Happy Sunday Japanophiles, Herewith the 79th issue of the Hai Japan Newsletter — your Weekly Dose of Japan!

Today, we’re simply going through…

Anime of the day: Gachiakuta

I know I’ve recommended this before, but I don’t care — I’m recommending it again!

~ Hai

Essential Japanese Phrases for Travellers (That Locals Will Appreciate)

Whether you’re heading to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, using just a few Japanese words can go a long way.

You don’t need to speak fluently—but knowing how to greet, thank, and ask basic questions can make your trip smoother and way more fun. Locals appreciate the effort, even if it’s just a few words.

Basic Greetings and Politeness

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon

• おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu) – Good morning

• こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening

• さようなら (Sayōnara) – Goodbye

• ありがとう / ありがとうございます (Arigatō / Arigatō gozaimasu) – Thank you (casual / polite)

• すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (used when asking for help)

💡 Use sumimasen before asking a question, or when squeezing through a crowd.

🗺️ Asking for Help or Directions

• 〜はどこですか？ (〜 wa doko desu ka?) – Where is ~ ?
  → Example: トイレはどこですか？(Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the toilet?

• これ、お願いします (Kore, onegaishimasu) – This one, please (useful when pointing at food or items)

• 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?

If someone says:
少しだけ (Sukoshi dake) – Just a little
or
話せません (Hanasemasen) – I can’t speak

Smile and try gestures or translation apps—locals are usually kind and helpful.

🧾 Restaurants & Shopping

• メニューをください (Menyū o kudasai) – Please give me the menu

• これください (Kore kudasai) – I’ll take this, please

• おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?

• いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is it?

• カード使えますか？ (Kādo tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use a credit card?

• 大丈夫です (Daijōbu desu) – No thank you / It’s okay (useful when declining bags, help, or upsells)

🚉 Transportation Phrases

• 駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the station?

• この電車は〜に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa ~ ni ikimasu ka?) – Does this train go to ~ ?

• ICカード使えますか？ (IC kādo tsukaemasu ka?) – Can I use an IC card? (Suica, Pasmo, etc.)

For taxis:
ここまでお願いします (Koko made onegaishimasu) – To here, please (show your map/address)

🏨 At Hotels or Ryokan

• チェックインをお願いします (Chekku in o onegaishimasu) – I'd like to check in

• 予約があります (Yoyaku ga arimasu) – I have a reservation

• Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) – Do you have Wi-Fi?

• 朝食は何時ですか？ (Chōshoku wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is breakfast?

🤔 When You’re Not Sure What Was Said

These are super useful when someone speaks to you too quickly or you don’t understand:

• もう一度お願いします (Mō ichido onegaishimasu) – One more time, please

• ゆっくり話してください (Yukkuri hanashite kudasai) – Please speak slowly

• わかりません (Wakarimasen) – I don’t understand

What to Practice First

If you're just starting out, focus on these:

1. Sumimasen – to get attention politely

2. Kore kudasai – to buy or order anything

3. Arigatō gozaimasu – to thank people

4. 〜 wa doko desu ka? – to ask for directions

That’s enough to get through most travel situations smoothly.