Japanese people are often too shy or worried about making mistakes to speak to visitors using what English they may know. Even the smallest effort to speak to locals in Japanese will be warmly received!


Lonely Planet Phrasebooks have been connecting travellers and locals for over a quarter of a century - our phrasebooks and mobile apps cover more than any other publisher!


Order the right meal with our menu decoder
Never get stuck for words with our 3500-word two-way dictionary
We make language easy with shortcuts, key phrases & common Q&As
Feel at ease, with essential tips on culture & manners


Coverage includes: Basics, Practical, Social, Safe Travel, Food!