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Introduction:

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you’ll likely be landing at either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, the two main gateways to Japan’s bustling capital. Of the two of them, Haneda Airport is far more centrally located to Tokyo and is often the preferred choice for many travellers. Narita, on the other hand, is located quite far from central Tokyo, which can make navigating the city far more of a hassle, especially for visitors who are already combating the jet lag and fatigue from their flights.

In this article, we will have an in-depth look at all the transportation options available to reach Tokyo from Haneda Airport, ranging from trains, shuttles, and taxis, so that you can determine which option is best for you and your needs.

Overview of Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is located in the Ota Ward of Tokyo and is situated 15 kilometers from Central Tokyo, making it a far more convenient choice than Narita Airport, which is 66 kilometers away from the center.

The only drawback to choosing Haneda Airport is that airplane tickets tend to be more expensive than those arriving at Narita. However, taking into account transportation costs, the total price of flying into the two airports can be quite comparable. Haneda is also situated almost perfectly in between Tokyo and Yokohama, allowing travellers easy access to both cities.

Haneda Airport Terminals

There are three main terminals in Haneda Airport. Haneda Airport’s first terminal is used for domestic flights within Japan. The second terminal handles predominantly domestic flights with a few international flight exceptions. The third terminal is the main terminal for the vast majority of international flights.

If you are flying to Japan from abroad, chances are you will most likely arrive and depart from Haneda Airport Terminal 3.

If you need to connect to a different terminal, there is a free shuttle bus that connects all three terminals together and runs frequently. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are also directly connected via an underground walkway, making any connections hassle-free.

Travellers can also use the train to reach other terminals (either the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line). The trip takes approximately 4 minutes and is free for travellers who are in the process of transferring planes. All you have to do is show your passport and plane ticket to the information counter to get a free pass.

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport by Train

Image of the Tokyo train departing from a station

Pros	Cons
Affordable fares	Travellers may not want to stress about station navigation immediately upon landing
Fast travel time	Can be difficult for travellers carrying a lot of luggage
Well-designed system that covers all of the Tokyo area	Potential accessibility issues in some locations
Convenient	Crowded during peak hours

To travel from Haneda Airport to the center of Tokyo, many people choose to take the train, which is a fast and convenient option for travellers.

From Haneda Airport, it takes around 20 minutes to reach Tokyo Station, 40 minutes to reach Shinjuku, 38 minutes to reach Shibuya, 26 minutes to reach Akihabara, and a little over an hour to reach Tokyo DisneySea.

Having a Suica card is essential when visiting Tokyo, regardless of whether or not you are entering the city via train from the airport. This card will allow you to navigate the Tokyo train with ease and make paying for train fare smooth and simple. You can choose to purchase a Suica card at their vending machines located at major stations, including Haneda Airport and JR East stations. However, you will see most locals simply use their phones to pay for their train tickets.

Downloading Your IC Card to Your Phone

If you have an iPhone, you can simply go to your Apple Wallet and select the Suica card under the “Express Transit Card” section. This will add your Suica card to Apple Wallet, eliminating the need for a physical card and making travel far more convenient. Additionally, you can add more funds to the card whenever you want and have them be directly deposited onto your card within seconds.

If you are an Android user, the process is a little more complex. Users will have to download the Suica mobile app; however, this app is designed for those already living in Japan and who have a Japanese address and phone number. If you are an Android user, the easiest solution will be to purchase a physical card and periodically add funds to it at a ticket machine, a convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart), or at an ATM that displays a Suica logo.

Going to Different Areas in Tokyo by Train

Once you have successfully obtained your Suica card via one of these methods, the ride into Tokyo will be painless and efficient. However, there are still factors to consider before deciding whether or not using the train to get into Tokyo from Haneda is the right decision for you and your needs.

It is worth noting that many train stations in Tokyo, particularly major hubs such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, are massive in terms of size and can initially be a challenge to navigate for new tourists. There are also many stairs in these stations, and while elevators are often available, they can be cramped, crowded, and not always conveniently located.

For travellers carrying many pieces of luggage, bags, or who are simply fatigued from their long journey, taking the train may not be the best option. On the other hand, the efficiency of Tokyo’s train system is unparalleled, and it is very affordable. Fares from Haneda to major tourist destinations are as follows:

Destination	Fare (¥)
Shibuya	¥730
Shinjuku	¥730
Tokyo Station	¥505
Ueno	¥700
Shinagawa	¥330
Ginza	¥550
Akihabara	¥690
Tokyo DisneySea	¥1,300

As you can see, using the train is a budget-friendly option and will ensure a fast trip to any destination within Tokyo due to the well-organized design of the train and its many lines that reach neighborhoods far and wide.

Want to become a pro at navigating Japan’s vast public transport network before you arrive in the city? Check out our article detailing everything you need to know about Japanese transportation.

Getting to Tokyo from Haneda Airport with Airport Limousine Bus

Image of an airport shuttle bus driving on the road

Pros	Cons
Affordable fares	Potential traffic delays
Guaranteed seating options	Limited seating capacity
Luggage storage and baggage assistance	Less destinations than trains, especially for less touristy areas
Complimentary Wi-Fi	Late-night services are not available
Restrooms available

Another option to travel from Haneda to Tokyo is via an Airport Limousine Bus. This option is great if you wish to avoid the potentially jam-packed trains during peak hours or if you want more personal space for yourself and your luggage.

The bus routes cover many tourist areas in Tokyo, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Asakusa, and Odaiba. Check out the full timetable for different areas here.

Before booking tickets, ensure that your accommodation is within a reasonable distance of the locations covered by the airport limousine bus, as its reach is not as all-encompassing as the Tokyo metro. With that being said, if you are staying in a hot spot that is filled with hotels, it is guaranteed that the bus will make stops there. You can check the list of stops for the Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda Airport here.

Tickets can be purchased at the Airport Limousine Bus counter at the airport. You can even pay them immediately on the bus if you use an IC card. The prices departing from Haneda Airport to popular tourist destinations are as follows:

Destination	Approx. Fare (¥)
Shibuya	¥1,300
Shinjuku	¥1,400
Tokyo Station	¥1,200
Ueno	¥1,050
Shinagawa	¥500–1,000
Ginza	¥1,100
Akihabara	¥1,100
Tokyo DisneySea	¥1,300+

The airport bus limousine is a slightly more expensive option than the train, but the difference is definitely not a huge one. If you are staying at a popular hotel, the bus may very likely have that hotel on its route for an immediate drop-off that places guests directly in front of their accommodation.

There is also more leeway for those with larger luggage or with a greater quantity of baggage, as the storage areas are more accommodating than those on the train. In addition to the space, there is also the option for bus staff to assist you with your luggage, which is a helpful bonus for those lugging around more baggage. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi provided, as well as restrooms and sinks on board the bus.

Keep in mind that the bus is at the mercy of traffic flow, with the travel time it will take to reach your desired location potentially vary drastically depending on the time of day. Additionally, a reservation may be required as spots are limited on these buses.

Image of a taxi cab driving on a road with others.

Pros	Cons
Best option in terms of comfort levels	Much more expensive than the train and bus
Driver handles everything; no need for transfers or self-navigation	Travel time depends heavily on traffic
Most area for legroom and luggage storage	It can take a while to receive one if called during peak times
Several apps to choose from, including set payment options

If comfort is priority above all else, then choosing a taxi or ride share service is your best bet when travelling from Haneda Airport to Tokyo. On average, here are the ride-share costs to reach major destinations in Tokyo from Haneda:

Destination	Approx. Fare (¥)
Shibuya	~¥9,000
Shinjuku	~¥9,500
Tokyo Station	~¥7,200
Ueno	~¥9,700
Shinagawa	~¥6,100
Ginza	~¥8,300
Akihabara	~¥8,200
Tokyo DisneySea	~¥12,000

As you can see, the costs for hiring a ride share service are higher than taking the train or the airport limousine bus. However, the comfort factor is definitely the highest out of all the transport options available.

Travellers have a variety of apps to choose from when calling a chauffeur, including traditional metered taxi cabs such as GO or DiDi, or calling an Uber.

Of the two, GO typically has more availability across Japan, with the service being provided in 45 out of 47 prefectures across the country. GO also has English support and the ability to track a taxi’s live location.

DiDi

DiDi has many of the same features as GO, including English support, a cashless payment system, and even upfront payment options, which resemble Uber’s model. However, DiDi is usually more limited to only major cities and can be less accessible outside of urban hubs.

Uber

Uberworks slightly differently in Japan. The company does not use everyday people’s personal vehicles to transport passengers; rather, these are official taxi services that operate in partnership with the Uber app. There is also an option to choose metered taxis through Uber, which can potentially save a little bit of money. Regardless, all transactions are handled via the Uber app.

Tips for Getting From Haneda to Tokyo

There are a few tips and tricks that will make navigating Tokyo transportation options much easier and help you prepare for your time in Japan.

1. Download your IC Card ahead of time

As mentioned previously in the train section, having a Suica card is a necessity when using Japanese transportation. There is also a PASMO card, which serves the same purpose as a Suica card and is equally effective in its purpose. PASMO can also be used to pay for train and bus fares, as well as in some convenience stores and vending machines for goods. Similar to Suica, it can be purchased at a ticket vending machine in a train station or can be loaded onto your Apple Wallet for iPhone users.

2. Keep in mind of public transportation schedule

Public transportation in Tokyo is not available 24 hours. The Tokyo trains run roughly from 5 am to midnight every day, with most bus services operating within these hours as well. If you plan on staying out late at night, you will either have to rely on a ride share app, walk, or wait until the first train or bus to get back to your destination.

During operating hours, transportation follows a strict schedule that very rarely sees any delays.

3. Respect the cultural norms

It is also beneficial to learn some transportation etiquette when travelling in Japan. Most importantly, do not cut in line. This applies to waiting in line for a train car, the escalator, the elevator, or scanning your IC card. Allow passengers leaving the car to exit first before you make your way into the train. Additionally, speak quietly when using the train, as speaking too loudly is viewed as disrespectful and inconsiderate to fellow passengers. Moreover, do not discard trash on the train or in train stations.

There are not many public trash cans in Japan, so be prepared to carry around your trash until you get back to your accommodation by either carrying a bag or ensuring you have enough space to put it on your person. Check out our article here at Coto detailing Japanese etiquette and cultural norms for an even deeper dive into this subject.

4. Use luggage delivery service

For those who do not want to carry around heavy luggage, take advantage of takkyubin, a luggage delivery service. This service can transport your bags to your hotel or from the hotel to the airport.

In order to do the prior, there are counters for Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express, two couriers which offer this service, in all three terminals at Haneda. If you want to send luggage to the airport, you can let your hotel know at least 2 days in advance and they can assist you in filling out the necessary form.

There are also options to fill out this form and drop off luggage at convenience stores, and your luggage can be picked up from there. Similarly, this should be completed at least a few days before your flight to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Which One Should I Choose to Get from Haneda to Tokyo?

Now that we have covered each transportation option to get to Tokyo, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. The answer ultimately comes down to what you prioritize.

If affordability is what is most important, then the train is the winner. With its unbeatable fare prices and stations around almost every corner, it is not only affordable but incredibly efficient.

