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Natsuko Yunome and Hanabusa Asari

In this video course, 2 Japanese tutors Natsuko and Asari will be guiding you to help you improve your Japanese conversation skills that will be useful especially when you travel Japan. It means that you will be focusing to gain your speaking and listening skills.

The course is for 1 hour and 40 mins in total and there are 11 lessons including 3 small tests and 1 final test to check if you gain the useful knowledge you learn during the course. 1 lesson is approximately for 10 to 15 mins and it is easy to study at your own pace.

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In this video course, 2 Japanese tutors Natsuko and Asari will be guiding you to help you improve your Japanese conversation skills that will be useful especially when you travel Japan. It means that you will be focusing to gain your speaking and listening skills.

The course is for 1 hour and 40 mins in total and there are 11 lessons including 3 small tests and 1 final test to check if you gain the useful knowledge you learn during the course. 1 lesson is approximately for 10 to 15 mins and it is easy to study at your own pace.

Please note that this video course is for elementary level which means that you have already gained basic knowledge of Japanese such as being able to read Hiragana & Katakana (not necessary but preferable), and understanding numbers, greeting phrases and some simple vocabulary at least before starting this course. If you haven’t already, please check out the video course ‘Learn Japanese For Beginners With Natsuko’.

Practical Japanese Conversation For Travelling Japan 1

Course Contents:

[Section 1: Basic Knowledge]

  Lesson 1: Words For Directions

  Lesson 2: Traffic Words

  Lesson 3: How To Explain The Way

  Lesson 4: Small Test 1

[Section 2: When You Use Taxis]

  Lesson 5: How To Catch A Taxi

  Lesson 6: How To Tell A Taxi Driver Where You Want To Go

  Lesson 7: Small Test 2

[Section 3: When You Use Trains And Buses]

  Lesson 8: How To Go To A Train Station

  Lesson 9: How To Go To A Bus Stop

  Lesson 10: Small Test 3

[Section 4: Final Test]

  Lesson 11: Final Test

  Answers and listening scripts for Final Test are included in PDF file

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn useful vocabulary and phrases for travelling when you use trains, buses and taxies.
  • You will learn how to make sentences with the vocabulary and grammar you learn.
  • You will be able to ask questions to strangers in japan and be able to understand what they answer.
  • You will be able to gain the listening and speaking skills that are useful when you travel japan.

Syllabus

Learn the traffic words that are useful as you explain the way.

Understand when people explain how to go to the place you want to go.

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Learn direction words and make sentences to explains the locations.

You will be able to say all the vocabulary and phrases you have learnt in the lesson 1-3 and understand all the sentences.

1. Translate the direction words into Japanese

2. Translate the traffic words into Japanese

3. Listening exercises to understand what people say the ways to the locations

Learn how to ask where you can catch a taxi.

Learn how to tell a taxi driver to go to the place you want to go.

You will be able to say all the vocabulary and phrases you have learnt in the lesson 5-6, and understand all the sentences.

1. Translate the vocabulary and phrases into Japanese

2. Speaking and Listening: Practice conversations with Natsuko

Learn how to ask the way to the train station.

Learn how to ask the way to the bus stop.

You will be able to say all the vocabulary and phrases you have learnt in lesson 8-9 and understand all the sentences.

1. Translate the vocabulary and phrases into Japanese

2. Speaking and Listening: Practice conversation with Asari

You will be able to say all the vocabulary and phrases you have learnt in all the past lessons depending on the occasion, and understand listening exercises.

Note: Answers and listening scripts are attached in PDF file. Please use them when you check the answers.

