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An amazing hot spring spot! Kusatsu-Onsen

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Hi, it’s been a while.
Good news! Japanese government finally resumed accepting foreign tourists this month. Although we are still only able to welcome people from countries designated by the government (and the escorted package tours only), I’m very happy to know that we are gradually regaining our connection with the world outside. For the detailed information, please visit Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/index.html I have many friends overseas, but I have not been able to see them since the coronavirus outbreak, and it has been a lonely two years … so I really hope that the situation will get better soon.

By the way, on a weekend last month, I took a first trip from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. It was a place I had wanted to visit for a long time, and it was really great! Let me share some information here.

About Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, located in Gunma Prefecture, with a natural gush of more than 32,300 liters of hot spring water per minute. Located at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,200 meters above sea level, the hot springs here have been known since the Muromachi period (1336-1573) as medicinal waters that are “effective for all but love sickness.” Visitors can walk to a variety of hot springs in the area. Recently, buses and other transportation has become more readily available, and the area has become a popular tourist destination for young people.

Yubatake

This hot spring is located in the center of the hot spring resort. Designed by the famous artist Taro Okamoto, it is a popular spot for photographers because of the constant flow of fresh hot spring water and the beautiful lighting at night. Yubatake is for viewing only and you can not take a bath here, though!

yubatake

Yumomi

The onsen of Kusatsu is very hot, around 50°C, so Yumomi is done to lower the temperature. Wooden boards approximately 180 centimeters long are placed in the hot spring water to stir and cool the hot onsen. You can see a performance (named Yumoni) of folk songs sung while the hot water is being stirred at a place called Atsunoyu near Yubatake.

yumomi

3 Major Hot Springs

Visitors can take a tour of three famous hot springs in Kusatsu Onsen, Oza-no-yu, Otaki-no-yu, and Nishi-no-Kawahara Natural Hot Spring, with a 500 yen discount. Tickets are sold at each hot spring location. These three hot springs are definitely worth a visit. You’ll need a towel at the hot springs, so don’t forget to bring one!

3 major hot springs

Souvenirs and Food

Popular foods in Kusatsu Onsen include onsen manju(steamed bun), udon, pudding, and more! Gunma Prefecture is famous for leeks, so you can also enjoy dishes using leeks and fresh vegetables. Glass works inspired by hot springs are also popular as souvenirs. I bought one for myself!

Access

The easiest way to get there from Tokyo is by bus. You can take a direct bus from major bus terminals such as Shinjuku/Shibuya, which takes about 4 hours and costs about 3,800 yen one way.

If you want to get to Kusatsu from Tokyo more quickly, you can take the express train from Ueno Station to Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station and then take a bus to the Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The trip will take about 3 hours and cost 5,450 yen one way.

*Since the onsen is shared with other guests, you cannot enter if you have tattoos. If you have a tatoo, you may want to book a hotel with a private hot spring for your own use.

I have visited many hot spring resorts in Japan, but Kusatsu Onsen is the best place to enjoy onsen so far! You can go sightseeing on foot in Kusatsu Onsen area, and it’s a great place to visit with friends, couples, families, or even by yourself. I highly recommend that you visit Kusatsu Onsen when you come to Japan!

See you next time,
Taka

久しぶりの投稿です。

今月、ついに日本でも外国人観光客の受け入れが再開しました！

旅行業者等を受入責任者とする添乗員付きのパッケージツアーの受入れが6月10日にスタートしていて、まだ政府が指定した国からの入国しかできませんが、少しずつ世界とのつながりを取り戻しつつあることは本当に嬉しいことです。

今後、より自由に渡航ができるようになると予想されます。詳細については Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/index.html をご覧ください。

僕は海外に友達がたくさんいますが、コロナウイルスの流行以降会えず、とても寂しい2年間だったので、これからさらに状況が改善されていくことを願います。

さて、先月の週末、東京から群馬県にある草津温泉に初めて旅行に行きました。以前から行ってみたかった場所で、本当に良いところだったので、ここで色々と情報を共有いたします！

草津温泉について

草津温泉は群馬県にある、日本で最も有名な温泉地の一つで、温泉の自然湧出量は毎分3万2300ℓ以上もあります。標高1,100から1,200メートルの高地に位置するこの場所の温泉は、室町時代から「恋の病以外は全てに効果がある」薬湯として親しまれており、歩いてさまざまな温泉に訪れることができます。最近ではバスなどの交通アクセスも便利になり、若者にも人気の観光地になっています。

