22 Japanese ways to say “Let’s Go”

When you want to get moving in Japan, there’s more than one way to say “Let’s go!”

Japanese offers a variety of expressions depending on the mood, formality, and who you’re talking to.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, speaking politely, or sounding like a local, this list has got you covered.

Mastering these phrases can make your conversations feel natural and fun.

Plus, learning these little language gems helps you connect better and understand cultural nuances.

Ready to say “Let’s go!” in 22 different ways? Let’s dive in!

Getting Started: Why Variety Matters

“Let’s go” might seem simple, but Japanese has layers.

From casual to formal, and native-like slang, each expression carries its own vibe and use case.

Knowing when and how to use these will boost your confidence and make your Japanese feel authentic.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s all about practice and context.

Let’s explore the first batch of casual phrases!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 行こう (Ikou) – “Let’s go.”

One of the simplest and most common ways to say “Let’s go.”

It’s the volitional form of the verb 行く (iku) meaning “to go.” Just add the ending -ou (おう) to make it an invitation.

Perfect for friends or casual situations.

Easy to remember because it’s just the verb with a friendly twist.

You might hear it often among young people or in upbeat moments.

Use it when you want to sound natural and straightforward.

2. さあ、行こう！ (Saa, ikou!) – “Come on, let’s go!”

Adding さあ (saa) adds excitement or encouragement.

It’s like saying “come on” before inviting someone to move.

Great to pump up friends or motivate someone.

Remember, さあ is a versatile word that can soften or energize your phrase.

It’s often used when starting an activity or leaving together.

Try it to sound lively and inviting.

3. 行こっか (Ikokka) – “Shall we go?”

This is a softer, more tentative way to suggest going.

It’s the volitional form plus the question marker か (ka), turning it into “Shall we go?”

It’s polite in a casual way, making it perfect for friends or coworkers.

Easy to use when you want to check if others are ready.

Don’t confuse it with a command—this phrase invites agreement.

Try it next time you want to be considerate but eager.

4. さあ、行こうぜ！ (Saa, ikou ze!) – “Come on, let’s go!” (masculine)

Adding ぜ (ze) at the end gives a rough, masculine edge.

It’s casual and confident, often used among male friends.

Great for expressing strong enthusiasm or determination.

Because it’s casual and slightly rough, avoid using it with strangers or elders.

This phrase adds personality and energy to your “Let’s go.”

Use it when you want to sound cool and pumped.

5. 行こうよ (Ikou yo) – “Let’s go (you know)!”

The particle よ (yo) adds emphasis and friendliness.

It softens the invitation and makes it sound more persuasive.

Perfect for inviting someone warmly without being pushy.

It’s very common in everyday conversation among friends.

Be sure to use the right tone to keep it light and positive.

This is a must-know phrase for casual invites.

6. 行っちゃおう (Icchaou) – “Let’s go (and have fun)!”

Here, the verb 行く (iku) is combined with the casual contraction ちゃう (chau), expressing spontaneity.

It conveys a sense of “Let’s just go and enjoy it!”

This phrase adds a playful, impulsive vibe to your invitation.

Great for fun outings or last-minute plans.

It’s casual and friendly, so stick to informal situations.

Try it to sound more natural and lively.

7. さあ、出発だ！ (Saa, shuppatsu da!) – “Alright, let’s depart!”

出発 (shuppatsu) means “departure” or “starting off.”

Adding だ (da) makes it a declarative sentence: “It’s time to leave.”

This phrase is energetic and can be used in various contexts.

It’s less casual than 行こう but still friendly.

Great when starting an event or trip with excitement.

Use it to sound spirited and decisive.

8. じゃあ、行きますか (Jaa, ikimasu ka?) – “Well then, shall we go?”

More polite and formal, this phrase uses the masu-form 行きます (ikimasu) and the question marker か (ka).

Great for polite conversation or with acquaintances.

Starting with じゃあ (jaa) is like saying “well then.”

This phrase is good for business or respectful settings.

Use it when you want to invite someone gently but properly.

It’s a safe option in mixed company.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 出発しましょう (Shuppatsu shimashou) – “Let’s depart.”

We use the polite volitional form しましょう (shimashou) of the verb する (suru) with 出発 (shuppatsu).

This phrase is polite and appropriate for formal or work-related situations.

It signals readiness and professionalism.

Avoid using casual phrases in formal contexts; this one fits perfectly.

Great for meetings or planned group activities.

Use it to sound respectful yet decisive.

10. 行きましょう (Ikimashou) – “Let’s go.” (polite)

The polite volitional form of 行く (iku), adding ましょう (mashou) makes it an invitation.

This is the go-to polite way to say “Let’s go” in formal settings.

Easy to remember because it just adds ましょう to the stem.

Perfect for coworkers, teachers, or new acquaintances.

It’s a respectful and inclusive invitation.

Use this when you want to be courteous and clear.

