Nihon 101Phrase Notes · 会話ノート
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How to Master Japan's Trains: From Airport to Last Train (Guide from a Tokyo Resident)

日本の電車の乗りこなし方:空港から終電まで(東京在住の案内人より)

8 phrases in this video

電車 · Trains Asking directions

“Excuse me, where is Station on the Line?”

LineStation

Sumimasen, Line no Station wa doko desu ka?

Line = your train line — e.g. GinzaStation = your station — e.g. Asakusa

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

電車 · Trains Tickets & IC cards

“One reserved seat, please.”

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

電車 · Trains Tickets & IC cards

Qty tickets to Destination, please.”

DestinationQty

Destination made no chiketto o Qty kudasai.

Destination = where you're going — e.g. KyotoQty = how many — e.g. 2

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

電車 · Trains Tickets & IC cards

, please.”

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

電車 · Trains Tickets & IC cards

, please.”

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

電車 · Trains Lost items & trouble

“What time is the last train?”

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

電車 · Trains Transfers

“Does this train stop at Station?”

Station

Kono densha wa Station ni tomarimasu ka?

Station = your station — e.g. Asakusa

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

電車 · Trains Taking a taxi

“To Destination, please.”

Destination

Destination made onegai shimasu.

Destination = where you're going — e.g. Tokyo Station

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

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