--- title: Master Tokyo Subway: 10 Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Travelers siteUrl: https://logzly.com/wanderlingo author: wanderlingo (WanderLingo) date: 2026-06-23T09:05:01.919702 tags: [travel, japan, language] url: https://logzly.com/wanderlingo/master-tokyo-subway-10-must-know-japanese-phrases-for-travelers --- If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, the subway is the fastest way to see the city. But the signs are in Japanese, the announcements are quick, and a wrong stop can waste a whole day. That’s why WanderLingo is here with ten simple phrases that will keep you moving and smiling on the rails. ## Why a Few Words Matter Tokyo’s subway network has more than a dozen lines and hundreds of stations. Even a native speaker can get confused if they don’t know the right words. With just a handful of phrases you can ask for help, read the signs, and feel less like a tourist lost in a maze. WanderLingo always says: a little language goes a long way. ## 1. “Sumimasen, … wa doko desu ka?” – Excuse me, where is …? This is the go‑to phrase when you need directions. Replace the blank with the station name or line you’re looking for. *Example:* “Sumimasen, Shibuya‑eki wa doko desu ka?” (Excuse me, where is Shibuya station?) I used this phrase on my first day in Tokyo and a kind lady pointed me to the right platform. Simple, polite, and it works every time. ## 2. “Kono densha wa … e ikimasu ka?” – Does this train go to …? When you’re not sure if a train stops at your stop, ask the staff or a fellow rider. *Example:* “Kono densha wa Asakusa e ikimasu ka?” (Does this train go to Asakusa?) At one station I asked this and got a quick nod. No more guessing. ## 3. “Kippu wo kudasai” – One ticket, please If you need a single ticket, just say this. The word “kippu” means ticket, and “kudasai” means please. *Tip:* The ticket machines have English buttons, but saying the phrase shows you’re trying. ## 4. “Owari no eki wa doko desu ka?” – Where is the last station? Sometimes you ride a line you don’t know and wonder where it ends. This phrase helps you find the final stop. *Example:* “Owari no eki wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the last station?) I asked this on the Toei Oedo line and learned that the line loops back, saving me a lot of extra travel. ## 5. “Kono basu wa … ni norimasu ka?” – Does this bus go to …? Tokyo’s subway connects to many bus routes. If you need a bus, ask this. *Example:* “Kono basu wa Roppongi ni norimasu ka?” (Does this bus go to Roppongi?) A driver smiled and told me the next stop. Easy. ## 6. “Eki no chizu wo misete kudasai” – Please show me a station map Station maps are posted everywhere, but they can be crowded. Asking for a quick look can get you a clear picture. *Example:* “Eki no chizu wo misete kudasai.” (Please show me a station map.) A station attendant handed me a small paper map. I kept it in my pocket for the whole trip. ## 7. “Kono densha wa nan‑ji ni shuppatsu shimasu?” – What time does this train leave? If you’re catching an early train, you can ask the staff. *Example:* “Kono densha wa nan‑ji ni shuppatsu shimasu?” (What time does this train leave?) I once missed a train because I thought it left at 7:30. Asking saved my day. ## 8. “Moshiwake arimasen, chotto matte kudasai” – Sorry, please wait a moment When you need a moment to check a map or ask a friend, this polite phrase works. *Example:* “Moshiwake arimasen, chotto matte kudasai.” (Sorry, please wait a moment.) A fellow traveler laughed and gave me a seat while I figured things out. ## 9. “Kono eki de wa… wa arimasen ka?” – Is there … at this station? Looking for a restroom, a locker, or a convenience store? Use this pattern. *Example:* “Kono eki de wa toire wa arimasen ka?” (Is there a restroom at this station?) I asked this at a busy station and was directed to a clean restroom just a few doors away. ## 10. “Arigatou gozaimasu” – Thank you very much Never forget to thank the people who help you. It’s simple, but it makes a big difference. *Example:* “Arigatou gozaimasu!” (Thank you very much!) I’ve heard staff smile a little wider when I say this. It’s a small habit that adds up. ## How to Practice Before You Go 1. **Write the phrases on a sticky note** – Keep it in your wallet. I have a little “WanderLingo” note that I pull out whenever I’m stuck. 2. **Listen to subway announcements** – You can find videos online. Hearing the rhythm helps you remember. 3. **Say them out loud** – Even if you’re alone in your kitchen, saying the words makes them stick. When I first tried these phrases in Tokyo, I felt nervous. But each time someone answered, my confidence grew. WanderLingo believes that travel is about trying, not being perfect. ## A Little Story from My First Tokyo Trip I arrived at Narita Airport with a huge suitcase and a map that looked like a maze. The first thing I did was find the Narita Express. I walked up to a staff member and said, “Sumimasen, Narita‑eki wa doko desu ka?” He pointed, and I hopped on the train. Later, at Shinjuku, I missed my connection because I didn’t ask if the train stopped at “Kanda.” I learned the hard way to use “Kono densha wa … e ikimasu ka?” The next day, a friendly commuter heard me ask, “Kono densha wa Asakusa e ikimasu ka?” and gave me a thumbs up. That small exchange turned a stressful moment into a happy memory. Travel is full of little moments like that. With WanderLingo’s ten phrases, you’ll have the tools to turn confusion into conversation. ## Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun You don’t need to become fluent before you board the train. Just a few words, a smile, and a willingness to ask for help will get you far. WanderLingo is all about making language easy and travel enjoyable. So next time you step onto a Tokyo platform, remember these ten phrases, breathe, and enjoy the ride.