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13 phrases
Essential phrases
“Excuse me. / Sorry. / Thanks.”
Sumimasen.
The all-purpose word: call staff, apologize, or give light thanks. This one phrase carries most of your trip.▶ 15:21
From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)
すみません。
Sumimasen.
“Excuse me. / Sorry. / Thanks.” — Nihon 101
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“Thank you.”
Arigatō gozaimasu.
The polite thank-you. Use it everywhere — no tipping in Japan, so words are how you show appreciation.▶ 15:38
From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)
ありがとうございます。
Arigatō gozaimasu.
“Thank you.” — Nihon 101
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At the register
“Do you take credit cards?”
Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Small and older restaurants are often cash-only (card fees run 4–7% for them). Ask before you sit down.▶ 1:08
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
クレジットカードは使えますか？
Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
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“I'll pay in cash.”
Genkin de haraimasu.
Carry some yen — a few ¥1,000 notes and coins. Many machines and fare boxes reject ¥10,000 notes, so break one at a konbini first.▶ 1:53
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
現金で払います。
Genkin de haraimasu.
“I'll pay in cash.” — Nihon 101
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“In Japanese yen, please.”
En de onegai shimasu.
If asked "Pay in your home currency?", always choose yen — home-currency billing (DCC) adds up to 12% in hidden fees.▶ 9:56
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
円でお願いします。
En de onegai shimasu.
“In Japanese yen, please.” — Nihon 101
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“Tax-free, please.”
Takkusu-furī de onegai shimasu.
Spend ¥5,000+ (pre-tax) at one shop in one day, show your real passport, and the 10% tax comes off on the spot (until Oct 2026).▶ 10:39
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
タックスフリーでお願いします。
Takkusu-furī de onegai shimasu.
“Tax-free, please.” — Nihon 101
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Asking directions
“Excuse me, where is the nearest Place?”
Place
Sumimasen, Place wa doko desu ka?
Need cash? The Seven Bank ATM inside 7-Eleven takes the most foreign cards (even Amex), runs 24/7 and speaks 12 languages.▶ 7:46
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
すみません、Place場所はどこですか？
Sumimasen, Place wa doko desu ka?
“Excuse me, where is the nearest Place?” — Nihon 101
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“Where is an ATM?”
ATM wa doko desu ka?
For foreign cards, the Seven Bank ATM inside a 7-Eleven is the most reliable — open 24/7, in 12 languages, with a per-withdrawal fee of about ¥110–220.▶ 7:46
From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)
ATMはどこですか？
ATM wa doko desu ka?
“Where is an ATM?” — Nihon 101
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On a rainy day
“How much is a clear umbrella?”
Binīru-gasa wa ikura desu ka?
Konbini sell clear plastic umbrellas for about ¥500 — cheap enough to buy on the spot and leave behind.▶ 7:27
From: Japan During Rainy Season Is a "Buy": Experiencing the Season of Rain (From a Guide Living in Tokyo)
ビニール傘はいくらですか？
Binīru-gasa wa ikura desu ka?
“How much is a clear umbrella?” — Nihon 101
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“Is there an umbrella stand?”
Kasatate wa arimasu ka?
Walking indoors with a dripping umbrella is a little rude — use the bag stand or rack at the entrance.▶ 8:07
From: Japan During Rainy Season Is a "Buy": Experiencing the Season of Rain (From a Guide Living in Tokyo)
傘立てはありますか？
Kasatate wa arimasu ka?
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“Is there an umbrella locker?”
Kasa rokkā wa arimasu ka?
Some buildings have ~¥100 umbrella lockers. A cheap plastic umbrella is safer from theft than a pricey one.▶ 8:07
From: Japan During Rainy Season Is a "Buy": Experiencing the Season of Rain (From a Guide Living in Tokyo)
傘ロッカーはありますか？
Kasa rokkā wa arimasu ka?
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At a festival
“Can I still buy paid seats?”
Yūryō-seki wa mada kaemasu ka?
Good festival and fireworks seats go on sale in May–June and sell out 1–2 months ahead.▶ 9:54
From: 2026 Summer Festival & Fireworks Calendar: Dates and Access Guide (from your Tokyo guide)
有料席はまだ買えますか？
Yūryō-seki wa mada kaemasu ka?
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“Do I need a reservation?”
Yoyaku wa hitsuyō desu ka?
On festival days, seats and yukata rentals fill by morning — reserve before you go.▶ 9:54
From: 2026 Summer Festival & Fireworks Calendar: Dates and Access Guide (from your Tokyo guide)
予約は必要ですか？
Yoyaku wa hitsuyō desu ka?
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