Some Japanese phrases I used in my trip...

I took a trip to Sendai, then Tokyo from 8 to 15 August, and admittedly, my Japanese level declided from the second day onwards (I had been learning the language gradually before the trip). I'm trying to compile a list of phrases I used frequently then, though it may not be grammatically accurate.

〇〇たいですが。。。

English: I would like to...

Example: 保存館に入りたいですが。。。 I would like to enter the Sendai Tram Museum...

Use when: It's a polite expression for when you apply to someone in authority (security, shop staff) to do something.

〇〇を使えますか？

English: Can I use...?

Example: ICカードを使えますか？ Can I use the IC card?

Use when: Telling shop staff how you wish to pay. The phrase you would hear before saying this (from the payment terminal at 7-11, for example), is something like, 支払い方法を教えてください Please specify your method of payment.

〇〇の写真を撮ってもいいですか？

English: Can I take pictures of...?

Example: ブースの写真を撮ってもいいですか？ Can I take pictures of the booth?

Use when: If you'd like to take pictures of the circle booths at the Comiket, or in general. I try to point at what I'm trying to take pictures of. Normally, if you take pictures of goods rather than people, they will let you do so.

XXはYYに変更したいです。

English: I would like to change this XX arrangement into YY.

Example: 予約は午後1時に変更したいです。 I would like to change my reservation to 1pm.

Use when: To change reservations, such as that of the Marubun Kisen Matsushima cruise from one departure to another. Admittedly it's not polite, but it got the point across to me.