I lived in Japan and the phrases I use daily are nowhere in any textbook. Here are 5 that'll actually save you:

1. すみません、これお願いします (Sumimasen, kore onegaishimasu)

"Excuse me, this one please." Point at anything on any menu. Works every time.

2. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu)

"I'm fine / It's okay / No thanks." The Swiss Army knife of Japanese. Waiter pushing extras? Daijoubu desu.

3. ちょっと待ってください (Chotto matte kudasai)

"Please wait a moment." When the station attendant is talking too fast or you need a sec.

4. これは何ですか (Kore wa nan desu ka)

"What is this?" Perfect for konbini shelves, izakaya menus, and mystery vending machines.

5. 出口はどこですか (Deguchi wa doko desu ka)

"Where's the exit?" Tokyo Station has 200+ exits. You WILL need this.

These 5 alone got me through my first month. Want to learn more real Japanese — not textbook Japanese? That's what Street Japanese is for.