湯畑

温泉街の中心部にある源泉です。有名な芸術家、岡本太郎によりデザインされたこの場所では常に温泉が流れ、夜には美しいライトアップがされるため、写真家たちの間でも人気です。

湯もみ

草津温泉の源泉は50℃ほどでとても熱いので、温度を下げるためにこれが行われます。温泉の中に約180センチメートルの板を入れて温泉をかき混ぜます。湯もみを行いながら民謡を歌うパフォーマンスを湯畑すぐそばの熱乃湯という場所で見ることができます。

3湯巡り

草津温泉にある、御座之湯、大滝乃湯、西の河原天然温泉の3つの有名な温泉を500円引きで巡ることができます。それぞれの温泉の場所でチケットを販売しているので、この3つの温泉は、ぜひ一度訪れてみてください。温泉ではタオルが必要なので、持っていくのを忘れないように！

お土産や食べ物

草津温泉で人気な食べ物は、温泉まんじゅう、うどん、プリンなどさまざまなものがあります。群馬県はネギが有名なので、ネギを使った料理や新鮮な野菜も楽しむことができます。お土産として、温泉をイメージしたガラス細工も人気です。僕も一つ購入しました！

アクセス

東京からバスで行くのが最も楽なアクセス方法です。新宿/渋谷などの主要なバスターミナルから直行バスを利用することができ、4時間くらいの所要時間で片道3,800円ほどで行き来することができます。

より早く東京から草津に行きたい場合は、上野駅から長野原草津口駅へ特急列車で行き、その後バスで草津温泉バスターミナルまで行く方法があります。その場合、3時間ほどの所要時間で片道5,450円になります。

*温泉は他のお客さんと共有するので、タトゥーがあると入れません。その場合は、プライベートで使える貸切温泉がついているホテルを予約して利用すると良いでしょう。

色々な温泉地を訪れましたが、草津温泉は温泉を楽しむには1番良い場所だと思いました！歩いて観光ができ、友達やカップル、家族でも楽しめるので日本を訪れたらぜひ行ってみてください。

それではまた！
Taka

※ Please note that the translation is not exact!
ブログの対訳は気分で書いてるので、厳密な訳文ではありません笑　あしからず

Today’s words and phrases

foreign tourist　  外国人観光客（がいこくじんかんこうきゃく）
hot spring spot　 温泉地（おんせんち）
folk song　　　　民謡（みんよう）
souvenir　　　　 お土産（おみやげ）
express train　    急列車（とっきゅうれっしゃ）

A must for all Japanese learners! 11 Japanese words often used when making requests　

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Hi there. The number of people infected with the coronavirus is decreasing in Japan now, and we are gradually getting back to normal lives. However, there still is a fear that the virus may recur again, so it seems that we have to stay/work home for a little longer…

This time, I have compiled a list of eleven Japanese expressions that are often used when making requests. When using Japanese, it is important to learn how to phrase things in a way that is considerate of the others.

So, when making a request, don’t directly say, “Do it for me”. When making a request, it is normal to add preface words before making the request with something like, “I’m sorry to bother, but could you -?”

Let’s learn how to request in Japanese, and practice so that you can communicate naturally!

Before learning them… regarding request expressions

When making a request to someone who is close to you, or to someone who does not require much consideration,

「～て」（～te）is used at the end.

Example:
パソコンの使い方を教えて。
（Pasokon no tsukaikata wo oshie te)
Teach me how to use the computer.

When giving instructions or making a request to a colleague or subordinate at work,

「～てください」（~te kudasai) is used at the end. 

Example sentence:
パソコンの使い方を教えてください。
（Pasokon no tsukaikata wo oshie te kudasai)
Please teach me how to use the computer.

If you want to be polite to your boss or other people「～てくださいませんか」”~te kudasai masenka” is used at the end.

Example:
パソコンの使い方を教えてくださいませんか？
（Pasokon no tsukaikata wo oshie te kudasai masenka)
Would you please teach me how to use the computer?

