Japanese Course: Language for Travel

Learn practical Japanese essentials for your next trip with our Japanese language short courses online!

Planning a trip to Japan? This short, travel-focused course is designed to help you communicate simply and confidently in everyday situations while travelling.

You'll learn practical, everyday Japanese for navigating transport, ordering food, shopping, asking for directions, and interacting politely with local people—all without getting bogged down in complex grammar.

Whether you're travelling independently, joining a tour, or visiting friends and family, this course will help you feel more confident communicating throughout your trip. It also provides an excellent foundation if you'd like to continue learning Japanese after you return home.

This course is ideal for travellers seeking a friendly, practical introduction to Japanese, and can also act as a stepping stone into our regular Japanese language courses.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Japanese: Language for Travel course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Using essential Japanese phrases for everyday travel situations
• Greeting people and introducing yourself politely
• Asking for directions and navigating public transport
• Ordering food and drinks with greater confidence
• Shopping and completing simple everyday transactions
• Understanding basic Japanese etiquette and cultural customs
• Asking for help and responding to common travel situations

Course content

What will be covered in this Japanese: Language for Travel course?

During this Japanese: Language for Travel course, participants will work with techniques and ideas based on key travel situations, with each session focusing on a practical, real-world topic:

• Greetings and introductions
  Introduce yourself, make simple connections, and use essential everyday expressions, including yes/no responses
• Getting around Japan
  Use public transport, ask for directions, and understand common signage and transport systems
• Food and dining
  Order food and drinks, understand menus, and communicate basic dietary needs
• Shopping and everyday transactions
  Ask about prices, confirm purchases, and manage everyday shopping interactions
• Cultural etiquette and getting help
  Understand social norms, polite behaviour, and how to ask for help or explain simple problems

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Japanese: Language for Travel course for?

This course is suitable for:

• Travellers planning a holiday or business trip to Japan
• Complete beginners with little or no prior Japanese knowledge
• Learners wanting practical language skills for real travel situations
• People wishing to refresh basic Japanese before travelling
• Anyone considering further Japanese language study after their trip

No previous Japanese language experience is required.

Students who wish to continue learning after this course may wish to enrol in our regular Japanese Beginners or Intermediate courses.

Course venue

Online via Zoom

Zoom details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.

Requirement: A device with a stable internet connection

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Notebook and pen
• A willingness to engage and learn!

No textbook is required for this course.

Additional information

Japanese language bundle

Continue your learning and save — enrol in three Japanese language courses and receive an automatic 15% discount.