Japanese Course: Language for Travel

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

This short, travel-focused course is designed to help you communicate simply and confidently in everyday situations while travelling in Japan. You’ll learn essential, real-world Japanese for getting around, ordering food, shopping, and interacting politely with locals — without getting bogged down in complex grammar.

With a strong focus on simple speaking and listening skills, classes are interactive and supportive, helping you feel more comfortable using Japanese in common travel scenarios and enjoy a smoother, more connected travel experience.

This course is ideal for travellers seeking a friendly, introductory overview of basic Japanese, and can also act as a stepping stone into our regular Japanese language courses.

This Japanese: Language for Travel course will be held online via Zoom.

Course content

This Japanese: Language for Travel course is structured around essential travel themes, with one key topic per session:

• Greetings and basics
  Learn how to introduce yourself, make simple connections, and use essential everyday expressions, including yes and no responses.
• Navigation and transport
  Build confidence using public transport, asking for directions, and understanding transport cards and signage.
• Food and dining
  Practise ordering food, understanding menus, and communicating basic dietary requirements politely.
• Shopping and transactions
  Learn how to ask about prices, confirm purchases, and manage everyday shopping interactions.
• Cultural etiquette and emergencies
  Gain insight into Japanese social norms, polite behaviour, and how to ask for help or explain simple issues if something goes wrong.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Japanese: Language for Travel course, you should be able to:

• Use basic Japanese greetings and introductions confidently in everyday situations
• Communicate simple yes/no responses and essential phrases clearly
• Ask for and understand directions and transportation information
• Order food, express basic dietary needs, and interact politely in cafés and restaurants
• Shop confidently, including understanding prices and confirming purchases
• Demonstrate awareness of key cultural etiquette and respond appropriately in common travel situations
• Communicate basic information in an emergency or when seeking assistance

Intended audience

Who is this Japanese: Language for Travel course for?

This course is ideal for beginners or near-beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Japanese, as well as travellers who may have learned some Japanese in the past but want a short, focused refresher covering the basics. No previous study 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 emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.
• Requirement: A device and 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.