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Read the station, not just the map

Station signs: the words that help you survive Japanese train stations.

Big stations can feel overwhelming, but station signs use repeated patterns. Once you know exit, entrance, platform, line, transfer, and direction words, the station starts making sense much faster.

Five station signs to learn first

えき
eki
station
Example: 駅はどこですか。
Eki wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: On maps, station names, and travel signs.
いりぐち
iriguchi
entrance
Example: 入口はこちらです。
Iriguchi wa kochira desu.
When to use it: When entering the station or a station area.
でぐち
deguchi
exit
Example: 出口はどこですか。
Deguchi wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When leaving the station or finding the right side.
ホーム
hoomu
platform
Example: 何番ホームですか。
Nanban hoomu desu ka.
When to use it: When boarding trains.
のりかえ
norikae
transfer
Example: 乗り換えはどこですか。
Norikae wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When changing lines or trains.

Direction signs you will keep seeing

きたぐち
kitaguchi
north exit
Example: 北口はこちらです。
Kitaguchi wa kochira desu.
When to use it: When a meeting point or hotel is tied to a specific exit.
みなみぐち
minamiguchi
south exit
Example: 南口はこちらです。
Minamiguchi wa kochira desu.
When to use it: In large stations with multiple exits.
ひがしぐち
higashiguchi
east exit
Example: 東口へ行ってください。
Higashiguchi e itte kudasai.
When to use it: When directions use compass exits.
にしぐち
nishiguchi
west exit
Example: 西口はあちらです。
Nishiguchi wa achira desu.
When to use it: In complex city stations.

Other common station words

せん
sen
line
Example: 山手線
Yamanote-sen
When to use it: In train line names.
かいさつ
kaisatsu
ticket gate
Example: 改札はどこですか。
Kaisatsu wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When looking for station entry or exit gates.
かくえきていしゃ
kakueki teisha
local train
Example: 各駅停車です。
Kakueki teisha desu.
When to use it: On departure boards and train indicators.
きゅうこう
kyuukou
express
Example: 急行です。
Kyuukou desu.
When to use it: On train types and departure signs.