Sorry for the long silence since my last update! As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been dedicating myself to daily rehabilitation. All this is in preparation for my upcoming trip to Japan at the end of this month!
So, for this occasion, I’d like to share some helpful travel English phrases for your trip to Japan, along with some handy tips for enjoying your travels there.
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Planning a trip to Japan? Navigating a foreign country can be exciting and challenging, especially when the language is unfamiliar. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s busy streets, Kyoto’s serene temples, or the picturesque countryside, a few Japanese phrases and insider tips can make your trip smoother. Let’s dive into some essential travel phrases and explore a handy tool for getting around: the Welcome Suica card!
Useful Japanese Travel Phrases
Here are some basic phrases that can come in handy right after you land:
Excuse me / Sorry:
すみません (Sumimasen) or すいません (Suimasen)
Use these phrases when you want to get someone’s attention politely or apologize.
How do I get to ~?
〜へはどうやって行けばいいですか？
(〜e wa dou yatte ikeba ii desu ka?)
Replace 〜 with your destination. For example, 東京駅へはどうやって行けばいいですか？ (Toukyou eki e wa dou yatte ikeba ii desu ka?) means “How do I get to Tokyo Station?”
How much is this?
これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
Great for shopping or browsing through a market. Point to the item and ask this to find out the price.
Can I use Suica?
スイカは使えますか？ (Suica wa tsukaemasu ka?)
Suica cards are widely accepted in Japan. Ask this if you’re unsure about a store’s payment options.
Where can I exchange currency?
どこで両替ができますか？ (Doko de ryougae ga dekimasu ka?)
Useful if you need to find a place to exchange cash.
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Insider Tips: All About the Welcome Suica Card
A Suica card is an incredibly convenient way to travel around Japan, and it works seamlessly on most forms of public transportation like trains, buses, and even some ferries. You can also use it to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and more. However, getting the right type of Suica can make a big difference. Here’s why:
1. Welcome Suica – Perfect for Travelers
For short-term visitors, the Welcome Suica is the best option. Here’s why:
- Where to Get It: Pick up a Welcome Suica card at designated machines in major airports like Narita and Haneda. This card is often easier to obtain than a regular Suica card, which is currently in limited supply.
- No Deposit: Unlike the standard Suica, which requires a refundable 500 yen deposit, the Welcome Suica has no deposit. However, the balance cannot be refunded, so try to use it up by the end of your trip.
- Where You Can Use It: This card works not only on JR East trains but also on subway lines, buses, and even at convenience stores, many restaurants, and some shops. You can simply tap your card at the ticket gates or checkout counters for a quick, easy transaction.
2. Using Your Suica for Travel and Shopping
One of the best aspects of Suica is its flexibility:
- On Trains and Buses: Just touch the card to the ticket gate sensor, and your fare will be deducted automatically.
- In Stores: Use it like a contactless debit card. When you’re ready to pay at a convenience store, restaurant, or cafe, simply say “Suica” at checkout and tap your card on the reader.
3. Managing Your Balance
Since the Welcome Suica balance can’t be refunded, aim to use it up before you leave. In the last few days of your trip, add only small amounts to avoid extra leftover balance.
Additional Tips
- Data SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi: Staying connected is key for maps, directions, and translation apps. Consider renting a data SIM or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.
- Google Maps: Japan’s train network is complex, but Google Maps provides excellent navigation for trains and buses, including transfer details and platform numbers.
- Cultural Etiquette: Japan values respect and politeness, so a small bow or saying “Thank you” (ありがとう / Arigatou) goes a long way. Avoid speaking loudly in public, and be mindful of personal space, especially on public transport.
Recommended Books
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Wrap-Up
With these phrases and insider tips, you’ll be ready to make the most of your Japan experience. Enjoy your trip, and remember to embrace every moment of this unique and fascinating culture!
How did you like today’s blog? If you have any questions or requests, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learn_japanese_with_setsuko/
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