How to Ask and Give Directions in Japanese
By Vivian Izumizawa | Sep 20th, 2025
Directions in Japanese can be tricky to understand, especially if you’re new to Japan. Train stations often feel like complex mazes, streets rarely follow neat grids, and addresses rely on block numbers instead of street names. On top of that, the language barrier means that even maps or apps can leave you confused if you don’t know how to read or ask for directions in Japanese.
That’s why learning how to ask for and give directions in Japanese isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. This guide walks you through key direction words, common landmarks, and practical phrases for asking and giving directions in Japanese. Whether you’re trying to find a hidden café, navigate a busy station, or locate the nearest convenience store, these tips will make exploring Japan smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
How to say Positions and Directions in Japanese
Getting lost in Japan is easy… unless you know how to say where you’re going! Luckily, learning a few key words for positions and directions in Japanese, like “left,” “right,” and “straight ahead”, can save you from wandering around confused. Think of it as your secret superpower for navigating streets, trains, and even tiny alleyways with easy keywords!
Directions in Japanese: Up, Down, Left and Right
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 上の階に行ってください | Une no kai ni itte kudasai | Please go upstairs. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| トイレは下の階にあります | Toire wa shita no kai ni arimasu | There is a bathroom downstairs. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 右にありますよ | Migi ni arimasuyo | It’s on the right. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 左に曲がってください | Hidari ni magatte kudasai | Turn on the left. |
Directions in Japanese: Cardinal Directions in Japanese
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 駅は北にあります。 | Eki wa kita ni arimasu | The station is to the north. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 海は町の南にあります。 | wa machi no minami desu. | The sea is in the south of the town. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 図書館は東にあります。 | Toshokan wa higashi ni arimasu. | The library is to the east. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 公園は西側にあります。 | Kouen wa nishi-gawa ni arimasu. | The park is on the west side. |
No More Cookie-Cutter Japanese Lessons!
At Japan Switch, we teach the Japanese you’ll actually hear, actually use, and actually need and not just textbook sentences you’ll never say.
How to Describe Locations and Directions in Japanese
Learning how to describe locations and directions in Japanese helps you understand everyday conversations and navigate more smoothly. Here are the key words you need to know.
Positions: Inside, Outside and In the Middle
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 中にお入りください | naka ni ohairi kudasai | Get inside |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| トイレは外にあります | toire wa soto ni arimasu | The bathroom is outside. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 真ん中の席に座ってください | Mannaka no seki ni suwatte kudasai | Please sit on the seat in the middle |
Relative Location: Front, Back, Next to
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 学校の前で待ってください | Gakkou no mae de matte kudasai | Wait in front of the school. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 建物の後ろに駐車場があります。 | Tatemono no ushiro ni chūshajyou ga arimasu | There is a parking lot behind the building. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| スーパーはコンビニの隣にあります。 | sūpā wa konbini no tonari ni arimasu | The supermarket is next to the convenience store |
Opposite and Across
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| カフェは駅の向かいにあります。 | kafe wa eki no mukai ni arimasu | The cafe is across from the station |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 反対側にバス停があります。 | hantai gawa ni basu-tei ga arimasu | There is a bus stop in the opposite side. |
Distance: Near, Far and Beyond
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 駅はここから近いです。 | eki wa koko kara tikai desu | The station is near here. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 信号の先にコンビニがあります。 | shingou no saki ni konbini ga arimasu | There is a convenience store beyond the traffic light. |
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
| 信号の先にコンビニがあります。 | shingou no saki ni konbini ga arimasu | There is a convenience store beyond the traffic light. |
Don't Get Lost. Ride Trains Like a Local!
Lost In Tokyo trains? Check this Ultimate Guide for Trains in Tokyo before you go!
