28 Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Your Hotel Stay

WeXpats

2024/09/10

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Many tourist accommodations in Japan are equipped with English-speaking or multilingual staff. However, it is still good to know some basic phrases for places that can only provide service in Japanese.

In this article, we will introduce some need-to-know phrases when staying at a hotel or ryokan in Japan.

Table of Contents

Types of Travel Accommodation in Japan
Difference Between Ryokan and Hotels in Japan
Japanese Hotel Phrases #1: Booking a Room
Japanese Hotel Phrases #2: Checking-In
Japanese Hotel Phrases #3: Questions and Requests
Japanese Hotel Phrases #4: Checking-Out

Types of Travel Accommodation in Japan

In Japan, a variety of accommodation options are available to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some common types:

Ryokan (旅館)

Traditional Japanese inns that are characterised by tatami rooms, futon beds, traditional meals, communal baths, and Japanese hospitality (omotenashi).

Discover more about ryokans and the right etiquette to practise here.

Hotel (ホテル, Hoteru)

Western-style hotels that are available in varying ranges from budget to luxury.

Business Hotels: affordable hotels, often located near train stations, that are popular among business travellers
Capsule Hotels: compact sleeping pods meant for short stays that make for a unique experience
Love Hotels: originally designed for couples offering hourly stays as well as overnight stays
Resort Hotels: luxury hotels, often located in resort areas and have spacious grounds, targeted at tourists

Hostels (ホステル) and Guesthouses (ゲストハウス)

Budget-friendly options, especially popular among backpackers and younger travellers, offering dormitory-style or private rooms.

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Private homes or apartments available for short-term rental.

Each type offers a different experience, so choosing the right one depends on your preferences and budget. For a more detailed look at different types of accommodation in Japan, have a look at this article.

Writer's Pick

Difference Between Ryokan and Hotels in Japan

Though both ryokan and hotels serve the same purpose, they offer vastly different experiences.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Atmosphere

Ryokan: Traditional, quiet, often with nature views, ideal for experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
Hotels: Modern, often business-oriented or tourist-friendly, straightforward stay

Amenities

Ryokan: Expect tatami flooring, futon beds, communal baths (onsen), and meals served in-room or in a dining area
Hotels: Includes private bathrooms, beds, and often Western-style amenities

Service

Ryokan: Personalized, with a focus on hospitality and traditional customs
Hotels: More formal, less personal, focus on efficiency especially in business hotels

Dress Code

Ryokan: Guests are typically given yukata (a casual kimono) to wear during their stay which is allowed to be worn to shared spaces
Hotels: Casual or business attire is common

Now that you understand the differences, let’s dive into the phrases you’ll need for your hotel stay in Japan.

Japanese Hotel Phrases #1: Booking a Room

Online booking is the norm nowadays, but just in case, here is how to make a room booking in Japanese.

1. I’d like to make a booking. - 予約をしたいです。(Yoyaku o shitai desu)

Use this phrase to start off the conversation.

2. Are there any rooms available from [date] to [date]? - ▲から▲までの部屋は空いていますか? (▲kara ▲ made no heya wa aite imasuka?)

Inquire on the hotel’s availability using this phrase. Example: “Are there any rooms available from September 6th to 8th?” - 9月6日から8日までの部屋は空いていますか？(Kugatsu muika kara youka made no heya wa aite imasuka?)

Not sure how to say the dates in Japanese, this article on how to say and count the days of the week, months and years in Japanese will come in handy.

3. [Number of Nights] nights from [date]. -▲から▲泊です(▲ kara ▲paku desu)

Alternatively, you can also use this phrase. Example: “Five nights from September 6th.” - 9月6日から5泊です。(Kugatsu muika kara gopaku desu)

4. How many people will there be? - 何名様ですかか？(Nan mei sama desuka?)

The hotel will inquire how many guests will be staying for the bookings. Answer with,

One Person - 一人 (Hitori)
Two Persons - 二人 (Futari)
Three Persons - 三人 (Sannin)
Four Persons - 四人 (Yonnin)
Five Persons - 五人 (Gonin)
Six Persons - 六人 (Rokunin)
Seven Persons - 七人 (Nananin)
Eight Persons - 八人 (Hachinin)
Nine Persons - 九人 (Kyuunin)
Ten Persons - 十人 (Jyuunin)

and so on.

