Asking directions

❃ Asking directions

すみません、駅はどこですか？ [ Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka ]: Excuse me, where is the station?
すみません、空港へ行きたいんですが [ sumimasen, Kūkō e ikitai n desu g ]: Excuse me, I want to go to the airpot.
コンビニは近くにありますか？ [ Konbini wa chikaku ni arimasu ka ]: Is there a convenience store nearby?
右 / 左 / まっすぐ [ Migi / Hidari / Massugu ]: Right / Left / Straight ahead
どのくらいかかりますか？ [ Donokurai kakarimasu ka ]: How long does it take?
地図で説明できますか？ [ Chizu de setsumei dekimasu ka ]: Can you explain on the map?
近いですか？ [ Chikai desu ka ]: Is it close?
すみません、東京駅はどこですか。 [ Sumimasen, Toukyou eki wa doko desu ka. ]: Excuse me, where is Tokyo Station?
道に迷いました。 [ Michi ni mayoimashita. ]: I'm lost.
ここはどこですか。 [ Koko wa doko desu ka. ]: Where am I right now?
この地図で現在地を教えてください。 [ Kono chizu de genzaichi o oshiete kudasai. ]: Please show me where I am on this map.
まっすぐ行ってください。 [ Massugu itte kudasai. ]: Please go straight.
次の角を右に曲がってください。 [ Tsugi no kado o migi ni magatte kudasai. ]: Turn right at the next corner.
最初の信号を左に曲がってください。 [ Saisho no shingou o hidari ni magatte kudasai. ]: Turn left at the first traffic light.
交差点を渡ってください。 [ Kousaten o watatte kudasai. ]: Cross the intersection.
突き当たりにあります。 [ Tsukiatari ni arimasu. ]: It's at the end of the street.
歩いて行けますか。 [ Aruite ikemasu ka. ]: Can I go on foot?
遠いですか。 [ Tooi desu ka. ]: Is it far?
近いですよ。 [ Chikai desu yo. ]: It's near.
その建物の隣です。 [ Sono tatemono no tonari desu. ]: It's next to that building.
郵便局の向かいにあります。 [ Yuubinkyoku no mukai ni arimasu. ]: It's opposite the post office.
駅の前にあります。 [ Eki no mae ni arimasu. ]: It's in front of the station.
コンビニの裏です。 [ Konbini no ura desu. ]: It's behind the convenience store.
地下道を通ってください。 [ Chikadou o tootte kudasai. ]: Please go through the underground passage.
橋を渡ります。 [ Hashi o watarimasu. ]: Cross the bridge.
すみません、もう少しゆっくり道を教えてください。 [ Sumimasen, mou sukoshi yukkuri michi o oshiete kudasai. ]: Excuse me, please explain the directions a little slower.

Cultural notes

Navigating Japanese cities can be a wonderfully bewildering experience for foreign travelers. Unlike most Western countries where addresses are logically based on street names and sequential numbers, the Japanese addressing system is based on areas, districts, and city blocks. This means that, outside of major avenues in large cities, the vast majority of streets in Japan do not actually have names! As a result, getting lost is practically a rite of passage. However, this is where the incredible helpfulness and hospitality of the Japanese people truly shine. When you need to ask for directions, the most important phrase to remember is "Sumimasen, michi ni mayoimashita" (すみません、道に迷いました - Excuse me, I am lost). By starting with an apology for interrupting their day, you immediately show respect for their time. Because of the lack of street names, locals typically give directions using visual landmarks. You will often hear them reference the nearest convenience store, a specific traffic light, or a distinctive building. For example, they might tell you to go straight, "Massugu itte kudasai" (まっすぐ行ってください), until you see a specific sign. Another unique and brilliant cultural institution is the "Koban" (交番), the small neighborhood police boxes found near train stations and major intersections. The officers stationed there are not just for law enforcement; a significant part of their daily duty is community service, which heavily involves giving directions to lost tourists and locals alike. They have highly detailed neighborhood maps and are always willing to assist. Do not hesitate to approach them if your smartphone's GPS fails you.

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