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Ultimate Guide to Ordering Food in Japanese

The Japan Switch Team — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:49:04 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Ordering Food in Japanese

By Yuki Kobayashi Purwanto | Revised by HeiKin Wong | March 20, 2023

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Japan's cuisine is famous worldwide, but dining out in the country can be stressful, especially if you don't understand Japanese. Don't worry, we can help you enjoy your dining experience with confidence! Although gesturing and pointing may seem like a viable solution, there is always the risk of conveying misleading or foolish information. Moreover, it takes the fun out of the experience.

If you find yourself struggling to overcome your apprehension about ordering food in Japanese, this guide will teach you the typical words and phrases used by waiters and servers when ordering food. We will also cover useful phrases for unforeseen circumstances such as a dish being undercooked, overcooked, or not your order!

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What are the types of restaurants in Japan?

If you are wondering, where can I eat delicious food in Japan? Don't worry, Japan has a wide variety of restaurants of all styles, ranging from very high-end to mid-range and fast food. If you live in Tokyo or most of Japan's populous cities, you will almost certainly never run out of dining alternatives.

There are several affordable "family eateries" restaurants, izakaya (Japanese pubs that offer alcohol, snacks, and meals), and amazing ramen shops operating 24 hours a day. Chinese and Italian cuisine, as well as Indian-style curries and Korean cuisine, are also particularly popular. Large cities also include British-style pubs, which are a popular choice for those craving fish ‘n’ chips. In Japan, international fast food companies such as McDonald's and Burger King are also extremely popular, and they provide specialty foods that are not accessible in other countries.

Ordering food in Japanese can be a source of anxiety, especially when you have specific dietary needs such as an allergy that you need to communicate. You may also have questions about whether the restaurant offers take-out options. From making a reservation to splitting the check, we'll walk through all the necessary steps and key phrases you need to know to communicate effectively.

How should I respond to the greetings by the staff when entering the restaurant?

What should I do if I don't make a reservation? Well, don't worry because you can also just enter the store right away in most cases just like you would back home. The moment you enter the store, you will be greeted with a "いらっしゃいませ”(irasshai mase), which means "Welcome," as you go inside the store. This greeting is commonly heard in restaurants, coffee shops, and izakayas.

What should you say in return? Absolutely nothing. Your turn to speak comes after they proceed to ask you:

"何名様ですか？/ Nan mei sama desu ka?”(How many people?) will most likely be the first question from the host or hostess. To which you could reply:

“二人です”(futari desu) for two people, etc. Or you could simply raise your fingers to indicate the number of guests in your party.

1 person: ひとり（hitori）
2 people: ふたり（futari）
3 people and above: number + にん (nin)
E.g. 5 people would be ごにん (go nin)

After that, you will be led to a table. Then, the waiter/waitress will say "こちらへどうぞ(kochira e douzo) meaning "Please sit here" to show you your table. Once you are seated, you will be given a menu and your waitress may say, "メニューになります”(menyuu ni narimasu) which translates to "Here is the menu."

After handing you the menu, the staff might say "お決まりになりましたらお呼びください"　(Okimari ni narimashitara), which means “Please call me when you're ready to order”.

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Key phrases and words to ordering food in Japanese

You have finally reached the very important step! It’s about time to order your food! When you're ready to place your order, grab the attention of the waiter or waitress by raising your hand, making eye contact, and saying "すみません" (Sumimasen) (which means "excuse me"). Alternatively, you can press the call button if there is one available on your table. Ordering a single dish or drink item in Japanese is quite simple. All you need to do is use the phrase "ください" (kudasai) or "お願いします" (onegaishimasu) along with the name of the item you want to order.

[Food/drink name] + wo + [Quantity] + [Asking for a favor]

Let's pretend you want to order a bowl of Ramen. This is what we can say in a typical ramen shop:

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
ラーメンを一つお願いします。	Ramen wo hitotsu onegaishimasu	Can I have one Ramen please?

[Food/Drink]	[Quantity]	[Asking for a favor]
Ramen + wo	hitotsu	onegaishimasu

If you only want to order one of each item, using the default counter (一つ / hitotsu) is fine. However, there will be times when you need to order more, and in that case, you'll need to use a different counter to specify the quantity. Fortunately, there are two counters that can cover all situations: the "つ / tsu" counter and the "個 / ko" counter.

Ordering food in Japanese using the "ko" counter is straightforward. You can simply add "ko" after the number to express the quantity. On the other hand, the "tsu" counter is more commonly used but can be trickier to use because some of the numbers may not seem like conventional numbers. To help you out, here are the "ko" and "tsu" counters for numbers one to ten.

Number	“個” (Ko) (for small objects)	*“つ” (Tsu) (general counting)*
one	ikko	hitotsu
two	niko	futatsu
three	sanko	mitsu
four	yonko	yotsu
five	goko	itsutsu
six	rokko	rokutsu
seven	nanako	nanatsu
eight	hakko	youtsu
nine	kyūko	kokonotsu
ten	jukko	tō

If you are looking for useful tips to help you learn counting numbers and quantities in Japanese, then go ahead and check our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Counting in Japanese.

