Travel Japanese, decoded
Just-enough Japanese for your trip — the exact phrases you'll use, honest app comparisons, and city food guides. Skim the answer, then go.
Video Guide
How to Go to a Japanese Fireworks Festival (Hanabi Taikai)
How do you go to a Japanese fireworks festival as a tourist?
Video Guide
Local, Rapid, or Express: Which Japanese Train Should You Take?
What is the difference between local, rapid and express trains in Japan, and which one should you board?
Video Guide
What Time Is the Last Train in Japan? Times, Cities and What to Do If You Miss It
What time is the last train in Japan, and what do you do if you miss it?
Video Guide
Which ATMs in Japan Accept Foreign Cards? Where to Withdraw Yen
Which ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards, and where can you withdraw yen?
Video Guide
Do Japanese Trains Stop During a Typhoon? How to Check and What to Ask
Do Japanese trains stop during a typhoon, and how do you check whether yours is running?
Video Guide
Traveling in Japan During Obon: What to Expect in Mid-August
Should you travel in Japan during Obon in mid-August?
Video Guide
How to Send Your Luggage in Japan with Takkyubin
How do you send your luggage ahead in Japan instead of dragging it on the train?
Video Guide
How to Pay on a Bus in Japan (Front or Back Door, IC Card, and the Ticket)
How do you pay when you ride a local bus in Japan?
Video Guide
Which Side Do You Stand On? Japan's Escalator Rule (Tokyo vs Osaka)
Which side do you stand on an escalator in Japan?
Video Guide
How Conveyor-Belt Sushi Works in Japan (A First-Timer's Guide)
How does conveyor-belt sushi work in Japan?
How To
How to Use a Ramen Ticket Machine in Japan (Step by Step)
How do you order using a ramen ticket vending machine in Japan?
Video Guide
Do You Take Your Shoes Off in Japan? When, Where, and How to Do It Right
When and where do you take your shoes off in Japan?
Video GuideJapanese Train Etiquette: The Rules Tourists Break Most
What are the etiquette rules on Japanese trains?
Video Guide
Heatstroke in Japan: What to Do and How to Ask for Help
What should you do if you get heatstroke in Japan, and how do you ask for help in Japanese?
Video Guide
Do You Tip in Japan? Why It Can Backfire and What to Say Instead
Do you tip in Japan, and what should you do instead?
Video Guide
Reserved or Unreserved Shinkansen Seat? What to Choose and How to Ask
Do you need a reserved seat on the Shinkansen, or can you use an unreserved car?
Video Guide
Can You Pay by Card in Japan? What Travelers Need to Know About Cash
Can you pay by credit card in Japan, or do you still need cash?
Video Guide
Onsen Etiquette in Japan: The Rules Every First-Timer Should Know
What are the etiquette rules for using a Japanese onsen?
Video Guide
How to Pray at a Japanese Shrine (Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow)
How do you pray at a Japanese shrine?
Video Guide
Can You Go to an Onsen With Tattoos? What Travelers Should Know
Can you go to a Japanese onsen or public bath if you have tattoos?
Video Guide
The 3 Japanese Words Every Traveler Should Learn Before Japan
What are the most useful Japanese words for tourists?
Video Guide
What Does "Sumimasen" Mean? The One Word That Does Everything in Japan
What does sumimasen mean and how do you use it in Japan?
Video Guide
How to Ask for Directions in Japanese (The One Phrase That Saves You)
How do you ask where something is in Japanese?
Video Guide
What to Actually Say in a Japanese Convenience Store (Konbini)
What Japanese do you need at a convenience store (konbini)?
Video Guide
How to Say You Have a Food Allergy in Japanese (and Eat Safely)
How do you tell a restaurant about a food allergy in Japanese?
Video Guide
How to Shop Tax-Free in Japan (and Save 10%)
How do you shop tax-free in Japan as a tourist?
Comparison
Kōfuku vs Duolingo for Travel Japanese: Which Is Better Before a Trip?
Is Kōfuku or Duolingo better for learning travel Japanese?
Alternative
Best Alternatives to Rosetta Stone for Tourists Learning Japanese
What are the best alternatives to Rosetta Stone for tourists learning Japanese?
Use Case
Japanese for Foodies Visiting Osaka: The Phrases You'll Actually Use
What Japanese phrases do I need to eat well in Osaka?
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