24 Essential Japanese Phrases for “I Have a Reservation

Heading to Japan and already booked your spot? Knowing how to confidently say “I have a reservation” in Japanese can save you a lot of time and awkwardness.

It’s a small phrase that opens doors—literally! Whether it’s a hotel, restaurant, or event, having this phrase ready makes your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to show respect and appreciation for Japanese culture, impressing locals and staff alike.

Learning these phrases isn’t just about convenience; it’s about connecting and feeling at ease in new environments.

And the best part? These phrases are simple, practical, and easy to remember with a bit of practice.

Ready to sound like a pro and breeze through your check-ins? Let’s dive into 24 essential Japanese phrases for “I have a reservation.”

Understanding Reservations in Japanese

Before we dive into the phrases, it’s good to know the basics of how reservations work in Japan.

Japanese culture values politeness and clarity, so using the right phrases will help you communicate smoothly. Saying you have a reservation is often the first step when you arrive.

Knowing some key words like 予約 (よやく, yoyaku) meaning “reservation” will boost your confidence.

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

It’s also helpful to grasp how to ask or confirm details politely.

These phrases are your toolkit for smooth communication, no matter where you go in Japan.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 予約があります (Yoyaku ga arimasu) – “I have a reservation”

This is the basic and most direct way to say “I have a reservation.”

予約 (yoyaku) means “reservation,” and あります (arimasu) means “there is” or “I have.” Put together, it’s a clear and polite statement.

It’s perfect for beginners because it’s straightforward and widely understood.

Keep it simple to avoid confusion.

If you want to specify what type of reservation, just add the place, like レストラン (resutoran) for restaurant.

Practice saying this phrase out loud a few times to build confidence—it will come in handy everywhere.

2. 予約しています (Yoyaku shite imasu) – “I am having a reservation”

This phrase uses the continuous form to say you “are having” a reservation.

It sounds a bit more natural and conversational than the previous phrase.

It’s a great alternative if you want to sound a little softer.

Watch out not to confuse with past tense forms; this phrase shows your current state.

For example, “レストランの予約をしています” (Resutoran no yoyaku o shite imasu) means “I have a reservation at the restaurant.”

It’s a handy phrase to sound polite and present in your conversation.

3. 予約をしました (Yoyaku o shimashita) – “I made a reservation”

This phrase tells others you have already made a reservation.

しました (shimashita) is the past tense of “to do,” so combined it means “I did the reservation.”

It’s useful when confirming or explaining your booking.

Keep it clear and confident.

You can add specifics, like dates or times, to give more info.

It’s a great phrase for situations where you want to confirm your prior action politely.

4. 予約を確認したいです (Yoyaku o kakunin shitai desu) – “I want to confirm my reservation”

This phrase helps when you want to double-check your booking.

確認 (kakunin) means “confirmation,” and したい (shitai) implies desire, so it means “I want to confirm.”

It’s polite and shows you’re proactive.

Make sure to use です (desu) at the end for politeness.

It’s perfect in hotels or restaurants, especially if you booked far ahead.

Try using it to avoid any mix-ups during busy times.

5. 名前で予約しています (Namae de yoyaku shite imasu) – “I have a reservation under the name…”

This phrase is super helpful when you want to specify your reservation’s name.

名前 (namae) means “name,” and で (de) means “by” or “under.”

It’s common for staff to ask for the name when you arrive.

Always have your name ready to say after this phrase.

For example, “田中で予約しています” (Tanaka de yoyaku shite imasu) means “I have a reservation under Tanaka.”

This phrase makes check-in quick and smooth.

6. 何名様ですか？ (Nan mei-sama desu ka?) – “How many people are in your party?”

Though not a reservation phrase you say, it’s good to recognize this question when making or confirming a reservation.

何名様 (nan mei-sama) means “how many people,” and ですか (desu ka) makes it a question.

Understanding this helps you respond quickly and clearly.

Typical responses include numbers like 一人 (hitori) for one person or 二人 (futari) for two.