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Ordering drinks

In most restaurants, ordering beverages before ordering food is a bit odd, but in izakaya (drink-only restaurants), you order your drink first. Why order a beer first? Well, because it will give you more time to look over the menu. Plus, once everyone has their drink in their hand, you can toast or clink your glasses together with your friends or colleagues with a “Kanpai !” (乾杯 / cheers!).

Anyway, the staff will ask what would you like to drink.

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
お飲み物は何にしますか？	Onomi mono wa nani ni shimasuka?	What would you like to drink?

To which you reply by following the [Drink name] + [Quantity] + [Asking for a favor] format. Let's say you want to order a beer:

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
ビールを一つお願いします	Biiru wo hitotsu onegaishimasu	One beer please

Ordering food

While you're waiting for your beverages, have a look at the menu. What dish has a special place in your heart? Depending on the restaurant, food such as salad, karaage (juicy fried chicken), yakitori, edamame (boiled green soybeans), fried potato (potato chips), and potato salad are common izakaya orders. In general, each person costs around 3,000-4,000 yen (US$30-40) in an izakaya and you may sample a variety of dishes for a very reasonable price.

When you are ready to order, call your server over by saying, “Sumimasen” (すみません) or “Excuse me!”. Most Japanese restaurants will have a button at each table. You can also push the button to call over a server.

After serving your drinks, the waiter/waitress will ask you:

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
ご注文はお決まりですか?	Gochuumon wa okimari desu ka?	Have you decided what you want to order?

When you are ready to order, remember to follow the structure as mentioned before. In this case, it would be [Food name] + [Quantity] + [Asking for a favor].

Let's say you want to order one karaage:

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
唐揚げを一つお願いします	Karaage wo hitotsu onegaishimasu	Can I have one Karaage please…

Once you’re done ordering, you can say, “ijou desu / 以上です,” (That’s it). If there’s more you want to order, add “Toriaezu / とりあえず” (for now) before “ijou desu”.

The staff then might say:

Japanese	*Romaji*	English
はい、少々お待ち下さい	Hai, shou shou omachi kudasai	Okay, please wait

And congratulations! You have successfully ordered your food!

When your food arrives, don't forget to say “itadakimasu / 頂きます” before digging in. This word literally means “receive”, and is a polite way of expressing your gratitude for the meal that has been provided for you. If you are a complete beginner that has just started to learn Japanese but has no idea what to do when you go out to eat in restaurants or cafes, we have that covered for you in our Ultimate Guide to Beginner Japanese.

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How can I make a reservation in restaurants/izakaya in Japanese?

After you decide on a restaurant to go to, now it's time for you to make a reservation! Making a reservation at a restaurant or izakaya in Japan might seem like a daunting task. However, with a few simple phrases and a bit of preparation, you can easily make a reservation and enjoy a stress-free dining experience. Before we begin, remember that you're calling a restaurant in Japan. You need to be polite. To make your request more polite, you could simply add です(desu) at the end.

To start asking for a reservation, provide the necessary information (when, how many people, your name, your telephone number), and make sure to say thank you before ending the call. These are the key information that you need to share with the staff.

Let's say you want to reserve a tonkatsu (cutlet) restaurant. This is how a typical conversation will go:

*Telephone ringing*

	Japanese	Romaji	English
Restaurant	はい。とんかつ亭別府本店でございます。	Hai. Tonkatsu-tei Beppu honten de gozaimasu	Hello! This is Tonkatsu-tei Beppu Honten
You	こんにちは。ディナーの予約をしたいんですけど…	Konnichiwa. Diina no youyaku wo shitain desukedo	Hi! Well, I'd like to make a reservation for dinner, and…
Restaurant	はい。予約はいつにしますか？	Hai. Youyaku wa itsu ni shimasuka?	Sure. When do you want to reserve?
You	１２月２日の木曜日、５時にお願いしたいんです。	juuni gatsu futsuka no mokuyoubi, go-ji ni onegaishitain desu	At five on Thursday December 5th, but… (is that possible?)
Restaurant	かしこまりました。何名様ですか？	Kashikomarimashita. Nanmei sama desuka?	Understood. For how many people?
You	二人です。	Futari desu.	Two people.
Restaurant	お名前と連絡先をお願いします。	Onamae to renraku saki wo onegaishimasu	Can I get your name, address and telephone number?
You	(name)...です。	(name)...desu。	My name is…
You	電話番号はは　(telephone number)...です。	Tenwabangō wa (telephone number) desu。	My telephone number is…
Restaurant	かしこまりました。１２月２日の木曜日、５時に二人でよろしいでしょうか。	Kashikomarimashita. Jyuuni gatsu futsuka no mokuyoubi, go-ji ni futari de yoroshidesyouka	Understood. So reservation for two people at five on Thursday December 5th.
You	はい。お願いします。	Hai. onegaishimasu	Thank you very much!

Congrats! Now you just made a reservation and completed the first step. Now that you have reserved the restaurant/izakaya, be careful not to come late and be on time! If you are still not confident or confused about the phrases, you can go check our Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases to help you make a reservation in Japanese like a native!

