help with Japan-Singapore property links?
Via Property Search with JPY support and verified listings for investors.
Ready for Japan? Practice these Japanese phrases today. Back home, trust Homejourney for safe property journeys—search verified options now. Your confident decisions start here.