5. I would like a double room, please. - ダブルルームをお願いします。(Daburu Ru-mu o onegaishimasu)

Japanese hotels typically offer three types of rooms (beds). Indicate your preference when making a booking, subject to availability.

Single - シングル (Shinguru) : single bed, accommodates one person
Twin - ツイン (Tsuin) : two single beds, accommodates two people
Double - ダブル (Daburu) : one double bed (queen / king), accommodates two people

6. Smoking / Non-smoking room, please. - 喫煙・禁煙ルームをお願いします。(Kitsuen / Kinen Ru-mu o onegaishimasu)

Most hotels have non-smoking rooms but there are also places that offer smoking accommodation. Indicate your room preferences when making a booking, subject to availability. Smoking in a non-smoking room will subject you to a hefty cleaning fee.

7. How much is it per night? - 1泊はいくらですか？(Ippaku wa ikura desuka?)

An important phrase to inquire about the room rate.

8. Does it include breakfast? - 朝食はついていますか？(Choushoku wa tsuite imasuka?)

A phrase to inquire whether the room rate includes breakfast.

9. What is the check-in and check-out time? - チェックインとチェックアウトは何時ですか?(Chekku In to Chekku Auto wa nan ji desuka?)

Confirm the checking-in and checking-out time of the hotel with this phrase.

Japanese Hotel Phrases #2: Checking-In

If you have a hotel booking, then all that’s left is to check-in on your booking date.

10. I do not have a reservation. Are any rooms available? - 予約していません。空いている部屋はありますか？(Yoyaku shite imasen. Aiteiru heya wa arimasuka?)

If you do not have a booking, use this phrase to inquire on the room availability.

11. Check-in, please. - チェックインをお願いします (Chekkuin o onegaishimasu)

A standard phrase for checking-in. If you have a reservation, continue to inform them what name your reservation is under.

12. I have a booking under [name]. - ▲の予約をしています。(▲ no yoyaku o shiteimasu)”.

Use this phrase to let the hotel know what name your booking is under.

13. What time is breakfast served? - 朝食は何時ですか？(Choushoku wa nan ji desuka?)

The hotel usually lets you know what time breakfast is served when checking-in, but it doesn’t hurt to know how to ask.

14. What time is check-out? - チェックアウトはいつですか？(Chekku Auto wa itsu desuka?)

Different hotels may have different check-out times, so be sure to confirm.

15. Can I check out later? - チェックアウトの時間を伸ばしてもらえますか？(Chekku Auto no jikan o nobashite moraemasuka?)

If you would like to check out later, use this phrase to inquire if this is possible.

16. Can I extend my stay for one more night? - 1泊延長することはできますか？(Ippaku enchousuru koto wa dekimasuka?)

You may want to extend your stay for whatever reason.

17. Could you keep my luggage until I check in? - チェックインまで荷物を預かってもらえますか？(Chekku In made nimotsu wo azukatte moraemasuka?)

Arrived too early for check-in? No problem, many hotels are happy to keep your luggage for you until you are ready to check-in.

Japanese Hotel Phrases #3: Questions and Requests

Here are some basic phrases for most situations that crop up at a hotel.

18. Where is the [place]? - ▲はどこですか？(▲ wa doko desuka?)

Use this phrase to ask for the location or directions of where you need to go. Example: “Where is the hotel restaurant?” - レストランはどこですか？(Resutoran wa doko desuka?)

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary to Know

Toilet - トイレ (Toire) / お手洗い (Otearai)
Hot Spring - 温泉 (Onsen)
Public Bath - お風呂 (Ofuro)
Gym - ジム (Jimu)
Pool - プール (Pu-ru)
Lounge - ラウンジ (Raunji)
Frontdesk - フロント (Furonto)
Parking Lot - 駐車場 (Chuushajou)

19. Do you do [service]? - ▲はできますか？(▲ wa dekimasuka?)

Use this phrase to ask if a particular service is provided at the hotel. Example: “Do you do room service?” - ルームサービスはできますか？ (Ru-mu Sa-bisu wa dekimasuka?)