If you are staying somewhere centrally-located and are willing to spend a little bit more and enjoy some of the amenities, then choosing the airport limousine bus is the right option for you.

If comfort and convenience are at the top of your priorities, then opting for a taxi or ride share service is the way to go. Nothing beats sitting in a private, peaceful vehicle and having your baggage taken care of after a long flight; but of course, this is the most expensive option out of all of these.

Ever wondered what all the road signs in Japan mean as you ride around in Tokyo? Feel free to check out our article about road signs in Japan to get a feel for what the driving scene here is like.

Travel Easily Around Japan by Learning Japanese!

There are many options for getting into Tokyo from Haneda Airport, so choosing the one that best fits your needs is important when traveling around the city. At Coto Academy, we understand that navigating a new city can be daunting, especially when you don’t speak the language.

To make travel in Japan easier and more productive, study Japanese at Coto Academy in Tokyo and Yokohama. With our Japanese courses, you’ll be able to get around Tokyo with ease and communicate confidently!

As a conversation-focused language school, Coto helps you build practical Japanese skills for real-life situations. Our friendly native teachers offer lessons that enable you to speak naturally and confidently while managing travel arrangements, sightseeing, and daily interactions.

Why join Coto Academy?

Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
School locations in Shibuya, Minato, Iidabashi, and Yokohama, plus a fully online Japanese language school, so that you can learn anywhere, anytime!

Ready to join? Contact us below, and our friendly staff will get back to you to help you get started!

FAQ:

How do I get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?

There are several options people can choose from to reach Tokyo from Haneda. There is the metro option, which provides a quick and affordable way into nearly every part of the city. Another is the airport limousine bus, which allows for a more comfortable and stress-free experience that costs just a little bit more than the metro. You can also take a taxi or ride share service, which is by far the most relaxing and convenient option, but also the most expensive.

Is there a free shuttle at Haneda Airport?

Yes, there are free shuttles taking travellers between the three terminals at Haneda Airport. Additionally, hotels that are located nearby the airport usually offer complimentary shuttles for guests to reach the airport.

How much is the train from Haneda to Tokyo?

How much a train will cost to reach Tokyo from Haneda depends on where in Tokyo you will be staying. On average, the price usually falls in the ballpark of ¥300 to ¥1,500 depending on distance.

What metro line is Haneda Airport on?

Haneda Airport is on the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail Line.

Is it better to go to Narita or Haneda?

It is better to go to Haneda Airport due to the location being much closer to central Tokyo than Haneda. While tickets into Haneda are typically more expensive, the transportation costs from Narita can potentially even out the playing field. In general, most travellers find Haneda to be far more desirable to fly into than Narita.

How do you say “cabin” in Japanese? In this cheat sheet, we have a list of the most common Japanese vocabulary about airports to help you be ready to take off.

When travelling in airlines such as ANA or Japan airlines, it can be useful to know the Japanese terms for the various cabin-related terminology.

Flight travels might come to a halt because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to prepare yourself for the next time you’re traveling to and from Japan.

For example, knowing the Japanese term for “overhead storage compartment” (キャビン) can help you communicate with the person seating next to you if they’re Japanese.

Importantly, we want to make sure your journey goes smoothly by learning a few useful Japanese words before you depart!

In case you miss them, check out the first and second part of our Japanese airplane vocabulary series.

Japanese Airport Vocabulary –

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
キャビン	Kyabin	Cabin
にもつだな	nimotsudana	Overhead storage compartment
まど	mado	Window
ざせき	zaseki	Seat
つうろ	tsūro	Aisle
シートベルト	shītoberuto	Seat Belt
テーブル	tēburu	Table
ひじょうぐち	hijōguchi	Emergency exit
ちゃくりく	chakuriku	Landing
のりつぎ	noritsugi	Transit
にゅうこくしんさ	nyūkoku shinsa	Immigration
にゅうこくード	nyūkoku kādo	Immigration card
ぜいかんしんこくしょ	zeikan shinkokusho	Customs declaration
けんえき	ken’eki	Quarantine
てにもつうけとりしょ	tenimotsu uketorisho	Baggage Claim
ぜいかん	zeikan	Customs
とうちゃくロビー	tōchaku robī	Arrival Lobby

If you wish to have a short-term study in Tokyo, Check out our 3-month intensive Japanese courses. And, feel free to send us an inquiry if you have any questions!

Start taking Japanese lessons and master these terminology today!

Want to learn more about Japanese vocabulary about airports? Find out more in this cheat sheet, where we cover the takeoff and in-flight procedures!

Pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences are all provided to help boost your spoken and written Japanese levels. Do check out the first part of our Japanese airport vocabulary cheat sheet if you have yet to do so!

As the airport follows a tight schedule to prevent delay, you need to always arrive at the boarding gate 搭乗口(とうじょうぐち tōjō guchi) early before the flight takes off!

If there is a long waiting time before your boarding time, feel free to shop around in the duty-free stores 免税店 (めんぜいてん menzeiten), which can be found all over the airport.

Head to part three if you’re curious to learn more Japanese airport vocabulary!

Take off 離陸 (りりく ririku)

Here are some take-off related vocabularies:

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
出発ロビー	しゅっぱつ shuppatsu robī	departure lobby
出国審査	しゅっこくしんさ shukkoku shinsa	immigration (departure from a country)
外貨両替	がいかりょうがえ gaika ryōgae	currency exchange
免税店	めんぜいてん menzeiten	duty-free store
待合室	まちあいしつ machiai shitsu	waiting room
搭乗口	とうじょうぐち tōjō guchi	boarding gate
優先搭乗	ゆうせんとうじょう yūsen tōjō	priority boarding
離陸	りりく ririku	taking off

In flight 飛行中 (ひこうちゅう hikō chū)

Here are some in flight related vocabulary:

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
客室乗務員	きゃくしつじょうむいん kyakushitsu jōmuin	flight attendant
機長（キャプテン）	きちょう kichō (kyaputen)	captain
機内食	きないしょく kinaishoku	in-flight meal
機内免税品販売	きないめんぜいひんはんばい kinai menzeihin hanbai	duty free sales

Example Sentences

Here is how you apply the terms in sentences:

Example 1:

By saying: ‘搭乗口へは出発時刻の10分前までにお越しください。’

Pronunciation: tōjō guchi he wa shuppatsu jikoku no 10-bu mae made ni okoshi kudasai.

It means: ‘Please arrive at the boarding gate at least 10 minutes before departure time.’

Example 2:

By saying: ‘出発ロビーに行く前に免税店で家族のお土産を買いました。’

Pronunciation: shuppatsu robī ni iku mae ni menzei ten de kazoku no omiyage wo kaimashita.

It means: ‘I bought souvenirs at the duty-free store for my family before heading to the departure lobby.’

Visiting or traveling in Japan? Check out this cheat sheet of Japanese vocabulary about airports and the departure process!

Airports can become a stressful environment if you are not fully prepared with necessary items. Always make sure that you have your Passport (パスポート) and other documents before leaving for the airport!

In this cheat sheet we have included helpful vocabulary related to the airport with pronunciation, meaning and example sentences provided for you to successfully navigate your way through departure.

Japan has a total of 29 airports located all across the four main islands and other smaller islands, with 5 international airports and the rest being local airports that fly domestically.

The main international airports in Japan are the Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport.

When flying in Japan, it is important to check the geographical location of the airport, and whether you are flying a domestic or international flight.

Departure 出発 (しゅっぱつ shuppatsu)

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
空港	くうこう kūkou	airport
飛行機	ひこうき hikōki	airplane
国内線	こくないせん kokunaisen	domestic flights
国際線	こくさいせん kokusaisen	international flights
パスポート	パスポート Pasu pōto	passport
航空券	こうくうけん koukūken	plane tickets
カウンター	kauntā	counter
搭乗手続き	とうじょうてつづ toujõ tetsuzuki	check in
自動チェックイン機	じどうき jidō chekkuin ki	self check-in machine
ターミナル	tāminaru	terminal
荷物	にもつ ni motsu	luggage/belongings
手荷物検査	てにもつけんさ tenimotsu kensa	security check

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences utilising the vocabulary you just learnt:

Example 1:

By saying: ‘パスポートと航空券は一緒にお持ちでしょうか?’

Pronunciation: pasupo-to to koukūken wa issho ni omochi deshouka

It means: ‘Do you have your passport and plane ticket with you?’

Example 2:

By saying: ‘羽田国際線ターミナルに行って、荷物をチェックインしました。’

Pronunciation: haneda kokusaisen tāminaru ni itte, nimotsu wo chekkuin shimashita.

It means: ‘I went to Haneda International Terminal and checked in my luggage.’

Japanese proverbs, or ことわざ (kotowaza), are a great way to improve your language skills with more figurative speech. Exploring outside the typical methods of memorizing kanji and vocabulary, kotowaza can teach you how to use more nuanced phrases.

Plus, they can help you dive deeper into Japanese culture. Kotowaza paint a picture of different situations and reflect Japanese culture as well as hundreds of years of history. This is what makes them so interesting to read and hear.

Ready to learn more words of wisdom? Here are 35 Inspiring Japanese proverbs that will inspire you to improve your life. We have included example sentences as well, so you can understand how to use these sayings!

For more Japanese practice, check out our Intensive Japanese Classes at Coto Academy! Sign up for our courses and start practicing right away!

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What Does Kotowaza Mean in Japanese?

The Japanese word ことわざ (kotowaza / 諺) means “proverb” or “saying.” It refers to a traditional phrase or expression that conveys a truth, piece of wisdom, or moral lesson.

Kotowaza, given its long history, uses a lot of kanji, so read our blog to find the most effective apps to study them: Learning kanji from apps.

Japanese proverbs can speed up your study process by exposing you to new vocabulary, figurative language, and metaphors — and maybe even gain valuable wisdom.

Types of Japanese Proverbs

Like anywhere else, there’s not one type of proverb in Japan. However, Japanese proverbs are boxed into three types, each heavy in history, culture, and traditional values.

1. Iinarawashi (言い習わし)

Iinarawashi is a short saying derived from the kanji 言 (say, speech) and 習 (learn). So, it basically means words of wisdom or short sayings.

2. Yojijukugo (四字熟語)

True to its name (四字 meaning four letters), yojijukugo idioms consist of four kanji characters. A lot of Japanese proverbs are taken from Chinese proverbs. Because this particular type uses kanji, it can be hard for beginners to remember them.

3. Kanyouku (慣用句 )

You can think of kanyouku as the longest type of Japanese proverb. They are idiomatic words or phrases that are meant to be interpreted figuratively rather than literally.

For instance, 口が軽い (kuchi ga karui) literally means “light mouth”, but the implied meaning is “can’t keep a secret”.

35 Japanese Proverbs and Their Meanings

1. Jigoujitoku 自業自得

Jigoujitoku 自業自得 or One's act, one's profit

Pronunciation: jigoujitoku

Translation: “One’s act, one’s profit”

Meaning: You had it coming, or you reap what you sow.

Example Sentence:

嘘ばっかりついてるから、皆に総すかんを食うんだ。自業自得だよ。

You’re always lying, which is why people don’t take you seriously. You get what you deserve.

2. koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず or the Japanese proverb saying, "if you do not enter the Tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub"

Pronunciation: koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu

Translation: “If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.”

Meaning: You can’t do anything without risking something / Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Example Sentence:

諺にもある通り虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ずだ。

As the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Don’t forget to learn Japanese to understand more proverbs!

Japanese proverbs aren’t just clever phrases — they reflect the wisdom, values, and humor of Japanese culture. So why not pick one or two that resonate with you and try using them in your next conversation or journal entry? The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel. Practice Japanese with Coto Academy’s fun and flexible part-time Japanese lessons or intensive Japanese course!

3. saru mo ki kara ochiru 猿も木から落ちる

Pronunciation: Saru mo ki kara ochiru

Translation: “Even monkeys fall from trees”

Meaning: Even skilled experts can make a mistake / Nobody’s Perfect

Example Sentence:

諺にも猿も木から落ちるというけど、あんなに頭のいい国語の先生が、字を間違えたなんて信じられない。

As they say, “Even monkeys fall from trees,” but it is hard to believe that such a brilliant Japanese teacher would mess up such a character.

4. Kouin ya no gotoshi 光陰矢の如し

Pronunciation: kouin ya no gotoshi

Translation: “Time flies like an arrow.”

Meaning: Life is short / Time and tide wait for no man

Example Sentence:

人々が光陰矢の如しと言うのをよく耳にする。

We often hear people say that time flies.

5. Fukusui bon ni kaerazu 覆水盆に返らず

The proverb, Fukusui bon ni kaerazu 覆水盆に返らず or "spilt water does not go back into its tray"

Pronunciation: fukusui bon ni kaerazu

Translation: “Spilt water won’t go back into its tray”

Meaning: What’s done is done / It is no use crying over spilled milk

Example Sentence:

諺に、覆水盆に返らずと言う。

The proverb says that what is done cannot be undone.

6. Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku 明日は明日の風が吹く

Pronunciation: ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku

Translation: “The winds of tomorrow will blow tomorrow”

Meaning: Do not be worried about your bad situation because things change over time

Example Sentence:

今日は今日の風が吹き、明日は明日の風が吹く。

Tomorrow is another day.

7. Nana korobi ya oki 七転び八起き

Japanese proverb, "nana kurobi, hachi oki" which means fall down 7 times, get up 8.

Pronunciation: nana korobi ya oki

Translation: “Fall down seven times but get up eight times”

Meaning: If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again / Don’t give up

Example Sentence:

人生は七転び八起き。転んでもまた立ち上がる。くじけずに前を向いて歩いていこう。

Tomorrow is another day. Even if you fall down, you will get up again. Don’t be discouraged, just keep walking forward.

8. kiyomizuno butai kara tobioriru 清水の舞台から飛び降りる

"kiyomizuno butaikara tobioriru" or Taking a leap from the stage of kiyomizu temple

Pronunciation: kiyomizuno butaikara tobioriru

Translation: “Take a leap from the stage of Kiyomizu”

Meaning: Make a resolution/ To take the plunge

Example Sentence:

清水の舞台から飛び降りる気持ちでダイヤの指輪を買った

I am going to take a big chance buying a diamond ring.

9. ame futte ji katamaru 雨降って地固まる

Japanese proverb, "ame futte ji katamaru", meaning "Earth hardens after the storm"

Pronunciation: ame futte ji katamaru

Translation: “After a storm comes a calm”

Meaning: Adversity strengthens the foundations / A relationship often gets closer after a quarrel.

Example Sentence:

いろいろトラブルもあったけど、雨降って地固まるってことになってほしいね。

We’ve been through a rough patch but I hope it will have made us stronger.

10. sannin yoreba monjuno chie 三人寄れば文殊の知恵

"sannin yoreba monju no chie" which means "when 3 people get together, wisdom is exchanged".

Pronunciation: sannin yoreba monju no chie

Translation: “When three people meet, wisdom is exchanged”

Meaning: The more people you have, the more ideas you will get through the discussion (same as “Two heads are better than one”).

Example Sentence:

三人寄れば文殊の知恵って言うだろ。みんなで考えれば、いい案が浮かぶかもしれないよ。

Let’s all think on this together and we might be able to come up with some good ideas. They say two heads are better than one.

11. ingaouhou 因果応報

Japanese proverb, "ingaouhou" which means "cause brings results".

Pronunciation: ingaouhou

Translation: “Cause brings result”

Meaning: What goes around comes around

Example Sentence:

彼は昔ひどいイジメっ子だったので、今は困った時に助けてくれる本当の友達がいない。因果応報だね。

He does not have real friends now to help when he’s in trouble because he was a terrible bully in the past. It is “what goes around comes around.

12. onaji kama no meshi o kuu 同じ釜の飯を食う

”onajikama no meshi o kuu” meaning "eating from the same rice pot"

Pronunciation: onajikama no meshi o kuu

Translation: “Eating from the same rice pot”

Meaning: Strengthening the sense of belonging by eating the same meals

Example Sentence:

たかしとケンタは同じ釜の飯を食った仲だ。

Takashi and Kenta have a very close friendship.

13. neko ni koban 猫に小判

neko ni koban, a Japanese proverb meaning " gold coins to a cat"

Pronunciation: neko ni koban.

Translation: “Gold coins to a cat”

Meaning: Don’t offer things to those who are incapable of appreciating them.

Example Sentence:

宝石に興味のない人にダイヤモンドをあげても、猫に小判だ

For someone who has no interest in precious stones, even giving that person a diamond would be casting pearls before swine.

14. nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず

"nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu" or "one who chases 2 rabbits will end up catching neither"

Pronunciation: nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu

Translation: “One who chases after 2 rabbits will not even catch one”

Meaning: You cannot do two things successfully at the same time.

Example Sentence:

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずだよ。一つずつ着実にやり遂げよう！

It says, “Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.” Let’s steadily accomplish one thing at a time!

15. hito no furi mite wagafuri naose 人のふり見てわがふり直せ

Japanese proverb, ”hito no furi mite waga furi naose" meaning "one man's mistake is another's lesson"

Pronunciation: hito no furi mite waga furi naose

Translation: “One man’s fault is another’s lesson”

Meaning: See other’s behavior and correct yours.

Example Sentence:

友達の言動を批判する暇があったら、人のふり見てわがふり直せだよ

If you have time to criticize the behavior of your friend, watch his behavior and correct your own behavior.

16. hana yori dango 花より団子

"hana yori dango" or "dumplings over flowers"

Pronunciation: hana yori dango

Translation: “Dumplings over flowers”

Meaning: People are more interested in the practical than the aesthetic

Example Sentence:

我が家は花より団子なので、桜の名所よりおいしい店の方がいいんです

Because our house is a “dumpling over flowers”, it’s more of a delicious restaurant than a place for sakura viewing.

17. kuchi ha wazawai no moto 口は災いの元

"kuchi wa wazawai no moto" which translates to "the mouth is the origin of disaster"

Pronunciation: kuchi wa wazawai no moto

Translation: “The mouth is the origin of disasters.”

Meaning: Careless remarks will invite trouble for yourself, so watch your mouth.

Example Sentence:

人の悪口を言うと良いことないよ。口は災いの元だよ！

There’s nothing good about talking ill of someone. It says, “Out of the mouth comes evil!”

18. shoshin wasuru bekarazu 初心忘るべからず

Japanese kotawaza, "shoshin wasuru bekarazu" which means "Don't forget our original intention"

Pronunciation: shoshin wasuru bekarazu

Translation: “Don’t forget our original intention.”

Meaning: Never forget the original enthusiasm when you try new things

Example Sentence:

一度成功しても、初心忘るべからずで、気を抜かないように

As it says, “Don’t forget beginner’s spirit,” don’t lose focus even if you once succeeded.

19. en no shita no chikaramochi 縁の下の力持ち

"en no shita no chikaramochi" which means "the strong under the veranda" or in other words unsung heroes.

Pronunciation: en no shita no chikaramochi

Translation: “The strong person under the veranda.”

Meaning: Unsung hero / Someone who does a thankless task

Example Sentence:

彼は縁の下の力持ちだ

He is an unsung hero.

20. chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru ちりも積もれば山となる

"chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru" which translates to "even dust when piled up becomes a mountain"

Pronunciation: chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru

Translation: “Even dust, when piled up, can become a mountain.”

Meaning: Many a little makes a mickle / Just small effort does make a difference

Example Sentence:

ちりも積もれば、山となるというからね。

As they say, even dust when piled up becomes a mountain.

21. uogokoro areba mizugokoro 魚心あれば水心

Pronunciation: uogokoroareba mizugokoro

Translation: “If a fish cares for water, the water will care for the fish.”

Meaning: If you do a favor for somebody, you will get a favor in return / You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours

Example Sentence:

魚心あれば水心あると言う通り、陽気な男の人があっと言う間に近所の人と仲良くなった

As it is said, if the fish has a heart, the water will also have a heart. Thus the cheerful man was on good terms with the neighbors in the blink of an eye.

22. toudai moto kurashi 灯台下暗し

Pronunciation: toudai moto kurashi

Translation: “The darkness at the foot of the light fixture.”

Meaning: It’s hard to see what is under your nose.

Example Sentence:

会社の金を盗んだのは社長の秘書だった。まさに灯台下暗しだ。

It was the president’s secretary who stole the company’s money. It’s hard to see what’s under their nose. .

23. kachou fuugetsu 花鳥風月

"kachou fuugetsu" is a Yojijukugo or 4 character Japanese proverb meaning "flower, bird, wind, moon"

Pronunciation: kachou fuugetsu

Translation: “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon.”

Meaning: Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so learn about yourself.

Example Sentence:

花鳥風月を楽しむために都会を離れた

I’m leaving the city to enjoy the wonders of nature.

24. ku areba raku ari 苦あれば楽あり

The Japanese proverb, "ku areba raku ari" meaning "with hardship comes pleasure"

Pronunciation: Ku areba raku ari

Translation: “With hardships comes pleasure and pleasure comes hardships.”

Meaning: No Pain No Gain

Example Sentence:

人生、苦あれば楽あり！若いうちは苦労をたくさんした方がいい。

Life is “no pain, no gain”! You should work hard a lot when you are young.

25. ichigo ichie 一期一会

The proverb "ichigo ichie" meaning "once in a lifetime encounter"

Pronunciation: ichigo ichie

Translation: “Once in a lifetime encounter.”

Meaning: Enjoy every encounter to the fullest

Example Sentence:

旅先での素敵な出会いは、まさ一期一会にだ。

A wonderful encounter on a trip is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime meeting.”

26. senri no michi mo ippo kara 千里の道も一歩から

"senri no michi mo ippo kara", a Japanese proverb meaning "A journey of a thousand steps"

Pronunciation: senri no michi mo ippo kara

Translation: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Meaning: It takes a series of steps to achieve success

Example Sentence:

語学の習得は簡単ではないけれど、千里の道も一歩から。小さな積み重ねが大切です。

Mastering a language is not easy, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The accumulation of small steps is important.