How to Talk About Buildings and Landmarks in Japanese
Knowing the Japanese words for everyday buildings and landmarks is like having a cheat code for asking directions, suddenly, you can actually find that café, shrine, or train station without wandering around like a lost emoji.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 銀行 | Ginkou | Bank |
| 郵便局 | Yūbin-kyoku | Post Office |
| 学校 | Gakkou | School |
| コンビニ | Konbini | Convenience Store |
| 区役所 | Kuyakusho | City Office |
| スーパー | Sūpā | Super Market |
| 薬局 | Yakkyoku | Grug Store |
| 交番 | Kouban | Police Box |
| 図書館 | Toshokan | Library |
| 美術館 | Bijyutsukan | Museum |
| 駅 | Eki | Train Station |
| ホテル | Hoteru | Hotel |
| 駐車場 | Chūsha-jyou | Parking Lot |
| バス停 | Basutei | Bus Stop |
| 病院 | Byōin | Hospital |
Useful words when navigating inside buidings:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 入口 | Iriguti | Entrance |
| 出口 | Deguti | Exit |
| トイレ | Toire | Restroom/ Bathroom |
| レジ | Reji | Cashier |
| 部屋 | Heya | Room |
| エレベータ | Erebētā | Elevator |
| エスカレーター | Esukarētā | Escalator |
| 階段 | Kaidan | Stairs |
| 〇階 | _ kai | _ Floor (like 一階 ikkai , 二階 nikai , 三階 sankai ) |
Common Landmarks Used in Directions in Japan
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 公園 | Kōen | Park |
| 橋 | Hashi | Bridge |
| 神社 | Jinjya | Shinto Shrine |
| お寺 | Otera | Buddhist Temple |
| お城 | Oshiro | Castle |
| 記念碑/ 像 | Kinenga/ Zō | Monument/ Statue |
| タワー | Tawā | Tower |
| 信号 | Shingou | Trafiic Light |
| 交差点 | Kōsaten | Intersection |
Why Directions in Japanese Use Landmarks, Not Cardinal Directions?
Street Layout and Naming
Outside of major avenues, most streets in Japan do not have official names. Instead, addresses are based on areas, city blocks (丁目 chōme), and building numbers. Without street names, saying “go along the main street” or “turn onto the 3rd Avenue” is not the best option.
In many older Japanese cities, such as Kyoto or the historic areas of Tokyo, the streets do not follow a neat grid but instead curve, branch off unpredictably, or end in dead-ends. Because the roads aren’t straight or aligned in a consistent direction, compass points like north, south, east, and west become far less intuitive for everyday navigation, making it much more natural for people to describe routes using visible landmarks instead.
Cultural and Practical Reason
Another important reason for Japan’s landmark-based directions is in the cultural and practical habits. Because almost everyone recognizes the same large buildings, train stations, or chain shops, using these landmarks makes it much easier for both the speaker and the listener to understand where to go. In addition, most people in Japan don’t naturally think in terms of “north” or “south” unless they are hiking or looking at a specialized map, and even printed maps are often rotated to match the viewer’s perspective rather than fixed with north at the top. Finally, Japanese cities are dense and walking distances between points are usually short, so it feels far more natural to give directions like “walk two minutes past the bakery” than to describe a location with cardinal directions.
Example of How People Might Give Directions in Japanese
- コンビニを左に曲がってください
(Konbini wo hidari ni magatte kudasai)
Turn left on the convenience store.
- トイレの隣です
(toire no tonari desu)
It’s next to the bathroom.
- 信号の先に郵便局があります
( shingou no saki ni yūbinkyoku ga arimasu)
There is a post office just beyond the traffic light.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiragana & Katakana for everything you need to start reading and writing Japanese!
How to Ask and Give Directions in Japanese: Real Life Conversation Patterns
No stress, just a few simple phrases and you’ll be asking for (and giving) directions like a pro. This part shows you how real Japanese conversations actually go, so you can find places, understand answers, and maybe even play hero for someone else who’s hopelessly lost!
How to Ask for Directions in Japanese (Basic Questions)
〇〇はどこですか？
(__ wa doko desuka?)
Where is __?
Example: 銀行はどこですか？
(ginkō wa doko desuka?)
