Learn Japanese for Trains and Buses

If you’re planning a trip to Japan — or simply learning the language — knowing how to talk about public transport in Japanese is incredibly useful. Japan’s railway and bus systems are among the best in the world, and learning key terms and phrases will help you navigate them with confidence.

In this guide, you’ll learn essential Japanese transport vocabulary, common phrases used on trains and buses, and practical examples to prepare you for real-life travel situations in Japan.

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Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Public Transport

English	Japanese (Kanji)	Hiragana	Romaji
Train	電車	でんしゃ	densha
Bus	バス	ばす	basu
Station	駅	えき	eki
Bus stop	バス停	ばすてい	basutei
Ticket	切符	きっぷ	kippu
IC card (e.g. Suica)	ICカード	ICカード	IC kādo
Fare	運賃	うんちん	unchin
Transfer	乗り換え	のりかえ	norikae
Platform	ホーム	ほーむ	hōmu
Line (e.g. train line)	線	せん	sen
Direction	方面	ほうめん	hōmen
Next stop	次は	つぎは	tsugi wa

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Useful Japanese Phrases for Riding Trains and Buses

Buying Tickets or Asking for Help

• この電車は新宿に行きますか？
  Kono densha wa Shinjuku ni ikimasu ka?
  → “Does this train go to Shinjuku?”
• ICカードはどこで買えますか？
  IC kādo wa doko de kaemasu ka?
  → “Where can I buy an IC card?”
• 切符を1枚ください。
  Kippu o ichi-mai kudasai.
  → “One ticket, please.”
• 乗り換えはどこですか？
  Norikae wa doko desu ka?
  → “Where do I transfer?”

On the Train or Bus

• 次は渋谷です。
  Tsugi wa Shibuya desu.
  → “The next stop is Shibuya.”
• この席は空いていますか？
  Kono seki wa aiteimasu ka?
  → “Is this seat available?”
• 降ります。
  Orimasu.
  → “I’m getting off.” (Often said when exiting a bus)
• ドアに注意してください。
  Doa ni chūi shite kudasai.
  → “Please be careful of the doors.”

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Cultural Tips for Public Transport in Japan

• Be Quiet: Avoid loud phone calls or conversations.
• Queue Properly: People line up neatly on platforms.
• Give Priority: Priority seats are for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled.
• Use IC Cards: Cards like Suica or PASMO make traveling easier than buying tickets every time.

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Study Tips for Learning Japanese Transport Vocabulary

1. Use Flashcards – Apps like Anki are great for memorising station names and phrases.
2. Watch Japanese Train Videos on YouTube – Many channels show real train rides with announcements.
3. Practice Role Play – Simulate buying tickets or asking directions with a friend or tutor.
4. Label Maps – Get a Japanese metro map and label the stops in both romaji and hiragana.
5. Listen to Train Announcements – Try listening to JR or Tokyo Metro announcements to get familiar with real-life usage.

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Conclusion

Learning Japanese transport phrases is a practical step for any foreigner in Australia preparing to visit Japan or improve their everyday Japanese. From catching a bus to navigating a busy train station, these phrases will help you get around smoothly and confidently.