11 Preface words often used when making a request

3 casual expressions

1.悪いんだけど、（Waruindakedo)
I’m sorry,

2.ごめん、(Gomen)
I’m sorry,

3.あのね、(Anone)
I have a favor to ask you,

*Gomen is also used to apologize and Anone is also used when explaining something.

Example sentence:
悪いんだけど、パソコンの使い方を教えて。
(Waruindakedo, Pasokon no tsukaikata wo oshiete)
Sorry, but can you teach me how to use the computer?

8 polite expressions

4.すみませんが、(Sumimasenga)
Excuse me,

5.恐れ入りますが、(Osoreirimasuga)
Excuse me,

6.恐縮ですが、(Kyoushukudesuga)
Excuse me,

7.お手数ですが、(Otesuudesuga)
Sorry to trouble you,

8.申し訳ございませんが、(Moushiwake gozaimasenga)
I’m really sorry, but

9.ご迷惑かとは存じますが、(Gomeiwaku katowa zonzimasuga)
I know it might be annoying,

10.お忙しいところ申し訳ありませんが、(Oisogashiitokoro Moushiwakearimasenga)
I’m sorry to bother you,

11.ご都合の良い時で構いませんが、(Gotsugouno yoitokide kamaimasenga)
I’d appreciate it if you could help this when you are free,

Example:
すみませんが、パソコンの使い方を教えてください。
(Sumimasenga, Pasokon no tsukaikata wo oshie te kudasai)
I’m sorry to bother, but please teach me how to use the computer.

There are many other expressions that can be used, but if you know the phrases listed here, you will have no problem carrying on/understanding conversations. If you like watching anime/comics, I recommend that you check how the characters change the way they request according to the situation/based on whom they are requesting to. On a side note, in many Asian countries including Japan, people often put hands together  to express gratitude, but in Japan this is also done when making a request. 

Enjoy learning Japanese! 
Taka

7 new Japanese slang words (2020-2021)

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Here is the recent and up-to-date Japanese slang phrases that you can’t find in textbooks. They are very interesting and if you know them, you will be able to understand what Japanese young people these days are saying in casual conversation!

1. オン飲み (On-nomi)

This is an abbreviated phrase for Online and Nomi (drinking). It became common to stay home and drink talking with friends over Zoom after the spread of COVID-19, and people started to use this phrase to do the online-drinking meeting. 

Example sentence: 
今夜、オン飲みしよう！（Konya, On-nomi shiyou!)
Let’s do the online-drinking tonight. 

2. ぴえん (Pien)

It is a popular internet slang that expresses the crying emoji “🥺”. Mainly young girls use this phrase when there is something depressing or sad. 

Example sentence: 
彼氏と別れた。ぴえん。(Kareshi to wakareta. Pien)
I broke up with my boyfriend. Pien(Crying). 

※Stronger version (more crying/depressing) of pien is ぴえん超えてぱおん (Pien koete paon) and the strongest version as of today is ぴえんヶ丘どすこい之助 (Pien ga oka dosukoinosuke). 

3.盛れる (Moreru)

This is another phrase that young girls use. 盛る (Moru) means to make things look better. 盛れる (Moreru) means “It can make it look better/more beautiful” and often used when photo filter apps work well. 

Example sentence: 
このアプリのフィルター、盛れる！(Kono apuri no firuta, moreru!)
This filter on this app can make the picture look better/more beautiful.

4. 〜しか勝たん（ – shika katan)

This phrase means “Nothing can beat – “. It can only mean “- won’t let you down”. 

Example sentence: 
やっぱり、ラーメンしか勝たん (Yappari, Ramen shika katan).
After all, nothing can beat Ramen. 

5. 推し (oshi)

This is used when you support someone or you are a big fan of a person. It is often used when people talk about favorite idols, anime characters, and classmates. To ask “Who do you like the most?” , you can say 誰推し? (Dare oshi?)

Example sentence: 
あの人は、橋本環奈推しだって。(Anohito wa, Hashimoto-Kanna oshi datte).
I heard that the person likes Kanna Hashimoto the most.

6.飛ぶぞ (Tobuzo)

飛ぶ means to fly. 飛ぶぞ is used when you talk about food that is extremely delicious and mind blowing. This phrase can be used to talk about something that is super. 

Example sentence: 
これ食ってみな、飛ぶぞ (Kore kutte mina, Tobuzo)
Try eating this. It’s amazing. 

