Navigating Japan is an experience in itself. From the hyper-efficient Shinkansen bullet trains to the meticulously clean local buses and the quiet orderliness of its city streets, Japan’s transportation systems are a marvel of modern engineering and social grace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, understanding the key Japanese phrases for getting around will transform your journey from simply efficient to truly immersive and stress-free.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential Japanese you need for transport in Japan. We will cover trains, buses, taxis, driving, cycling, and even navigating on foot. Each section will not only give you the language you need but also explain how each system works, ensuring you can travel with confidence and ease across the country.
Chapter 1: Taking the Train (電車 – Densha)
Japan’s rail network is arguably the best in the world. It’s punctual, extensive, and incredibly efficient. For most travelers, trains will be the primary mode of transport. At the station (駅, eki), you can buy tickets from a machine (券売機, kenbaiki) or a ticket office (みどりの窓口, midori no madoguchi). However, the easiest way to travel is by using a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo, which you can tap at the ticket gates. The maps are usually bilingual in major cities, but knowing a few phrases is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask station staff (駅員, ekiin) for help—they are incredibly helpful.
Asking for Directions and Buying Tickets
— Key Questions —
この電車は渋谷に行きますか。
このでんしゃはしぶやにいきますか。
Kono densha wa Shibuya ni ikimasu ka?
Does this train go to Shibuya?
この (kono) = This
電車 (densha) = Train
渋谷 (Shibuya) = Shibuya
行きますか (ikimasu ka) = Does it go?
新宿までの切符を一枚ください。
しんじゅくまでのきっぷをいちまいください。
Shinjuku made no kippu o ichimai kudasai.
One ticket to Shinjuku, please.
新宿まで (Shinjuku made) = To Shinjuku
の (no) = ‘s (possessive particle)
切符 (kippu) = Ticket
を (o) = Object marker
一枚 (ichimai) = One (flat object)
ください (kudasai) = Please give me
On the Platform and Inside the Train
Platforms (乗り場, noriba) are numbered and clearly marked. Digital signs will indicate the type of train (local, rapid, express), its destination, and departure time. Inside the train, announcements are often made in both Japanese and English in tourist-heavy areas.
— Navigating the Station & Train —
次の駅で乗り換えます。
つぎのえきでのりかえます。
Tsugi no eki de norikaemasu.
I will transfer at the next station.
次 (tsugi) = Next
の (no) = ‘s
駅 (eki) = Station
で (de) = At (particle)
乗り換えます (norikaemasu) = To transfer
これは何番線のホームですか。
これはなんばんせんのほーむですか。
Kore wa nan-ban sen no hōmu desu ka?
What platform number is this?
これ (kore) = This
何番線 (nan-ban sen) = What track number
の (no) = ‘s
ホーム (hōmu) = Platform
ですか (desu ka) = Is it?
— Essential Train Vocabulary —
駅 (えき) – Eki (Station)
切符 (きっぷ) – Kippu (Ticket)
乗り場 (のりば) – Noriba (Platform)
出口 (でぐち) – Deguchi (Exit)
入口 (いりぐち) – Iriguchi (Entrance)
乗り換え (のりかえ) – Norikae (Transfer)
普通 (ふつう) – Futsū (Local train – stops at all stations)
急行 (きゅうこう) – Kyūkō (Express train)
特急 (とっきゅう) – Tokkyū (Limited Express train – stops at major stations only)
新幹線 (しんかんせん) – Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
指定席 (していせき) – Shiteiseki (Reserved Seat)
自由席 (じゆうせき) – Jiyūseki (Non-reserved Seat)
Chapter 2: Riding the Bus (バス – Basu)
Buses are essential for reaching areas not covered by the rail network, especially in cities like Kyoto and in more rural parts of Japan. There are two main systems. In many large cities, you enter at the front and pay a flat fare. In other areas, you enter through the back door, take a numbered ticket (整理券, seiriken), and pay when you exit from the front. A digital board at the front of the bus shows the fare corresponding to your ticket number, which increases as the bus travels. You can also use your IC card on most buses.
— Key Bus Phrases —
このバスは市役所に行きますか。
このばすはしやくしょにいきますか。
Kono basu wa shiyakusho ni ikimasu ka?