Where is the bank?
〇〇へはどう行けばいいですか？
(__ e wa dō ikeba ii desuka?)
How can I get to __?
Example: この駅から浅草へはどう行けばいいですか？
(kono eki kara asakusa e wa dō ikeba ii desuka?)
How can I get to Asakusa from this station?
すみません、この住所に行きたいのですが。
( sumimasen, kono Jyūsho ni ikitai no desuga)
Excuse me, I’d like to go to this address. (show address)
近いですか？遠いですか？
(tikai desu ka? Tooi desu ka?)
Is it near? Or far?
Drive Smart in Japan!
Driving in Japan soon? Check this Ultimate Guide to Japanese Road Signs and travel safely like a pro!
Likely Answers People May Say When Giving you Directions in Japanese
Japanese speakers tend to give short, landmark-based answers.
〇〇の隣です。
( __ no tonari desu)
It’s next to the bank.
Example: 銀行の隣です。
(ginkou no tonari desu)
It’s next to the bank.
まっすぐ行ってください。
( massugu itte kudasai)
Go straight ahead.
〇〇つ目の信号を〇〇に曲がってください。
( __tsume no shingou wo __ ni magatte kudasai)
Turn __ at the __ traffic light.
Example: 二つ目の信号を右に曲がってください。
( futatsume no shingou wo migi ni magatte kudasai)
Turn right at the second traffic light.
駅を出てすぐ〇〇です。
( eki wo dete sugu __ desu)
Turn __ right after leaving the station.
Example: 駅を出てすぐ左です。
( eki wo dete sugu hidari desu)
Turn left right after leaving the station.
Follow-Up or Clarification Questions when Asking for Directions in Japanese
When you’re not sure, or they are not sure if understood correctly:
すみません、もう一度言ってください。
( Sumimasen, mō ichido itte kudasai)
Excuse me,could you repeat that?
もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか？
( Mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?)
Could you speak a little more slowly?
〇〇の近くにありますか？
( __ no chikaku ni arimasuka?)
Is it near __?
どのくらいかかりますか？
( dono kurai kakarimasu ka?)
About how long does it take?
How to Give Directions in Japanese (Helping Others)
When someone asks you for directions in Japanese:
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 and turn right.
この道を三分くらい歩いてください。
( kono michi wo sanpun kurai aruite kudasai.)
Walk along this street for about three minutes.
橋を渡って左にあります。
( hashi wo watatte hidari ni arimasu.)
Cross the bridge and it’s on the left.
コンビニを過ぎたところです。
( konbini wo sugita tokoro desu)
It’s just past the convenience store.
ご案内しましょうか？
( goannai shimashō ka?)
Shall I show you the way?
Extra Handy Phrases for Real-Life Situations When Asking for Directions in Japanese
この地図を見てもらえますか？
(kono tizu wo mite moraemasu ka?)
Could you look at this map?
近くにトイレはありますか？
(tikaku ni toire wa arimasu ka?)
Is there a bathroom nearby?
駅までどのくらいですか？
(eki made dono kurai desu ka?)
How far is it to the station?
タクシーに乗った方がいいですか？
( takushī ni notta hōga iidesu ka?)
Should I take the taxi?
Check out our How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese? guide for tips and strategies to speed up your language learning journey.
Sample Dialogue About Directions in Japanese
Recently Moved Edition
Scene: A foreigner who has just moved into a Japanese neighborhood wants to find the city office ( 区役所 kuyakusho) to register their address. They’re speaking to a local shop employee outside a convenient store.
Foreigner: すみません、近くの区役所はどこにありますか？
(sumimasen, tikaku no kuyakusho ha doko ni arimasu ka?)
Excuse me, where is the city office around here?
Shop employee: この道をまっすぐ行って、橋を渡ったあとに右に曲がってください。大きい図書館の隣にあります。
( kono michi wo massugu itte, hashi wo wattatta ato ni migi ni magatte kudasai. Ōkii toshokan no tonari ni arimasu)
Go straight along this street, cross the bridge, and turn right. It’s next to the big library.