7.量産型ヲタク (Ryousangata otaku)

量産型 means “Mass production type”. The phrase is often used to talk about common girl fashion style with make-up that many boys like (the make-up style is often called 地雷メイク/Zirai make-up with thick-soled shoes, and black&pink clothes). 量産型ヲタク can also be used to refer to Otaku who is crazy about idol groups. 

Example sentence: 
私、量産型ヲタクになりたい。(Watashi, Ryousangata otaku ni naritai)
I want to have the common girly style. 

Another slang that is often used is きゅんです (Kyun desu). It means “My heart skipped a beat”. Every year, many new expressions are made and used mainly by young girls and they are often very funny and interesting. 

I will introduce new slangs on this blog sometimes.
Have fun learning Japanese words and phrases!
Taka

How to introduce yourself in Japanese: 6 useful phrases and more!

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Self-introduction is called 自己紹介 (Jiko shoukai) in Japanese. 
How to do it is pretty simple and not difficult at all. Here are some of the most used words and phrases when you introduce yourself in Japanese.

1.はじめまして
(Hajimemashite : Nice to meet you)

This is the most common phrase used to greet someone you meet for the first time.

2.私は〜です。
(Watashiwa – desu : I’m – )

This phrase is used to introduce your name. To make it a little more casual, you can omit 私は(Watashiwa) and just say “- desu”. 
In Japan, people introduce themselves by their family names or full names. If you want to be very polite, you can say 私は〜と申します(Watashiwa – to moushimasu).But in many cases, this is too formal and not commonly used. If you want to be called by your nickname, you can say  〜 と呼んでください ( – to yondekudasai : Please call me – ).

3.〜から来ました。
( – kara kimashita : I’m from – )

You can tell where you are from by using this phrase.
Another way of saying this is 〜出身です( – shushin desu).

4.〜が好きです
( – ga suki desu : I like – )

This is a common phrase when you want to talk about what you like. 
You could talk about your favorite activities, food, places, and just about anything you like using the same expression. If you say 〜が大好きです( – ga daisuki desu), the meaning will be “I love -”.

5.仕事は〜です
(Shigoto wa – desu: My job is -)

Shigoto means Job. When you want to talk about your job, you can say like this. If you want to talk about the company or the place where you work, you can say, 〜で働いています ( – de hataraite imasu: I’m working at  – ).

6.よろしくお願いします
(Yoroshiku onegai shimasu: Nice to meet you/Please treat me well)

This is a phrase that you use at the end of a self-introduction to express politeness especially to whom you will be working with.

Example self-introduction

1.はじめまして。　　 (Nice to meet you)
2.私はジョンです。    (I’m John)
3.アメリカから来ました。 (I’m from America)
4.日本のアニメが好きです。(I like Japanese anime)
5.仕事は英語の先生です。 (My job is to teach English)
6.よろしくお願いします。 (Nice to meet you/Please treat me well)

To keep the conversation going

You can use あなたはどうですか？/あなたは？(Anata ha doudesuka?/Anata ha? : How about you? /And you?) to keep the conversation flowing.
You can talk about yourself and then ask the person the same questions like below.

私は旅行と音楽が好きです。あなたはどうですか？
(Watashi wa ryokou to ongaku ga suki desu. Anata wa dou desuka? :
I like travelling and music. How about you?)

Next time when you have a chance to meet and talk to a Japanese, try using these phrases! If you would like to work more on Japanese or have any questions, feel free to contact me :  [email protected]

Thank you for reading today’s post. 
See you next time! 
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

8 ways to say Hi in Japanese (Formal and Informal)

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If you want to start a conversation in Japanese, you need to know how to greet in Japanese! Here are the most common ways to say Hi in Japanese in informal and formal ways. Words are very short and easy to memorize, so have fun learning and greeting!

Very casual

Here are some very casual words for greeting. Some of them are informal slang and you might be surprised to know how short the words are. If you have some close friends, it will be cool to communicate using them.

1.やあ (Yaa)

It is used casually between friends especially when you want to say like, “Hi, I’m here/I just got here”.

2.おす(Osu)

It is like saying “Hey!” . It is a slang to greet other guys so girls don’t use this word and guys don’t usually say it to girls.

3.どうも(Doumo)

Depending on the situation, the meaning of this word changes. It could mean hello, good-bye, thank you, very much, somehow, just.

