Travel Japanese 3 - Getting Around byTransportation: Part 2

Travel Japanese Learning Material 3
" Getting Around by Transportation: Part 2"

Master the essentials of traveling around Japan with this comprehensive guide focused on public transportation. Discover the latest innovations in Japanese ticketing systems, including QR code payments, contactless credit card transactions, and facial recognition gates, all designed to streamline passenger experiences. Learn essential phrases to communicate with taxi drivers, bus operators, and fellow passengers, ensuring smooth navigation throughout your journey. Additionally, delve into cultural insights like escalator etiquette, the origins of station melodies (Eki-Melo), and the unique world of Ekiben (station bento meals). Perfect for travelers eager to confidently explore Japan’s transportation network and engage with locals along the way!

About us
gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service dedicated to helping learners master the Japanese language and culture. Taught by native Japanese tutors fluent in English, our lessons combine original materials and interactive activities, ensuring a fun and efficient learning experience for all levels.

Visit us at gokigen.jp to enjoy a free trial lesson and start your Japanese learning journey today!
https://gokigen.jp/

Transcript

1. Getting Around by Transportation: Part 2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 乗り物に乗る② の もの の Travel Japanese 03
2. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 1 ここ おねがいします
3. In recent years, Japanese railway companies have been fast-tracking the modernization of their ticket gates, spurred on by the latest trends in digital transformation. 　Their main focus revolves around three cutting-edge solutions—QR code payments, contactless credit card payments, and facial recognition—each rolled out with its own unique spin to boost convenience and streamline operations. Evolving Ticket Gates in Japan Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. RuinDig/Yuki Uchida, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
4. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. QR code payments Image: JR West. (2025) KANSAI REGION As Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan draws nearer, railway operators in the Kansai region are stepping up efforts to launch QR code-based digital tickets—making travel easier for international visitors. For example, JR West introduced the “WEST QR HARUKA One-way Ticket”, available exclusively to inbound travelers until the end of March 2025. KANTO REGION Meanwhile, in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other parts of eastern Japan, eight railway companies including JR East announced in May 2024 that they’ll gradually replace magnetic tickets—once the standard before IC cards—with QR codes (However, it is still a work in progress.). Little by little, QR- friendly ticket gates are appearing, signaling a major shift away from traditional paper tickets.
5. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Introduction of Cashless Payment on Railways: With the increase in tourists, Japanese railway companies have been advancing the introduction of touch payments using credit cards. As a result, passengers can now board trains simply by tapping a compatible credit card or smartphone on the newly installed card reader at the automatic ticket gates, without the need to issue a traditional transportation IC card (e.g., Suica). Scope of Stations Supporting Touch Payments: As of March 2025, stations that support touch payment are expanding, mainly in large cities, but it is not available at all stations. Therefore, it is important to check in advance whether the train line or station you plan to use supports touch payments! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. contactless credit card payments Image: Keikyu. (n.d.)
6. Traveler's Insights 1/2 What is Facial Recognition Ticket Gates? Some railway stations in Japan have started introducing the latest technology, known as "facial recognition ticket gates." This system allows passengers to pass through ticket gates smoothly using facial recognition, without the need for an IC card or a paper ticket. What are the benefits? Since there is no need to take out a card or recharge it, passengers can move smoothly without stopping at the ticket gates. Additionally, since there is no need to touch the ticket gates, it is more hygienic. However, as of now, this service is only available at select stations and railway companies, and prior registration is required. Therefore, please check the available areas and complete the registration process after arriving in Japan. Starting March 25, 2025, Osaka Metro has rolled out face recognition ticket gates at nearly all of its 130 stations! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. facial recognition Image: Osaka Metro. (2025)
7. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Extra Tips Escalator Etiquette in Japan In Japan, people often leave one side of the escalator open for walkers. In the eastern part of Japan, like Tokyo, people stand on the left, while in the western part of Japan, like Osaka, it's the opposite. There's no official rule, but these regional norms have become the default. The Origins of Escalator Etiquette One theory suggests that the escalator standing rules spread in the late 20th century as a way to be "polite" and allow faster people to pass. In Osaka, a major train company promoted standing on the right before the 1970 Expo, while in Tokyo, people naturally adopted the left side, inspired by European practices. Today, safety posters urge standing still on both sides. Whether you're in Osaka or Tokyo, don't worry about the "wrong" side—it's just a fun regional quirk! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
8. Question You are traveling in Japan and you want to take a taxi from your hotel to Narita Airport. How do you tell the driver where you want to go? なりたくうこう おねがいします A A B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Narita Kuko onegaishimasu なりたくうこう どこですか？ Narita Kuko doko desuka?
9. Question You are traveling in Japan and you want to take a taxi from your hotel to Narita Airport. How do you tell the driver where you want to go? B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. なりたくうこう どこですか？ Narita Kuko doko desuka? answer Narita Kuko onegaishimasu A A なりたくうこう おねがいします
10. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 なりたくうこう おねがいします 　Narita　　　　　　Kuko　　　　　　　　　 onegaishimasu To Narita Airport, please. MEANING This is a simple question often asked in taxis to tell the driver your destination. You can use it for various destinations by simply replacing "Narita Airport" with the place you want to go. STRUCTURE "なりたくうこう" (Narita Kuko) means Narita Airport. "おねがいします"(onegai shimasu) means "Please" or "I request." It is used when making a request or asking someone to do something for you, often when requesting a service or favor. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
11. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Practice ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. はねだ くうこう Haneda Kuko Haneda Airport とうきょうえき Tokyo eki Tokyo station スカイツリー Sukai Tsuri Tokyo Skytree Ask the time of anything you like! びょういん Byoin Hospital ここ Koko Here ＿＿＿ おねがいします 　　 _____　 　　　　 onegai shimasu To _____ please.
12. Phrases To the left, please. ひだりに おねがいします Hidari ni onegaishimasu. To the right, please. みぎに おねがいします migi ni onegaishimasu. Straight ahead, please. まっすぐ おねがいします Massugu　 onegaishimasu. I will get off here. ここで おります Koko de orimasu. Direction Phrases Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips destination phrase You are in a taxi heading to your destination. Let’s learn phrases to tell the driver your destination and where to get off.
13. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Role Play Role Play You got into a taxi. Try telling the driver your destination! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. きよみずでら Kiyomizudera おおさかじょう Osakajo ディズニーランド Dizunirando Ques
14. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 2 とうきょうえき に いきますか？
15. Traveler's Insights 2/2 What is Ekiben? Ekiben are boxed meals sold at railway stations in Japan, designed for travelers to enjoy during their journeys. They feature local ingredients and showcase regional specialties. A Brief History of Ekiben The history of ekiben dates back to 1885, when rice balls (onigiri) were first sold at Utsunomiya Station. As railways expanded, ekiben became more popular, with vendors selling them directly on platforms. Today, they are available at stations, department stores, and even special ekiben fairs, attracting many food enthusiasts. The first ekiben was onigiri! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. About KANJI “駅” means station “弁” is short for “bento(弁当)” 駅 弁 えき 　べん eki ben
16. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Ikameshi Masu no Sushi Masu no Sushi is a traditional Japanese pressed sushi made with trout (masu). Vinegared rice is layered with salted trout and pressed into a wooden box. The fish is often marinated with sweet soy sauce, and the sushi is compacted to form a firm, flavorful block. It’s typically wrapped in bamboo leaves for freshness and aroma. Ikameshi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of squid stuffed with rice. The rice is typically mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes vegetables, and then the squid is filled with this mixture. After being stuffed, the squid is simmered in a sweet soy sauce, which gives it a rich, savory flavor.
17. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Gyutan Bento Toge no Kamameshi Toge no Kamameshi is a bento with rice cooked in a clay pot (kama), typically mixed with chicken, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and chestnuts. The rice is served in the clay pot that keeps it warm, and the pot itself is often reused, adding to the charm of this bento. Gyūtan Bento is a Japanese bento featuring grilled beef tongue (gyūtan). The beef tongue is typically seasoned with salt and served with rice, pickles, and other sides. It has a tender, chewy texture and a rich, savory flavor, making it a unique and flavorful bento.