Asking for recommendations when ordering in Japanese

For those who are new to a restaurant or izakaya and are struggling to decide what to order, asking for a recommended menu can be a great way to discover the most popular and delicious dishes. The term "おすすめ" (osusume) is commonly used in Japan to describe something that is recommended or suggested because it is of high quality or popularity. In the context of a restaurant or izakaya, asking for the "osusume" can help you choose the best dishes and have a more satisfying dining experience.

When ordering food in Japanese using the recommended menu, you can use the phrase "おすすめは何ですか?" (osusume wa nandesuka) which means "what do you recommend?" This simple question can be an excellent way to initiate a conversation with the waiter or waitress and get their advice on the best dishes. It's essential to keep in mind that Japanese culture places great emphasis on respect and politeness, so it's important to use polite language and show appreciation for the staff's recommendations.

Asking for an an English menu

If you don't feel comfortable reading a Japanese menu, you can request an English menu by simply asking "英語のメニューはありますか?" (eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?) meaning “Do you have an English menu?” Remember that not all restaurants have an English menu and you most likely have to read kanji/hiragana.

If you are like me, having a hard time learning and memorizing Kanji. Go take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Kanji. This article will help break down the steps you need to be able to master Japanese kanji, provide resources for efficient study, and most importantly to actually remember them.

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Ordering food in Japanese – Asking and customizing your food or drinks

Japan offers a wide variety of unique dishes that you may have never encountered before. Even with visual aids on the menu, it can still be difficult to identify a dish. Additionally, you may have specific requests regarding your order, such as substitutions or informing the staff of any allergies. Many individuals have dietary restrictions or preferences, making it crucial to learn the proper terminology and expressions to communicate your needs effectively. Fortunately, there are several useful phrases that you can use to ask questions about the cuisine and make requests when placing your order:

Japanese	Romaji	English
これはなんですか？	Kore wa nandesuka?	What is this?
これは辛い/酸っぱい/甘い/苦いですか？	Kore wa karai/suppai/amai/nigai desuka?	Is this spicy/sour/sweet/bitter?
玉ねぎを抜きにしてもらえますか？	Tama-negi wo nuki ni shite moraemasuka?	Can I have (this food) without onions?

If you’re concern about allergies or if you want to ask whether certain ingredients are included with the dish, you can ask with the following:

…が入っていますか？

...wa haitte imasuka?

Does this have…in it?

For example, if you want to ask whether a dish has peanuts, you can ask “Kore ni pīnattsu ga haitte imasu ka? / これにピーナッツが入っていますか? (Does this dish have peanuts in it?)

Asking about problems with your food

Below are examples of common situations/unexpected circumstances that you may encounter when ordering food in Japanese at a restaurant/izakaya. The following are the phrases you can use in those situations and remember to start your sentence by saying “Sumimasen”.

What to say when you’ve been waiting for your food for 30 minutes or more.

Japanese	Romaji	English
すみません、注文した (food name) は後どのぐらいかかりますか？	Sumimasen, chuumon shita (food name) wa ato dono gurai kakarimasuka?	Excuse me, how long will it take to get the (food name) I ordered?

What to say when you’d like to cancel something you ordered.

すみません、注文した(food name)をキャンセルしたい

Sumimasen, chuumon shita (food name) wo kyanseru shitai

Excuse me, I'd like to cancel my order of (food name).

What to say when you receive the wrong order.

すみません、これは私が注文した料理ではありません。取り替えてもらえますか？

Sumimasen, kore wa watashi ga chuumon shita ryouri de wa arimasen. Tori kaete moraemasuka?

Excuse me, this is not the dish that I ordered. Could you please replace it?

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Ordering food in Japanese – paying your bills

Once you have finished eating and you are ready to leave, it is time to ask for the check. To do this, you can simply say:

Japanese	Romaji	English
すみません、お会計をお願いします	Sumimasen. Okaikei wo onegaishimasu	Excuse me, check please

In many restaurants and izakayas, the check may be brought to you after all of your meals have been served. If you wish to add anything to your order, you can do so at this time. Once you have finished your meal, you can take the check to the cashier or pay using a touchscreen pad. However, if the restaurant doesn't have this option, you can ask the staff for the check. The cashier is usually located near the entrance. Or you can simply shout ‘SUMIMASEN!’ and one of the wait staff will mosey over to help. It's important to note that not all restaurants and izakayas accept credit cards, so it's a good idea to have cash on hand just in case. Also, keep in mind that tipping is not customary in Japan, so you don't need to leave a tip.

If you go to a restaurant with a group, you may be asked whether you want to pay altogether. You can answer with the following:

	Japanese	Romaji	English
Restaurant Staff	お会計はご一緒ですか？	Okaikei wa goissho desuka?	Will you pay together?
You (if no)	いいえ。別々に払います	iie. Betsu betsu ni haraimasu	No. We pay separately.
You (if yes)	はい。まとめて払います	Hai. Matomete haraimasu	Yes, We're paying as one

If the server doesn’t ask if you pay separately but you want to do it, you can ask:

You

別々に払えますか？

Betsu betsu ni harae masuka?

Can we pay separately?

How can I politely thank the staff?

As you prepare to leave the restaurant or izakaya, it's essential to express your gratitude to the staff for the meal they provided. Even if you have limited knowledge of the Japanese language, there are several simple phrases that you can use to show respect and appreciation. Typically, as you exit the establishment, the staff will bid you farewell with the phrase "ありがとうございました" (Arigatou gozaimashita), which translates to "Thank you."