・In greetings

A:やあ (Yaa)     B: やあ、どうも(Yaa, Doumo) 
(A:Hi.       B:Hi, how are you?)

A:お先に失礼します(Osakini shitsurei shimasu)     B:どうも(Doumo)
(A:I’m leaving ahead of you.   B:Good-bye)

・To say thanks

A:これ、どうぞ (Kore, Douzo)     B:あー、どうも(Ah, Doumo)
(A:This is for you. B:Ah,Thanks.)

・To say “Very”

A:遅れて、どうもすみません。   B:大丈夫です（Daijobu desu)
(A:I’m very sorry to be late. B:It’s OK)

A:親切にどうもありがとうございます。
(Shinsetsu ni doumo arigatougozaimasu)　
B:とんでもないです（Tondemo nai desu)
(A:Thank you very much for your kindness.   B:It’s nothing)

・Used with negative

どうも理解できません。(Doumo rikai dekimasen)
(I just can’t understand)

どうもあの人は気に入らない。(Doumo ano hito wa kiniiranai)
(I don’t like that person somehow)

4.よー/よっ(Yoo/Yo)

These are used to get someone’s attention and the meaning is the same as in English. It is common for guys to greet friends saying like this but some girls also use them. 

Casual

5.元気ですか？元気？(Genki desuka?/Genki?)

These are the most common ways to say “How are you?”.
If you just say “Genki?”, it gets more informal than saying “Genki desuka?”. They are used between friends or someone close to you, and not to your boss. To ask “How are things going?” ,we say
調子はどうですか? (Chousi wa dou desu ka).

元気ですか?/元気?
調子はどうですか？

Formal

6.おはようございます/おはよう
(Ohayou Gozaimasu/Ohayou)

7.こんにちは (Konnichiwa)

8.こんばんは(Konbanwa)

I think every Japanese learner knows these famous words. 
They are all formal and mean “Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening”. People often say just “おはよう(Ohayou)” to greet a little more casually. The time when you use Konnichiwa and Konbanwa is different depending on the person. Some people use Konnichiwa at all times (Even in the morning) and Ohayou Gozaimasu in the evening. This is because the kind of job he/she has. If the person starts work very early, they feel that the morning time is afternoon. And if the person wakes up in the afternoon and starts working in the evening (like at a nightclub), evening time is morning for him/her.

In addition to those common words ahove, the phrase we use when starting a conversation on the phone is もしもし (Moshi moshi), meaning “Hello?(Are you there?)”, and we use お久しぶりです/久しぶり (Ohisashiburi desu/Hisashiburi) to say hello to someone you have not met for some time. 
It’s really fun to learn a different language, isn’t it?

もしもし
お久しぶりです/久しぶり

Thank you for reading today’s post. 
See you next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

3 things all Japanese learners should know

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Japanese is a difficult language to learn. In fact, the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S Department of States categorizes Japanese as an exceptionally difficult language to learn for a native English speaker (along with Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Pashto). Why is it so difficult? One reason is that Japanese culture is a high context, meaning that it is a culture where everyone shares and understands common concepts so if you don’t know the way people see or the meaning behind words and phrases, you can easily lost during the conversation. Another reason is that there are 3 ways to write: Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana. Depending on the situation, people choose to use one of them to express their thoughts.

If you are thinking about starting learning Japanese, you might get scared to hear that it’s not easy to acquire the language. But if you know these 3 things below about Japanese, mastering it will get a lot easier!

1.Nouns (Subjects and Objects) often get omitted

As Japanese is a high context language, when speakers know what they are talking about, Nouns often get cut off during the conversation. For example, at a school when a teacher is collecting homework, he/she could just say “Did?(やった?)” instead of saying “Did you do your homework?” because it is obvious what the teacher is asking the student in the situation. When communicating in Japanese, you need to comprehend what people are talking about (what the Subject or Object is on talk) based on the circumstances you are in and expect that they get omitted.

