Question
I am traveling to Tokyo for the first time and plan to take the train to different attractions. However, I am not confident about reading the signs and navigating the stations. How do I ask someone in Japanese, “Excuse me, which line should I take to get to Shibuya?”?
Japango Editor Team
すみません、渋谷（しぶや）に行（い）くには、どの線（せん）に乗（の）ればいいですか。
Sumimasen, Shibuya ni iku niwa, dono sen ni noreba ii desu ka?
Excuse me, which line should I take to get to Shibuya?
This phrase is helpful when you need assistance finding the right train line. “Sumimasen” is a polite way to say “excuse me,” often used when asking for help. “Shibuya ni iku” means “to go to Shibuya.” “Dono sen” asks “which line,” and “noreba ii desu ka” is a polite way to ask “should I take” or “is good to take.”
If you’re heading to another location, simply replace “Shibuya” with the name of your desired destination, and use “dono sen” to specify the line you’re inquiring about.