While a simple bow of the head is sufficient in response, you may also use phrases like:

Japanese	Romaji
ありがとうございました	Arigatou gozaimashita
ごちそうさまでした	Gochisousama deshita

The latter expression is particularly fitting as it conveys your appreciation not only for the food but also for the chef who prepared it and the service provided by the staff.

By using these phrases, you can demonstrate your respect and gratitude toward the Japanese culture and cuisine. With these language tips, you'll be able to navigate izakayas, yakitori businesses, and cafes with ease, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique and delicious dining experiences that Japan has to offer.

A quick note on izakayas

Izakaya is a unique dining experience that offers delicious Japanese cuisine in a lively and casual setting. There are huge izakaya chains, such as Watami, Shirokiya, or Shoya, where communication may be simpler and even done on a tablet they provide you. That isn't to mean that the employees will be fluent in English; nevertheless, English menus may be accessible (with pictures). Smaller, family-run izakaya are also available if you're searching for a more "genuine" Japanese experience and you will enjoy an open-table environment and the opportunity to socialize with the locals.

Also - smoking was permitted in many establishments until very recently. Now, however, smoke-free restaurants are all over Japan, as are various restaurants that are divided into smoking/non-smoking areas. So no need to worry if you are a non-smoker, since times are changing in Japan, and more and more facilities and areas are now completely non-smoking, or have a small room or area designated specifically for smoking.

Although, keep in mind that izakaya in Japan are most likely a smoking restaurant. Of course, if it's a smoking restaurant, you just have to deal with it, or walk a little further down the road.It’s best to do some research before deciding on an izakaya!

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Ordering food in Japanese – delivery service

There are days when we all feel like staying in bed and indulging in a delicious sushi roll, but getting out of the house seems like too much of a hassle. Luckily, Japan has incredibly convenient online food delivery services, such as the popular Demae-can or Uber Eats. It's an ideal solution for those who don't feel like cooking or going out to eat.

The drawback of using this delivery service in a website or in your phone app is that the website does not offer an English option (Uber Eats, however, does offer full English interface), and it can be difficult for those who cannot read Kanji. On top of that, it also requires a Japanese telephone number. Of course, many browsers offer page translation, but that isn't always the reliable solution. While there are other delivery websites that are offered in English, Demae-can has far more choice and reasonable prices than any others. If you are still struggling ordering from their browser or phone app and you prefer to call them right away, then our Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases will show you the useful Japanese expressions to use when ordering online.

Final thoughts

So there you have it! We have provided you with all the essential Japanese words you need when ordering food in Japanese. Give them a try and let us know how it goes. We hope this guide makes your dining experiences more enjoyable and helps you communicate in Japanese. If you're interested in improving your Japanese conversation skills and stepping out of your English-speaking comfort zone, check out our special Guide to Japanese Learning Apps here. You can also check out more useful guides prepared by us to make your life easier in Japan:

Guide to Japanese Conjugation

Guide to Japanese Adjectives

Guide to Japanese Study Tips

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Ultimate Guide to Shopping in a Japanese Supermarket

The Japan Switch Team — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 06:08:09 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Shopping in a Japanese Supermarket

By Norie Matsumoto | November 15, 2021

If you want to survive in Japan, you should know about the Japanese supermarket, because chances are, you’ll be spending a lot of time in them to find ingredients for your next meal or to get necessary household items.

Although you may think that supermarkets are the same everywhere, there are actually some key differences that are good to know for your future visit. When you move to Japan, finding out which Japanese supermarket is the closest should be your top priority. This article will give you all the information you need about the bright fluorescent world of Japanese grocery stores from useful phrases to finding the best bargain.

This article is a part of our extensive series of guides on living in Japan.

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What is a Japanese Supermarket like?

You may have never thought too much about the supermarkets back in your own country, maybe you just mindlessly picked up groceries and left as quickly as you came in. But you’ll start paying attention to the little details in supermarkets when you come to Japan.

Differences in a Japanese supermarket compared to other countries

The first thing you’ll notice are the differences of Japanese supermarkets in contrast to supermarkets back home:

- Cleanliness: Compared to supermarkets in America or elsewhere, you’ll find that the ones in Japan are kept extremely clean. It’s rare to find anything on the ground and sanitation is of utmost importance.
- No damaged products: Another big difference is how there are no damaged products. Employees usually take care to keep damaged goods off the shelves as they are usually not sellable for their original price. Japanese people can be sensitive to keeping even the packaging in good condition.
- Well stocked shelves: Some items become very popular and you may find an empty row or two but you won't see too many because that can be an eyesore.
- Shopping Carts: The shopping carts in Japan are pretty compact compared to American ones that are massive. The Japanese shopping carts are built on a smaller frame. Many are double-deckers, with space for two shopping baskets and easier to push around because they don’t take up a lot of width space.
- Freshness: The produce section may have fewer quantities compared to American grocery stores but the ones you can find are often pretty fresh.
- Produce prices: Speaking of fresh produce, you will probably notice that the price of fruits in Japan is higher than the ones in your home country. This is because most Japanese fruit and vegetables are grown locally, and the farmers are paid a reasonable price. Don’t be surprised when you find $100 strawberries or just unfathomably expensive grapes, those are special ones for gifts that have the taste that is worth the price tag.
- Fish: in Japan are sold in different grades ranging from the highest grade of fish, which is suitable for raw consumption. Those say 刺身用・sashimi-yo (to be eaten as sashimi) on the package. Other grade fish are for cooking and frying. Only eat the sashimi-grade fish raw.

