Do people speak English in Japan?

In Tokyo and major tourist spots — partially: signs are duplicated in Latin script, hotels can help. But in cafes, taxis, and rural areas English is rare, so 5–10 basic Japanese phrases really help.

What should I reply to “arigato”?

“Dō itashimashite” (どういたしまして) — “you're welcome.” In everyday life, a slight nod and a smile are often enough.

How to politely get the waiter's attention?

Say “sumimasen” (すみません) — it means both “excuse me” and “may I?”. A universal lifesaver in cafes and shops.

Do I need to learn kanji before the trip?

No. For a trip, conversational phrases and the ability to read katakana are enough — menus and loanwords are written in it (メニュー — menu, コーヒー — coffee).

Japanese phrases for travel: what to say to a tourist in Japan

Japanese phrases for travel that you need first: こんにちは (konnichiwa — hello), ありがとう (arigatō — thank you), すみません (sumimasen — excuse me and “may I?”), いくらですか (ikura desu ka — how much is it), これをください (kore o kudasai — this, please).

A traveler asked the master: “How many words do you need to walk through Japan?” The master poured tea and replied: “Fewer than you think, and more than one.” Japanese people forgive accents and appreciate the very attempt. One “sumimasen” said at the right time opens more doors than a two-hundred-page phrasebook.

Which phrases do you need first?

The seven lines below cover 90% of a traveler's everyday situations. The reading is given in Russian letters — a colon after a vowel means that it is drawn out a little longer.

Situation	Japanese	Reading	Translation
Greeting	こんにちは	konnichiwa	Hello
Gratitude	ありがとうございます	arigatō gozaimasu	Thank you very much
Apology / “may I?”	すみません	sumimasen	Excuse me
I don't understand	わかりません	wakarimasen	I don't understand
Price	いくらですか	ikura desu ka	How much is it?
Toilet	トイレはどこですか	toire wa doko desu ka	Where is the toilet?
Praising food	おいしい	oishii	Delicious!

How to order food and pay?

At the entrance you will hear “irasshaimase” (いらっしゃいませ) — it means “welcome”, no need to respond.
Point at the menu and say “kore o kudasai” (これをください) — “this, please”.
To ask for the bill: “o-kaikei onegai shimas” (お会計お願いします).
There are no tips. At all. Trying to leave one will cause polite confusion.

One phrase that helps more often than others

すみません: it is used to apologize, to call a waiter, and to start a question to a passerby. In an unfamiliar situation it is almost always appropriate — unlike a direct question without an introduction, which sounds abrupt.

Practice pronunciation out loud

Say the phrase into the microphone — the AI will rate how Japanese it sounds.

Politeness that works better than words

A slight bow instead of a handshake — universal and safe.
Money is placed on the tray at the cash register, not handed directly.
Don't speak loudly on public transport — switch your phone to silent mode (マナーモード).
Take off your shoes where the floor is raised and tatami mats or slippers are provided.

What to do if you don't understand the answer

Say もう一度お願いします (mō ichido onegai shimas) — “once more, please.” Japanese people are happy to repeat more slowly or write it down; nodding without understanding is worse — you'll get something you didn't ask for.

FAQ

Do people speak English in Japan?: In Tokyo and major tourist spots — partially: signs are duplicated in Latin script, hotels can help. But in cafes, taxis, and rural areas English is rare, so 5–10 basic Japanese phrases really help.
What should I reply to “arigato”?: “Dō itashimashite” (どういたしまして) — “you're welcome.” In everyday life, a slight nod and a smile are often enough.
How to politely get the waiter's attention?: Say “sumimasen” (すみません) — it means both “excuse me” and “may I?”. A universal lifesaver in cafes and shops.
Do I need to learn kanji before the trip?: No. For a trip, conversational phrases and the ability to read katakana are enough — menus and loanwords are written in it (メニュー — menu, コーヒー — coffee).

Updated: 2026-06-25