27. warau kado niwa kitaru 笑う門には福来たる

"warau kado niwa fuku kitaru" or "good fortune comes to the house of those who smile/laugh."

Pronunciation: warau kado niwa fuku kitaru

Meaning: Laughter and smiles will bring happiness and fortune

Translation: “Good fortune and happiness will come into the house of those who smile.”

Example Sentence:

日本に笑う門には来たるということわざがあるように、和やかにお正月の食卓を皆で囲むことが一番で、それで十分です。

Remember the saying “Fortune comes to those who smile”; this means that the most important thing is that everyone comes together to the table for the New Year’s holidays.

28. mizu ni nagasu 水に流す

The Japanese proverb, "mizu ni nagasu", or "the water flows"

Pronunciation: mizu-ni-nagasu

Meaning: Forgive and forget

Translation: “The water flows.”

Example Sentence:

スージーは物事を水に流すことができない性分だ。

Susie is so constituted that she cannot forgive and forget things.

29. deru kui wa utareru 出る杭は打たれる

Pronunciation: deru kui wa utareru

Meaning: People who stick out too much get punished

Translation: “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”

Example Sentence:

出る杭が打たれる会社じゃ、大きな成長は望めないね。

A company that stifles innovation can’t hope to grow very much.

30. aita kuchi ga fusagaranai 開いた口が塞がらない

"aita kuchi ga fusagaranai" or "an open mouth does not close"

Pronunciation: aita kuchi ga fusagaranai

Meaning: Someone’s words or behavior are appalling and beyond understanding, and you’re lost for words

Translation: “Open mouth does not close.”

Example Sentence:

彼の失礼な返事には開いた口が塞がらなかった

We were taken aback by his rude reply.

31. I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo shirazu 井の中の蛙大海を知らず

The Japanese proverb: I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo shirazu 井の中の蛙大海を知らず or "a frog in a well, doesn't know the ocean"

Pronunciation: i no naka kawazu, taikai wo shirazu

Meaning: People who don’t expose themselves to a variety of experiences will have a narrow world view.

Translation: “A frog in a well doesn’t know the vast greatness of the ocean.”

Example Sentence:

故郷から出たことがない人は、「井の中の蛙、大海を知らず」と言えるかもしれません。

People who never left their hometown can be described as “frogs in a well who don’t know the vastness of the ocean.

32. Anzuru yori umuga yasushi 案ずるより産むが易し

Anzuru yori umuga yasushi 案ずるより産むが易し or "Giving birth is easier than thinking about it"

Pronunciation: anzuru yori umuga yasushi

Translation: “Giving birth is easier than worrying about it.”

Meaning: Doing the actual task is not as difficult as you might think. Don’t worry or stress about the future.

Example Sentence:

A：ここ最近ずっとテストのことが心配で眠れなかったけど、終わってみれば大したことじゃなかったかも。
B：それは、よかったじゃない！まさに、案ずるより産むが易し、だね！

A: I was so worried about the test that I wasn’t able to sleep, however, when I finished, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

B: That’s good isn’t it!? Doing is easier than worrying about it, right!

33. Minu ga hana 見ぬが花

Minu ga hana 見ぬが花 or "not seeing is a flower"

Pronunciation: minu ga hana

Meaning: Your imagination is often better than reality; ignorance is bliss

Translation: “Not seeing is a flower”

Example Sentence:

A：この前、偶然、芸能人を空港でみかけたんだけど。
B：で、どうだった？かっこよかった？
A：ううん。思ったより普通の人だった。
B：そうか。見ぬが花だね。

A: I saw a famous celebrity at the airport..

B: How was it? Were they cool?

A: Not really, they were more normal than I thought.

B: Is that so? Well nothing is ever as good as we imagine (not seeing is a flower).

34. Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu 馬の耳に念仏

The proverb uma no mimi ni nenbutsu 馬の耳に念仏 means "Preaching to a horse's ears".

Pronunciation: uma no mimi ni nenbutsu

Meaning: Giving advice or convincing someone who doesn’t listen or understand is futile.

Translation: “Preaching to a horse’s ear”

Example Sentence:

私の息子は遊びたい盛りなんだから、いくら勉強しろったって、そんなの馬の耳に念仏だよ。

My son is at an age where he just wants to play, so no matter how much I tell him to study, it’s like preaching to a horse’s ear.

35. Tsuki to suppon 月とすっぽん

The proverb 月とすっぽん tsuki to suppon translates literally to "the moon and the turtle". But its actual meaning is that 2 things can be incomparable despite their similarities.

Pronunciation: tsuki to suppon

Meaning: Despite the roundness of the turtle and moon, they are incomparable in every other way.

Translation: “The moon and the turtle”

Example Sentence:

My sister is pretty, intelligent, and sociable. Comparing me to her would be like the moon and the turtle.

姉は美人で賢く社交的。それに比べて私は…月とスッポンですよ。

36. Buta ni shinju 豚に真珠

Pronunciation: buta ni shinju

Meaning: Something of high quality is being wasted on someone who can’t appreciate its value.

Translation: Pearls to a pig.

Example Sentence:

彼に高級なワインをあげても、味の違いがわからないから豚に真珠だよ。

Even if you give him expensive wine, he can’t tell the difference in taste, so it’s like giving pearls to a pig.

37. Ishi no ue ni mo san nen 石の上にも三年

Pronunciation: ishi no ue ni mo san nen

Meaning: Perseverance pays off.

Translation: Three years on a stone.

Example Sentence:

石の上にも三年と言うから、今の仕事をもう少し頑張ってみよう。

They say “three years on a stone,” so I’ll try to stick with my current job a little longer.

38. Tana kara botamochi 棚からぼたもち

Pronunciation: tana kara botamochi

Meaning: Unexpected good fortune.

Translation: A rice cake falling from a shelf.

Example Sentence:

宝くじに当たったなんて、まさに棚からぼたもちだね。

Winning the lottery is exactly like a rice cake falling from a shelf!

39. Isogaba maware 急がば回れ

Pronunciation: isogaba maware

Meaning: Haste makes waste. Taking a known, safe route is often faster in the end than taking a risky shortcut.

Translation: If you are in a hurry, go the long way around.

Example Sentence:

近道は道が悪いから、急がば回れで大通りを行こう。

The shortcut is in bad condition, so let’s remember “haste makes waste” and take the main road.

40. Gou ni itte wa gou ni shitagae 郷に入っては郷に従え

Pronunciation: gou ni itte wa gou ni shitagae

Meaning: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It highlights the importance of adapting to local customs and rules.

Translation: When entering a village, obey the village.

Example Sentence:

海外に行ったら、郷に入っては郷に従えで、現地のルールを守るべきだ。

When you go abroad, you should do as the Romans do and follow the local rules.

41. Nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusu 能ある鷹は爪を隠す

Pronunciation: nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusu

Meaning: The wise do not show off. Truly capable or talented people do not feel the need to boast about their abilities.

Translation: A skilled hawk hides its talons.

Example Sentence:

彼は普段静かだけど、実はピアノの名手なんだ。能ある鷹は爪を隠すというやつだね。

He’s usually quiet, but he’s actually a master pianist. It’s a classic case of the skilled hawk hiding its talons.

42. Juu nin to iro 十人十色

Pronunciation: juu nin to iro

Meaning: To each their own. Everyone has their own unique tastes, preferences, and personality. Translation: Ten people, ten colors.

Example Sentence:

好きな音楽のジャンルは十人十色だ。

When it comes to favorite music genres, it’s “ten people, ten colors” (to each their own).

43. Kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo 可愛い子には旅をさせよ

Pronunciation: kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo

Meaning: Tough love. If you truly care about a child, you should let them experience the hardships of the world.

Translation: Send a beloved child on a journey.

Example Sentence:

息子を一人暮らしさせるのは心配だけど、可愛い子には旅をさせよと言うしね。

I’m worried about letting my son live alone, but as they say, you must send a beloved child on a journey.

44. Kaeru no ko wa kaeru 蛙の子は蛙

Pronunciation: kaeru no ko wa kaeru

Meaning: Like father, like son; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Children tend to inherit the traits of their parents.

Translation: The child of a frog is a frog.

Example Sentence:

息子も父親と同じで野球ばかりしている。やっぱり蛙の子は蛙だ。

The son is just like his father, playing baseball all the time. The child of a frog really is a frog.

45. Donguri no seikurabe どんぐりの背比べ

Pronunciation: donguri no seikurabe

Meaning: Not much difference between them. Used when a group of people or things are all about the same (usually mediocre) level, making a comparison pointless.

Translation: Comparing the heights of acorns.

Example Sentence:

彼らの成績はみんな似たようなもので、どんぐりの背比べだ。

Their grades are all pretty similar; it’s like comparing the heights of acorns.

46. Kabe ni mimi ari, shouji ni me ari 壁に耳あり障子に目あり

Pronunciation: kabe ni mimi ari, shouji ni me ari

Meaning: Secrets have a way of leaking out. You never know who is listening or watching, so be careful what you say and do.

Translation: Walls have ears, sliding doors have eyes.

Example Sentence:

ここではあまり大きな声で話さないほうがいい。壁に耳あり障子に目ありだからね。

We shouldn’t speak too loudly here. Walls have ears and sliding doors have eyes, you know.

47. Kusatte mo tai 腐っても鯛

Pronunciation: kusatte mo tai

Meaning: True quality doesn’t degrade. The sea bream (tai) is considered a premium fish in Japan. This means that something or someone of high quality or birth retains their underlying worth even if their circumstances decline.

Translation: Even if it’s rotten, it’s still a sea bream.

Example Sentence:

古くなってもあのブランドの車は乗り心地がいい。まさに腐っても鯛だ。

Even though it’s old, that brand’s car still rides beautifully. It truly is a sea bream, even if it’s rotten.

48. Zen wa isoge 善は急げ

Pronunciation: zen wa isoge

Meaning: Strike while the iron is hot. If you have a good idea or opportunity, you should act on it immediately without hesitation.

Translation: Be quick to do good.

Example Sentence:

そのプロジェクトに興味があるなら、善は急げで今すぐ応募しなさい。

If you’re interested in that project, remember to strike while the iron is hot and apply right now.

49. Tonbi ga taka o umu 鳶が鷹を産む

Pronunciation: tonbi ga taka o umu

Meaning: An exceptional child born to ordinary parents.

Translation: A kite breeding a hawk.

Example Sentence:

両親は運動が苦手なのに、息子がオリンピック選手になるなんて、まさに鳶が鷹を産むだ。

His parents are terrible at sports, yet their son became an Olympic athlete; it’s truly a kite giving birth to a hawk.

50. Baka ni tsukeru kusuri wa nai 馬鹿につける薬はない

Pronunciation: baka ni tsukeru kusuri wa nai

Meaning: Some people just won’t change or learn from their mistakes, and there is no cure for foolishness.

Translation: There is no medicine for stupidity.

Example Sentence:

彼はまた同じ詐欺に引っかかったの？本当に馬鹿につける薬はないね。

He fell for the same scam again? There really is no cure for a fool.

Conclusion: Try To Remember The Japanese Proverbs!

