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Japan Guide

Tokyo

Practice station Japanese, cafe orders, konbini phrases, and pop culture vocabulary across Tokyo neighborhoods.

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Language-first travel plan

Practice station Japanese, cafe orders, konbini phrases, and pop culture vocabulary across Tokyo neighborhoods.

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolitan labyrinth where futuristic neon-lit skyscrapers stand in perfect harmony with quiet, centuries-old shrines. Exploring Tokyo isn't just about moving through physical space; it's about navigating distinct subcultures. From the overwhelming, crowded platforms of Shinjuku Station to the historic lanes of Asakusa, speaking even a tiny bit of Japanese unlocks a much warmer, deeper side of the city. You'll go from a passive observer to someone who can confidently order a custom drip coffee in Harajuku or ask a shopkeeper in Akihabara for a rare collectible.

Cultural Insights

Train Etiquette

Keep your phone on silent (manner mode) and avoid talking on calls while on trains. Stand on the designated side of escalators (left in Tokyo) to let others pass.

Convenience Store Etiquette

When paying at a konbini, place your money or card on the small tray (tray or cash tray) provided at the register instead of handing it directly to the clerk.

Navigating Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku is the world's busiest station. Look up at the overhead signs for color-coded lines and exit names (East, West, South) rather than relying solely on map apps.

Suggested itinerary

1

Shinjuku station confidence

2

Harajuku cafe and shopping phrases

3

Asakusa culture walk

4

Akihabara anime vocabulary

Recommended Prep Lessons

Unit 11

Train Station Basics

Master directions, platform numbers, and how to use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo.

Start lesson
Unit 10

Food & Ordering

Learn how to order drinks, specify hot or iced, and ask for restaurant recommendations.

Start lesson
Unit 2

Katakana Basics

Get comfortable reading loan words, cafe items, and store signs.

Start lesson

Phrase pack

Click the speaker icon next to any phrase to listen to its pronunciation.

駅はどこですか

えきはどこですか

Where is the station?

おすすめは何ですか

おすすめはなんですか

What do you recommend?

これをください

これをください

I will take this.

袋は要りません

ふくろはいりません

I don't need a bag.

領収書をお願いします

りょうしゅうしょをおねがいします

Receipt, please.

英語のメニューはありますか

えいごのメニューはありますか

Do you have an English menu?

Suicaで払えますか

スイカではらえますか

Can I pay with Suica?

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