Travel Japanese - Essentials of Japan

Travel Japanese Learning Material
"Understanding Japan’s Unique Features"

Discover essential insights into Japan’s geography, regions, and cultural nuances to enrich your travel experience. This guide covers Japan’s prefectures, key regional characteristics, and essential greetings to help you navigate smoothly. Learn about the country’s distinct linguistic features, including "Japanglish" and polite expressions, while exploring how Japan’s seasons can shape your journey. Perfect for travelers looking to deepen their cultural understanding and confidently engage with locals!

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1. Essentials of Japan: Geography, Language, and Greetings ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 日本の特徴 にほん　　 とくちょう Travel Japanese 01
2. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 1 おはようございます
3. Geography and regions The Japanese archipelago is a chain of 14,125 islands. Of these, the four main islands— Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku— account for the majority of Japan's land area. Honshu Hokkaido Kyushu Shikoku Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
4. Japan's Eight Regions Traveler's Insights 1/2 Japan is divided into eight regions, each with its own history, culture, and nature. Understanding these regions can help travelers enjoy their trips even more. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
5. Hokkaido Known for its vast natural landscapes and winter ski resorts. The seafood, like crab and salmon, is particularly delicious. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Tohoku Known for its beautiful rural scenery. Seasonal views and summer festivals are famous. Kanto Includes Tokyo, the economic hub. A mix of modern city life and historic shrines, great for shopping, nightlife, and food. Kansai(Kinki) A hub of tourism with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Famous for historic temples and shrines, and great food. Hokuriku, Toukai(Chubu) Mountainous region, home to Mt. Fuji. Offers beautiful nature and traditional towns. Chugoku Borders the Seto Inland Sea, featuring a mild climate. Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyushu Features active volcanoes and hot springs, with major cities like Fukuoka. When including Okinawa, a unique tropical culture can be enjoyed. Shikoku Known for the pilgrimage to 88 temples (Ohenro). It offers a blend of nature and culture. Japan's Eight Regions
6. "都(to)" refers only to Tokyo, Japan's capital. "道(dō)" refers to Hokkaido, which is known for its vast natural landscapes. "府(fu)" refers to Osaka and Kyoto, both significant cultural and historical cities. "県(ken)": is used for the remaining 43 prefectures across Japan. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Prefectures in Japan 都道府県 と どう ふ けん to dō fu ken Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, which serve as administrative units that help manage the country on a regional basis.
7. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Where do you want to go? ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Prefectures in Japan
8. Japanglish "Japanglish," frequently heard by travelers to Japan, refers to English expressions that have been adapted into unique Japanese pronunciations or meanings. Knowing these terms can help facilitate smoother communication in Japan and make the travel experience more interesting. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. マクドナルド ma ku do na ru do MacDonald
9. Question What greeting should you use when you first meet other guests in the common area of a Japanese hostel in the morning? おはようございます A A B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Ohayou gozaimasu ありがとうございます Arigatou gozaimasu
10. Question What greeting should you use when you first meet other guests in the common area of a Japanese hostel in the morning? B B ありがとうございます A A おはようございます ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Ohayou gozaimasu answer Arigatou gozaimasu
11. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 おはよう ございます Ohayou 　　　　　　　　gozaimasu Good morning MEANING おはようございます(Ohayou gozaimasu) means "Good morning" in Japanese. It is a polite and formal way to greet someone in the morning. A more casual version of the greeting is simply おはよう (ohayou). STRUCTURE おはよう (ohayou) = "Good morning" (casual) ございます (gozaimasu) = polite/formal ending. Together, おはようございます is the polite form of "Good morning." ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
12. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. “Ohayou” is a casual expression, so it’s used among family members and friends. When you say “Good morning” to someone politely, you should say “Ohayou gozaimasu”. We use “Ohayou” until roughly 11am, and “Konbanwa” after roughly 6pm. The last syllable wa of “Konnichiwa” and “Konbanwa” is spelled は instead of わ. GREETING EXPRESSIONS IN JAPANESE (1/4)
13. GREETING EXPRESSIONS IN JAPANESE (2/4) Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. “Hajimemashite” is usually used at the beginning of self-introduction. Its literal meaning is "We meet for the first time". “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” usually comes at the end of self-introduction, and it roughly means "I hope to build a good relationship with you".
14. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. We use for people you may see again in your daily life, "またね" or "またあした" rather than "さよ うなら". “Arigatou” is a casual expression used among friends/family, whereas “Arigatou gozaimasu” is more polite and used for other people such as strangers, teachers, bosses, etc. GREETING EXPRESSIONS IN JAPANESE (3/4)
15. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. These greetings are unique to the Japanese language. GREETING EXPRESSIONS IN JAPANESE (4/4)
16. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Role Play Role Play You will have a meal at a Japanese restaurant. Let's say greetings that fit the situation. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 04 04 01 01 02 02 03 03 Call a staff to place an order. Express gratitude for the meal before eating. Express gratitude for the meal you have eaten. The service is nice, so you want to thank the staff.
17. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 2 わたしは～です
18. Japan is a country of stunning seasonal changes, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms, skiing in the powdery snow, or indulging in vibrant summer festivals, choosing the right season can enhance your journey. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. When to Travel to Japan: A Seasonal Guide
19. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Spring (March - May) Cherry Blossom Season: Typically starts in late March in southern regions and peaks in early April in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Weather: Comfortable, with average highs ranging from 13°C (55°F) in March to 24°C (75°F) in May. Things to Do: Hanami (flower viewing), visit historic temples, explore lush parks, and enjoy seasonal foods like sakura-flavored sweets. Caution: The Golden Week holiday (late April – early May) sees increased domestic travel, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation prices. 春 はる haru Best for: Cherry Blossoms, Comfortable Weather, and Lush Scenery
20. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Summer (June - August) Rainy Season: June marks the start of the tsuyu (rainy season), except in Hokkaido. Weather: High humidity, with temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) and above in major cities. Things to Do: Experience summer festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, climb Mount Fuji (open July–September), and enjoy Okinawa’s tropical beaches. Caution: August is peak travel time due to school vacations and the Obon holiday, making transportation and accommodations busier. 夏 なつ natsu Best for: Festivals, Fireworks, and Mountain Escapes
21. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Autumn Best for: Stunning Fall Foliage, Pleasant Weather, and Cultural Events Fall Colors: Start appearing in northern Japan in October and spread southward through November. Weather: Comfortable temperatures between 17°C (63°F) and 23°C (73°F), with less humidity. Things to Do: Take scenic hikes, visit temples with autumn foliage backdrops, and enjoy seasonal delicacies like matsutake mushrooms and roasted sweet potatoes. Caution: Typhoon season peaks in September, so be prepared for occasional storms. (September - November) 秋 あき aki
22. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Winter Ski & Snowboard Season: Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps boast some of the best powder snow in the world. Weather: Ranges from mild in cities like Tokyo (10°C/50°F) to freezing temperatures in Sapporo (-1°C/30°F) and snowy regions. Things to Do: Enjoy winter illuminations, visit traditional onsen (hot springs), and savor seasonal dishes like nabe (hot pot) and oden. Caution: The New Year holiday (late December – early January) is a peak domestic travel season, and some attractions may close temporarily. (December - February) Best for: Snow Sports, Illuminations, and Hot Springs 冬 ふゆ fuyu
23. B B わたしは＿＿じんです。 A A Watashiwa jin desu わたしは＿＿じんじゃないです。 Watashiwa jin janaidesu Question If you want to introduce your nationality, which phrase is appropriate? (Fill in the blank with your home country.) ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
24. Question If you want to introduce your nationality, which phrase is appropriate? (Fill in the blank with your home country.) ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. B B answer わたしは＿＿じんです。 A A Watashiwa jin desu わたしは＿＿じんじゃないです。 Watashiwa jin janaidesu
25. わたしはアメリカじんです。 わたし (Watashi) = "I" (subject) は (wa) = Topic marker, indicating that "I" is the topic of the sentence. アメリカ (Amerika) = "America" じん (jin) = "person" or "nationality" です (desu) = Polite ending, similar to the English "is I am American. MEANING わたしは～です (Watashi wa ~ desu) means "I am ~." It’s a very simple and polite way to talk about yourself in Japanese. For example, when you say わたしはアメ リカじんです (Watashi wa Amerika jin desu), it means "I am American". STRUCTURE Watashiwa 　　　　　　　Amerika 　　　　　jin　　　 desu Traveler's Phrases 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
26. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Practice ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Watashiwa 　　　　　　　 　　　 desu わたしは＿＿＿です。 I am __________ せんせい Sensei Teacher エンジニア Enjinia Engineer がくせい Gakusei Student Let's say your occupation in Japanese! Chūgoku jin Chinese person イギリスじん Igirisu jin British person ちゅうごくじん
27. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Extra Tips Is this your first time in Japan? にほん は はじめて？ Nihon wa hajimete Are you here for sightseeing? かんこう ですか？ Kankou desu ka Your Japanese is really good! にほんご じょうず ですね！ Nihongo jouzu desu ne COMMON RESPONSES YOU MIGHT HEAR After introducing yourself, the locals might respond with some of the following expressions. Yes / No はい。/ いいえ。 Hai / Iie Thank you! ありがとうございます！ Arigatou gozaimasu Your respond: ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
28. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Role Play Role Play I am… You have just arrived in Japan for a short-term homestay. It’s your first time meeting your host family. Greet them warmly and introduce yourself. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Handy words ・がくせい (gakusei) = student ・かいしゃいん (kaishain) = office worker ・せんせい (sensei) = teacher ・エンジニア (enjinia) = engineer
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