Conversation · beginner

Asking Directions in Japanese — Essential Travel Phrases

Learn to ask and understand directions in Japanese. Left, right, straight, station, and common location phrases for traveling in Japan.

Navigating Japan requires just a few direction words: みぎ (right), ひだり (left), まっすぐ (straight). Combined with ～は どこ ですか (where is ~?) you can find anything. Japanese people are generally very helpful to lost travelers, so don't hesitate to ask. Even a simple すみません with a map will get you help.

Key Vocabulary

JapaneseRomajiMeaning
みぎmigiright
ひだりhidarileft
まっすぐmassugustraight
えきekistation
どこdokowhere?
ちかくchikakunearby

Example Sentences

  • すみません、えき は どこ ですか
    sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka
    Excuse me, where is the station?
  • まっすぐ いって ください
    massugu itte kudasai
    Please go straight
  • みぎ に まがって ください
    migi ni magatte kudasai
    Please turn right
  • ここ から とおい ですか
    koko kara tooi desu ka
    Is it far from here?

Study Tips

  • 1Always start with すみません (excuse me) when asking strangers
  • 2どこ ですか (where is?) works for any location
  • 3Learn landmarks: こうばん (police box), コンビニ (convenience store), えき (station)
  • 4If you don't understand, say もう いちど おねがいします (one more time please)

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