24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Hotels & Accommodation
Heading to Japan and staying at a hotel or guesthouse? Knowing some handy Japanese phrases can totally change your experience for the better.
These phrases will help you navigate check-ins, ask for room preferences, and even handle little issues smoothly. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect and connect with locals.
Hotels in Japan often have unique customs and services, so having key phrases ready will make you feel more confident and relaxed.
Whether you’re booking a room, requesting extra towels, or asking about breakfast times, these phrases are practical and easy to learn. They’ll help you avoid confusion and make your stay truly enjoyable.
Learning these phrases also shows your interest in the culture, which locals really appreciate. Plus, they’re just fun to say!
Ready to impress your hotel staff and enjoy a smoother stay? Let’s dive into the 24 essential Japanese phrases for hotels and accommodation.
Getting Comfortable with Hotel Basics
Before we jump into specific phrases, it’s good to understand a little about Japanese hotel culture.
Many hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) have polite, formal ways of speaking, but don’t worry—we’ll cover casual and formal phrases to suit any situation. Being polite is always a plus!
Knowing a few phrases can save you from awkward moments and help you get what you need efficiently.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
It’s also helpful to listen carefully and repeat phrases to get comfortable with pronunciation.
With practice, you’ll feel more at ease and ready to enjoy your stay!
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
This simple greeting is perfect when you arrive at the hotel or meet staff during the day.
Konnichiwa literally means “good day” and is a safe, friendly way to say hello in many situations. It’s easy to remember and polite without being too formal.
Using this phrase sets a positive tone right from the start.
It’s perfect for any casual encounter at the hotel.
If it’s morning or evening, you can say おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) or こんばんは (Konbanwa) respectively for a time-specific greeting.
Keep this handy—it’ll be your go-to phrase for friendly hellos during your trip.
2. チェックインをお願いします (Chekku-in o onegaishimasu) – I’d like to check in, please
This phrase is your ticket to starting your stay at the hotel smoothly.
“Chekku-in” is the English “check-in” borrowed into Japanese, and “onegaishimasu” means “please” or “I request.” Together, it politely asks to check in.
It’s straightforward and shows respect, making it easy for staff to understand.
Simply say this when you approach the front desk after arrival.
Remember, “onegaishimasu” is a polite way to add “please” at the end of many requests.
Using this phrase helps avoid confusion and speeds up the check-in process.
3. 予約しています (Yoyaku shiteimasu) – I have a reservation
When you get to the front desk, this phrase quickly tells the staff you’ve booked a room.
“Yoyaku” means “reservation,” and “shiteimasu” means “I have done.” Together, it states “I have a reservation.”
It’s shorter and easier than trying to explain your booking in detail.
Just say it clearly to avoid any misunderstandings.
You can also add your name after this phrase for clarity, for example: “Yoyaku shiteimasu, [your name].”
It’s a polite and efficient way to get your check-in going.
4. シングルルームをお願いします (Shinguru rūmu o onegaishimasu) – A single room, please
If you want to specify the type of room, this phrase is your friend.
“Shinguru rūmu” means “single room,” and again, “onegaishimasu” adds the polite “please.”
It’s useful when you want to confirm or request your room preference.
Use this phrase confidently to avoid mix-ups in your booking.
Other room types include ダブルルーム (daburu rūmu) for double room and ツインルーム (tsuin rūmu) for twin room.
Knowing these helps you get exactly the room you want.
5. 部屋は禁煙ですか？ (Heya wa kin’en desu ka?) – Is the room non-smoking?
If you want a non-smoking room (or to check), this question is perfect.
“Heya” means “room,” “kin’en” means “non-smoking,” and “desu ka” turns it into a question.
Asking this upfront avoids surprises and keeps your stay comfortable.
It’s simple but shows you care about your environment.
If you want a smoking room, you can say “喫煙ですか？ (Kitsuen desu ka?).”
Asking clearly helps the staff assist you better.
6. Wi-Fiはありますか？ (Wi-Fi wa arimasu ka?) – Is there Wi-Fi?
In today’s world, Wi-Fi availability is a must-know.
“Wi-Fi” is used as-is in Japanese, “wa” marks the topic, “arimasu ka” means “is there?”
This phrase is easy to say and extremely useful.
It helps you get connected right away.
You might also hear staff say “パスワード (pasuwādo)” meaning password, so be ready to ask for it.