Japanese proverbs are a great way to get exposed to traditional Japanese culture and how to use more figurative, dynamic, and even poetic language. Oftentimes when we study Japanese, we stick to a very literal way of speaking. So, kotowaza can actually teach you how metaphors, similes, or idioms are used in Japanese, which helps you better understand humor and natural conversational Japanese. Challenge yourself by remembering at least 10 from this list of common proverbs and impress people with your wise words!

Want to Learn Japanese?

If you need a place to practice Japanese conversation, look no further than Coto Academy! We offer a wide variety of both in person and online classes that can match your needs and level.

What are the most popular Japanese proverbs?

There are many common proverbs, but some of the most popular include 「猿も木から落ちる」“sarumo ki kara ochiru”, 「二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず」“nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu”, and much more, especially from the list above.

What is a Japanese proverb for luck?

The proverb, 「笑う門には福来たる」“warau kado niwa fuku kitaru” translates to “good fortune comes to the homes of those who laugh”. This saying means that good luck is drawn to people who are happy.

What is a Japanese proverb for inspiration?

There are a lot of proverbs for inspiration, but one of the most popular is 「ちりも積もれば山となる」“Dust accumulated will become a mountain”. The meaning is that small steps will lead to huge progress so in the end it’ll be worth it to not give up!

How do you say proverbs in Japanese?

In Japanese, a proverb is called ことわざ (kotowaza). It’s a short, memorable saying that conveys a message or wisdom, often based on cultural values or experiences.

Are proverbs often used in Japanese?

Yes, proverbs are often said in Japanese. Oftentimes, proverbs are shortened, since saying the whole thing is not always necessary.

For example, the Japanese often say “i no naka kawazu (a frog in a well)” instead of the whole idiom. It’s similar to when we simply say in English, “when in Rome”.

Interested in learning more Japanese phrases? Check out our popular articles on:

When traveling around Japan, you will most likely be primarily using the Japanese public transportation system, like the trains. However, if the trains have stopped for the night or you need to get around quickly, a taxi is your best option.

Taxis are readily available throughout Japan’s cities. They’re known to be the cleanest in the world, and it’s much cheaper to hail a taxi than to pay for a ride-sharing vehicle online. The car door opens automatically for you, and the driver usually wears a suit and white gloves.

That being said, Japanese taxi drivers may not speak English, and there are some important rules to follow. How do you hail a taxi, and what phrases should you use? This guide will teach you a few essential gestures and phrases to memorize in order to get you traveling smoothly.

How to Hail a Taxi in Japan

Understanding Taxi Signs in Japan

Taxis in Japan have a light/sign that indicates whether they are available to pick up new passengers. When you see a taxi with the kanji “空車 (kuusha)”, this means the car is vacant and able to be hailed. If a taxi displays 賃走 (chinsou), it means the taxi is occupied and already carrying a passenger.

Check out below some other common Japanese taxi signs.

Japanese	Reading	Meaning / Action
空車	kuusha	Taxi is available
回送	kaisou	Taxi is unavailable / out of service
迎車	geisha	Ignore unless you booked a taxi. This taxi is going to pick up a passenger
賃走	chinsou	Someone is already inside. Taxi is occupied

Raise your hand/arm

To hail a taxi from a street corner, step onto the edge of the street and wave or raise your hand to get the driver’s attention. It may help to look directly at the driver while doing so.

From here, the driver will put on his hazard lights and pull over the vehicle. The doors open automatically, so no need to open them yourself – just wait until the backseat is ready to enter.

Roadside vs. taxi stands

In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, near airports and train stations, and possibly outside hotels, you may find a taxi stand. There will usually be a row of taxis already present and ready to serve travelers.

Look for signs marked with “Taxi” in English or the katakana “タクシー”. A long line of taxis is also likely a sign that a stand is nearby.

Make sure to board the taxi at the front of the line instead of the one closest to you. This ensures a smooth exit from the taxi stand and prevents a difficult parallel parking maneuver.

Let’s Watch a Video of a Taxi Conversation in Japan

You might hear different conversations when you successfully hail a taxi in Japan. Check out our video featuring Coto staff member Naka-san and another member of our staff to see what they might say when calling for a taxi in Japan.

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Person A (Customer)

すみません。
Sumimasen.
Excuse me.

Person B (Taxi Driver)

はい、どうぞ。どちらまで行かれますか。
Hai, douzo. Dochira made ikaremasu ka?
Yes, of course. Where would you like to go?

Person A (Customer)

新宿駅までお願いします。
Shinjuku-eki made onegaishimasu.
To Shinjuku Station, please.

Person B (Taxi Driver)

新宿駅ですね。こちらの道でよろしいですか。
Shinjuku-eki desu ne. Kochira no michi de yoroshii desu ka?
Shinjuku Station, right? Is this route okay?

Person A (Customer)

はい、大丈夫です。
Hai, daijoubu desu.
Yes, that’s fine.

Person B (Taxi Driver)

お待たせしました。到着です。
Omatase shimashita. Touchaku desu.
Thank you for waiting. We’ve arrived.

Person A (Customer)

ありがとうございます。いくらですか。
Arigatou gozaimasu. Ikura desu ka?
Thank you. How much is it?

Person B (Taxi Driver)

千二百円です。
Sen nihyaku-en desu.
It’s 1,200 yen.

Person A (Customer)

ありがとうございます。
Arigatoo gozaimasu.
Thank you very much.

Key Phrases When You Are Riding a Taxi in Japan

While Japanese taxis are incredibly convenient, many drivers may not speak any English. In order to ensure a smooth ride, make sure to memorize the following phrases:

Getting in and stating your destination

After entering a 空車 (kuusha), you can immediately tell the driver where you would like to go. Like taxis in many countries, you simply state your destination.

Use this simple phrase:

(Place name) までお願いします。
(Place name) made onegai shimasu.

For example, if you would like to go to Shibuya 109, you can say:

渋谷109までお願いします。
Shibuya 109 made onegai shimasu.

The driver will understand and take you to Shibuya 109.

If you are going to a smaller location, hotel, restaurant, or place that the driver may not recognize, you can provide the address instead.

Japanese taxi drivers are familiar with using addresses, so having the destination written in Japanese or showing it on a map app can make communication easier.

Japanese addresses are written in the opposite order from many Western countries. They go from larger area to smaller area:

Postal code → Prefecture → City/Ward → District → Block → Building number → Building name → Room number

For taxi rides, you usually do not need to read the entire address aloud. The easiest method is to show the driver the destination on your phone or provide the address in Japanese.

Asking the driver to stop

Once you have arrived, say:

ここでおろしてください。
Koko de oroshite kudasai

When translated, koko de means “here,” oroshite means “to drop off,” and kudasai means “please.” The driver will understand and stop at your requested location.

You can also say “ここでいいです (Kokode ii desu)” which means, “Here is okay,” once you’ve reached your destination.

Paying and saying thanks

Taxi drivers in Japan usually accept multiple forms of payment, including IC cards, international credit cards, and cash.

Once you arrive at your destination and complete payment, thank the driver by saying:

ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimashita.

This means “Thank you very much.”

One convenient feature of taxis in Japan is that payment is often very easy. For digital payments, you can usually select your preferred payment method on the screen in front of you. Cash is also accepted, and taxi drivers typically carry change.

If you need a receipt — for example, for company reimbursement — ask before exiting:

領収書お願いします。
Ryoushuusho onegai shimasu.
Receipt please.

Taxi Etiquette

If you are familiar with American or European taxis, Japanese taxi etiquette is quite different. Make sure to keep these points in mind before hailing one yourself.

1. Japanese taxis have automatic doors

The backseat doors of Japanese taxis are controlled by the driver and will open automatically. Once the car you’ve hailed has pulled over, you will know if you are clear to enter once the door is open.

2. Payment methods

Almost every taxi in major urban areas will accept cashless payments, like an IC card or a credit card. You can also pay cash but make sure to pay with smaller bills. Drivers may not have exact change for a ¥10,000 bill.

There are also multiple taxi payment apps, such as Taxi App Go, that make paying more seamless. Fares will be charged automatically once the ride ends if you book using one of these apps.

You will need to pay a base fare of around ¥500 or ¥750, and the price will increase based on distance and time traveled. You may also encounter late-night surcharges if you are traveling after midnight.

3. Tipping taxi drivers

Unlike the U.S., Japanese taxi drivers will not expect tips. Tipping in general is not customary and usually not expected in Japan.

How Do Taxis in Japan Calculate Their Fares?

Most taxis in Japan use a meter to calculate the fare. Prices vary depending on the region (they are typically cheaper in rural areas). In Tokyo, the fare is typically around ¥500–¥600 for the first fixed distance (usually about 1–1.3 km). After the initial distance, the fare usually increases by around ¥100 every 250–300 meters. If the taxi is moving below a certain speed, the fare may increase based on time instead of distance.

Note that taxis in Japan also impose a surcharge for late-night and very early morning rides. This is typically between 10 pm and 5 am.

Choosing Between Hailing a Taxi and Using Taxi Apps

While hailing taxis and using stands are simple and convenient, many apps are also available to find quick transportation.

When to use each

If you aren’t confident in your Japanese or are confused about navigation, an app might be your best option. These apps offer cashless payment but may feature variable pricing or include extra fees.

If you are in a high-traffic area, hailing a taxi is very easy. Just look for the red “空車” light on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Taxi stands are available at most major train stations and airports. If you see one, simply wait in line and enter the first taxi in the queue once you reach the front.

Popular taxi apps in Japan

The most popular taxi app in Japan is GO, but DiDi, S.Ride, and Uber are also good choices. You can pay for your ride directly through these apps if you preload a credit card, which is convenient if you don’t have cash or enough balance on an IC card.

Just keep in mind that during periods of heavy traffic, bad weather, or after midnight, prices may be higher than usual. These apps feature “variable pricing”, which adds extra fees onto the usual fare. However, you are also guaranteed transportation by paying these fees, so whether or not it’s worth it is up to you.

Common Mistakes

As easy as the taxi system in Japan is to navigate, remember to avoid these simple mistakes to ensure everything goes well for you.

Remember not to try to open or close the doors yourself, as these are controlled remotely by the driver. Trying to open them yourself might damage the remote system, or worse: irritate the driver.

During rush hour, it might be smarter to take a train instead of a taxi. Since fares are based on time, you could end up paying a much higher price than necessary while stuck in traffic.

Smoking and eating are also forbidden in the backseat of a taxi. These cars serve many travelers each day, and nobody wants to be stuck in a smoky taxi or one with spilled food all over. Plus, Japanese taxi drivers are proud of the cleanliness of their cars; don’t make more work for them by making a mess.

Finally, there’s no need to tip the driver. They might even hand any additional money back to you.

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, you’ll be cruising around Japan easily. Enjoy traveling in the world’s cleanest taxis!

Do you want to be able to have a conversation with your driver and learn more about what working in transportation is like in Japan? Learn how to communicate in Japan with Coto Academy! If you’d like to learn conversational and business Japanese from anywhere in the world, including our own Tokyo and Yokohama campuses, fill out the form below to sign up today!

FAQ

How do I hail a taxi on the street in Japan?

Walk up to the corner, hold your hand out and wave, and make eye contact with the driver. An available taxi will have a red light on the dashboard, and the driver will pull over and open the doors automatically.