2.The last part of a sentence is important

In English, Subject usually comes first and then Verb. If you are negative about something, you use “Not” when you use a Verb so it’s very direct and clear.
However in Japanese, you need to listen till the end of a sentence to know what the speaker is saying. For example, when you want to say “I won’t go to work tomorrow” in Japanese, you could say like “私は明日仕事に行きません (Watashi wa, ashita, shigoto ni, ikimasen: I, tomorrow, work, don’t go) “. If you say 行きます (Ikimasu: I will go) at the end (like, “私は明日仕事に行きます”), the meaning will be completely different so you need to pay attention to the last part of a sentence. In other words, it gets easier to understand if you focus on the tails of sentences.

3.People change the words they use depending on a situation/relationship

People care relationships a lot in Japan. Depending on the person you are talking to, you need to change the words you use. There are 3 ways: 尊敬語(Sonkei go:Respectful/Honorific language.),謙譲語(Kenjo go:Humble language), and 丁寧語(Teinei go: Simply polite language). We use 尊敬語 when talking to someone in higher position to show that the person is superior to you, 謙譲語 when making ourselves lower to be humble, and 丁寧語 when we want to be polite. For example, a word for “Eat”, 食べる (Taberu) becomes 召し上がる(Meshiagaru 尊敬語), 頂く(Itadaku 謙譲語), or 食べます(Tabemasu 丁寧語). So, what you should be careful when you talk in Japanese is the situation and relationship between you and the person.
Next time when you read a manga or watch a Japanese anime, you could check the different expressions characters use based on the situation/relationship. For the list of the word changes, check “敬語” (Kei go) listed here: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Japanese/Grammar/Honorifics

If you know these 3 things above, learning a Japanese will get a lot easier. If you would like to master it, it is the best to attend a language school to learn Japanese. But you could use an app/textbook to study vocabulary to take the first step. A good way to study is to learn words in context and in conversation (and also to think about the situation/relationship between the speakers). I also recommend that you write a diary in Japanese everyday. Maybe a few sentences about what happened the day or what you did. 

Learning a new language is very exciting at first but the main problem is burnout. Don’t push yourself too much or try to master it within a few months! It just takes time so study little by little, at your own pace.
I teach Japanese online and can check your work so if you are interested in taking a class, send me a message to [email protected]

See you next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

17 simple Japanese phrases used in hotels《with audio》

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Hi, How’s it going? 
We just had the longest vacation time Golden week in Japan, and everyone’s back to work/school now.  
I met a really nice couple from Israel and showed them around.

It is always nice to be friends with people from overseas!

Alright, this time I wrote about some simple, useful Japanese phrases that you can use at a hotel.
I have experience working as a front desk at a guesthouse ,so I’m sure they will be of some help.
If you know these 17 expressions below, you will have no problem staying at a hotel in Japan!

When you check in

1.チェックインをお願いします/Check in wo onegai shimasu.

Check in, please. 
Onegai Shimasu means, “Please”. It sounds formal and is a nice phrase to use when you talk to someone you meet for the first time. 

2.予約人数は（一人/二人/三人) です/Yoyaku ninzu wa (Hitori/Futari/Sannin) desu.

I have a reservation for 1 person/ 2 people/3 people. 
“Yoyaku” means a reservation. When you count the number of people, “Hitori” is used for 1 person, “Futari” is used for 2 people, and from 3 people on, “ – nin” is used. 
(“San” is three. “Yon, Go, Roku, Nana, Hachi, Kyu, Jyu” are four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten respectively).

3.予約番号は～です/Yoyaku bangou wa – desu.

My reservation number is -. 
Most hotels won’t ask you to tell your reservation number but you should have it just in case. You are required to show your passport, so don’t forget to take it out when you check in!

4.～から～まで泊まります/- kara – made tomarimasu.

I’m staying from – to -. 
It is great if you know how to say the dates in Japanese, but if you don’t, you could use English and say like, “ 24th kara 26th made tomarimasu” and they will understand.

5.カードで払えますか？/Card de haraemasuka?

Can I pay by (credit) card? 
Hotels should be ok, but at some hostels/guesthouses in the countryside do not accept credit card, so you might want to bring some cash with you if you are going to such places.
You can learn more about this on my another post: https://hidanotaka.com/4-things-you-should-know-before-visiting-japan/

When you check out

6.チェックアウトをお願いします/Check out wo onegai shimasu. 

Check out, please. 
Yes, the same expression “Onegai shimasu” works here as well. 

7.鍵をお返しします/Kagi wo okaeshi shimasu

I’m returning the (room) key. 
You can say this as you return your room key to the receptionist.

