駅はどこですか

To use it effectively, start with a polite sumimasen (excuse me) to get someone's attention. Then, say eki wa doko desu ka clearly. You do not need to name the specific station if you are clearly looking for the closest one. Most people will point you in the right direction or even walk you part of the way. If you have a specific station in mind, just swap eki for the name, like Shinjuku eki wa doko desu ka.

Use this when you emerge from a building and feel completely turned around. It is perfect for asking shopkeepers, police officers at a koban (police box), or kind-looking strangers on the street. It is also great for when your phone battery dies and your GPS is a black screen of despair. We have all been there, and Japanese people are usually very happy to help a lost traveler.

Avoid using this if you are already standing inside the station—you might get some very confused looks! Also, while it is grammatically correct, it feels a bit stiff among very close friends. In a casual setting, you might just say eki, doko? instead. Do not use it if you are looking for a bus stop; that is a bus-tei.

Stations in Japan are not just transit points; they are massive social hubs. Many contain department stores, underground cities, and some of the best ramen shops you will ever find. Because the train system is so punctual and vital, the station is the heart of every neighborhood. Finding the station usually means finding civilization, food, and a way home.

If you want to be extra polite, you can say eki wa dochira desu ka? which uses the more formal word for "where." If you are in a rush and just need the general direction, you might hear people say eki wa kocchi? (Is the station this way?). For beginners, sticking to the standard doko desu ka is the safest and most reliable bet.