Basic Japanese phrases for tourists

It is not necessary, but it is highly recommended to learn between 20 and 30 basic phrases. In Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto English works well at hotels, on transport and at many restaurants. Where Japanese makes the difference is at local restaurants, markets and rural areas. Google Translate with the camera solves 90% of the signs. See also the guide to language in Tokyo.

"Arigatou gozaimasu" is the formal thank you (said a-ri-ga-tou go-zai-mas). In informal contexts "arigatou" (a-ri-ga-tou) is enough. At restaurants when you finish eating you say "gochisousama deshita" (go-chi-soo-sa-ma de-shi-ta), equivalent to "it was delicious" and much appreciated by locals.

Get the waiter's attention by saying "sumimasen" (su-mi-ma-sen) and then say "okaikei onegaishimasu" (o-ka-i-kei o-ne-gai-shi-mas). You can also make the gesture of drawing a triangle in the air with your fingers, which in Japan means "the bill". At many modern restaurants there is a button on the table.

"Sumimasen" (su-mi-ma-sen) is one of the most versatile words in Japanese. It means "sorry" or "excuse me" and is used to get someone's attention, to ask to pass in a crowded space, to apologise for a small mistake or to begin any request to a stranger. It is the first word worth learning.

Say "sumimasen" (su-mi-ma-sen) moderately loudly while looking at the waiter. It is not bad manners — it is exactly what Japanese people do. At many modern restaurants there is a call button on the table or a tablet ordering system. At ramen or gyudon places, the order is usually made at a ticket machine before sitting down.

Google Translate (camera for real-time signs, download the offline Japanese pack before leaving), Jisho (a very complete Japanese-English dictionary), Waygo (especially good for menus with kanji) and the Google Maps app with text active in Japanese, which translates place names automatically.

"Wakarimasen" (wa-ka-ri-ma-sen). If you want to ask them to repeat more slowly: "motto yukkuri itte kudasai" (mot-to yuk-ku-ri it-te ku-da-sai). If you need it written down: "kaite kudasai" (ka-i-te ku-da-sai). Japanese people are extremely patient with tourists who do not speak the language.

The pronunciation is easier than it seems: Japanese vowels (a, i, u, e, o) are pure and consistent, like in Spanish or Italian. There are no tones (as in Chinese). The Japanese "r" is soft, between an "r" and a "d". The main difficulty is long vowels and double consonants, but with basic practice you achieve a comprehensible pronunciation.

Almost always the same: "fukuro wa goriyou desu ka" (do you want a bag?), "atatamemasu ka" (shall I heat it up?, with food), "pointo card wa omochi desu ka" (do you have a point card?) and how you are paying. Two answers solve almost everything: "daijoubu desu" (dai-joo-bu des) to say "no, thanks" politely, and "kekkou desu" (kek-koo des) to decline an extra. If you pay by card, just say "kaado de" (by card).

"Toire wa doko desu ka" (toi-re wa do-ko des ka). "Otearai wa doko desu ka" (o-te-a-rai wa do-ko des ka) also works and is more formal. At most shops, restaurants and stations there are free public toilets marked with the universal icon. In Japan toilet paper is always available and the toilets are impeccably clean.