Can you use Uber in Japan?

Yes, but many other taxi apps are available. The most popular app for finding taxis in Japan is GO.

How can I pay for my taxi in Japan?

Taxi drivers accept payments through apps like GO or DiDi, but they also accept IC/credit card payments and cash.

Should I take a taxi or a train in Japan?

It depends on the situation. During periods of heavy traffic, it might be smarter to take a train or walk to your destination. However, if you have a lot of luggage or it’s late at night and the trains have stopped running, you should take a taxi.

How much should I tip my taxi driver in Japan?

You should not tip your taxi driver in Japan. They will not accept it and might hand the money back.

Golden Week, or Oogata Shuukan, in Japan, is the period when four national holidays cram together and form an (almost) week-long break. This is when inbound travel peaks in Japan, as a lot of people use this opportunity to use their paid time off to visit other places in the country. People living in urban centers like Tokyo will usually leave the city at the beginning of the week. Trains, airports, and tourist spots can get very crowded, too. Overall, the Golden Week is Japan’s third busiest holiday season, following Oshougatsu (New Year) and Obon week, which falls in mid-August.

If you don’t live in Japan, “Golden Week” might sound unfamiliar. We’ll discuss all you need to know about the season and what to expect.

What is Golden Week?

The Golden Week actually comprises four different national holidays congregating around the same dates, creating an almost week-long break. So, the holidays are as follows:

English	Japanese	Date
Showa Day	昭和の日	April 29
Constitution Memorial Day	憲法記念日	May 3
Greenery Day	みどりの日	May 4
Children’s Day	こどもの日	May 5

Since these holidays fall so close together, they make up almost a 5-day break. Usually, when there is a gap between one national holiday and the next one, people working in Japan will take a day off to make it a full seven-day holiday. Some companies might even be generous enough to close all business operations the whole week of the holidays to allow their employees free time off.

When is Golden Week?

Generally, Golden Week starts from Showa Day on April 29th and ends with Children’s Day on May 5th. However, if any of the holidays fall on a weekend, the actual observation (or day off) will be moved to a workday. So, let’s see when Golden Week will be observed for the next few years.

Golden Week 2026:

Golden Week 2026 falls between April 29th and May 6th.

Holiday	Date	Day
Showa Day	April 29	Wednesday
Weekend	May 2	Saturday
Constitution Memorial Day (Actual)	May 3	Sunday
Greenery Day	May 4	Monday
Children’s Day	May 5	Tuesday
Constitution Memorial Day (Observed)	May 6	Wednesday

Golden Week 2027:

Golden Week 2027 falls between April 29th and May 5th.

Holiday	Date	Day
Showa Day	April 29	Thursday
Weekend	May 1	Saturday
Weekend	May 2	Sunday
Constitution Memorial Day	May 3	Monday
Greenery Day	May 4	Tuesday
Children’s Day	May 5	Wednesday

Golden Week 2028:

Golden Week 2028 falls between April 29th and May 5th.

Holiday	Date	Day
Showa Day	April 29	Saturday
Weekend	April 30	Sunday
Constitution Memorial Day	May 3	Wednesday
Greenery Day	May 4	Thursday
Children’s Day	May 5	Friday

Days of the Golden Week

Each of the four holidays has its own unique history. If you would like to know more, then check out some of these articles!

Showa Day: Shouwa no Hi (昭和の日)

Showa Day, or 昭和の日 (shouwa no hi), usually falls on April 29th and is recognized as the start of Golden Week. It is meant to contemplate the events of the Showa era (1926-1989), which was governed by the late emperor, Hirohito. The origins of Showa Day are relatively confusing because it is closely connected with two other holidays: The Emperor’s Birthday and Greenery Day. The date of the Emperor’s Birthday changes when a new emperor ascends to the Chrysanthemum Throne, and it was from these new enthronements that both Showa Day and Greenery Day were born.

Showa Day was decided to be on April 29th since that was Emperor Showa’s birthday, after whom the era is named. There is no actual celebration for Showa Day other than to take a day to rest and perhaps contemplate the Showa era. But you might be able to catch public lectures about the Showa era and Japanese history.

Constitution Memorial Day: Kenpou Kinenbi (憲法記念日)

The Constitution Memorial Day, or 拳法記念日, commemorates the declaration of Japan’s postwar constitution. The post-war constitution was signed on May 3rd, 1947, so the holiday falls on this date every year, but its actual observation could vary depending on whether the holiday ends up on a weekend. To celebrate this historical landmark, the Japanese population receives a day off for the Constitution Memorial Day, as part of the larger Golden Week Holiday.

The signing of Japan’s post-war constitution was both a documented, legal and symbolic progression towards democracy. The constitution declared Japan to be a pacifist nation and secured essential workers’ and human rights that are strictly protected to this day. While most people use this holiday during the Golden Week to visit family or travel, many Diet buildings are open to the public, and you can even catch public lectures about Japan’s history and WWII in different metropolitan areas.

Greenery Day: Midori no Hi (みどりの日)

Greenery Day, or 緑の日, is a celebration of nature, the environment, and the great outdoors. It falls on May 4th every year, sandwiched right in the middle of Golden Week, though its observation may shift if it lands on a weekend. The holiday has an interesting history; it originally fell on April 29th as a way to honor Emperor Showa, who had a deep love of nature, before being moved to May 4th in 2007 when April 29th was redesignated as Showa Day.

The day is meant to celebrate nature by simply enjoying the outdoors and being in nature. Many parks and botanical gardens across Japan offer free admission on this day. Families often take advantage of this with picnics, hikes, and outdoor festivals at these parks. There are also colorful parades through larger cities, and streets are decorated with paper lanterns.

Children’s Day: Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日)

Children’s Day, or こどもの日 (kodomo no hi), falling on May 5th, is a day to commemorate the happiness and well-being of children, while also honoring parents and giving thanks to mothers. The day has an interesting history strongly connected to China. Perhaps the most visible proclamations of Children’s Day are the elegant flying koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) that adorn household roofs throughout Japan. These streamers originate from the Chinese legend, which claimed that the perseverance and strength of an upstream swimming carp will transform it into a dragon.

Each carp streamer also represents a family member, with the largest black carp symbolizing the father, the red one the mother, and smaller, colorful ones representing each child. Families also traditionally display warrior dolls, or gogatsu ningyo, representing protection and good fortune for their children. Also, be sure to try the Kashiwa-mochi, which is a rice cake wrapped in oak leaves, as it’s a popular treat during Children’s Day!

Silver Week

Silver Week, much like Golden Week, is a collection of holidays that could lead to an extended 5-day holiday. It occurs in September. This may sound strange because there are only two public holidays in September, so how do you get a 5-day holiday? Japan actually has a law that states that if any working day lies between two national holidays, that working day is converted to a national holiday. This new holiday is called a Citizen’s holiday, or 国民の休日 (Kokumin no kyuujitsu). For more details, check out our guide to Silver Week.

If everything works out, the two holidays will be apart by one day and be right next to the weekend. This is incredibly rare, though, and the next time this is going to happen is in 2026. The holidays in Silver Week are:

English	Japanese	Date
Respect for the Aged Day	敬老の日	3rd Monday of September
Autumnal Equinox Day	秋分の日	September 22/23*
Citizen’s Holiday	国民の休日	In-between the other holidays

*Autumnal Equinox Day’s date is dependent on the date of Southern Equinox in Japan, which can vary every year. Typically, it will fall on September 23

Want to see a list of more Japanese holidays? Check out our article on Japanese holidays.

Traveling During Golden Week: Is it Worth It?

Golden week is one of the few lengthy national holiday breaks, so with strategic use of PTO, you could have a pretty long vacation. However, if you’re going to travel domestically in Japan, expect swarms of crowds and marked-up prices at most of the popular tourist destinations. On top of that, transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and theme parks will likely be sold out weeks, if not months, in advance, since everyone else has the same days off and will be travelling. So, how can you make the most out of your Golden Week Holidays?

Make Plans & Reservations in Advance

If you want to travel domestically, making plans and reservations well in advance is not only recommended, it might even be essential if you want to travel in Japan at all. If you make reservations as far in advance as possible, prices might be lower because there’s plenty of availability for different accommodations and activities. Once it’s even a month before Golden Week, prices will likely surge, and availability will be scarce. So, by planning, you can lock in reservations, save money, and time!

Travel Out of Japan

Since Golden Week is one of Japan’s longest national holidays, domestic travel destinations will be overcrowded and overpriced, so this is a great chance to travel abroad instead. However, keep in mind that during Golden Week, overseas flights from Japan might still be priced higher than usual, but you won’t have to deal with the crazy crowds or overpriced accommodations or entertainment, plus there will probably be much more availability for restaurants, hotels, and everything you want to do. So, what are some popular overseas destinations that are reasonable price from Japan during Golden Week?

1. South Korea

South Korea is close, affordable, and has plenty to offer in terms of food and entertainment. The capital, Seoul, is easy to get to from Japan and is chock-full of world-class food, shopping, and nightlife. You can also visit cities like Busan and Gyeongju, which offer beaches, traditional Korean culture, and history. Flights from Tokyo or Osaka can be very short and budget-friendly, and the won-yen exchange rate tends to keep costs manageable.

2. Taiwan

Taiwan is another fan favorite destination since it’s super easy to get around the island with railway tickets, allowing you to explore beyond Taipei and discover more rural, traditional areas of the island. Night markets, hot springs, and incredible food that’s also very affordable make Taiwan a wonderful destination with plenty of bang for your buck.

3. Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, is seeing surging interest from Japanese Golden Week travelers. These destinations offer warm weather, lower costs of living, and plenty of availability compared to anywhere in Japan during the holiday. Each of these destination each offer a rich tapestry of unique culture, history, and cuisine that travelers can spend their long holiday diving into. They are very tourist-friendly, with plenty of curated tour guides and comfortable accommodations.

Explore More Local Spots

If traveling during Golden Week seems too overwhelming, exploring your local area can be one of the best ways to take advantage of the Golden Week, especially if you’re in a big city like Tokyo. Exploring your local area or nearby neighborhoods during Golden Week can be a surprisingly rewarding experience. While the rest of Japan rushes off to famous tourist spots, staying close to home means fewer crowds, zero transportation headaches, and little to no cost.

Every city and town in Japan has hidden gems that even long-time residents haven’t fully explored, a quiet shrine tucked down a side street, a local festival, a neighborhood shotengai, or a park that’s particularly beautiful in the spring. Golden Week’s mild late-April to early-May weather makes it an ideal time to wander on foot and discover these spots at your own pace.

If you live in or near a major city, this is also a great time to explore parts of it you’ve never gotten around to visiting. Many museums, zoos, and gardens offer free or discounted admission on Greenery Day (May 4th), so you can make a full day of it without spending much at all. Local community events and small festivals also tend to pop up throughout Golden Week, giving you a taste of Japanese holiday culture without the chaos of a crowded tourist destination.

Conclusion: Spend Your Golden Week With Family & Friends!

