Last updated: November 10, 2025
Essential Japanese for Travelers: How to Ask “Where Is ___?” in Japanese
Introduction
When traveling in Japan, one of the most useful phrases you can learn is “Where is ___?” Whether you’re looking for a station, a restroom, or a bus stop, this simple question can help you find your way with kindness and ease. In this post, you’ll learn how to ask for places in Japanese, along with essential vocabulary and gentle tips to help you understand the answers too.
💬 Core Phrase: Asking for Places
Japanese: ***はどこですか？
Romaji: *** wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is ***?
Notes: A polite and versatile phrase for asking directions.
Just replace *** with the place you’re looking for. For example:
トイレはどこですか？ → Where is the toilet?
📍 Useful Place Vocabulary
Japanese: 駅
Romaji: eki
English: station
Japanese: バス停
Romaji: basutei
English: bus stop
Japanese: タクシーのりば
Romaji: takushii noriba
English: taxi stand
Japanese: トイレ
Romaji: toire
English: toilet / restroom
Japanese: レジ
Romaji: reji
English: cashier
Japanese: コンビニ
Romaji: konbini
English: convenience store
Japanese: 入口
Romaji: iriguchi
English: entrance
Japanese: 出口
Romaji: deguchi
English: exit
These are common places you might ask for while exploring Kyoto.
🗣 Sample Sentences
Japanese: トイレはどこですか？
Romaji: Toire wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the toilet?
Japanese: 駅はどこですか？
Romaji: Eki wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the station?
Japanese: レジはどこですか？
Romaji: Reji wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the cashier?
Japanese: コンビニはどこですか？
Romaji: Konbini wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the convenience store?
🧭 Direction Words You Might Hear
Japanese: まっすぐ
Romaji: massugu
English: straight ahead
Japanese: 右
Romaji: migi
English: right
Japanese: 左
Romaji: hidari
English: left
Japanese: 横
Romaji: yoko
English: beside / next to
Japanese: 前
Romaji: mae
English: in front of
Japanese: 隣
Romaji: tonari
English: next to
Japanese: 近く
Romaji: chikaku
English: nearby / close by
These words often appear in responses when locals guide you.
Words for “Here,” “There,” and “Over There”
Japanese: ここ
Romaji: koko
English: here (near the speaker)
Japanese: そこ
Romaji: soko
English: there (near the listener, or slightly away from both people if clearly visible)
Japanese: あそこ
Romaji: asoko
English: over there (far from both speaker and listener)
🌸 Gentle Travel Tips
Start with “すみません” (sumimasen) to politely get someone’s attention
Use gestures or show a map if needed—many locals will try to help
Say “ありがとうございます” (arigatou gozaimasu) to thank them warmly
Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation—your kindness will be understood
🧳 Conclusion
“___はどこですか？” is a magical phrase for travelers in Japan. With just a few words, you can find your way, connect with locals, and enjoy your journey more deeply.
In our next post, we’ll discover friendly Japanese phrases to help you connect, smile, and enjoy small moments during your travels.