Wi-Fi access is standard in most hotels, but it’s always good to confirm.
7. 朝食は何時ですか？ (Chōshoku wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is breakfast?
Breakfast times can vary, so this phrase is handy.
“Chōshoku” means “breakfast,” “nanji” means “what time,” and “desu ka” makes it a question.
It’s a polite and straightforward way to know when to head down for your meal.
Knowing this helps you plan your morning well.
Some hotels offer breakfast included, others don’t, so it’s good to ask.
This phrase also works well when asking about other meals by changing “chōshoku” to “lunch” (昼食, chūshoku) or “dinner” (夕食, yūshoku).
8. タオルをもう一枚ください (Taoru o mō ichimai kudasai) – One more towel, please
Need an extra towel? This phrase will help you ask politely.
“Taoru” is “towel,” “mō ichimai” means “one more piece,” and “kudasai” means “please give me.”
It’s a polite way to request extra items from housekeeping.
Using “kudasai” is a great tip for many polite requests.
You can swap out “taoru” for other items like “mō ichimai kutsushita kudasai” (one more pair of socks, please).
This phrase makes your stay more comfortable without fuss.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 予約を確認したいのですが (Yoyaku o kakunin shitai no desu ga) – I’d like to confirm my reservation
This polite phrase helps you confirm your booking details.
“Yoyaku” means “reservation,” “kakunin shitai” means “want to confirm,” and “no desu ga” softens the request.
It’s respectful and clear, perfect for formal situations.
Use it if you want to double-check your reservation before checking in.
You can also follow up with your name or dates to be specific.
This phrase shows attentiveness and care about your booking.
10. チェックアウトは何時ですか？ (Chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is check-out?
Checking out on time is important, so this phrase helps you ask politely.
“Chekkuauto” is “check-out,” “nanji” means “what time,” and “desu ka” forms the question.
It’s simple and respectful, great for any hotel interaction.
Knowing the check-out time helps avoid last-minute rushes.
You might hear “午前10時です (Gozen jū-ji desu)” meaning “It’s 10 AM.”
Asking early shows good planning and respect for hotel rules.
11. もう少しゆっくりできますか？ (Mō sukoshi yukkuri dekimasu ka?) – Can I stay a little longer?
If you want to request a late check-out, this polite phrase is perfect.
“Mō sukoshi” means “a little more,” “yukkuri” means “slowly” or “relax,” and “dekimasu ka” asks “can I?”
It’s a soft and respectful way to ask for extra time.
Use this phrase to avoid sounding demanding.
Sometimes hotels charge extra, so be prepared for that possibility.
It’s always better to ask than assume when extending your stay.
12. お手洗いはどこですか？ (Otearai wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the restroom?
Knowing how to ask for the restroom is essential.
“Otearai” means “restroom,” “doko” means “where,” and “desu ka” makes it a question.
This phrase is polite and easy to use.
Remember, “toire” (トイレ) is also common but more casual.
Asking politely is appreciated even in casual settings.
It’s a useful phrase you’ll use often beyond the hotel.
13. 荷物を預かってもらえますか？ (Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?) – Can you hold my luggage?
This phrase is perfect if you arrive before check-in or want to explore after checking out.
“Nimotsu” means “luggage,” “azukatte moraemasu ka” politely asks “can you hold?”
It’s respectful and clearly states your request.
Most hotels offer this service, but it’s good to ask.
Be sure to keep valuables with you, though!
Using this phrase helps you travel light and stress-free.
14. 部屋にエアコンはありますか？ (Heya ni eakon wa arimasu ka?) – Does the room have air conditioning?
Especially in summer, knowing if your room has air conditioning is important.
“Heya” means “room,” “eakon” is “air conditioning,” and “arimasu ka” asks “is there?”
It’s a clear and polite way to check amenities.
Some traditional inns may not have air conditioning, so it’s smart to ask.
Knowing this helps you prepare for your stay comfortably.
Ask early to avoid surprises on hot days.
15. 近くにコンビニはありますか？ (Chikaku ni konbini wa arimasu ka?) – Is there a convenience store nearby?
Convenience stores are lifesavers in Japan, so this phrase is super useful.
“Chikaku ni” means “nearby,” “konbini” is “convenience store,” and “arimasu ka” asks “is there?”
It’s polite and straightforward.
Staff will usually be happy to point you in the right direction.
Having this phrase ready means you can easily grab snacks or essentials.