Bagging: At most Japanese supermarkets, the cashiers will put your items from your basket, into another basket after checkout and you’ll have to go to a bagging station to bag up your own items. This quickens the checkout time and you won’t be in the way of the next customer.

Nowadays, Japan has adopted the price charge on plastic bags like many other countries, so if you want to save the earth and some coins while you're at it, bring your own eco bag. They sell them at the supermarkets. Usually, they are at the front of the register and you have to take one and put it in the basket for the cashier to scan.

Otherwise, you can ask for a bag by saying, 袋をお願いします・Fukuro o onegaishimasu (Can I please have a bag?)

- They may ask you beforehand, 袋はいりますか？・Fukuro wa irimasu ka?　（Do you need a bag？）or 袋はご利用されますか？・Fukuro wa go riyō sa remasu ka? (Will you be using a bag?)

When checking out, it’s important to be able to count in Japanese, Ultimate Guide to Counting in Japanese

24-hour shops

You may already know that convenience stores or conbini in Japan are all 24/7 but there are some big supermarkets that are also open all day and night, especially ones in big cities like Tokyo. Some ‘AEON Food Style’ markets are open 24 hours, but it’s best to check the hours of your local one as not all apply.

They say 「２４時間営業」24-Jikan eigyō in big letters on their shop sign. Another one is 「成城石井」Seijō ishii which, if it is a 24 hour one, will have a big light-up square sign on their window, “24h open.” There are other ones that are 24 hours but these two companies usually have the most 24 hour shops.

Side note: Seijō ishii is one of the best places to stock up on international goods if you’re craving snacks, jams, or what have you from back home.

Limited Time sales

Time sales, where certain food items are on sale for a limited time might be common in your country as well. Japanese supermarkets have colorful flyers showcasing that week’s on-sale items, in recent years you can find them on their dedicated website. These deals can be different for every store so remember to enter your postcode on their website to find the one closest to you. Coupons on select items are not that much of a thing here, you just have to rely on the time sales.

If you’re new to Japan this guide will be helpful, Ultimate Guide to Life in Tokyo.

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What you can find in a Japanese Supermarket

Ready-Made Hot and Cold Foods

Arguably the best thing about Japanese supermarkets is the number of ready-made meals that are made and put out every day. These are typically made in-store and are thrown out at the end of the day because they are made fresh every morning. Some locations even have them made throughout the day and have a label that says the time they were made. They are fried foods like croquettes and tempura. Also, there are many bentos you can choose from, as well as yakitori. They are also pretty affordable so you never really have to cook, many people just buy these and eat at home without the hassle of preparing their own meals. You can take tongs and grab however many croquettes or other fried items into clear packages and help yourself. Those are usually just counted up individually at checkout.

Get to know delicious Japanese food like Nabe, Ultimate Guide to Japanese Nabe.

Seasonal Products

Seasonal items are a big seller in Japan and every season or holiday, there is some new unique item made just for that short amount of time. Restaurants are big on Halloween-themed menus or Spring packaged items. People love the limitedness of products, and companies never disappoint. Next time there’s a holiday around, at the front of the store, look for everyday foods or snacks that are either specially flavored or exactly the same as usual but with a different package.

Food label Breakdown in a Japanese Supermarket

If you pick up any product in the Japanese grocery store and turn it around, you'll find a complicated-looking food label where you would usually find the nutrition facts. If you don’t want to blindly eat something without knowing what it contains or want to know which food allergens it might have, let’s break down the label. Food label is 食品表示・しょくひんひょうじ shokuhin hyou ji. Here are the words you should look out for on the label:

Japanese	Hiragana	Romaji	English
糖質	とうしつ	Tōshitsu	Sugar
エネルギー	えねるぎー	Enerugī	Calories
脂質	ししつ	Shishitsu	Fat
植物繊維	しょくぶつせんい	Shokubutsu sen'i	Fiber
ビタミン～	びたみん	Bitamin	Vitamin
タンパク質	たんぱくしつ	Tanpakushitsu	Protein
炭水化物	たんすいかぶつ	Tansuikabutsu	Carbohydrates
ナトリウム	なとりうむ	Natoriumu	Sodium
カルシウム	かるしうむ	Karushiumu	Calcium

The expiration date is written after these words: 賞味期限・Shōmi kigen or 有効期限・Yūkō kigen. They both mean "best before '' or the expiration date.

Generally, under the nutrition facts are the ingredients list, which first has the name of item 品名・Hinmei, ingredients 原材料名・Genzairyō-mei, quantity 内容量 Naiyo ryou.