Foreigner: ありがとうございます。歩いてどのくらいかかりますか？
(arigatougozaimasu. Aruite donokurai kakarimasu ka?)
Thank you. How long will it take on foot?
Shop employee: 十分くらいです。橋の少し前にバス停がありますよ。
( jyuppun kurai desu. Hashi no sukoshi mae ni basu-tei ga arimasuyo.)
About ten minutes. There is a bus stop a little before the bridge.
Foreigner: 助かります！まだこの街に引っ越ししたばかりで、道がよくわからなくて...
( tasukarimasu! Mada kono machi ni hikkoshita bakaride, michi ga yoku wakaranakute…)
That’s a big help! I just moved to this town and I’m not familiar with the roads yet…
Shop employee: ようこそ！困ったらまた聞いてくださいね。
( youkoso! Komattara mata kiite judasai ne.)
Welcome! If you have trouble again, feel free to ask.
Foreigner: ありがとうございます!
( arigatougozaimasu!)
Thank you!
Speak Like a Local: Master Japanese Conversation!
Heading to Japan or studying Japanese? Dive into this Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation for key phrases, cultural tips, and real-life examples to help you chat confidently.
Useful Apps When Navigating and Asking for Directions in Japanese
Even though people-based directions are valuable, apps can still save time. Here is a quick overview:
Useful Apps for Public Transportation in Japan
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME (English): All in one transit app with train, subway, and bus schedule plus sightseeing info
- 乗り換えNAVITIME (Japanese): Highly detailed transfer guide for locals, excellent for complex routes.
- Yahoo! 乗り換え案内 (Japanese): Another top choice for trian and bus transfers, known for real-time updates.
- Japan Transit Planner Jorudan: English- friendly route search and cost calculator
Useful Apps for Taxi-Hailling in Japan
- GO: The largest taxi- hailing app in Japan, covering most major cities. Offers in- app English support.
- DiDi: A popular global ride-hailing service with a Japan version, featuring cashless payments and promotions.
- S.Ride: Tokyo- focused taxi-hailing app backed by major taxi companies, quick response times and easy interface.
Navigation App in Japan
- Google Maps: Reliable for walking directions and landmarks, though sometimes off for small alleys, still the one!
Useful Translation Apps in Japan
- NAVER Papago: Easy to use all-in-one translator. Handless text, images, voice, and even live conversation translation. Great for quick everyday use.
- Google Translate: The most widely used translator with text, camera, photo, voice and handwriting input. Also has an offline mode and built-in phrasebook.
- Microsoft Translator: Translates text, speech, and photos into 70+ languages. Includes a pronunciation guide and lets you save favorite translations.
- セカイフォン (sekai- phone): Real-time transkation for spoken conversations or calls. Useful if you need live interpreting during phone calls or face-to-face chats.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japan Learning Apps for the best tools and tips to boost your Japanese skills!
Must-Know Japanese Phrases
Planning a trip or just want to level up your Japanese? Dive into this Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases for key expressions you’ll actually use in daily conversation.
Things to Be Careful of When Asking for Directions in Japanese
Choose Who to Ask for Directions in Japanese
Look for people who can actually help
When you need directions in Japan, think carefully about who you approach. Random commuters on crowded sidewalks or rushing through train stations may be too busy to stop and could ignore your question without meaning to be rude.
You’ll get the best results by asking station staff, store employees, or anyone whose job involves assisting the public, as they are accustomed to giving information and are more likely to respond.
Be Mindful of Where You Stop when Asking for Directions in Japanese
Don't Block the Flow of People
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you stop to check a map or ask for help. Avoid blocking the middle of busy sidewalks, train platforms, or escalators. Step off to the side or near a wall so you won’t disturb the flow of people moving past you.