Convenience stores often have amazing food options, too!
16. もう一度お願いします (Mō ichido onegaishimasu) – Please say that again
If you didn’t catch what someone said, this phrase is a lifesaver.
“Mō ichido” means “one more time,” and “onegaishimasu” means “please.”
It’s polite and shows you’re eager to understand.
Avoid nodding when confused – it’s better to ask again.
Using this phrase helps clear up misunderstandings quickly.
It’s a phrase you’ll use often in any language learning journey.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. いい部屋ですね (Ii heya desu ne) – Nice room, isn’t it?
This casual phrase is great for chatting with hotel staff or friends.
“Ii” means “good” or “nice,” “heya” means “room,” and “desu ne” adds a friendly tone like “isn’t it?”
It’s a natural way to compliment your accommodation.
Using casual phrases like this helps you sound more like a local.
You can also say “いいホテルですね (Ii hoteru desu ne)” for “nice hotel.”
It’s fun and builds rapport with people around you.
18. ちょっと寒いです (Chotto samui desu) – It’s a little cold
Use this phrase to mention if your room feels chilly.
“Chotto” means “a little,” “samui” means “cold,” and “desu” is the polite “is.”
It’s polite yet casual enough for everyday use.
If you want it warmer, you can ask for a heater with “ヒーターをお願いします (Hītā o onegaishimasu).”
Expressing comfort issues politely helps staff assist you better.
It’s a friendly way to communicate your needs.
19. 水をもう一本ください (Mizu o mō ippon kudasai) – One more bottle of water, please
Need more water? This phrase will come in handy.
“Mizu” means “water,” “mō ippon” means “one more bottle,” and “kudasai” means “please.”
It’s polite and clear.
You can replace “mizu” with other items if needed.
Staying hydrated is key during travels, and this phrase helps you do that easily.
It’s a simple way to keep your comfort level high.
20. エレベーターはどこですか？ (Erebētā wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the elevator?
Asking for directions inside the hotel is common, and this phrase is handy.
“Erebētā” means “elevator,” “doko” means “where,” and “desu ka” is the question.
It’s polite yet simple enough for casual use.
Knowing this phrase helps you navigate large hotels with ease.
Combine it with other location words like “stairs” (階段, kaidan) for more questions.
Asking directions politely is always appreciated.
21. これをもう少しください (Kore o mō sukoshi kudasai) – Can I have a little more of this?
This phrase works great when you want extra food or drink.
“Kore” means “this,” “mō sukoshi” means “a little more,” and “kudasai” means “please.”
It’s polite and flexible for many contexts.
Perfect for hotel restaurants or room service requests.
You can point to what you want to make it even easier.
Using this phrase helps you enjoy your meals fully.
22. すみません、助けてください (Sumimasen, tasukete kudasai) – Excuse me, please help me
If you ever need assistance urgently, this phrase is the one to know.
“Sumimasen” means “excuse me” or “sorry,” “tasukete” means “help,” and “kudasai” adds “please.”
It’s polite yet urgent.
Use it anytime you need quick help from staff.
It’s better to be safe and ask than struggle alone.
Knowing this phrase gives peace of mind during your stay.
23. 荷物を部屋まで運んでもらえますか？ (Nimotsu o heya made hakonde moraemasu ka?) – Can you help carry my luggage to the room?
This phrase helps if you want help with your bags after check-in.
“Nimotsu” means “luggage,” “heya made” means “to the room,” and “hakonde moraemasu ka” politely asks “can you carry?”
It’s very respectful and clear.
Most hotels have staff ready to help, so don’t hesitate to ask.
This phrase ensures a smooth arrival to your room.
It’s a great way to get assistance without feeling awkward.
24. ありがとうございました (Arigatō gozaimashita) – Thank you very much (past tense)
This is a polite way to say thank you after your stay or when someone has helped you.
“Arigatō” means “thank you,” and “gozaimashita” makes it very polite and past tense, meaning “thank you for what you did.”
It’s a warm way to show gratitude.
Using this phrase leaves a great impression.
You can also say “ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)” for present tense thanks.
Gratitude goes a long way in any culture!
Concluding Thought
Learning these practical Japanese phrases can make your hotel stays in Japan smoother, friendlier, and more enjoyable.
With a little practice, you’ll feel more confident communicating and connecting with the wonderful people who welcome you.
So go ahead, try these phrases out and watch your travel experiences become richer and more memorable!