First Move
Look for an English button first, then use camera translation if there isn’t one.
Quick steps
- Check the corners of the screen for English or language settings.
- If there is no English, use camera translation.
- Look for the simplest option that matches what you need.
- Ask staff before pressing random buttons.
- Keep the ticket or receipt if you make a mistake.
- After paying, check if there is a change button. Some machines do not return coins until you press it.
Don’t Do This
Don’t press random buttons just to move forward.
Some machines are hard to cancel after payment, and staff may need the ticket or receipt to help you.
Don’t block the machine while translating for too long.
If people are waiting behind you, step aside for a moment and let someone else go first.
Don’t throw away the ticket or receipt.
Even if you bought the wrong thing, it may help staff understand what happened.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Use when you want to ask if the machine can show English.
Eigo ni dekimasu ka?
英語にできますか？
Can I switch this to English?
Use when you don’t know how to use it.
Tsukaikata ga wakarimasen.
使い方がわかりません。
I don’t know how to use this.
Use when you can point to what you want to buy.
Kore o kaitai desu.
これを買いたいです。
I want to buy this.
If You See or Hear This
English / Language / Gengo
English / Language / 言語
It means: Language setting.
Your move
Tap it first. If you cannot find a language option, use camera translation or ask staff.
Kounyuu
購入
It means: Purchase or buy.
Your move
Press it when you have selected what you want and are ready to pay.
Otsuri / Henkyaku
おつり / 返却
It means: Change / return.
Your move
Press it after buying if your change does not come out automatically.
Torikeshi
取消
It means: Cancel.
Your move
Press it only if you want to cancel or go back.
Kakunin
確認
It means: Confirm.
Your move
Press it when you are ready to confirm your choice.
If You’re Stuck
Step aside and reset. Take a photo of the machine, translate it, and decide before you touch the screen again. If there is a staff member nearby, show your phone with a simple sentence.
Tiny Culture Note
Many Japanese ticket machines are built for speed, not for first-time visitors. Stepping aside is often the smoothest move.