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The Mindful Traveller’s Guide:
To make your journey in Japan even better, I've compiled these basic phrases for you. Enjoy!
AT THE ONSEN
AT THE ONSEN
Day-Use Hot Springs
Operating Hours
Private Baths
Storing Valuables
Calling a Taxi
Asking About Nearby Shops
「タトゥーは大丈夫ですか？ (Is tattoo okay?)」
「これは何ですか？ (What is this?)」
「おすすめは何ですか？ (What do you recommend?)」
「ありがとうございます (Thank you)」
「すみません (Excuse me)」
AT THE RESTAURANT
AT THE RESTAURANT
・Entering a restaurant
・Ordering a meal
・During the meal
・Paying the bill
・Taking leftovers or ordering takeout
AT THE HOTEL
AT THE HOTEL
・Checking In (With a Reservation)
・Inquiring About a Room (Without a Reservation)
・Stating the Length of Your Stay
・Luggage Storage
・Checking Out
Tip: A Simple Way to Book When checking in, it's very helpful to show your passport or a booking confirmation on your phone while saying your name. Pointing to your name and saying "(Name) desū" ensures a smooth process!
SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Useful Phrases / 便利なフレーズ
When asking 尋ねる時
At the register レジスターにて
Convenience store コンビニエンス
Tax-free 免税にて
Returns and exchanges 返品と交換
BASIC GREETINGS / TIME
BASIC GREETINGS / TIME
Useful Phrases / 便利なフレーズ
Around 5 a.m.
Around 9 a.m.
Around noon
In the evening
At night
When saying goodbye
HOW TO SAY DATES
HOW TO SAY DATES
The order of months, days, and numbers is fundamental.
Japanese order: Year ➔ Month ➔ Day
English-speaking order: Month ➔ Day ➔ Year
Just remember this difference, and you'll be fine!
For example, in English-speaking countries, people say:
September 19th (or September 19)
the 19th of September
Meanwhile, when read in relation to September 19th $\rightarrow$ "September nineteenth".
When writing, it looks like this:
English-speaking regions: September 19th, 2026
Japan: 2026-09-19 (or 2026/09/19)
Japanese numbers have two ways of reading: "cardinal numbers" (how many) and "ordinal numbers" (what order). A major characteristic is that the pronunciation changes significantly depending on what you are counting (objects, people, dates, etc.).
FOOD ALLERGY
FOOD ALLERGY
You don't need to worry about language barriers. I’ve included a special bonus that you can save on your smartphone, designed to ease your travel anxiety.
🔤 Pronunciation Key (発音のコツ)
🔤 Pronunciation Key (発音のコツ)
Japanese sounds can be tough for English speakers! Here are tips to help you sound more natural.
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