Allergies: In Japan, only 7 core allergens are required to be labeled. The allergenic foods in Japan are:

Japanese	Hiragana	Romaji	English
ピーナッツ / 落花生	ぴーなっつ / らっかせい	Pīnattsu / Rakkasei	Peanuts
蟹	かに	Kani	Crab
海老	えび	Ebi	Shrimp
卵	たまご	Tamago	Eggs
牛乳	ぎゅうにゅう	Gyūnyū	Milk
小麦	こむぎ	Komugi	Wheat
蕎麦	そば	Soba	Buckwheat

A lot of packages have at the bottom, 本製品工場では、乳、卵、ピーナッツ、小麦などを含む製品を生産しています・Hon seihin kōjōde wa, chichi, tamago, pīnattsu, komugi nado o fukumu seihin o seisan shite imasu. (Manufactured in a facility that also processes dairy, eggs, peanuts, and wheat.)

If you can’t remember all of these words, you should use the ‘Google Translate’ app which has a camera feature that automatically translates the words if you point the camera at it.

If you want to know more in detail about allergens and nutritional facts in Japanese, see this article, Food Allergies in Japan: How to Enjoy Traveling Safely with a Food Allergy or Intolerance

Best Japanese Supermarket to buy cheap groceries in Japan

If you’re a student or just looking to save a few yen, we’ll let you in on the best places to find good deals on your next grocery trip.

OK super・オーケースーパー

This is one of the biggest affordable chains, famous for its cheap prices. There are many locations throughout Tokyo, they are usually pretty large and have a couple of floors. Their large orange, red, and white, store sign that just says ‘OK’ is noticeable. The ready-made meals are at especially great prices. They also have household items like dish soap and paper towels. OK Store club members receive around a 3% discount for food (excluding liquor) with no fee to make one, but you must pay for your items in cash when you use them. Their stores are in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama.

Life・ライフ

Smile Life. This is another big store with cheap prices, rivaling OK super. It’s known for its green and orange company logo with a four-leaf clover on it. This store also usually has more than one floor. Life has a lot of its own-brand products which are typically cheaper than name brands. Look for the clover logo. They have a point card called LaCuCa. Their stores are in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara.

Gyomu Super・業務スーパー

My personal favorite, this company has its own production plants which means it can offer competitive prices on food products. 業務・ぎょうむ meanes ‘business’ because many people who run restaurant businesses shop here to buy affordable wholesale products to cook with at their stores. With these types of low-cost stores, they look a little different from typical Japanese supermarkets as their focus is not on appearances. They save money on having people unbox and display so you’ll see items displayed in cardboard boxes. Gyomu super has a lot of frozen foods and may not have as many healthy options as other supermarkets but to make up for it, have unique items like international snacks. Relatively small and fewer compared to the other stores on this list. Gyomu has some halal food, check out their website for details.

Big-A・ビッグ・エー

Big-A has cheap fresh produce, relatively low meat prices, and a nice snack selection. Their stores are in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki.

Maruetsu・マルエツ

Known for their bentos and fresh produce. Some of their stores have self-checkouts. They even have online grocery shopping where they deliver your groceries to select areas so you don’t have to step outside your home. There are also Maruetsu petit which are smaller version stores, however, the products here tend to cost a little more.

Ozeki・オオゼキ

They have affordable produce in front of their stores and can get pretty busy at night and on weekends. Ozeki has fresh, quality products and inexpensive meats and fish. They also have a huge selection of sushi for quite cheap prices. They have a point card and cashback.

Hanamasa・肉のハナマサ

Hanamasa also has a delivery service where they will bring your groceries to your front door. This store doesn’t really look like the other supermarkets and is pretty small. Their stores are directed at the restaurant and hospitality industry, therefore the sizes are pretty large. This place is good if you have a family or if you have a big fridge to stock food in. Hanamasa is typically only found in central Tokyo.

Y’s Mart・ワイズマート

Y’s Marts are generally small to mid-size supermarkets and are known for good value fish, meat, and pre-prepared food.

MEGA Don Quijote・ドンキ

Don Quijote, or Donki for short, is a sensory overloading paradise for foreigners. You can’t be in Japan without going at least once. This isn’t technically a supermarket but past the chock-full of other random gadgets, haircare, and clothing, they have a basement floor dedicated to groceries that are super affordable, even ready-made meals.

They also have a lot of international snacks and noodles. If you’re looking for alcohol, they have lots, and for the cheapest prices around. Donki has a lot of great items for gifts, find out about omiyage, Guide to Japanese Omiyage. Be careful, if you go shopping for groceries, it’s hard to not want to buy other items and there’s no telling what you may end up walking out with.

There are other spots that have affordable groceries for sale, The Best Places to Buy Cheap Groceries in Japan.

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Money-Saving Tips at the Japanese Supermarket

On the topic of affordable shopping, there are other ways to get a deal at your local supermarkets, without having to go to the discount stores.

Late night shopping

The number one tip for saving a few hundred yen is to go to the supermarket at night, around 6-8 pm when ready-made meals are reduced because they have to get rid of whatever they don’t sell that day. The 割引・Waribiki (discounts) range from 20%-半額・Hangaku (half off). They usually have a new price sticker with a barcode. If they don’t sell they will keep discounting it so the price will be lowered throughout the night. The kind of foods you’ll find discounted are items like onigiri (rice balls), bread, croquettes, rice bowls, sushi, and more.