Golden Week is one of the longest consecutive holidays in Japan, so it’s a great time to go on a vacation if you’re working here. However, just know everyone else will have the same idea, so try to plan ahead of time or travel abroad to avoid the crowds and high prices! It can also be a great time to explore your local area and visit areas that tourists would miss.

You could also catch a lecture discussing Japanese history, to reflect on the constitution and the Showa era. Whatever you decide to do, Golden Week is a great chance to spend your time off work with family and friends!

Spend Your Golden Week Learning Japanese

Golden Week is also a great opportunity to learn Japanese at Coto Academy! Whether you want to learn Japanese for traveling or for living in Japan, we have got you covered. We offer intensive Japanese courses that cover every essential language skill, as well as part-time conversation and business Japanese courses! Each class can be tailored to your level or your needs, so sign up now to get started!

Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you achieve your Japanese language target. If you’re unsure where you are, we provide a free Japanese level check.

What is Golden Week?

Golden Week is one of the longest Japanese holidays, where four national holidays (Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day) line up to form an (almost) week-long break.

When is Golden Week this year?

In 2026, Golden Week will take place starting from Wednesday, April 29, then continuing on the following week on May 4th, May 5th, and May 6th.

Which holidays are in Golden Week?

Golden Week’s four holidays are Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Children’s Day, and Greenery Day.

Knowing how to ask for directions in Japanese could end up being essential to ensure you don’t get lost and navigate Japan while staying safe! However, how do you ask for directions, especially when you can’t read street names or the kanji scattered across shops and buildings?

Navigating new places can be stressful and challenging, especially in a completely different language and in a city like Tokyo, one of the biggest and most densely populated cities in the world. Knowing how to ask for directions in Japanese will be vital in helping you get to your destination stress-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential Japanese phrases for asking directions, break down what the responses actually mean, and share some practical tips for getting around confidently — even as a beginner. Let’s get into it.

Basic Phrases to Ask for Where Something is

So, let’s go over some essential “survival” Japanese phrases for asking where your destination is. But first, let’s go through some important words to know:

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
Where	どこ	どこ	doko
Do you know?	知りませんか？	しりませんか？	shirimasenka?
To go	行く	いく	iku
To come	来る	くる	kuru
To arrive	着く	つく	tsuku
To turn	曲がる	まがる	magaru

Want to know some more basic survival phrases? Check out our guide on 48 Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know!

1. 〜はどこですか？ (~wa doko desuka?): Where is…?

When you want to ask where something is specifically, you can use this simple phrase using the word どこ (doko) meaning “where”, 〜はどこですか (~wa dokodesuka). The phrase translates directly to “where is…” So, whenever you feel you are getting lost or just having a hard time getting where you need to go, you can use this simple expression to ask locals where something is.

Example:

最寄り駅はどこですか？
Moyori eki wa dokodesuka?
Where is the nearest station?

2. 〜はどこにあるか知りませんか？(~wo doko ni shirimasenka?): Do you know where…?

This is a polite expression that asks if someone knows where something is. It’s a bit less direct than the first expression by asking if the listener knows where a certain destination is. This probably feels more natural to say since it might feel a bit bold to assume that the listener knows exactly where something is.

Example:

バス乗り場はどこにあるか知りませんか？
Basu Noriba wa doko ni aru ka shirimasenka?
Do you know where the bus stop is?

3. 〜にどうやて行けばいいですか？ (~ni douyate ikeba iidesuka?): How do I go to…?

This is a common expression for asking how to get somewhere. It’s very useful for asking broadly what you need to do to get somewhere, such as the means (bus, train, or walking) and which direction you need to go.

Example:

渋谷駅にどうやて行けばいいですか？
Shibuya eki ni douyate ikeba iidesuka?
How can I get to Shibuya Station?

4. 〜行きたいんですが。。。(~ikitaindesuga…): I want to go… but…

This is another convenient expression when you want to know where a certain place is. You can say, “〜に行きたい” which translates to “I would like to go to…” or “I’m trying to get to…” The “〜んですが” often precedes a sentence requesting information, implying something like, “I don’t know the way, could you tell me the way?”
Since it’s obvious based on context that you don’t know how to get to your desired destination, you can omit the second part. In Japanese, communication tends to be very high context, so omissions or incomplete sentences are quite frequent.

Example:
すみません、富士病院にいきたいんですが、・・・。
Sumimasen, fuji-byouin ni ikitaindesuga…
Excuse me, I’m trying to get to Fuji Hospital but…

Even though the sentence feels incomplete, the listener will still understand based on context. They could respond with the following:

ここまっすぐですよ。
Koko massugu desuyo.
It’s straight down here.

To learn how the 〜たいです (~tai desu) form works, check out our blog: How to Say “I Want to…” in Japanese

Basic Japanese Directions

Now that you know how to ask where something is, you need to understand how to ask for directions. It’s important to go over some basic Japanese vocabulary surrounding directions (left, right, straight).

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
Left	左	ひだり	hidari
Right	右	みぎ	migi
Up	上	うえ	ue
Down	下	した	shita
Front	前	まえ	mae
Back	後ろ	うしろ	ushiro
Straight	まっすぐ	まっすぐ	massugu

These are basic words that would be good to know, especially when someone is giving you directions. So here are some example sentences that demonstrate how to use these words in actual conversation.

5. まっすぐ行って、右に曲がってください (massugu itte, migini magatte kudasai): Go Straight, Then Turn Right Please

This is one of many expressions you would probably hear when you’re asking where something is. This phrase gives clear directions using terms directing you where to go, such as “straight, left, or right.”

まっすぐ行って、右に曲がってください。
Massugu itte, migi ni magatte kudasai.
Go straight, then turn right.

Compass Directions in Japanese

It’s also important to know the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) in Japanese since most stations, buildings, and maps use these terms. Let’s go through some important words to know.

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
North	北	きた	kita
South	南	みなみ	minami
East	東	ひがし	higashi
West	西	にし	nishi
Northeast	北東	ほくとう	hokutou
Northwest	北西	ほくせい	hokusei
Southeast	南東	なんとう	natou
Southwest	南西	なんせい	nansei

Cardinal directions are useful in Japan, especially in cities where streets and exits are often labeled by compass direction. Train station exits, for example, are frequently marked as 北口 (kita-guchi, north exit) or 南口 (minami-guchi, south exit).

6. 〜の北口はどこですか？ (~no kitaguchi wa dou desuka?)

Since public buildings often label entrances and exits with compass directions, you can use this common phrase to ask where the north exit of a specific building is.

Example:

渋谷駅の北口はどこですか？
Shibuya eki no kita-guchi wa doko desuka?
Where is the north exit of Shibuya Station?

7. 〜南に進むと、目的地に着きます (~minami to susumu to, mokutekichi ni tsukimasu): If You…, You Will Reach Your Destination

This is a common expression people will say when giving you directions. They might use compass directions along with the phrase 目的地に着きます (mokutekini tsukimasu), meaning “you will reach your destination.”

Example:

この道を南に進むと、目的地に着きます。
Kono michi wo minami ni susumu to, mokutekichi ni tsukimasu.
If you head south along this road, you will reach your destination.

Phrases for Relative Distance and Time

Knowing words for relative distance and time is a core part of asking for directions in Japanese. Now, let’s go over some useful terminology around distance relative to where you are (is it close, is it far), and the time it would take to commute to different destinations.

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
Here	ここ	ここ	koko
There	そこ	そこ	soko
Over there	あそこ	あそこ	asoko
This way	こち	こち	kochi
That way	あっち	あっち	acchi
Over there/opposite side	向こう	むこう	mukou
Next to	隣 / そば	となり / そば	tonari / soba
Close	近い	ちかい	chikai
Far	遠い	とおい	Tooi
~mins	〜分	〜ふん	~hun
~meters	〜メートル	〜メートル	~meters
Soon	すぐ	すぐ	sugu

Here are some phrases that can help you understand how far away something is and roughly how long it will take to get there, which is very handy when a local is explaining the route to you.

8. 〜何分かかりますか？ (~nanpun kakarimasuka): How Long Does it Take To Reach…?

So, if you want to know how close, or approximately, how long it will take to reach a certain destination, you can use this phrase. It closely translates to “how many minutes does it take to…” It uses the Japanese counter for minutes, 〜分 (~pun), along with the phrase かかる (kakaru), meaning “to take (time).”

Example:

駅まで歩いて何分かかりますか？
Eki made aruite nan-pun kakarimasu ka?
How many minutes does it take to walk to the station?

9. 〜はすぐそこですよ (~wa sugu soko desu yo): It is just right there

This is an expression when someone is telling you how close something is. This phrase is especially common when the place you are discussing is just around the corner, where you could even point in the direction it is. It’s similar to saying “it’s just right there” or “it’ll come up soon.”

Example:

コンビニはすぐそこですよ。
Konbini wa sugu soko desu yo.
The convenience store is just right there.

10. 〜はここから遠いですか？ (~ wa koko kara tooi desu ka?): Is it far away?

This is a common expression if you want to know whether a specific destination is far relative to where you are at the moment. It is the same as asking “is… far from here?”

病院はここから遠いですか？
Byouin wa koko kara tooi desuka?
Is the hospital far from here?

Terms for Common Places and Landmarks

Knowing the names of common places and landmarks is crucial, not just for asking where they are, but for understanding the directions you receive. Here are some of the most useful ones to memorize:

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
Station	駅	えき	eki
Intersection / Crossroads	交差点	こうさてん	kousaten
Street/road	道	みち	michi
Apartment	アパート	アパート	apaato
Home / House	家	いえ	ie
Hospital	病院	びょういん	byouin
Museum	博物館 / 美術館	はくぶつかん / びじゅつかん	hakubutsukan / bijutsukan
Library	図書館	としょかん	toshokan
Restaurant	レストラン	レストラン	resutoran
City Hall	市役所	しやくしょ	shiyakusho
Airport	空港	くうこう	kuukou
Train Line	路線	ろせん	rosen
Convenience Store	コンビニ	コンビニ	konbini
Bus Stop	バス乗り場	バスのりば	basu noriba
Traffic Light	信号	しんごう	shingou
Corner	角	かど	kado
Bank	銀行	ぎんこう	ginkou
Post Office	郵便局	ゆうびんきょく	yuubinkyoku
Right-side	右側	みぎがわ	migigawa
Left-side	左側	ひだりがわ	hidarigawa

Just like in your native tongue, using landmarks or common street infrastructure is essential for describing or asking for directions in Japanese. Here are some example sentences using common landmarks and places to help you understand how it’s used in actual Japanese.

11. 交差点を左に曲がると〜 (kousaten o hidari ni magaruto~): If you turn right at the intersection

When you use common street terms such as 交差点 (kousaten), meaning intersection (often going 4 ways), you need to specify which direction you will be taking. So, to say “turn left at the intersection” in Japanese would be 交差点を左に曲がる (kousaten o hidari ni magaru). You use the particle を since you are turning at the intersection, and then the particle に indicates the direction you are heading, so you can use it with directional terms like “left” or “right.”

Example:

交差点を左に曲がると、図書館は右側にあります。
Kousaten wo hidari ni magaru to, toshokan wa migi-gawa ni arimasu.
Turn left at the intersection, and the library will be on your right.

