Learn Japan in 30-second reels
Real phrases for the konbini, the restaurant, the train — each with romaji and English, ready to use the second you land.
Skip the Pricey Fuji Tours — Take This Train
Fuji Kaiyū · the Fuji Excursion (direct limited express to Mt Fuji)
It's Pouring in Japan — and There's a Machine by Every Door You're Walking Past
kasa-bukuro · umbrella sleeve
Ask This Before You Order — Japan Is Still Cash Country
kādo de ii desu ka? · can I pay by card?
Your Reset Button When Japanese Comes Back Too Fast
yukkuri onegai shimasu · slowly, please
Why the Number 4 Has Two Names in Japan
ichi, ni, san, yon, go … jū · counting 1 to 10
The Phrase That Saves You When the Line Forms Behind You
chotto matte kudasai · one moment, please
The Color That Tells You Hot or Cold on a Japanese Vending Machine
tsumetai / atatakai · cold / warm
Getting on a Japanese Bus the Wrong Way Costs You Money
seiriken · numbered fare ticket
The One Japanese Phrase You'll Be Glad You Learned
toire wa doko desu ka? · where is the toilet?
Scared of the Language Barrier? Start With This
eigo, daijōbu desu ka? · is English okay? / do you speak English?
The One Phrase That Tells You the Price in Japan
ikura desu ka? · how much is it?
The First 2 Japanese Words You Need: Yes & No
hai / iie · yes / no
The Summer Sign That Means 'Order This Now' in Japan
Hiyashi-chūka, kudasai. · Hiyashi-chūka, please. (cold summer noodles)
Never Touch a Taxi Door in Japan
~ made onegai shimasu. · To ~, please.
Japan's Rainy-Season Rule Tourists Always Miss
Kasa, koko de ii desu ka? · Is it okay to leave my umbrella here?
The Word Locals Say to You All Summer in Japan
Atsui desu ne. · It's hot, isn't it.
One Japanese Word Does the Job of Three
sumimasen · excuse me / sorry / thank you
The Summer Outfit Locals Wear to Festivals (and What to Say)
yukata · summer cotton kimono
How to Get Free Water at Any Japanese Restaurant
o-mizu o kudasai · Water, please.
Lost in Japanese? This Phrase Saves You
nihongo, wakarimasen · I do not understand Japanese
How to Ask for the Bill in Japan
okaikei, onegai shimasu · check, please
Mystery Food in Japan? Just Ask What It Is
kore wa nan desu ka? · what is this?
Got a Cold in Japan? The One Phrase to Get Medicine at the Drugstore
kaze-gusuri wa arimasu ka · Do you have cold medicine?
Left Something on the Train in Japan? Don't Panic — Say This
wasuremono o shimashita · I left something behind
Ask THIS Before You Take a Photo in Japan
shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? · May I take a photo?
Why You Still Need Cash in Japan (and Where to Get It)
genkin nomi · cash only (a sign you'll need to recognize)
The Japanese Shoe Rule Tourists Break the Most
kutsu o nugimasu · I take my shoes off
How to Actually Pray at a Japanese Shrine
nirei nihakushu ichirei · two bows, two claps, one bow (how to pray at a shrine)
The Ramen Shop Machine That Confuses Every Tourist
shokken · meal ticket (buy it from the machine first)
The Japanese Phrase That Could Save Your Life in a Restaurant
~ arerugī ga arimasu · I have a ~ allergy
The One Phrase That Saves You in Any Japanese Train Station
~ wa doko desu ka? · Where is ~?
You're Probably Saying 'Thank You' Wrong in Japan
dōmo / arigatō gozaimasu · thanks (casual) / thank you very much (polite)
The 3 Japanese Words That Unlock 80% of a Trip
sumimasen / onegaishimasu / arigatō gozaimasu · excuse me / please / thank you very much
Onsen Rules Tourists Always Break
kakeyu · rinsing off before getting in
How to Shop Tax-Free in Japan (and Save 10%)
menzei de onegaishimasu · Tax-free, please
How to Order Gyōza Like You Belong There
gyōza wo onegaishimasu · Gyōza, please
What to Actually Say in a Japanese Convenience Store
fukuro wa irimasen · I don't need a bag
Japan's Secret 6th Season — and the Word That Saves Your June Trip
tsuyu · the rainy season (early-summer wet stretch)
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