Useful phrases and communication
Language
Open the guide that matches your situation. Each guide includes a practical Japanese phrase you can show or say.
Start with your situation
What do you need to solve?
First: Show one short message at a time. Add the exact ingredient, item, destination or symptom; a general translation is not confirmation that staff understood your situation.
I need a phrase to show now
Choose a card and enlarge it so staff can read it without navigating the page.
Open showable Japanese cards →I need to explain a food restriction
Keep allergy, vegetarian and halal checks separate. Ask about the exact restriction before ordering.
Explain a dietary need →I need to explain a lost item
Write down the place, time and identifying details, then contact the venue or operator.
Prepare a lost-item inquiry →Before you need help: three things to prepare
- Save important Japanese text as a screenshot while you are online.
- Keep addresses, reservation numbers and relevant labels together.
- Ask staff to confirm the specific detail instead of relying on a yes/no gesture.
Guides in this category
Food allergies and dietary needsFood allergy, vegetarian, vegan or halal in Japan? Show Japanese phrases, check dashi and cross-contact, and know when not to eat the dish.Read the guide →
Showable Japanese phrase cardsOpen a large Japanese message for stations, shops, pharmacies, hospitals and emergencies, then show it directly to staff.Read the guide →
Buying medicine in JapanExplain your symptoms, choose the right pharmacy counter and use over-the-counter medicine safely.Read the guide →
I need to see a doctorFind appropriate care, prepare for a clinic visit, and know when to call 119.Read the guide →
Lost or left luggageWho to contact at stations, shops, taxis, hotels, and police boxes.Read the guide →
Foreign card not working?Foreign card declined in Japan? Compare contactless, chip and PIN, online 3D Secure, cash and ATM fixes, then check the card issuer.Read the guide →
No internet connectionNo internet in Japan? Diagnose Wi-Fi login, roaming, eSIM, APN or weak-signal problems, reconnect safely and keep an offline route and emergency backup.Read the guide →