If you want to know more about sushi, Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sushi: How much do you know?

Discounted blemished or close to expiration products

Some supermarkets will have a corner in the back where they put damaged or unsightly products for sale at a discount. Here, you can find slightly overripe bananas or an ugly carrot that are just as good as the other produce. If you don’t care about appearances and more about the inside, why not buy these to save some money?

Supermarket apps for coupons

You’ll find that more and more Japanese grocery stores are jumping on the bandwagon of creating apps. Many of these apps have special discounts or coupons that are exclusive to application users. It can also be an easy way to see what kind of new products they have in store or the weekly deals since the flyers are digitized. I hope you have a lot of phone storage because almost every store has an app now.

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Words to remember in a Japanese Supermarket

You might be nervous to go shopping if you don’t know a lot of the words that are written throughout the store, so to ease your anxiety, here are the most common Japanese words you can expect to see at the supermarket.

Common ingredients with different names in Japanese

Japanese	Hiragana	Romaji	English
重曹	じゅうそう	Jūsō	Baking soda
酢	す	Su	Vinegar
醤油	しょうゆ	Shōyu	Soy Sauce
小麦粉	こむぎこ	Komugiko	Flour
塩	しお	Shio	Salt
胡椒	こしょう	Koshō	Pepper
佐藤	さとう	Satō	Sugar
油	あぶら	Abura	Oil

Japanese Supermarket items with Katakana names

Here are some items that are in Katakana and are loan words from other languages.

Japanese	Romaji	English
パン	Pan	Bread
ケチャップ	Kechappu	Ketchup
チョコレート	Chokorēto	Chocolate
ピザ	Piza	Pizza
カレー	Karē	Curry
アイスクリーム	Aisukurīmu	Ice cream
ケーキ	Kēki	Cake
サンドイッチ	Sandoitchi	Sandwich
スパゲッティ	Supagetti	Spaghetti
チーズ	Chīzu	Cheese

Useful Phrases you need to know for the Japanese Supermarket

Now that you know some words that you’ll see in the store, you should learn about the useful phrases you can use while shopping.

Asking for help from an associate

「＿＿＿＿はどこにありますか？」Where is ______?
「これはいくらですか？」 How much is this?

Have an easy conversation in Japanese, Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation.

Checking out at the register

お次の方どうぞ・Otsugi no kata douzo - Next in line please
ポイントカードはお持ちですか? ・Pointo ka-do wa omochi desuka? - Do you have a point card?
少々お待ちください・Sho sho omachi kudasai. - Please wait.
スプーン／フォーク／箸はお使いになりますか? ・Supu-n/fo-ku/ohashi ha otsukai ni narimasu ka? - Would you like a spoon/fork/chopsticks?
袋はいりますか？・Fukuro hairimasu ka? - Do you need a bag?

There are so many other phrases to learn while living in Japan, Useful Japanese Phrases

Payment Options in a Japanese Supermarket (So many!)

For the longest time, Japan was a purely cash-based society, however, in recent years, big cities like Tokyo and Osaka have introduced many new ways of cashless payments and it seems like every day there’s a new payment method popping up in stores. These can acquire points or just make the checkout process smoother. Still, cash is king and will be the only guaranteed payment method that can be used anywhere in Japan, like the countryside.

Here is a list of the most commonly used cards:

Credit Card
IC Card (Pasmo, Suica)
Pay Pay
Line Pay
Ali Pay
D払い
RPay
MercariPay
Wechat pay
Origami Pay

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Point Cards at a Japanese Supermarket

Although many point cards are for convenience stores, some of them can be used in supermarkets and in restaurants. They are a good way to save money as once you acquire enough points, you can convert them into discounts at the stores or even for prizes.

T-Point: Associated with FamilyMart (but really a Tsutaya card). This is the most commonly seen point card. You can receive and redeem points at a big selection of shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Nanaco: A prepaid cash-rechargeable contactless electronic money card for 7-Eleven convenience stores, Denny's restaurants, and Ito-Yokado merchandise stores. It costs 300 yen to first get one at a 7/11 or Ito-Yokado.
Ponta: Often seen at Lawson’s convenience stores. Points can be redeemed for items or discount coupons at Lawson.
D Point: Run by Docomo. D points were established in December 2015, so still pretty new. You can get coupons and various other special bonuses depending on your stage.
Waon: This card makes a cute “waon” sound after every transaction at the register. Waon is supposed to sound like a dog barking. There are Japanese municipalities that sell Waon cards with scenic views.
Rakuten/Edy: Best for online shopping. It costs 300 yen to first get one.

For a more detailed explanation of each of these point cards, Guide to Point Cards in Japan – How to Earn and Redeem Points

Conbini vs Japanese Supermarket

You may be wondering what the difference is between supermarkets and convenience stores as they are sounding very similar.

Here are the key differences:

Japanese Supermarket:

Lower cost
Larger space and inventory
Mostly dedicated to food
More fresh produce
Bulk items

Conbini:

One-stop shop
Sells stationary/electronics/clothing in small quantities
Ability to send and receive packages, make bill payments.
Buy newspapers/magazines/cigarettes
Small portions

Where to find International Foods

Feeling homesick? Sure, Japanese food is good and there’s a lot of variety at the supermarket, but sometimes you miss the taste of home. So if you are looking to find food from your home country or from other countries, these are the stores to go to.