1. Translate the vocabulary into Japanese

2. Translate the phrases into Japanese

3. Listening exercises for directions

4. Listening of conversations

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on practical speaking and listening skills, which are essential for navigating Japan using taxis, trains, and buses
Assumes learners have basic knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana, numbers, greetings, and simple vocabulary, which may require additional study for some
Includes small tests and a final test to reinforce learning, which helps learners assess their progress and retention of vocabulary and phrases
Teaches vocabulary and phrases specifically for directions, traffic, and transportation, which are useful for independent travel
Requires learners to translate vocabulary and phrases, which may be challenging for learners who prefer other learning styles
Includes PDF files with answers and listening scripts for the final test, which allows learners to check their understanding and improve listening comprehension

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Reviews summary

Practical japanese for japan travel

According to learners, this course is highly practical and specifically designed for travelling in Japan. Students found the vocabulary and phrases taught to be immediately useful for real-life situations like asking for directions or using public transport. The tutors, Natsuko and Asari, are widely praised for their clear explanations and engaging teaching style. Learners appreciated the bite-sized lessons and the fact that the course is easy to follow. While it provides a solid foundation for travel conversation, students note that it is an elementary-level course and you should ideally have basic Japanese knowledge beforehand. Overall, it's considered an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Japan and wanting to learn essential communication skills.
Best suited for beginners with basic knowledge.
"It's important to have some basic Japanese knowledge, like Hiragana, before starting."
"As mentioned, this is for elementary level, so know your basics first."
"Good for reinforcing simple conversation if you've already studied beginners' Japanese."
Emphasis is on verbal communication skills.
"The course helps you gain confidence in listening and speaking for travel."
"It really focuses on the conversational aspect, which is what I needed."
"Great practice for hearing and saying useful phrases."
Short, manageable video lessons are convenient.
"The lessons are short and easy to digest, perfect for studying at your own pace."
"I appreciated the concise format, making it easy to fit learning into my day."
"Each video is focused and doesn't feel overwhelming."
Instructors are clear, engaging, and easy to follow.
"Natsuko and Asari are excellent teachers, very clear and engaging."
"I found the tutors very easy to understand and pleasant to learn from."
"Their explanations were simple and effective for grasping the concepts."
Focuses directly on useful phrases for travel.
"This course is very practical and useful for my trip to Japan."
"I was able to use the phrases I learned right away during my visit."
"The content covers essential situations you encounter when travelling, like asking for directions or using transportation."
Useful introduction, but relatively brief.
"While very useful, it's a short course, so don't expect deep grammar."
"It's a great quick guide but you'll need more study for fluency."
"Covers the essentials well for travel but is not a comprehensive language course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Practical Japanese Conversation For Travelling Japan 1 with these activities:
Review Basic Japanese Greetings and Numbers
Reinforce foundational Japanese greetings and number systems to ensure a solid base for understanding directions and prices while traveling.
Show steps
  • Review common Japanese greetings such as 'Konnichiwa' and 'Arigato'.
  • Practice counting in Japanese up to at least one hundred.
  • Use online resources or flashcards to memorize basic phrases.
Read 'Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese'
Use a structured textbook to reinforce grammar and vocabulary concepts for a deeper understanding of the Japanese language.
Show steps
  • Review relevant chapters on basic grammar and vocabulary.
  • Complete the exercises and practice dialogues in the textbook.
  • Use the accompanying audio materials to improve listening comprehension.
Read 'Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary'
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive phrasebook to expand vocabulary and gain practical conversational skills.
Show steps
  • Browse the phrasebook to identify relevant sections for travel scenarios.
  • Practice pronouncing key phrases and sentences.
  • Use the dictionary to look up unfamiliar words and expressions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Direction and Location Role-Playing
Practice using direction and location vocabulary through role-playing scenarios to improve fluency and comprehension.
Show steps
  • Create scenarios involving asking for directions to common places in Japan.
  • Practice both asking for and giving directions in Japanese.
  • Record yourself and review for pronunciation and clarity.
Watch Japanese Travel Vlogs
Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese conversation by watching travel vlogs, improving listening comprehension and cultural awareness.
Show steps
  • Search for travel vlogs featuring Japanese speakers in Japan.
  • Pay attention to the language used in different situations.
  • Take notes on new vocabulary and expressions.