Being prepared for this question speeds up your interaction.

It’s a small but useful phrase to know as part of reservation conversations.

7. 予約時間は何時ですか？ (Yoyaku jikan wa nanji desu ka?) – “What time is my reservation?”

This phrase is perfect when you need to confirm the reservation time.

予約時間 (yoyaku jikan) means “reservation time,” and 何時ですか (nanji desu ka) means “what time is it?”

Make sure to listen carefully to the response.

It’s common to clarify dates and times when you arrive.

For example, “予約時間は7時です” means “The reservation time is 7 o’clock.”

Always good to double-check, especially for important reservations.

8. 予約はキャンセルできますか？ (Yoyaku wa kyanseru dekimasu ka?) – “Can I cancel my reservation?”

Sometimes plans change, so knowing how to ask about cancellations is helpful.

キャンセル (kyanseru) means “cancel,” and できますか (dekimasu ka) asks “can I do?”

It’s polite and straightforward.

Be aware that some places might have cancellation fees.

Asking this clearly helps avoid misunderstandings.

Using this phrase shows respect and responsibility.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 予約を承っております (Yoyaku o ukagatte orimasu) – “I am accepting your reservation” (formal staff phrase)

This is a phrase you might hear from staff confirming your reservation politely.

承っております (ukagatte orimasu) is a humble and formal way to say “we have received.”

It expresses respect and professionalism.

Knowing this phrase helps you understand formal exchanges.

It’s commonly used in high-end hotels and traditional inns.

Recognizing it reassures you that your reservation is well taken care of.

10. 予約の確認をお願いできますか？ (Yoyaku no kakunin o onegai dekimasu ka?) – “Could you please confirm my reservation?”

This phrase is a polite way to ask for confirmation.

お願いできますか (onegai dekimasu ka) means “could you please,” adding softness to your request.

It’s perfect for formal or business settings.

Avoid being too blunt or casual in these contexts.

For example, use it when emailing or speaking with hotel staff.

It shows good manners and professionalism.

11. 事前に予約しております (Jizen ni yoyaku shite orimasu) – “I have made a reservation in advance”

This phrase emphasizes that your reservation was made ahead of time.

事前に (jizen ni) means “in advance,” and しております (shite orimasu) is a humble form of “I have done.”

It’s formal and respectful.

Use it to clarify if there’s any confusion about your booking timing.

It’s helpful in busy or exclusive venues where advance notice matters.

Using this phrase can smooth over any potential issues.

12. 予約内容を教えていただけますか？ (Yoyaku naiyō o oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you tell me the details of my reservation?”

This phrase is useful when you want all the info about your reservation.

内容 (naiyō) means “contents” or “details,” and 教えていただけますか (oshiete itadakemasu ka) is a very polite request form.

It’s a respectful way to ask for full details.

Perfect in formal settings or for important appointments.

Use it if you want to confirm specifics like dates, times, or special requests.

Asking politely always gets better responses.

13. ご予約ありがとうございます (Go-yoyaku arigatō gozaimasu) – “Thank you for your reservation”

This is a common polite phrase used by staff after you make a reservation.

It shows appreciation and professionalism.

Knowing it helps you recognize polite customer service.

It also encourages you to respond with a simple ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu).

This mutual politeness is key in Japanese interactions.

It’s a nice phrase to remember to keep the tone warm and friendly.

14. 予約番号は何ですか？ (Yoyaku bangō wa nan desu ka?) – “What is my reservation number?”

This phrase helps when you need to provide or ask for a reservation ID.

番号 (bangō) means “number,” so it’s a direct question.

Useful for online or phone bookings.

Make sure to have your reservation number handy to avoid delays.

It’s a quick way to verify your booking.

Using this phrase can speed up check-ins in busy places.

15. 予約の変更は可能ですか？ (Yoyaku no henkō wa kanō desu ka?) – “Is it possible to change my reservation?”

Plans may shift, so this phrase helps you ask about making changes.

変更 (henkō) means “change,” and 可能 (kanō) means “possible.”