11. そろそろ行きましょうか (Sorosoro ikimashou ka?) – “Shall we go soon?”

そろそろ (sorosoro) means “soon” or “it’s about time.”

This phrase politely suggests it’s time to move on.

Adding か (ka) makes it a gentle question.

Great for softening the invitation in formal or polite conversation.

Use it to avoid sounding abrupt when urging departure.

Perfect for meetings or social gatherings ending.

12. ご一緒に行きましょう (Go issho ni ikimashou) – “Let’s go together.”

ご一緒に (go issho ni) means “together” in a very polite way.

Combining it with 行きましょう (ikimashou) makes a respectful invitation to go together.

Perfect for formal or respectful invitations.

Useful in business or new friendships.

The phrase sounds inclusive and polite.

Use it when inviting someone formally to join you.

13. これから出発いたしましょう (Kore kara shuppatsu itashimashou) – “Let’s depart now.” (very formal)

いたしましょう (itashimashou) is the humble form of します (shimasu), used in very formal contexts.

Adding これから (kore kara) means “from now” or “starting now.”

This phrase is perfect for very formal speeches or events.

Use it when you want to sound extremely polite and humble.

It’s not common in casual conversation but great in ceremonies.

Try this phrase to impress in formal situations.

14. お出かけしましょう (Odekake shimashou) – “Let’s go out.” (polite)

お出かけ (odekake) means “going out,” and adding しましょう (shimashou) invites politely.

Use this when inviting someone for an outing or trip.

It’s polite and friendly without being too formal.

Great for inviting family or colleagues.

Sounds warm and inviting.

Perfect when planning casual but polite outings.

15. ご一緒に参りましょう (Go issho ni mairimashou) – “Let’s go together.” (humble)

参りましょう (mairimashou) is the humble form of “to go.”

Use this with ご一緒に (go issho ni) for a very respectful invitation.

Often used in formal or religious contexts.

Not for casual conversation but great for respectful settings.

Shows humility and politeness.

Use it to express deep respect when inviting.

16. それでは、出かけましょう (Soredewa, dekakemashou) – “Well then, let’s go out.”

それでは (soredewa) means “well then” or “in that case.”

Combined with 出かけましょう (dekakemashou), it forms a polite, smooth invitation.

Great for formal or semi-formal occasions.

Use it to transition politely to leaving or starting an activity.

Sounds smooth and courteous.

Useful in professional or social settings.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 行っちゃおうぜ (Icchao ze) – “Let’s just go!” (super casual, masculine)

This phrase combines the casual contraction ちゃおう (chao) with the masculine ぜ (ze).

It’s very informal and energetic, perfect among close male friends.

Sounds spontaneous and pumped up.

Not suitable for polite or formal settings.

Use it when you want to sound very relaxed and confident.

Great for casual hangouts or adventures.

18. さあ、行こうや (Saa, ikou ya) – “Come on, let’s go!” (casual, Kansai dialect)

や (ya) is a sentence ending particle common in Kansai dialect.

This phrase gives a friendly, regional flavor to “Let’s go.”

It’s casual and inviting with warmth.

Great to use if you want to sound like a native Kansai speaker.

Fun to practice and adds local color to your speech.

Use it with friends familiar with dialect nuances.

19. レッツゴー！ (Rettsu gō!) – “Let’s go!” (borrowed English, casual)

A direct borrowing from English, written in katakana.

Very casual and used often by younger generations.

Sounds fun, energetic, and modern.

Works well in informal situations and pop culture contexts.

Use it for a lighthearted and easy-going vibe.

A great phrase to show your casual, hip side.

20. いざ、行こう！ (Iza, ikou!) – “Now, let’s go!” (dramatic, poetic)

いざ (iza) is a dramatic word used to rally or announce action.

It adds a heroic or poetic tone to “Let’s go.”

Perfect for storytelling, speeches, or dramatic moments.

Not common in everyday chat but memorable.

Use it to sound bold and inspiring.

Great for special occasions or creative writing.

21. じゃあ、行こか (Jaa, ikoka) – “Well then, shall we go?” (casual, Kansai dialect)

Another Kansai dialect phrase with か (ka) as a casual question marker.

Very warm and friendly, perfect for inviting someone casually.

Easy to remember for learners familiar with dialects.

Use it to sound approachable and native-like in Kansai areas.

Great for casual daily conversations.

Try it to impress friends with your local flair.

22. 行こうぜ！ (Ikou ze!) – “Let’s go!” (casual, masculine)

Simple, direct, and masculine.

ぜ (ze) adds a strong, informal emphasis.

Common among male friends when hyped up.

Not polite, so use only in casual male company.

Sounds energetic and sure of itself.

A great phrase to express excitement and readiness.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “Let’s go” shows how rich and expressive Japanese really is.

From polite invitations to casual slang, each phrase fits a different mood and moment.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel confident switching between them like a local. Ready? Let’s go!