Does this bus go to the City Hall?
バス (basu) = Bus
市役所 (shiyakusho) = City Hall
次、降ります。
つぎ、おります。
Tsugi, orimasu.
I’m getting off at the next stop. (Press the button near your seat when your stop is announced)
次 (tsugi) = Next
降ります (orimasu) = To get off
両替できますか。
りょうがえできますか。
Ryōgae dekimasu ka?
Can I get change? (The fare machine usually has a changer for ¥1000 bills and coins)
両替 (ryōgae) = Change (money)
できますか (dekimasu ka) = Can I do it?
— Essential Bus Vocabulary —
バス停 (ばすてい) – Basutei (Bus stop)
運賃 (うんちん) – Unchin (Fare)
整理券 (せいりけん) – Seiriken (Numbered ticket)
降車ボタン (こうしゃぼたん) – Kōsha botan (Stop button)
乗り放題きっぷ (のりほうだいきっぷ) – Norihōdai kippu (Unlimited ride pass)
Chapter 3: Hailing a Taxi (タクシー – Takushī)
Japanese taxis are famously clean, and the service is impeccable. The rear left door opens and closes automatically for passengers, so don’t try to operate it yourself. Look for a sign in the front window: 空車 (kūsha) in red means it’s available, while 賃走 (chinsō) in green means it’s occupied. It’s best to have your destination written down in Japanese if possible, as many drivers don’t speak English. Tipping is not required or expected.
— Giving Directions —
この住所までお願いします。
このじゅうしょまでおねがいします。
Kono jūsho made onegai shimasu.
To this address, please. (While showing the address)
この (kono) = This
住所 (jūsho) = Address
まで (made) = To / Until
お願いします (onegai shimasu) = Please
ここで止めてください。
ここでとめてください。
Koko de tomete kudasai.
Please stop here.
ここで (koko de) = Here
止めてください (tomete kudasai) = Please stop
— Asking About Payment —
クレジットカードは使えますか。
くれじっとかーどはつかえますか。
Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I use a credit card?
クレジットカード (kurejitto kādo) = Credit card
使えますか (tsukaemasu ka) = Can I use it?
領収書をお願いします。
りょうしゅうしょをおねがいします。
Ryōshūsho o onegai shimasu.
A receipt, please.
領収書 (ryōshūsho) = Receipt
— Essential Taxi Vocabulary —
空車 (くうしゃ) – Kūsha (Available/Empty car)
迎車 (げいしゃ) – Geisha (On the way to a pickup)
タクシー乗り場 (たくしーのりば) – Takushī noriba (Taxi stand)
右に曲がってください (みぎにまがってください) – Migi ni magatte kudasai (Please turn right)
左に曲がってください (ひだりにまがってください) – Hidari ni magatte kudasai (Please turn left)
まっすぐ行ってください (まっすぐいってください) – Massugu itte kudasai (Please go straight)
Chapter 4: Driving a Car (運転 – Unten)
Driving in Japan can be a great way to explore the countryside, but it’s often challenging in major cities due to traffic and the complexity of the roads. Remember that Japan drives on the left. You will need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, along with your original license. Recognizing key kanji on road signs is absolutely essential for safety.
— Essential Road Signs & Vocabulary —
止まれ (とまれ) – Tomare (Stop)
徐行 (じょこう) – Jokō (Slow Down)
入口 (いりぐち) – Iriguchi (Entrance – for expressways, etc.)
出口 (でぐち) – Deguchi (Exit – for expressways, etc.)
一方通行 (いっぽうつうこう) – Ippō Tsūkō (One Way)
進入禁止 (しんにゅうきんし) – Shinnyū Kinshi (Do Not Enter)
駐車禁止 (ちゅうしゃきんし) – Chūsha Kinshi (No Parking)
高速道路 (こうそくどうろ) – Kōsoku Dōro (Expressway)
一般道 (いっぱんどう) – Ippan Dō (General Road)
ガソリンスタンド – Gasorin Sutando (Gas station)
満タン (まんたん) – Mantan (Full tank of gas)
駐車場 (ちゅうしゃじょう) – Chūshajō (Parking lot)
— Example Phrases at the Gas Station —
レギュラー、満タンでお願いします。
れぎゅらー、まんたんでおねがいします。
Regyurā, mantan de onegai shimasu.