8.ありがとうございました/Arigatou gozaimashita.

It is a formal way of saying Thank you. 
Hotel staff will appreciate it if you say this when you leave!

Trouble 　

9.すみません、～が動かないのですが/Sumimasen, – ga ugokanai no desuga. 

Excuse me, it seems that – is not working.
“Ugokanai” means something is “Not working”.

10.すみません、～の使い方を教えてください/Sumimasen, – no tsukaikata wo oshiete kudasai.

Excuse me, please tell me how to use -.
If you don’t know how to use an air-conditioner, a shower, or a TV, use this phrase to ask for a help!

Sending luggage

11.～へ荷物を送りたいのですが/ – e nimotsu wo okuritai no desuga.

I would like to send my luggage to – . 
If you have big suitcases and want to send them to the next destination, use this phrase. 
Note that you need to ask at least 2 days prior to the expected date of the arrival as it takes time to deliver suitcases. 
If the hotel doesn’t have a delivery service, take your luggage to a nearest convenience store.
Most convenience stores can help you send your stuff.

12.幾らかかりますか？/Ikura kakarimasuka?

How much will that be?
The price is different depending on the size and the distance, but it usually costs roughly around 3,000 yen to send one suitcase. For the detail, check the website of Yamato delivery service.

Talking to hotel staff

13.おすすめのお店はありますか？/Osusume no omise wa arimasuka?

Do you know any good restaurant? /Which restaurant do you recommend?

14.そこは何時から空いていますか？/Soko wa nanji kara aite imasuka?

What time does the place open?

15.～まで行きたいのですが/- made ikitai no desuga.

I’d like to go to -. 

16.～へはどうやって行きますか？/ – he wa douyatte ikimasuka?

How do you go to -? /How can I get to -?

17.～はどこですか？/ – wa doko desuka?

Where is -?

These are the 17 most used expressions at a hotel. 
Not all workers at hotels can speak English fluently (especially in the countryside).
It is the best to learn them before going to a place to stay!

By the way, there’s no tipping system in Japan.
So, you don’t need to pay anything even if a porter helped you carry your luggage or a cleaning staff came to clean up the room!

https://hidanotaka.com/new-album-free-somebody/

My new album, “Free Somebody” is well received all over the world and I’m really, really happy about it!
If you haven’t listened to it, check it out here: Free Somebody

My previous work, is also available: Skyhigh 

Thank you for your support!
I’ll keep on posting my music and info about Japan here. 

If there’s anything that you want me to write, feel free to send me a message to [email protected]
Or you could simply give me a comment below.
I’ll see you next time!
Taka 

53 useful Japanese words and phrases《with audio》

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Hi, How are you doing?
We just had the Spring Festival in Takayama.
The festival lasts for 2 days but we had a rainy day on the first day so the festival floats didn’t go out.
However they did on the 2nd day.
I was able to see them and take some pics.

About Takayama City, you can check my another post:https://hidanotaka.com/about-takayama/
We have festival 2 times a year here. Come visit if you have a chance!

This time I listed useful Japanese words and phrases that you can use during your stay in Japan.
There are still many places where the staff can only use Japanese, so I’m sure these expressions here will be of some help.
If you could use some of them, it will be much easier to communicate and make friends in Japan!

・Basic words and phrases

おはようございます/Ohayou Gozaimasu

Hello/Good morning. More casual way of saying it is おはよう/Ohayou.

こんにちは/Konnichiwa

Hello/Good afternoon.

こんばんは/Konbanwa

Good evening.

おやすみなさい/Oyasumi Nasai

Good night. More casual way of saying it is おやすみ/Oyasumi.

ありがとうございます/Arigatou Gozaimasu

Thank you. More casual way of saying it is ありがとう/Arigatou.

お元気ですか？/Ogenki Desuka?

How are you? More casual way of saying it is 元気?/Genki?

Japanese girl

・Getting to know each other

初めまして/Hajime Mashita

Nice to meet you.

私の名前は〜です/Watashino Namaewa …Desu.

My name is …

あなたの名前は何ですか？/Anatano Namaewa Nanndesuka?

What is your name?

好きな（映画/音楽/スポーツ)は何ですか？/Sukina (Eiga/Ongaku/Sport) Wa Nandesuka?

