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The convenience of Japan’s “densha” (trains) and “chikatetsu” (subways) are legendary. However, riding a city bus is not quite as easy for non-Japanese speakers since there are not many signs in English. Here’re some useful phrases you can use as you catch the bus.
“Basu tei wa doko desuka?” = Where is the bus stop? “… wa dokodesuka?” = Where is …? “basu tei” = bus stop
“Kono basu wa Shinjyuku ni ikimasuka?” = Is this bus going to Shinjyuku? “… ni ikimasuka?” = Is it going to …? “Hai, ikimasu” = Yes, it is going. “Iie, ikimasen” = No, it is not going.
“Shinjyuku made Ikura desuka?” = How much is it to Shinjyuku?
“PASMO wa tsukae masuka?” = Can I use PASMO? “ … wa tsukae masuka?” = Can I use … ? (PSMO and SUICA are rechargeable IC cards used to ride trains, subways and some buses.)
“Untenshu-san” = Mr. driver (“San” is used show respect for the driver.)
“Jikokuhyou” = timetable
“Jyoushaken” = ticket
“Tsugi tomarimasu” = We will stop at the next (bus) stop.
“tsugi” = next
“tomarimasu” = stop
(You will hear the recorded announcement, “tsugi tomarimasu” when you press the button to let driver know you want to get off at next stop. )
“Orimasu.” = I am getting off
“Sumimasen, Shinjyku wa mada desuka?” = Excuse me, is this (are we in) Shinjyku yet?” “sumimasen” = excuse me “… wa mada desuka?” = Is … yet?