18. Traveler's Insights 2/2 Extra Tips 駅 弁 eki ben ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 駅メロ eki mero 🚉 HISTORY Eki-Melo refers to the departure melodies played at train stations in Japan. At many train stations across the country, a short melody is played when a train is about to depart. The history of Eki-Melo dates back to 1872, when drums and bells were used to signal train departures. Later, in 1912, departure bells were introduced. In 1989, melodies replaced the bells for the first time at Shinjuku and Shibuya stations on the JR Yamanote Line. This change was intended to prevent passengers from rushing onto trains at busy terminal stations and to create a more relaxed atmosphere for travelers. ~Japan’s Unique Departure Melodies~ The Evolution of Eki-Melo: From Bells to Iconic Melodies Video: Keitetsuu. (2024)
19. Traveler's Insights 2/2 Extra Tips 駅 弁 eki ben Station Eki-melo 高田馬場 / Takadanobaba (JR Yamanote Line) Theme song from Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) 浦賀 / Uraga (Keikyu Line) Theme from the Godzilla 淵野辺 / Fuchinobe (JR Yokohama Line) Theme song from Galaxy Express 999 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 駅メロ eki mero 🚉 EKI-MELO TODAY Today, many stations use local songs, anime theme songs, and famous classical pieces as their departure melodies, making train travel in Japan even more enjoyable. For example, at Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station on the Keio Line in Tama City, Tokyo—known as the setting for Studio Ghibli’s film Whisper of the Heart—the movie’s theme song, Country Roads, is played as the station’s departure melody. ~Japan’s Unique Departure Melodies~ The Evolution of Eki-Melo: From Bells to Iconic Melodies
20. Question You are at a bus stop in Japan and want to go to Tokyo Station. You see a bus approaching but are unsure if it goes there. How would you ask the driver? ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. とうきょうえき に いきますか？ A A B B 　Tokyo 　 eki ni ikimasu ka? とうきょうえき は どちらですか？ 　Tokyo eki wa dochiradesuka?
21. Question You are at a bus stop in Japan and want to go to Tokyo Station. You see a bus approaching but are unsure if it goes there. How would you ask the driver? ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. B B 　Tokyo eki wa dochiradesuka? answer とうきょうえき に いきますか？ A A 　Tokyo 　 eki ni ikimasu ka? とうきょうえき は どちらですか？
22. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 とうきょうえき に いきますか？ MEANING You can use this phrase when you want to confirm if a bus or train goes to Tokyo Station. It can be asked to the driver or a fellow traveler. You can replace とうきょうえき with any desired destination. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. "とうきょうえき"( Tokyoeki ) means Tokyo station. "に" (ni) is a Japanese particle, which indicates direction or destination in this context. "いきます" (ikimasu) is the polite form of the verb "to go" か (ka) is a question particle that turns the sentence into a question. Does this bus go to Tokyo Station? STRUCTURE 　Tokyo eki ni ikimasuka? ★ The particle "に" can be omitted and the meaning will still be understood. For example: 「とうきょうえき いきますか？」
23. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Practice ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ____________ ni 　　　 ikimasuka? ＿＿＿＿に いきますか？ Does this go to __________? いちば Ichiba (fish) Market osaka eki Osaka Station とうきょうタワー Tokyo tawa Tokyo Tower Let’s ask if the bus goes to your desired destination! Bijutsukan Art Museum くうこう Kuko Airport びじゅつかん おおさかえき
24. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Extra Tips Yes, it goes there. はい、いきます Hai, ikimasu It is a different platform. ちがうホームです Chigau homu desu It is platform 3. ３ばんせんです San-bansen desu No, it does not go there. いいえ、いきません Iie, ikimasen Kyoto eki ni ikimasu ka きょうとえき にいきますか Does this (train/bus) go to Kyoto Station? FURTHER INFORMATION COMMON RESPONSES YOU MIGHT HEAR When you say "___ ikimasuka?", here are some typical responses. SIMPLE ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION It is the opposite direction. はんたいです Hantai desu ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. If they don’t know: わかりません wakari masen
25. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Extra Tips You’ll hear numbers a lot when traveling in Japan—like the “3” in "San-bansen desu"! LET’S LEARN NUMBERS IN JAPANESE! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
26. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Role Play Role Play Look at the pictures. You are about to board a shinkansen and a bus, but you are not sure if they go to your destination. Check with the driver and the passengers using appropriate phrases. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. To Tokyo station? Yes! To Haneda airport? Opposite side.
27. Q&A AND FEEDBACK TIME!
28. THANK YOU! おつかれさまでした！ https://gokigen.jp/ Interested in learning Japanese grammar and culture with native tutors? Visit our website to enjoy a free trial lesson online! For inquiries, contact us at: contact@gokigen.jp
29. References JR West. (2025). Ticket Deals and Passes. JR odekake net. https://tickets.jr-odekake.net/shohindb/view/consumer/tokutoku/detail.html?shnId=125000098 Keikyu. (n.d.). Tap to Ride Service. Keikyu Web. https://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ride/taptoride.html @Keitetsuu. (2024). closing melody [Shorts]. YouTube. 　 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dfLCM6a-w7o Osaka Metro. (2025). Walk-through facial recognition ticket gate service will begin on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Osaka Metro. https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/news/news_release/20250311_walkthrough_kaisatsu.php