  • Try to imitate the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers.
Create a Travel Phrasebook
Compile a personalized phrasebook of useful Japanese phrases for travel, reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structure learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Gather key phrases from the course and other resources.
  • Organize phrases by category (e.g., transportation, food, accommodation).
  • Include example sentences and pronunciation guides.
  • Share your phrasebook with other learners for feedback.
Design a Travel Itinerary in Japanese
Plan a hypothetical trip to Japan, writing out the itinerary in Japanese to practice using learned vocabulary and sentence structures in a practical context.
Show steps
  • Choose destinations and activities for your trip.
  • Write out the itinerary in Japanese, including transportation details and planned activities.
  • Use a dictionary or online resources to find appropriate vocabulary.
  • Review your itinerary with a native speaker or language partner for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Practical Japanese Conversation For Travelling Japan 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tour Guide
Imagine yourself as a Tour Guide in Japan, leading visitors through bustling city streets and serene temples. This course helps you develop practical conversational Japanese skills, essential for giving directions, explaining transportation options, and answering questions about local attractions. By learning vocabulary related to directions, traffic, trains, and buses, you will be well-equipped to guide tourists effectively. This course is especially valuable for mastering the phrases needed to navigate public transportation and provide clear instructions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your clients. The speaking and listening practice offered in this course builds a solid foundation for confident communication.
Translator
As a Translator specializing in travel and tourism, you'll bridge communication gaps between visitors and locals in Japan. This course focuses on practical Japanese conversation, providing you with the vocabulary and phrases needed to translate directions, transportation information, and tourist inquiries. The emphasis on speaking and listening skills means that you can confidently interpret conversations related to navigating Japan. This course helps you understand the specific language used in travel scenarios, such as asking for directions or using public transport, making your translations accurate and relevant. The lessons on traffic words and explaining locations are particularly helpful for this role.
Study Abroad Advisor
As a Study Abroad Advisor specializing in programs in Japan, this course helps you better prepare students for their experiences. The course in practical Japanese conversation focuses on vocabulary and phrases related to transportation, directions, and everyday travel situations. By teaching students how to navigate public transport, ask for directions, and handle travel-related questions, you enhance their independence and confidence. The course may be useful for enriching pre-departure training and equipping students with essential language skills for a smoother and more rewarding study abroad experience.
Online Travel Influencer
This course may be helpful for an Online Travel Influencer who wants to create content about traveling in Japan. This course develops practical Japanese conversation skills, particularly focusing on vocabulary and phrases related to transportation, directions, and everyday travel scenarios. You could use your improved language skills to film yourself asking for directions or ordering tickets. You may find that this course increases viewer engagement with your content.
Travel Writer
Consider a role as a Travel Writer focusing on Japan. This course helps you gather firsthand information through practical Japanese conversation. Engaging with locals to ask about directions, transportation, and hidden gems will enrich your travel narratives with authentic insights. By learning to navigate Japanese public transport and understand traffic directions, you'll be able to explore Japan more independently and write with greater authority. This course is particularly useful for equipping you with the language skills needed to conduct interviews and collect local perspectives, adding depth and credibility to your writing.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative assisting international travelers requires strong communication skills. This course in practical Japanese conversation gives you essential phrases and vocabulary for helping travelers navigate Japan's transportation systems. Knowing how to give directions, explain bus and train routes, and understand common travel inquiries enhances your ability to provide excellent customer support. This course may be useful as it specifically addresses the language needed for helping people find their way, use taxis, and understand transportation options, ensuring you can confidently assist customers in their travels.
Transportation Coordinator
As a Transportation Coordinator, your proficiency in Japanese can be a major asset. This course provides practical skills needed to communicate with local transportation services in Japan. You'll gain familiarity with vocabulary related to directions, traffic, trains, and buses, enabling more efficient coordination of travel arrangements. This course may be useful by focusing on the specific language required to ask for directions, understand transportation schedules, and assist travelers with their transit needs. The lessons on using taxis and trains are invaluable for ensuring seamless transportation logistics.
