Here are some words and expressions you'll find helpful in getting around.

• densha - (electric) train (also 'tram' or 'streetcar')
• kisha - (steam) train
• ressha - ordinary train
• shinkansen - bullet train (literally 'new trunk line')

 

• eki - train station
• kippu - ticket
• hoomu - platform
• bansen - track number
• go sha - car number
• zaseki bango - seat number

 

• chikatetsu - subway

 

• takushi - taxi
• takushi noriba - taxi stand

 

• bassu - bus
• bassu no noriba - bus stop
• teiryuu-jo - bus stop

 

• hikoo-ki - airplane
• kuukoo - airport

 

• place wa, doko desu ka - where is place?
For example:
• Tookyoo eki wa, doko desu ka - where is the main Tokyo train station?
• hoomu no shinkansen ni hiroshima wa, doko desu ka - where is the platform for the shinkansen to Hiroshima?
• sumimasen, takushi noriba wa, doko desu ka - Excuse me, where can I find a taxi stand?

 

• ikimasu - go
• ni - 'to' in the sense of 'towards'
For example:
• kono ressha wa Tookyoo eki ni ikimasu ka - Does this train go to Tokyo eki?