It’s polite and clear.

Some places may have restrictions, so it’s good to ask first.

Use this phrase to keep communication smooth and respectful.

It prevents misunderstandings and shows your consideration.

16. 予約をキャンセルしたいのですが (Yoyaku o kyanseru shitai no desu ga) – “I would like to cancel my reservation”

This phrase is a polite way to express your wish to cancel.

Adding のですが (no desu ga) softens the statement, making it less direct.

It’s respectful and appropriate for formal settings.

Make sure to ask about any fees or deadlines.

Use this phrase to communicate clearly and politely.

Good manners go a long way in such situations.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 予約あるよ (Yoyaku aru yo) – “I have a reservation” (casual)

This is a casual and shortened way to say you have a reservation.

ある (aru) means “have” or “there is,” and よ (yo) adds emphasis.

Use it with friends or in informal settings.

Avoid using this in formal places to keep respect.

It sounds natural and relaxed, like a native speaker.

Great for casual conversations or among younger people.

18. 予約しといた (Yoyaku shitoota) – “I made a reservation” (casual)

This phrase is a casual past tense form.

しといた is a contraction of しておいた, meaning “I did in advance.”

It’s easy and natural in everyday speech.

Not suitable for formal interactions.

Use it when chatting with friends or family.

It’s a quick way to share your plans casually.

19. 予約あるんだけど (Yoyaku arun da kedo) – “I have a reservation, but…” (casual)

This phrase is casual and often used when you want to mention a reservation but have a question or issue.

んだけど (n da kedo) softens the statement and implies a follow-up.

It’s common in spoken Japanese.

Use this when you want to check or clarify something quickly.

Good for casual conversations, but avoid in formal settings.

It keeps the tone friendly yet open for discussion.

20. 予約してるよ (Yoyaku shiteru yo) – “I have a reservation” (casual ongoing)

This phrase uses the casual progressive form.

してる (shiteru) is a contraction of している, meaning “doing” or “have done.”

It sounds very natural and informal.

Great for everyday conversations.

Be mindful to switch to polite forms when needed.

It’s a smooth, native-like way to express your reservation status.

21. 名前で予約してるんだ (Namae de yoyaku shiterun da) – “I have a reservation under the name…” (casual)

This casual phrase lets you add your name informally.

んだ (n da) explains or emphasizes the statement.

Use it with friends or in non-formal situations.

It’s less stiff but still clear.

For example, “田中で予約してるんだ” means “I have a reservation under Tanaka.”

It’s a casual, friendly way to share details.

22. 予約取れてる？ (Yoyaku toreteru?) – “Is my reservation confirmed?” (casual)

This phrase asks if a reservation has been successfully made.

取れてる (toreteru) is casual for “taken” or “confirmed.”

It’s a quick way to check status.

Use it informally and with people you know.

Avoid in formal or business contexts.

It’s a handy phrase for casual conversations.

23. 予約キャンセルしたいんだけど (Yoyaku kyanseru shitain da kedo) – “I want to cancel my reservation, but…” (casual)

This phrase is casual and implies you might have a question or concern about canceling.

The んだけど (n da kedo) softens the request.

It’s useful in informal conversations.

Not suitable for formal requests.

Use it with friends or casual service providers.

It keeps the tone light and approachable.

24. 予約のこと、ちょっと確認したいんだけど (Yoyaku no koto, chotto kakunin shitain da kedo) – “I want to check a bit about my reservation” (casual)

This phrase is casual and friendly for asking about reservation details.

ちょっと (chotto) means “a little” or “a bit,” making the request softer.

It’s great for informal chats.

Perfect when you want to sound approachable.

It invites helpful responses without pressure.

Use it to keep the conversation easygoing and natural.

Concluding Thought

Mastering these phrases will make your travels in Japan more comfortable and enjoyable.

Knowing how to say “I have a reservation” in different ways prepares you for various situations—from casual meetups to formal hotel check-ins.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll navigate reservations like a local, making your trip stress-free and full of smiles.