Asking for Directions to a Station in Japanese: A Role-Play Practice
Practise asking for a station, understanding directions, requesting a repeat, and confirming the route in Japanese.
To ask where a station is in Japanese, start with “すみません、駅はどこですか” (Excuse me, where is the station?), then repeat the direction back to confirm it. The four steps below practise asking, listening and requesting help. These are practice examples; follow the actual signs and directions when travelling.
Ask where the station is
Start with “すみません” to get someone’s attention, then ask “駅はどこですか”. If you know the destination, substitute “東京駅はどこですか” (Where is Tokyo Station?). Example: Traveller: “すみません、駅はどこですか。” Passer-by: “あちらです。” (Over there.) Traveller: “ありがとうございます。”
Listen for basic directions
“まっすぐ” means straight, “右” means right, and “左” means left. “まっすぐ行って、右です” means go straight, then right. Ask your practice partner to change the direction, draw the route on paper and check what you heard.
Ask for a repeat
Do not guess. Say “もう一度お願いします” (Please say it again) or “ゆっくりお願いします” (Please speak slowly). For example, if you only catch “左”, ask for the whole sentence again and listen for “まっすぐ” too.
Confirm and thank the person
Ask “右ですか” (To the right?) or say “まっすぐですね” (Straight, correct?). Then say “ありがとうございます” (Thank you). If you are still unsure, point to a map and ask “ここですか” (Here?).
Practise one exchange with a character
Open Jogen and ask a conversation character to play a passer-by: “Give simple directions in Japanese, one step at a time. I will ask where the station is.” Ask, listen, request a repeat and confirm; then swap left and right and try again. AI can make mistakes, so check maps and signs on an actual trip.
Caption: A practice sequence from asking for the station to listening and confirming the route.
Sources: Japan Foundation lesson plan on asking the way; Agency for Cultural Affairs Japanese learning materials.
