Japan Survival Guide: Essential Phrases & Tips

January 14, 2025

The Magic Phrase Combination That Opens Every Door

Here’s exactly what you should learn to say when you need help in Japan:

  1. “すみません、英語が話せますか？” (“Sumimasen, eigo ga hanasemasu ka?”)
    “Excuse me, do you speak English?”

  2. They’ll respond yes or no—but here’s the secret: most Japanese people speak some English but don’t feel confident enough to admit it.

  3. Then you say: “よろしくお願いします” (“Yoroshiku onegaishimasu”)
    “Please treat me well / I’m in your hands.”

This combination is pure magic. After hearing this, Japanese people will be incredibly kind and patient with you, often dropping whatever they’re doing to help. It shows respect and humility, which opens hearts and doors throughout Japan.

Now let’s break down all the essential phrases and recommendations you’ll need for your journey.

✨ The Magic Phrase (In Detail)

よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu)
“Please treat me well / I’m in your hands.” Use this phrase in any situation—when meeting someone new, asking for help, entering a shop, or thanking someone for their assistance.

🗣️ Basic Phrases

  • すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry
  • 英語が話せますか？ (Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?) – Do you speak English?
  • 日本語わかりません (Nihongo wakarimasen) – I don’t understand Japanese
  • ごめんなさい、全然日本語ができません (Gomen nasai, zenzen nihongo ga dekimasen) – I’m sorry, I don’t speak Japanese at all

🔥 Street-Level Phrases

  • 頑張ります！ (Ganbarimasu!) – I’ll do my best
  • もうダメ。酔っ払っちゃった。ごめん。 (Mo dame. Yopparachatta. Gomen.) – I’m done. I’m drunk. Sorry.
  • ここはどこ？私は誰？ (Koko wa doko? Watashi wa dare?) – Where am I? Who am I?
  • 一緒にカラオケに行こうか？ (Issho ni karaoke ni ikou ka?) – Wanna go to karaoke?
  • 本当に美味しかった！ (Hontou ni oishikatta!) – It was really delicious!
  • あなたは春の一番の桜より美しい。 (Anata wa haru no ichiban no sakura yori utsukushii.) – You’re more beautiful than the first cherry blossom of spring.

🗺️ Places to Stay / Eat / Drink

  • Stay: Shimokitazawa – great bars, music, local vibe
  • Eat: Tenshanfeiwei (Chinese hot pot)
  • Eat: Yakumo Saryo – Modern Japanese
  • Drink: Gonpachi (Kill Bill vibe), Rock Fish, Shimokitazawa dive bars

🧭 What to See

  • Thunder Gate (Asakusa)
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine (Harajuku)
  • Great Buddha in Kamakura – take a day trip, then visit a nearby onsen (hot spring)
  • Yoyogi Park Elvis impersonators
  • Akihabara – anime, electronics, weirdness
  • Maid Cafes – the full experience
  • Tsukiji Fish Market
  • Operacity Museum
  • Miraikan – Future Science Museum

📚 Book Recs

  • Shutting Out the Sun by Michael Zielenziger
  • The Chrysanthemum and the Sword by Ruth Benedict

🧠 Bonus Japanese

  • 日本大好き！ (Nihon daisuki!) – I love Japan!
  • こんなにきれいな所は初めて見た！ (Konna ni kirei na tokoro wa hajimete mita!) – I’ve never seen a place so beautiful!

📺 Anime Starter Pack

  • Death Note

🔗 Useful Links

❓ Questions to Explore

  • What’s the easiest way to get to the Great Buddha and nearby onsen from Tokyo?
  • How should I navigate etiquette when visiting an onsen for the first time?
  • What are the top 5 weirdest experiences you can only have in Tokyo?

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