You’ve booked your trip to Japan. You’re ready for the cherry blossoms, the bullet trains, and the incredible food. But have you thought about what happens the moment you step up to the front desk?
Whether you’re staying at a modern ホテル (hoteru) or a charming, traditional 旅館 (ryokan), knowing the right Japanese vocabulary can eliminate stress, deepen your connection with the culture, and even boost your confidence for the JLPT exams.
This guide covers the essential Japanese words and phrases you need for a comfortable and independent stay—from securing your reservation to asking for extra towels.
Getting Started: Vocabulary for the Front Desk
The front desk, or フロント (furonto), is where your first important conversation will happen. Master these four terms, and you’ll be off to a confident start.
| Japanese (Kanji/Kana) | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 予約（よやく） | yoyaku | Reservation |
| チェックイン | chekku in | Check-in |
| チェックアウト | chekku auto | Check-out |
| 鍵（かぎ） | kagi | Key |
Key Check-In Phrases
Don’t just point—speak! Use these phrases to initiate the check-in process smoothly:
- 予約しています。 (Yoyaku shite imasu.)
- (I have a reservation.)
- チェックインをお願いします。 (Chekku in o onegaishimasu.)
- (I would like to check in.)
- チェックアウトは何時ですか。 (Chekku auto wa nanji desu ka?)
- (What time is check-out?)
In the Room: Types, Amenities, and Simple Requests
Once you have your 鍵 (kagi), it’s time to settle into your 部屋 (heya). Be aware of the different room types and what amenities are available.
| Japanese (Kanji/Kana) | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 和室（わしつ） | washitsu | Japanese-style room (tatami) |
| 洋室（ようしつ） | yōshitsu | Western-style room |
| 無料Wi-Fi | muryō waifai | Free Wi-Fi |
| 朝食（ちょうしょく） | chōshoku | Breakfast |
| 温泉（おんせん） | onsen | Hot spring bath |
| 追加のタオル | tsūika no taoru | Extra towels |
Essential Requests
Being able to politely ask for help is a sign of practical language mastery.
- 朝食はついていますか。 (Chōshoku wa tsuite imasu ka?)
- (Is breakfast included?)
- 無料Wi-Fiはありますか。 (Muryō waifai wa arimasu ka?)
- (Do you have free Wi-Fi?)
- 追加のタオルをお願いします。 (Tsūika no taoru o onegaishimasu.)
- (Extra towels, please.)
- エアコンが動きません。 (Eakon ga ugokimasen.)
- (The air conditioner doesn’t work.)
A Note on Japanese Cultural Manners
Knowing the language helps you communicate, but knowing the culture helps you belong.
- Shoes Off at the Ryokan: If you stay at a traditional 旅館, remember to remove your shoes at the entrance. Never step onto the tatami floor with any kind of footwear.
- Punctuality: Japanese staff are extremely punctual. Check-in and check-out times are strictly adhered to. Plan your schedule accordingly.
- The Politeness Level: Hotel staff use highly formal, polite Japanese. While you don’t need to match their level, using the basic masu/desu form will always ensure you come across as respectful.
Ready for the JLPT? You’re Already Practicing!
Every time you use these words and phrases, you are reinforcing the vocabulary needed for the JLPT N5 and N4 levels. These exams test real-world proficiency, and nothing is more real-world than managing your own accommodation.
However, flashcards and textbooks can only take you so far. True fluency comes from having a teacher correct your pronunciation and guide you through real-time dialogue.
At The Oriental Dialogue, our Japanese courses are structured to build this kind of practical confidence alongside exam preparation. We focus on speaking first, so you can start using the language on your next trip or even in a corporate setting.
Don’t let the fear of a language barrier hold you back from your Japanese dream. Take the first step with zero commitment.
We host a free online demo session monthly where you can meet our trainers, experience our interactive teaching style, and see how simple and enjoyable learning Japanese can be.
Register for your free Japanese demo session today and turn those foreign phrases into familiar ones.
