One Week Before Traveling to Japan Checklist

A week before your trip, don’t stress – you only need the essentials. Here’s exactly what to learn:

1. Basic Survival Phrases

Greetings & polite expressions:
こんにちは / こんばんは – Hello / Good evening

ありがとう / すみません – Thank you / Excuse me

Asking for directions:
〜はどこですか？ – Where is ~?

Eg: トイレはどこですか？ – Where’s the bathroom?

Ordering food:
これをください – I’ll have this, please

おすすめは何ですか？ – What do you recommend?

2. Numbers, Time & Money

Reading prices & amounts: 100円, 500円, 1000円

Telling time:
今何時ですか？ – What time is it?

Counting basic items for trains, tickets, souvenirs

3. Transportation and Directions

Train / subway phrases:
電車 / バス / タクシー – Train / Bus / Taxi

〜行きはどこですか？ – Which train/bus goes to ~?

Common station kanji: 東京、新宿、大阪

Signs: 出口 (exit), 入口 (entrance), 駅 (station)

4. Eating Out & Shopping

Menu kanji you’ll see everywhere:
肉 (meat), 魚 (fish), 野菜 (vegetables), 飲み物 (drinks)

Polite ordering & asking about allergens:
いくらですか？ – How much is it?

5. Emergencies and Basic Safety
たすけて！ – Help!

病院はどこですか？ – Where is the hospital?

警察 – Police

Keep these in your phone or notebook just in case.

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