International Business Consultant
As an International Business Consultant, understanding the local culture and language is crucial for successful business dealings. This course helps you with practical Japanese conversation skills, allowing you to navigate transportation and logistics while in Japan. Gaining insights into local travel habits and transportation systems helps you advise clients more effectively. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation for understanding everyday interactions, ensuring you can confidently handle travel arrangements and communicate with local partners. The skills learned in this course help build trust and rapport with Japanese counterparts.
Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
Working as a Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator involves facilitating travel and logistics for participants. This course provides practical Japanese conversation skills related to transportation, directions, and everyday travel situations. You will support program participants by providing them with useful language skills to navigate Japan independently. This course may be useful, and particularly helpful in preparing participants for the challenges of using public transport, asking for directions, and understanding travel-related information. The vocabulary and phrases taught in this course contribute to a smoother and more enriching experience for program participants.
Travel Agent
A Travel Agent specializing in Japanese travel helps clients plan smooth and enjoyable trips. This course builds a foundation in practical Japanese conversation, focusing on vocabulary and phrases related to transportation and directions. Learning how to ask for directions, understand train schedules, and use taxis allows you to provide accurate and helpful advice to your clients. The course may be useful given its focus on practical skills for navigating Japan, ensuring you can confidently assist clients with their travel arrangements and address their specific needs.
Language Teacher
As a Language Teacher, specializing in Japanese for travelers, you equip students with essential communication skills. This course enhances your ability to teach practical Japanese conversation, particularly focusing on vocabulary and phrases relevant to transportation and directions. This course may be useful for expanding your knowledge of everyday travel scenarios and improving your ability to create engaging and relevant lesson plans. The course content may help you provide students with the tools they need to confidently navigate Japan's transportation systems and ask for directions.
Hospitality Professional
A Hospitality Professional working in Japan often interacts with international guests. This course may be useful by providing you with practical Japanese conversation skills to assist visitors with transportation and directions. Learning how to explain bus routes, give directions to local attractions, and understand travel-related inquiries can enhance guest satisfaction. The lessons on traffic words and transportation options help you provide accurate and helpful information, ensuring guests have a positive experience during their stay.
Immigration Officer
An Immigration Officer may find that skills in Japanese conversation can be helpful when processing travelers entering Japan. This course may be useful by offering practical vocabulary and phrases related to directions and transportation. While the role primarily involves legal and procedural tasks, understanding basic travel-related inquiries helps in ensuring smooth processing of visitors. The focus on listening skills enables you to better understand travelers' needs and provide appropriate guidance.
Flight Attendant
As a Flight Attendant on international routes, you may interact with passengers traveling to Japan. The practical Japanese conversation skills from this course may be useful for assisting passengers with basic directions and transportation information upon arrival. While your primary role focuses on in-flight safety and service, knowing some essential phrases helps you provide better customer support. The ability to understand and respond to simple travel-related requests enhances the overall travel experience for passengers.
International Aid Worker
An International Aid Worker stationed in Japan might benefit from conversational skills. This course may be useful by providing practical Japanese conversation skills, allowing you to navigate local transportation and communicate with residents. The course's focus on directions and transportation options would enable you to travel more independently and assist locals in need. You will be better equipped to handle travel logistics and communicate effectively with local partners, improving your ability to deliver aid and support.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Practical Japanese Conversation For Travelling Japan 1.
This phrasebook is specifically designed for travelers to Japan. It contains essential phrases for various situations, including transportation, accommodation, and dining. It useful reference tool for quickly looking up phrases relevant to the course's topics, such as asking for directions or using taxis and trains.
Genki widely used textbook for elementary Japanese language learning. It provides a structured approach to grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. While more comprehensive than necessary for travel conversation alone, it offers a solid foundation for further language study. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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