You probably noticed how this sentence used the phrase 右側 (migi gawa), meaning “right-side.” Oftentimes, places are also indicated by which side of the street or general area they will be on relative to you. 側 (gawa), which translates closely to “side,” is often used with direction terms like 右 (migi), or right, and 左 (hidari), or left. To say something is on the right side, you can say 右側にあります (migi gawa ni arimasu).

12. 市役所は駅の隣にありますよ (shiyakusho wa eki no tonari ni arimasuyo): The city hall is next to the station

If you’re having a hard time finding a place, people will often use landmarks to help you find your destination relative to other landmarks. For instance, if something is next to the station, they can say something like 駅の隣 (eki no tonari). Just attaching the particle no along with a direction or distance, you can describe the location of something relative to something else. You can say 駅の右 (eki no migi) to say “to the right of the station” or 駅の近い (eki no chikai) to say close to eki.

Example:

市役所は駅の隣にありますよ。
Shiyakusho wa eki no tonari ni arimasu yo.
The city hall is right next to the station.

Words About Buildings and Public Structures

It will also be useful to know the words regarding different aspects of building, such as stairs, basements, and elevators.

English	Japanese	Furigana	Romaji
Building	建物	たてもの	tatemono
~floor (e.g. 1st floor)	〜皆	〜かい	〜かい
Basement	地下	ちか	chika
Stairs	階段	かいだん	kaidan
To climb up (stairs, mountain)	上る	のぼる	noboru
To descend (stairs, mountain)	降りる	おりる	oriru
Elevator	エレベーター	えれべーたー	erebeetaa

13. 〜は地下にあります (~wa chika ni arimasu): …is in the Basement.

Often, public buildings have basements where they might have certain services or facilities like bathrooms. So, you’ll often hear staff say something like 〜は地下にあります (~wa chika ni arimasu), which means, “…is in the basement.”

Example:

お手洗いは地下にあります。
Otearai wa chika ni arimasu.
The bathroom is in the basement.

14. 階段を上ってから、〜になります。(kaidan o nobottekara, tai ~ni narimasu): Go up the stairs, and you will find..

Whenever you are describing walking up the stairs, you must use the verb 上る (noboru), which means to “go/walk up.” It’s often used to describe walking or climbing up the stairs. To descend something, you can say 下りる (oriru), meaning to “descend/go down.”

Example:

階段を上ってから、タイレストランになります。
Kaidan o nobotte kara, tai resutoran ni narimasu.
You will find a Thai restaurant once you climb up the stairs.

How Japanese Streets Work

In order to really understand how to discuss directions in Japanese, it would be good to know how Japanese streets actually work. Japanese streets are organized very differently from what most Westerners are used to. In most Western countries, most streets have names, and buildings are numbered sequentially along them. In Japan, the system is almost the opposite, and understanding that will save you a lot of confusion. So, let’s go over some key points to see how they work.

1. Streets Mostly Don’t Have Names

In Japan, most streets do not have names at all. Instead of thinking in terms of roads, the Japanese addressing system is built around areas and blocks. Only major roads and avenues, such as 国道 (kokudou, national highways) or large named boulevards like 御堂筋 (Midosuji) in Osaka, tend to have names. The smaller streets that make up the vast majority of urban Japan are simply unnamed.

This is why when you ask a local for directions, they will rarely bring up specific street names. Instead, they will use landmarks, intersections (交差点, kousaten), and relative directions to guide you.

2. The Block-Based Address System

Another aspect worth mentioning is that Japanese addresses work from large to small, which is opposite to how it works in a country like the United States. Here’s how it works:

Prefecture (都・道・府・県, to/do/fu/ken): e.g. 東京都 (Tokyo-to)
City or Ward (市・区, shi/ku): e.g. 渋谷区 (Shibuya-ku)
Neighbourhood (町・丁目, machi/chome): e.g. 神南一丁目 (Jinnan 1-chome)
Block number (番, ban): e.g. 5番
Building number (号, gou): e.g. 10号

So a full address might look like: 東京都渋谷区神南一丁目１番１号, which reads from the largest area down to the specific building. This is the opposite of how Western addresses are written, where you start with the building number and street and end with the country.

Within a neighbourhood, buildings are numbered not by their position along a street, but by the order in which they were registered, meaning building number 1 and building number 2 are not necessarily next to each other. This can make finding a specific address surprisingly tricky, even for locals.

Numbers are crucial for discussing Japanese addresses, so to learn how they work, read How to Count and Read Numbers in Japanese!

3. How People Actually Navigate

Because the address system is not intuitive for finding places on foot, Japanese people have traditionally relied heavily on landmarks and local knowledge for navigation. However, today in the age of the internet, apps like Google Maps and Yahoo! Maps are extremely popular in Japan and have largely solved the navigation problem for both locals and visitors.

If you have access to a smartphone, using a map app with the Japanese address or the name of your destination in Japanese is by far the most reliable way to get around.

4. Train Stations as Anchors

Because streets are hard to navigate by name, train stations (駅, eki) serve as the primary anchor points for location in Japanese cities. Addresses, businesses, and meeting spots are almost always described in relation to the nearest station and which exit to use. Generally, station exits (口, guchi) are written with the cardinal directions, often being written as:

北口 (kita-guchi): North Exit
南口 (minami-guchi): South Exit
東口 (higashi-guchi): East Exit
西口 (nishi-guchi): West Exit

Conclusion: Knowing How to Ask for Directions in Japanese is Essential!

Asking for directions in Japanese can be essential for survival, especially if you get lost and your phone ends up running out of power. Knowing how to ask where to go and understanding common terms for directions can really save you when you’re in a bind! So, try to remember some of these expressions, terms, and phrases to help you navigate Japanese cities and ask for help when needed!

If you want to sharpen your Japanese to ensure you know how to ask for directions, we highly recommend taking Japanese courses at Coto Academy. We focus on practical language skills you can start using right away, whether it’s to engage in conversation for asking for directions, reading maps or street signs, and writing your address.

At Coto Academy, we have a wide range of courses from comprehensive intensive classes to more focused programs, such as conversation or business courses. Fill out the form below to get started!

FAQ

How can you ask where something is in Japanese?

The simplest way is to use 〜はどこですか？(~wa dokodesuka?), placing the name of the place before は. For example, 駅はどこですか？(Eki wa dokodesuka?) means “Where is the station?” For a more polite option, use 〜はどこにあるか知りませんか？(~wa doko ni aru ka shirimasenka?), meaning “Do you know where… is?”

Can you use 行きたい (ikitai) to ask for directions in Japanese?

Yes, this term is very common when asking for directions. 行きたい (ikitai) means “I want to go” and is a natural way to open a request for directions. For example, 渋谷駅に行きたいのですが、どうやって行けばいいですか？(Shibuya eki ni ikitai no desuga, douyatte ikeba ii desuka?) means “I want to go to Shibuya Station, how do I get there?”

What are the compass directions in Japanese?

The four cardinal directions are 北 (kita, North), 南 (minami, South), 東 (higashi, East), and 西 (nishi, West). The intercardinal directions are 北東 (hokutou, Northeast), 北西 (hokusei, Northwest), 南東 (nantou, Southeast), and 南西 (nansei, Southwest).

How do you say different directions in Japanese?

The most common direction words are 左 (hidari, left), 右 (migi, right), まっすぐ (massugu, straight ahead), 前 (mae, front), and 後ろ (ushiro, behind). These are paired with verbs like 曲がる (magaru, to turn) or 進む (susumu, to go forward), for example, 右に曲がってください (migi ni magatte kudasai), “please turn right.”

Introduction:

Overview of Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport Terminals

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport by Train

Downloading Your IC Card to Your Phone

Going to Different Areas in Tokyo by Train

Getting to Tokyo from Haneda Airport with Airport Limousine Bus

How to Get to Tokyo: Taxi/Ride Share

Tips for Getting From Haneda to Tokyo

1. Download your IC Card ahead of time

2. Keep in mind of public transportation schedule

3. Respect the cultural norms

4. Use luggage delivery service

Which One Should I Choose to Get from Haneda to Tokyo?

FAQ:

How do I get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?

Is there a free shuttle at Haneda Airport?

How much is the train from Haneda to Tokyo?

What metro line is Haneda Airport on?

Is it better to go to Narita or Haneda?

Japanese Airport Vocabulary –

Start taking Japanese lessons and master these terminology today!

Take off 離陸 (りりく ririku)

In flight 飛行中 (ひこうちゅう hikō chū)

Example Sentences

Departure 出発 (しゅっぱつ shuppatsu)

Example Sentences

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What Does Kotowaza Mean in Japanese?

Types of Japanese Proverbs

1. Iinarawashi (言い習わし)

2. Yojijukugo (四字熟語)

3. Kanyouku (慣用句 )

35 Japanese Proverbs and Their Meanings

1. Jigoujitoku 自業自得

2. koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

Don’t forget to learn Japanese to understand more proverbs!

3. saru mo ki kara ochiru 猿も木から落ちる

4. Kouin ya no gotoshi 光陰矢の如し

5. Fukusui bon ni kaerazu 覆水盆に返らず

6. Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku 明日は明日の風が吹く

7. Nana korobi ya oki 七転び八起き

8. kiyomizuno butai kara tobioriru 清水の舞台から飛び降りる

9. ame futte ji katamaru 雨降って地固まる

10. sannin yoreba monjuno chie 三人寄れば文殊の知恵

11. ingaouhou 因果応報

12. onaji kama no meshi o kuu 同じ釜の飯を食う

13. neko ni koban 猫に小判

14. nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず

15. hito no furi mite wagafuri naose 人のふり見てわがふり直せ

16. hana yori dango 花より団子

17. kuchi ha wazawai no moto 口は災いの元

18. shoshin wasuru bekarazu 初心忘るべからず

19. en no shita no chikaramochi 縁の下の力持ち

20. chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru ちりも積もれば山となる

21. uogokoro areba mizugokoro 魚心あれば水心

22. toudai moto kurashi 灯台下暗し

23. kachou fuugetsu 花鳥風月

24. ku areba raku ari 苦あれば楽あり

25. ichigo ichie 一期一会

26. senri no michi mo ippo kara 千里の道も一歩から

27. warau kado niwa kitaru 笑う門には福来たる

28. mizu ni nagasu 水に流す

29. deru kui wa utareru 出る杭は打たれる

30. aita kuchi ga fusagaranai 開いた口が塞がらない

31. I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo shirazu 井の中の蛙大海を知らず

32. Anzuru yori umuga yasushi 案ずるより産むが易し

33. Minu ga hana 見ぬが花

34. Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu 馬の耳に念仏

35. Tsuki to suppon 月とすっぽん

36. Buta ni shinju 豚に真珠

37. Ishi no ue ni mo san nen 石の上にも三年

38. Tana kara botamochi 棚からぼたもち

39. Isogaba maware 急がば回れ

40. Gou ni itte wa gou ni shitagae 郷に入っては郷に従え

41. Nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusu 能ある鷹は爪を隠す

42. Juu nin to iro 十人十色

43. Kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyo 可愛い子には旅をさせよ

44. Kaeru no ko wa kaeru 蛙の子は蛙

45. Donguri no seikurabe どんぐりの背比べ