Japanese for Travellers: From Konnichiwa to Ryokan

What's inside

1. Level 1: Your First Japanese Sounds and PitchFree
   You'll get to know the five Japanese vowels, the basic syllables, long and short sounds, and how pitch gives Japanese its gentle rise and fall.
2. Level 2: Greetings, Bows and SumimasenFree
   You'll learn the everyday greetings, how and when to bow, polite desu and masu endings, and the all-purpose word sumimasen.
3. Level 3: Introducing Yourself Politely
   You'll put together a short, polite self-introduction with your name, where you're from and why you're visiting Japan.
4. Level 4: Counting and Counters in Outline
   You'll count from one to ten thousand, and learn the basic idea of counters with the handy ones travellers need for people, things and tickets.
5. Level 5: Yen, Prices, Time and Dates
   You'll handle prices in yen, ask what time things happen, and say days and dates so you can manage money and plans.
6. Level 6: How Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji Work
   You'll find out how Japan's three writing systems work together, and why knowing which is which helps you make sense of any sign.
7. Level 7: The Twenty Signs Every Traveller Needs
   You'll learn to recognise the twenty most useful signs, like exit, entrance, toilet, open, closed and station names, so you can find your way without reading fluently.
8. Level 8: Trains, IC Cards, JR and Private Lines
   You'll learn how to get around by city train using IC cards, tell JR and private lines apart, and ask station staff for help.
9. Level 9: The Shinkansen and Reserved Seats
   You'll book and ride the Shinkansen, choosing between reserved and non-reserved seats and understanding your ticket.
10. Level 10: Taxis and Asking for Directions
    You'll take taxis and ask passers-by for directions, using place words and simple direction phrases.
11. Level 11: Checking In at Hotels and Ryokan
    You'll check in and out of hotels and traditional ryokan, ask about meals and facilities, and know what to expect in a tatami room.
12. Level 12: Onsen and Bathing Etiquette
    You'll learn how to enjoy an onsen or public bath the right way, from washing first to reading the bath signs.
13. Level 13: Eating Out: Menus, Machines and Allergies
    You'll order in restaurants and from ticket machines, read common menu words, and explain dietary needs and allergies clearly.
14. Level 14: Convenience Stores, Shopping and Tax-Free
    You'll shop at convenience stores and other shops, answer the cashier's questions, and understand tax-free shopping in outline.
15. Level 15: Pharmacies, Health and Emergencies
    You'll describe simple symptoms at a pharmacy, ask for help, and know how to call 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance.
16. Level 16: Friendly Small Talk
    You'll make easy, friendly small talk about the weather, your trip, food and Japan, and respond warmly to compliments.
17. Level 17: Everyday Etiquette: Shoes, Tips, Trains, Rubbish
    You'll learn the everyday etiquette that matters most, such as taking off your shoes, not tipping, keeping quiet on trains and sorting rubbish.
18. Level 18: Final Challenge: Your Full Trip Role-Play Exam
    You'll bring the whole course together in a complete trip role-play, from arriving and travelling to staying, eating, shopping and handling a problem.

Access

The first 2 levels are free with a free account. Every level, the podcast edition and the AI tutor come with All Access at £4.99/month or any Creator plan — see pricing.

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