Regular gas, a full tank please.
レギュラー (regyurā) = Regular gas
満タンで (mantan de) = With a full tank
Chapter 5: Cycling (自転車 – Jitensha)
Cycling is a common and convenient way to get around cities and towns. Bicycles must generally be ridden on the road, following the flow of traffic on the left. Riding on sidewalks is sometimes permitted where indicated by signs, but pedestrians always have the right of way. Bicycle parking (駐輪場, chūrinjō) is strictly regulated, especially around train stations, so always use designated areas to avoid your bike being impounded. Many cities have rental services available.
— Renting a Bicycle —
自転車を借りたいのですが。
じてんしゃをかりたいのですが。
Jitensha o karitai no desu ga.
I would like to rent a bicycle.
自転車 (jitensha) = Bicycle
を (o) = Object marker
借りたいのですが (karitai no desu ga) = I would like to borrow/rent…
一日いくらですか。
いちにちいくらですか。
Ichi-nichi ikura desu ka?
How much is it for one day?
一日 (ichi-nichi) = One day
いくらですか (ikura desu ka) = How much is it?
— Essential Cycling Vocabulary —
自転車 (じてんしゃ) – Jitensha (Bicycle)
駐輪場 (ちゅうりんじょう) – Chūrinjō (Bicycle parking)
レンタルサイクル – Rentaru saikuru (Rental cycle)
歩道 (ほどう) – Hodō (Sidewalk)
車道 (しゃどう) – Shadō (Roadway)
パンク (ぱんく) – Panku (Flat tire)
Chapter 6: On Foot (徒歩 – Toho)
Walking is one of the best ways to discover the hidden gems of Japan. Cities are very pedestrian-friendly. When lost, don’t hesitate to ask for directions. Police boxes (交番, kōban) are excellent places to ask for help, as they have detailed local maps. Most people will be happy to try and help you, even with a language barrier. Having a map or your destination visible on your phone makes this much easier.
— Asking for Directions —
すみません、駅はどこですか。
すみません、えきはどこですか。
Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka?
Excuse me, where is the station?
すみません (sumimasen) = Excuse me
駅 (eki) = Station
は (wa) = Topic marker
どこですか (doko desu ka) = Where is it?
ここから遠いですか。
ここからとおいですか。
Koko kara tōi desu ka?
Is it far from here?
ここから (koko kara) = From here
遠いですか (tōi desu ka) = Is it far?
地図を書いてもらえますか。
ちずをかいてもらえますか。
Chizu o kaite moraemasu ka?
Could you draw me a map?
地図 (chizu) = Map
を (o) = Object marker
書いてもらえますか (kaite moraemasu ka) = Could I have you draw?
— Essential Navigation Vocabulary —
交番 (こうばん) – Kōban (Police box)
横断歩道 (おうだんほどう) – Ōdanhodō (Pedestrian crossing)
信号 (しんごう) – Shingō (Traffic light)
角 (かど) – Kado (Corner)
橋 (はし) – Hashi (Bridge)
右 (みぎ) – Migi (Right)
左 (ひだり) – Hidari (Left)
まっすぐ – Massugu (Straight)
Chapter 7: Flying (飛行機 – Hikōki)
For long distances within Japan, such as traveling from Tokyo to Hokkaido or Okinawa, domestic flights (国内線, kokunaisen) are a fast and efficient option. Japanese airports (空港, kūkō) are known for their cleanliness, organization, and excellent amenities. The process of checking in, going through security, and boarding is extremely streamlined. While airport staff are very helpful and signs are almost always in English, knowing a few key phrases can make your experience even smoother, especially if you need to ask specific questions.
— At the Check-in Counter & Gate —
窓側の席をお願いします。
まどがわのせきをおねがいします。
Madogawa no seki o onegai shimasu.
A window seat, please.
窓側 (madogawa) = Window side
の (no) = ‘s (possessive particle)
席 (seki) = Seat
を (o) = Object marker
お願いします (onegai shimasu) = Please
預ける荷物はありますか。
あずけるにもつはありますか。
Azukeru nimotsu wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any bags to check? (A question you’ll be asked)
預ける (azukeru) = To check (a bag)
荷物 (nimotsu) = Luggage/Baggage
は (wa) = Topic marker
ありますか (arimasu ka) = Do you have?
