電車・駅で · Trains & Stations

▶すみません。

Sumimasen.

The all-purpose word: call staff, apologize, or give light thanks. This one phrase carries most of your trip.▶ 15:21

From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)

▶すみません、LineのStation▶はどこですか？

Sumimasen, Line no Station wa doko desu ka?

Tokyo has four different Asakusa stations. Say the line name first and station staff will point you to the right one.▶ 2:54

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

▶指定席を一枚お願いします。

Shitei-seki o ichimai onegai shimasu.

Use this at the ticket counter or machine. In peak seasons some Shinkansen run reserved-seat only, so booking one is the safe choice.▶ 8:19

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

Destination▶までのチケットをQty▶ください。

Destination made no chiketto o Qty kudasai.

At the ticket counter or machine, name your destination and how many tickets you need. Point to your destination on a map or the fare board.▶ 8:25

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

◯◯▶でお願いします。

◯◯ de onegai shimasu.

• 普通席ふつうせきOrdinary (non-reserved)Base fare only — no surcharge. Open seating in non-reserved cars (can be crowded at peak times).
• 指定席していせきReserved seatA reservation fee is added to the base fare, and your seat is guaranteed. Good for busy periods.
• グリーン席ぐりーんせきGreen car (first class)An upgrade fee (Green fee) is added — more than a reservation. Roomier, quieter premium cars.

At the counter or machine, tell the staff which Shinkansen seat type you want. Each type adds a different kind of charge on top of the base fare.▶ 8:32

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

◯◯▶でください。

◯◯ de kudasai.

• 片道かたみちOne-wayOne-way (no return).
• 往復おうふくRound-tripRound-trip (includes the return).

Say whether you want a one-way or round-trip ticket when buying at the counter or machine.▶ 8:40

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

▶チャージをお願いします。

Chāji o onegai shimasu.

Foreign cards are hit-or-miss for charging mobile Suica — cash top-up at a konbini register or station machine always works.▶ 6:14

From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)

▶終電は何時ですか？

Shūden wa nanji desu ka?

Tokyo's trains stop around midnight. Ask station staff early — missing the last train means a night bus or a taxi.▶ 10:56

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

▶この電車はStation▶に止まりますか？

Kono densha wa Station ni tomarimasu ka?

Rapid and Express trains skip stations — and some lines even change stops by day of the week. Ask on the platform before boarding.▶ 4:49

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

Destination▶までお願いします。

Destination made onegai shimasu.

Don't touch the left rear door — it opens and closes by itself. No tipping, either. Just name your destination.▶ 12:06

From: How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)