What is your favorite (Movie/Music/Sport)?

・Saying Goodbye

お会いできて良かったです。/Oaidekite Yokatta Desu.

It was nice meeting you.

またね/Matane

Take care/See you again.

さようなら/Sayounara

See you/Goodbye. A bit more casual way of saying it is さよなら/Sayonara.

You could also say じゃあね/Jya Ne to your friends. While さようなら is polite and often used as a farewell message,
じゃあね often has the meaning “See you again soon/Let’s meet again”.

Harajyuku

・At a store/restaurant

(これ/あれ)は何ですか？/(Kore/Are)Wa Nandesuka?

What is this/that?

幾らですか/Ikura Desuka?

How much?

いいですね/Iidesune

Good. More casual way of saying it is いいね/Iine.

大丈夫です/Daijobu Desu.

I’m fine/It’s OK (Polite way of saying No).
You could also say 結構です/Kekkou Desu to directly say “No thanks”.

(Wifi/この商品)はありますか?/(Wifi/Kono Sho-hin) Wa Arimasuka?

Do you have Wifi/this product?

(トイレ/試着室/レストラン/メニュー)は何処ですか? (Toilet/Shichakushitsu/Restaurant/Menu) Wa Dokodesuka?

Where is a (toilet/fitting room/restaurant/menu)?

〜へ行きたいです/…E Ikitai Desu.

I’d like to go to 〜．

〜を食べたいです/…Wo Tabetai Desu.

I’d like to eat 〜．

〜をしてみたいです/…Wo Shite Mitai Desu.

I’d like to try 〜．

お願いします/Onegai Shimesu.

Please.

これをください/Korewo Kudasai.

This one, please (requesting).

どうぞ/Douzo.

Please (Offering)/Please go ahead/Here you are.

もう一度言ってください/Mouichido Itte Kudasai.

Please say it again.

ゆっくり言ってください/Yukkuri Itte Kudasai.

Please speak more slowly.

(写真を撮っても/触っても)良いですか？/(Shashinwo Totemo/Sawattemo) Iidesuka?

Is it OK to (take a picture/touch)?

はい/Hai

Yes.

いいえ/Iie

No.

すみません/Sumimasen

Excuse me. More polite way of saying it is ごめんなさい/Gomenasai I’m sorry.

何時まで空いていますか？/Nanjimade Aiteimasuka?

Until what time are you open?

おすすめは何ですか？/Osusumewa Nandesuka?

What do you recommend?

〜が食べられません/…Ga Taberaremasen.

I can’t eat ~. If you are a vegan/vegetarian, check my another post:https://hidanotaka.com/vegetarian-and-vegan-in-japan/

美味しい/Oishii

Delicious.

お会計お願いします/Okaikei Onegaishimasu.

Check, please.

ご馳走様でした/Gochisou Samadeshita.

Thank you for the meal.

クレジットカードは使えますか？/Credit Card Wa Tsukae Masuka?

Can I use my credit card?

At a restaurant, you might hear… 

いらっしゃいませ or いらっしゃい/Irashaimase or Irashai

It means “Welcome” or “May I help you?”

店内でお召し上がりですか/Tennaide Omeshiagari Desuka?

Will you be eating here?

お持ち帰りですか?/Omochikaeri Desuka?

Is this takeout?

喫煙ですか、禁煙ですか?/Kitsu-en Desuka, Kin-en Desuka?

Smoking or Non-Smoking?

If you are not feeling well/In case of an emergency, you could say…

具合が悪いです/Guaiga Waruidesu.

I don’t feel well.

助けてください！/Tasukete Kudasai!

Please help me!

Thanks to the advance of technology, nowadays you can communicate using a translator even if you don’t speak any Japanese at all.
But if you know some Japanese words and phrases, your stay in Japan will be a lot more fun and you can have the “Real communication” with locals without any devices and I’m sure it will be a great experience!
People will really appreciate it if you try talking in Japanese.

If you are interested in learning some Japanese slangs, check my another post :https://hidanotaka.com/japanese-slangs/

Have fun learning and speaking Japanese!
Taka

※I’m a professional composer. My songs are available here: Skyhigh 
Or, you can click on the band camp link below to listen.

*Need more info about Japan?
Give me a comment here or send me a message to
[email protected]