搭乗は何時に始まりますか。
とうじょうはなんじにはじまりますか。
Tōjō wa nanji ni hajimarimasu ka?
What time does boarding begin?
搭乗 (tōjō) = Boarding
何時に (nanji ni) = At what time
始まりますか (hajimarimasu ka) = Does it start?
— Essential Airport & Flying Vocabulary —
空港 (くうこう) – Kūkō (Airport)
飛行機 (ひこうき) – Hikōki (Airplane)
国際線 (こくさいせん) – Kokusaisen (International flight)
国内線 (こくないせん) – Kokunaisen (Domestic flight)
出発 (しゅっぱつ) – Shuppatsu (Departure)
到着 (とうちゃく) – Tōchaku (Arrival)
搭乗券 (とうじょうけん) – Tōjōken (Boarding pass)
搭乗口 (とうじょうぐち) – Tōjōguchi (Boarding gate)
パスポート – Pasupōto (Passport)
荷物 (にもつ) – Nimotsu (Luggage)
通路側 (つうろがわ) – Tsūro-gawa (Aisle seat)
保安検査場 (ほあんけんさじょう) – Hoan kensajō (Security checkpoint)
Chapter 8: Ferries and Boats (フェリー/船)
As a nation of islands, Japan relies heavily on its extensive network of ferries (フェリー, ferī) and boats (船, fune). These range from small shuttle ferries for short trips, like crossing from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, to massive, multi-deck ships for long-haul overnight journeys between Japan’s main islands. They offer a scenic and often relaxing alternative to flights or trains. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal (フェリー乗り場, ferī noriba), and for longer trips, booking in advance is recommended.
— At the Ferry Terminal —
宮島までの往復切符を一枚ください。
みやじままでのおうふくきっぷをいちまいください。
Miyajima made no ōfuku kippu o ichimai kudasai.
One round-trip ticket to Miyajima, please.
宮島まで (Miyajima made) = To Miyajima
の (no) = ‘s
往復切符 (ōfuku kippu) = Round-trip ticket
を (o) = Object marker
一枚 (ichimai) = One (flat object)
ください (kudasai) = Please give me
最終の船は何時ですか。
さいしゅうのふねはなんじですか。
Saishū no fune wa nanji desu ka?
What time is the last boat?
最終 (saishū) = Last / Final
の (no) = ‘s
船 (fune) = Boat
は何時ですか (wa nanji desu ka) = What time is it?
— Essential Ferry Vocabulary —
港 (みなと) – Minato (Port/Harbor)
フェリー乗り場 (ふぇりーのりば) – Ferī noriba (Ferry terminal)
乗船券 (じょうせんけん) – Jōsenken (Boarding ticket)
片道 (かたみち) – Katamichi (One-way trip)
往復 (おうふく) – Ōfuku (Round trip)
出航 (しゅっこう) – Shukkō (Departure)
欠航 (けっこう) – Kekkō (Cancelled service)
Chapter 9: The Shinkansen (新幹線)
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is a symbol of Japan’s technological prowess and efficiency. It is one of the fastest and most punctual train systems in the world, connecting all of Japan’s major cities. Tickets consist of a base fare and a supplement for the Shinkansen. You can choose between a non-reserved seat (自由席, jiyūseki), which is cheaper, or a reserved seat (指定席, shiteiseki), which guarantees you a spot. For many travelers, a key part of the experience is buying an *ekiben* (駅弁), a high-quality bento box sold at stations, to enjoy during the journey.
— Buying Shinkansen Tickets —
京都行きの次のひかりの指定席を一枚お願いします。
きょうとゆきのつぎのひかりのしていせきをいちまいおねがいします。
Kyōto-yuki no tsugi no Hikari no shiteiseki o ichimai onegai shimasu.
One reserved seat on the next Hikari train to Kyoto, please.
京都行き (Kyōto-yuki) = Bound for Kyoto
の (no) = ‘s
次 (tsugi) = Next
ひかり (Hikari) = Hikari (a Shinkansen service type)
指定席 (shiteiseki) = Reserved seat
これは自由席ですか。
これはじゆうせきですか。
Kore wa jiyūseki desu ka?
