JLPT N4 Travel Vocabulary (Part 4)

Traveling in Japan isn't only about visiting famous places.

Sometimes the most memorable moments happen while getting lost in a quiet neighborhood, stopping by a convenience store after a long walk, or asking a local for directions.

In this lesson, you'll learn more travel vocabulary through situations that feel natural to everyday life in Japan.

16. 案内所（あんないじょ）— Information Center

You'll often find an information center inside major train stations and airports.

Whenever you're unsure where to go, it's usually the best place to ask.

Example 1

新宿駅は思っていたより広かったので、出口が分からなくなってしまいました。そこで駅の案内所へ行って、英語の地図をもらいました。

Romaji

Shinjuku-eki wa omotte ita yori hirokatta node, deguchi ga wakaranaku natte shimaimashita. Soko de eki no annaijo e itte, eigo no chizu o moraimashita.

Meaning

Shinjuku Station was much bigger than I expected, so I got lost trying to find the exit. I went to the information center and got an English map.

Grammar

• ～より
• ～てしまう
• ～ので
• ～てもらう

Example 2

案内所のスタッフはとても親切で、おすすめの観光スポットだけではなく、おいしいラーメン屋さんまで教えてくれました。

Meaning

The staff at the information center were very kind. They not only recommended tourist attractions but also introduced me to a great ramen restaurant.

Grammar

• ～だけではなく
• ～てくれる

17. 観光（かんこう）— Sightseeing

This word means visiting places for enjoyment while traveling.

Example 1

今日は天気がいいので、浅草を歩きながら観光することにしました。

Romaji

Kyou wa tenki ga ii node, Asakusa o arukinagara kankou suru koto ni shimashita.

Meaning

Since the weather is nice today, I decided to explore Asakusa on foot.

Grammar

• ～ので
• ～ながら
• ～ことにする

Example 2

観光シーズンなので、有名なお寺には朝早く行ったほうがいいと思います。

Meaning

Since it's tourist season, I think it's better to visit famous temples early in the morning.

Grammar

• ～ほうがいい
• ～と思う

18. お土産（おみやげ）— Souvenir

Buying souvenirs is an important part of Japanese travel culture.

Many stations even have dedicated souvenir shops called おみやげ店.

Example 1

会社の同僚に渡すために、東京駅で東京ばな奈をお土産として買いました。

Romaji

Kaisha no douryou ni watasu tame ni, Toukyou-eki de Toukyou Banana o omiyage toshite kaimashita.

Meaning

I bought Tokyo Banana at Tokyo Station as a souvenir for my coworkers.

Grammar

• ～ために
• ～として

Example 2

母は甘い物が好きなので、京都で有名な八つ橋を買って帰るつもりです。

Meaning

Since my mother likes sweets, I'm planning to buy Yatsuhashi before going home.

Grammar

• ～つもりです
• ～ので

19. 温泉（おんせん）— Hot Spring

Japan is famous for its natural hot springs.

Many Japanese people visit onsen during weekends or holidays to relax.

Example 1

仕事が忙しかったので、週末は箱根の温泉へ行って、ゆっくり休むことにしました。

Romaji

Shigoto ga isogashikatta node, shuumatsu wa Hakone no onsen e itte, yukkuri yasumu koto ni shimashita.

Meaning

Work was very busy, so I decided to spend the weekend relaxing at a hot spring in Hakone.

Grammar

• ～ことにする
• ～ので

Example 2

温泉に入る前に、体をきれいに洗わなければなりません。それは日本の大切なマナーです。

Meaning

Before entering a hot spring, you must wash your body first. It's one of Japan's important etiquette rules.

Grammar

• ～前に
• ～なければなりません

20. 旅館（りょかん）— Traditional Japanese Inn

A 旅館 offers a traditional Japanese accommodation experience.

You can usually enjoy tatami rooms, futons, yukata, and seasonal Japanese meals.

Example 1

初めて旅館に泊まったとき、畳の部屋で寝るのは少し不思議な感じがしましたが、とてもいい経験になりました。

Romaji

Hajimete ryokan ni tomatta toki, tatami no heya de neru no wa sukoshi fushigi na kanji ga shimashita ga, totemo ii keiken ni narimashita.

Meaning

The first time I stayed at a traditional inn, sleeping on tatami felt a little unusual, but it became a wonderful experience.

Grammar

• ～とき
• ～感じがする
• ～になる

Example 2

夕食には新鮮な刺身や天ぷらが出てきて、まるで日本のドラマに出てくる旅館のようでした。

Meaning

Fresh sashimi and tempura were served for dinner, and it felt just like staying at a traditional inn from a Japanese TV drama.

Grammar

• ～てくる
• ～ようだ

Grammar Review

Mini Reading

ゴールデンウィークだったので、友達と二泊三日で京都へ旅行しました。

新幹線で京都駅に着いたあと、まず案内所へ行って、おすすめのお寺やカフェを教えてもらいました。そのあと、嵐山を散歩しながら観光して、有名な抹茶ソフトクリームを食べました。

夕方になると、旅館へチェックインしました。部屋には畳と布団があって、とても落ち着いた雰囲気でした。夕食を食べたあと、旅館の温泉に入って、一日の疲れが全部なくなったような気がしました。

帰る前に家族や会社の同僚へのお土産を買ったので、とても楽しい旅行になりました。

Translation

It was Golden Week, so my friends and I went on a three-day, two-night trip to Kyoto.

After arriving at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen, we first visited the information center, where the staff recommended several temples and cafés. Then we explored Arashiyama while walking around and enjoyed its famous matcha soft serve ice cream.

In the evening, we checked into a traditional Japanese inn. The room had tatami mats and futons, creating a peaceful atmosphere. After dinner, we relaxed in the hot spring, and it felt like all the tiredness from the day had disappeared.

Before going home, we bought souvenirs for our families and coworkers, making it a truly memorable trip.

Final Thoughts

Traveling in Japan becomes much more enjoyable when you understand not only the language but also the culture behind it.

Many of today's words, such as 旅館, 温泉, and お土産, represent experiences that are uniquely Japanese. By learning them through real situations, you'll remember both the vocabulary and the culture much more naturally.