Japanese Directions Phrases — 25 Essential Sentences for Navigating Japan (2026)

Getting Around in Japan

Japan has some of the world's most efficient public transport — and some of the most labyrinthine train stations. Shinjuku Station, for example, has 200 exits. Even with Google Maps open, you'll find yourself asking someone which exit to take, whether you can walk, or where the right platform is.

The good news: Japanese people are consistently helpful to lost tourists. Knowing even a handful of directions phrases transforms a confusing moment into a quick, friendly exchange. These 25 phrases cover everything from the basics of right and left to estimating travel time and understanding what locals say back to you.

Asking for Directions

Start any directions request with すみません — it signals you need help and immediately puts locals in helpful mode.

Understanding Directions

When a local gives you directions, these are the words you'll hear most. Recognizing them lets you follow along even if you only catch part of what they say.

Directions Tips for Japan

1. Use landmarks, not street names

Japanese addresses and navigation work primarily by landmarks, not street names. Streets rarely have names outside major thoroughfares. When asking for directions, locals will say things like "turn left at the FamilyMart" or "it's past the big intersection." Knowing 交差点 (intersection) and 信号 (traffic light) is essential for parsing these responses.

2. Show your phone — it works better than speaking

For complex destinations, open Google Maps or show the address on your phone while saying 〜はどこですか？ or pointing to the map. Japanese locals are extremely used to this interaction. Google Maps Japan is excellent — even platform numbers and exact walking routes through complex stations are accurate.

3. Station exits matter enormously

Japanese train stations have multiple exits, and the wrong one can add 10 minutes to your walk. Google Maps specifies the exit number (出口, deguchi). When someone tells you the exit, it'll sound like "A出口" or "3番出口." Paying attention to exit numbers will save you a lot of confusion, especially in big stations like Shibuya or Shinjuku.

4. Most people will try to help — even without English

Japanese people may decline to help if they don't feel confident in English, but if you approach in Japanese — even just with すみません、〜はどこですか？ — they'll almost always try. Some will physically walk you to the destination. 一緒に行きましょう (Let's go together) is something you'll hear when a kind stranger decides to guide you personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is English signage common in Japan?

In major cities and tourist areas — Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima — train stations, airports, and main streets have extensive English signage. Platforms, exits, and major landmarks are labeled in both Japanese and English. Once you leave tourist circuits or main stations, however, English disappears quickly. Rural areas and smaller cities are almost entirely Japanese-only.

How do Japanese addresses work?

Japanese addresses run from largest to smallest: prefecture → city → ward → block number → building number. This is the reverse of Western addresses. The system can be confusing because block numbers aren't always sequential. For navigation, always use the full address or a map app — don't try to walk from the address alone.

What's the best navigation app for Japan?

Google Maps is excellent for general navigation. For trains specifically, Hyperdia or Navitime give detailed route information including exact fares, platform numbers, and transfer times. Yahoo! Transit (Japan) is also popular locally. All work offline if you download the map area in advance — strongly recommended before traveling to rural areas.

How do I ask someone to repeat or slow down directions?

Use もう一度お願いします (Could you say that again?) or ゆっくり話してください (Please speak slowly) from the First Words deck. You can also ask them to point or write it down: 書いてもらえますか？ (Could you write it down?). Most people will happily switch to pointing and gesturing when words fail.

Navigate Japan with Confidence — Study These Phrases First

All 25 directions phrases above are available as a ready-made deck in Onigiri Anki. Study them with native Japanese audio before your trip so you can ask and understand directions naturally.

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