Is this a non-reserved seat (car)?
これ (kore) = This
は (wa) = Topic marker
自由席ですか (jiyūseki desu ka) = Is it a non-reserved seat?
— Essential Shinkansen Vocabulary —
指定席 (していせき) – Shiteiseki (Reserved seat)
自由席 (じゆうせき) – Jiyūseki (Non-reserved seat)
グリーン車 (ぐりーんしゃ) – Gurīnsha (Green Car – first class)
号車 (ごうしゃ) – Gōsha (Car number, e.g., 5号車)
駅弁 (えきべん) – Ekiben (Station bento box)
のぞみ – Nozomi (Fastest train, often not covered by JR Pass)
ひかり – Hikari (Second-fastest train)
こだま – Kodama (Slowest train, stops at all stations)
Chapter 10: Trams and Streetcars (路面電車)
In cities like Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Hakodate, the tram or streetcar (路面電車, romendensha) is a charming and practical way to get around. These systems often operate on a flat fare basis, where you pay a fixed amount regardless of the distance traveled. Typically, you board at the rear or middle door and pay the driver in the fare box (運賃箱, unchinbako) as you exit from the front door. Many cities offer a one-day pass (一日乗車券, ichinichi jōshaken), which is an excellent value if you plan to make multiple trips.
— Riding the Tram —
一日乗車券はどこで買えますか。
いちにちじょうしゃけんはどこでかえますか。
Ichinichi jōshaken wa doko de kaemasu ka?
Where can I buy a one-day pass?
一日乗車券 (ichinichi jōshaken) = One-day pass
は (wa) = Topic marker
どこで (doko de) = Where at
買えますか (kaemasu ka) = Can I buy?
この電車は広島駅に行きますか。
このでんしゃはひろしまえきにいきますか。
Kono densha wa Hiroshima-eki ni ikimasu ka?
Does this tram go to Hiroshima Station?
この電車 (kono densha) = This tram/train
広島駅 (Hiroshima-eki) = Hiroshima Station
に行きますか (ni ikimasu ka) = Does it go to?
— Essential Tram Vocabulary —
路面電車 (ろめんでんしゃ) – Romendensha (Streetcar/Tram)
電停 (でんてい) – Dentei (Tram stop)
運賃 (うんちん) – Unchin (Fare)
運賃箱 (うんちんばこ) – Unchinbako (Fare box)
一日乗車券 (いちにちじょうしゃけん) – Ichinichi jōshaken (One-day pass)
路線図 (ろせんず) – Rosenzu (Route map)
Chapter 11: Ropeways & Cable Cars
To access Japan’s stunning mountain scenery, temples, and observation decks, you will often use a ropeway (ロープウェイ, rōpuwei) or a cable car (ケーブルカー, kēburukā). A ropeway consists of cabins suspended from a moving cable high above the ground, offering panoramic views. A cable car, also known as a funicular, is a tram-like car pulled up a steep slope on tracks. They are essential modes of transport in mountainous tourist areas like Hakone, Mount Koya, and many ski resorts.
— At the Ticket Counter —
山頂までの往復チケットをください。
さんちょうまでのおうふくちけっとをください。
Sanchō made no ōfuku chiketto o kudasai.
A round-trip ticket to the summit, please.
山頂まで (sanchō made) = To the summit
の (no) = ‘s
往復チケット (ōfuku chiketto) = Round-trip ticket
をください (o kudasai) = Please give me
最終は何時ですか。
さいしゅうはなんじですか。
Saishū wa nanji desu ka?
What time is the last one (down)?
最終 (saishū) = Last / Final
は何時ですか (wa nanji desu ka) = What time is it?
— Essential Ropeway & Cable Car Vocabulary —
ロープウェイ – Rōpuwei (Ropeway)
ケーブルカー – Kēburukā (Cable car / Funicular)
山頂 (さんちょう) – Sanchō (Mountain summit)
山麓 (さんろく) – Sanroku (Base of a mountain)
展望台 (てんぼうだい) – Tenbōdai (Observation deck)
景色 (けしき) – Keshiki (Scenery / View)
上り (のぼり) – Nobori (Ascending / Going up)
下り (くだり) – Kudari (Descending / Going down)
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