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary to Know

Money Exchange - 両替 (Ryougae)
Massage - マッサージ (Massa-ji)
Tour - ツアー (Tsua-)
Laundry - ランドリー (Randori-)

20. Do you have [item]? - ▲はありますか？(▲ wa arimasuka?)

Use this phrase to ask whether an item or amenity is provided at the hotel. Example: “Do you have WiFi?” - WiFiはありますか？(WiFi wa arimasuka?)

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary to Know

Iron - アイロン (Airon)
Hairdryer - ドライヤー (Doraiya-)
Towel - タオル (Taoru)
Safe - セーフティボックス (Se-futi Bokkusu)
ATM

21. Where is the nearest [place]? - 一番近い▲はどこですか？(Ichiban chikai ▲ wa doko desuka?)

Use this phrase when looking for the nearest supermarket, station, convenience store, etc.

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary to Know

Supermarket - スーパー (Su-pa-)
Restaurant - レストラン (Resutoran)
Cafe - カフェ (Kafe)
Coin Laundry - コインランドリー (Koin Randori-)
Station - 駅 (Eki)
Bus Stop - バス停 (Basutei)
Convenience Store - コンビニ (Konbini)

22. I would like to request room service. - ルームサービスをお願いしたいのですが。(Ru-mu Sa-bisu o onegaishitaino desuga)

Use this phrase to ask for room service.

23. Please give me a wake-up call at (time) tomorrow. - ▲時にモーニングコールをお願いします。(▲ji ni mo-ningu ko-ru o onegai shimasu)

Use this phrase to ask for a wake-up call the next day or for the duration of your trip. Example: “Please give me a wake-up call at 9AM tomorrow.” - 9時にモーニングコールをお願いします。(Kuji ni mo-ningu ko-ru o onegaishimasu)

24. Please call a taxi for me. - タクシーを呼んでください。 (Takushi- o yonde kudasai)

The hotel can also help call you a taxi.

Japanese Hotel Phrases #4: Checking-Out

Enjoyed a pleasant rest at the hotel? It’s time to check-out.

25. Check-out, please. - チェックアウトをお願いします (Chekkuauto o onegaishimasu)

A standard phrase for checking-out. Hand your key or keycard to the frontdesk receptionist and proceed with payment.

26. Can you hold my luggage? - 荷物を預かってもらえますか？ (Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?)

Many hotels and accommodation services in Japan have luggage holding services where you can leave your bags with them before checking-in or after checking-out. Use this phrase to inquire whether the service is being offered. If not, you can still make use of coin locker services around the city.

27. I/We enjoyed my/our stay. Thank you very much. - とてもいい滞在になりました。お世話になりました。(Totemo ii taizai ni narimashita. Osewa ni narimashita.)

A standard phrase to show thanks and let the hotel know you enjoyed your stay.

28. I left [thing] in my room. - 部屋に▲を忘れてしまいました。(Heya ni ▲ o wasurete shimaimashita)

It is not uncommon to leave something behind. Use this phrase to inform the hotel staff that you have forgotten something in your room. Example: “I left my phone in the room.” - 部屋に携帯電話を忘れてしまいました。(Heya ni keitai denwa o wasurete shimaimashita)

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary to Know

Smartphone - スマホ (Sumaho)
Charger - 充電器 (Jyuudenki)
Map - 地図 (Chizu)
Hat - 帽子 (Boushi)
Outer - 上着 (Uwagi)
Sunglasses - サングラス (Sangurasu)
Bag - 鞄 (Kaban)
Wallet - 財布 (Saifu)

To Close

This guide will equip you with the essential phrases and vocabulary needed to navigate a Japanese hotel or ryokan with ease, from making a reservation to checking-out. Enjoy your hotel experience in Japan!