Visiting Tokyo Disney Resort is a wonderful experience. It can, however, be a bit intimidating for those that do not speak Japanese. While it’s not required to know any Japanese when you visit, it certainly does not hurt. Knowing a few key phrases will make your visit that much more enjoyable. The Japanese love it when foreigners know a few words. The expressions used in this post can be found in a printable pdf.

Over this next series of articles we are going to go over basic words and phrases that will help you when visiting. This is by no means comprehensive. For all intent purposes we won’t go into proper pronunciation, but if you want to learn I recommend this resource.

The goal of this series is not to teach you Japanese but equip you with a few phrases and words that will be beneficial during your trip. They will also help you when you’re checking out the other beautiful sites of Japan! If you’re wanting to continue your Japanese learning, we highly recommend the Genki Textbooks. As they are one of the best textbooks out there for learning Japanese.

While most things will be in Japanese, such as the mobile website pictured above. You will find things that will have some English on it.

The use of English in the parks is pretty substantial. Most signs and menus will be in English. Most attractions will be in Japanese but may have English translations, simply ask the nearest Cast Member. Cast Members who need to speak English will, such as those at Guest Services and Ticket Booths. If you encounter a Cast Member who does not speak English, they will do their very best to help you or find someone who can.

Most signs will have some English on it. Just do not expect a word for word translation.

Let’s start with the basic words and phrases. Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it perfectly, it’s the effort that counts.

Basics

• Yes – hai （はい）
• No – iie（いいえ）
• Hello / Good Afternoon – konnichiwa（こんにちは）
• Good Morning – ohayo gozaimasu（おはようございます）
• Good Evening – konnbanwa（こんばんは）
• Thank you – arigatou（ありがとうございます）
• Please – kudasai（ください）
• Excuse me – sumimasen（すみません）
• Sorry – gomen nasai（ごめんなさい）
• How are you? – ogenki desu ka?（お元気ですか？）
• I don’t understand – wakarimasen（わかりません）
• I understand  – wakarimashita (わかりました）
• This please – kore o kudasai (これをください）
• I don’t speak Japanese – watashi wa nihon go o hanasemasen（私は日本語を話せません）
• Do you speak English? – anata wa eigo hanasemasuka?（あなたは英語を話せますか？）
• Where is x? – …wa doko desu ka?（。。はどこですか？）
• Where is the toilet? – toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか？）

We have created a very handy printable PDF to put with your travel documents. If all else fails you can simply show the Cast Member the phrase and they will understand. This is just the start of our language series, make sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next one!

While Japanese is everywhere in the park you will find English on things such as restaurant menus.

Are there any other phrases you’d like to know how to say? Let us know in the comments.