Use Proper Etiquette When Asking for Directions in Japanese
Polite words and body languages matters
Good manners go a long way when approaching someone for help. Begin with a polite greeting such as “すみません” (sumimasen) before asking your question, and stand slightly to the side rather than directly in front of the person. Speak clearly but politely, and finish with a simple thank you “ありがとうございます” (arigatō gozaimasu) , which is both expected and appreciated.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Easy Japanese for simple tips and tricks to start speaking Japanese with confidence!
Online Japanese Lessons That Actually Work.
Our affordable online Japanese lessons are built for busy learners with small groups, real conversations, and flexible schedules that work for you.
Online Japanese Lessons That Actually Work.
Our affordable online Japanese lessons are built for busy learners with small groups, real conversations, and flexible schedules that work for you.
Directions in Japanese: Map-Following Game!
Learning directions in Japanese is much more fun when you can play a game!
Below is a town map. The buildings don’t have names, your job is to read the directions in Japanese, follow them carefully, and guess which building is the correct answer.
Click or tap on the building you think is correct to reveal the answer!
How to Play!
- Look at the “START” point on the map. It's the house in the bottom left-corner!
- Read the Japanese directions.
- Follow the streets step by step.
- Guess the building!
- Click to check if you were right
Start!
Distractor. House
公園 Park!
学校 School!
カフェ Café (distraction)
病院 Hospital!
家 A house! (distraction)
交番 Police Box!
家 A house! (distraction)
スーパー Super Market!
駅 Station!
コンビニ Convenience Store!
Example Round
Direction:
「建物を出てまっすぐ行って、学校で左に曲がってください。
まっすぐ行ったら、右に何がありますか？」
(tatemono wo dete massugu itte, gakkou de hidari ni magatte kudasai.massugu ittara, migi ni nani ga arimasuka?)
“Go straight after leaving the building, and turn left at the school.When you go straight, what is on the right?”
Answer: 交番!
Practice Round 1
Direction:
「建物を出て、まっすぐ行ってください。学校を右に曲がって、しばらく行くと左に何がありますか？」
(Tatemono wo dete, massugu ittekudasai. Gakkou wo migi ni magatte, shibaraku ikuto hidari ni naniga arimasuka?)
"Leave the building and go straight. Turn right at the school, and after walking for a while, what is on the left?"Practice Round 2
Direction:
「建物を出て、まっすぐ行ってください。学校で左に曲がって、次の角を右に曲がったら、前に何がありますか？」
(Tatemono wo dete, massugu ittekudasai. Gakkou de hidari ni magatte, tsugi no kado wo migi ni magattara, mae ni nani ga arimasuka?)
"Leave the building and go straight. Turn left at the school, then turn right at the next corner, what's in front of you?"Practice Round 3
Direction:
「建物を出て、まっすぐ行ってください。学校を右に曲がって、さらにまっすぐ行ったら、右に何がありますか？」
(Tatemono wo dete, massugu ittekudasai. Gakkou wo migi ni magatte, sarani massugu ittara, migi ni nani ga arimasuka?)
"Leave the building and go straight. Turn right at the school, and if you continue straight ahead, what is on the right?"Practice Round 4
Direction:
「建物を出て、まっすぐ行ってください。学校を左に曲がって、駅を通りすぎたら、前に何がありますか？」
(Tatemono wo dete, massugu ittekudasai. Gakkou wo hidari ni magatte, eki wo tōrisugitara, mae ni nani ga arimasuka?)
"Leave the building and go straight. Turn left at the school, and after you pass the station, what is in front of you?"
Top 1,000 Japanese Words You Need to Know
Want to build a strong Japanese vocabulary fast? Check out this Ultimate Guide to Top 1,000 Japanese Words You Need to Know and get ready to speak and understand more confidently.
Final Takeaways!
Learning how to ask and give directions in Japanese not only helps you navigate easily but also deepens your connection with locals. Remember to master key direction words, use polite greetings, and rely on landmarks rather than compass points. Always approach the right person politely and keep a quick reference or phrase list handy. With a bit of practice and confidence, you’ll find your way,and great conversations,anywhere in Japan!