KALDI: Not necessarily a supermarket but Kaldi Coffee Farm stores have roasted coffee, imported goods from different countries around the world, and original products. Asian foods are easy to find here. Very popular with Japanese people.
Seijo Ishii - These smaller chain stores have a combination of foreign and local foods. A little bit on the pricey side compared to normal Japanese supermarkets.
NISSIN World Delicatessen: This store also has a combination of Japanese and International foods. They have a lot of American and European snacks. They have several floors and LOTS of cheese.
National Azabu - They usually have big stores with more than one floor. You’ll notice around these stores, there are a lot of international folks. They also have a lot of American and European snacks. You can even find Krispy Kreme sold in the store if you’re having a sugar craving.
Natural House - They have a lot of organic and sustainable options. They have an array of supplements and beauty products that are hard to find in Japan. There's a large selection of vegetarian and vegan products.
Costco - You might have Costco where you’re from, it's a little different in Japan but they still have American foods in bulk. However, Costcos are farther out from Tokyo since their stores are so large. You probably need a car to go to and from, especially if you want to buy a lot of food. Don’t forget, you still need a membership card if you want to get in.

Here’s an article that goes more in-depth about international food stores, Top 5 International Supermarkets, and Import Stores in Tokyo to Get That Taste of Home While in Japan

Conclusion

There are so many great options to shop for your groceries in Japan, hopefully, this article has narrowed down your options and you learned something new that you can use for your future shopping trips. If you want to learn Japanese to make your life living here easier, Japan Switch offers helpful and affordable Japanese lessons that can set you on the right path to mastering the language.

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The post Ultimate Guide to Shopping in a Japanese Supermarket appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Japan

The Japan Switch Team — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 02:22:03 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Japan

By Chu Thi Anh | October 26, 2021

Japan is undoubtedly one of the must-see countries rich in natural beauty and blessed with four significantly different but signature seasons. Therefore, Japanese people have been sensitive to the seasons and worshipped nature's gifts with various activities and festivals each year. For instance, when it comes to winter, most people will think of skiing in Japan.

Winter in Japan can be pretty harsh, with parts of the country being covered in snow from time to time. However, do not let the cold stop you from enjoying this amazing time of the year. Winter is a great time to experience snowy activities and travel. Especially for those who come from tropical countries, you might feel extremely curious about it. As for me, I never saw snow in my life as my home country is hot and dry all year round, so I was more than excited in my first winter in Japan.

If you are here in the winter and want to find activities to rest and experience, you should not miss out on trying skiing in Japan. There are different levels of skiing, from amateur to professional (so, even if you’re like me, there is plenty of support to get started). Through this article, I’m going to go through it step by step until you’re confident to head down the slopes! So, get your snow boots ready and let’s get to work on this winter's plan!

This article is part of our extensive series on Learning About Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.

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When is the best time to go skiing in Japan?

Typically, Japan's skiing season is from mid-December until early April. Its peak season is from January to February, as it is the time of heaviest snow. However, the actual Japan ski season depends on snow conditions at each particular location. The best time for skiing in Japan depends on your priorities: whether you want to chase the best powder snow, avoid the crowds, benefit from discounts, or enjoy fine weather. Below are some of our top recommendations for newbies and pros alike.

Skiing in Japan Pre-Xmas

Going skiing from Christmas to New Years time might be a bad idea as it will always be absolutely crowded. It is the most popular time for the Japanese to ski as they might not have any other long holiday. Availability for accommodation will be sold out in the blink of an eye, and you have to pay massive fees for being there at that crazy time.

So, if you want to avoid the crowd and high cost, pre-Christmas time can be a good choice for you. As it is early season snow, Hokkaido will likely be the most appropriate destination for you because there is generally enough snow on-piste for both beginner and intermediate skiers. Before mid-December, you may be lucky enough to have lift ticket prices discounted at some ski resorts and find good accommodation deals. However, be aware that some ancillary and transport services may not be available until Xmas.

Skiing in Japan from January to February

The peak of skiing in Japan is in this period when it pours snow, and the powder snow quality is at its best in every spot, so you can choose whatever you like. However, the weather is also going to be its coldest. If winter and snow are not your cups of tea, you should think carefully before skiing during this time.

Late January to mid-February is the time of Chinese New Year, so there may be lots of folks from China and Singapore. They tend to visit large resorts, and accommodation availability may be scarce with some inflated prices. You may want to avoid this time or make a reservation before two months so that you will not need to compete with those ex-pats and visitors.

*Side note: If you want to see the Sapporo Snow Festival, it is better to visit Hokkaido in Early February.

Skiing in Japan April

April is the time when the skiing season in Japan is mostly coming to an end. Thus, not all resorts are open as the snow has melted and there is not much powder. Early April might be the safest time in this month to go skiing in Japan. It is also the best time for skiing in Japan on a budget with next to no crowds and lovely weather. Lift tickets and accommodation are relatively cheap but remember that some ski schools, rental shops and restaurants may have been closed.

You can refer to this Compare Japanese Ski Resorts Statistics for annual snowfall or beginning and ending season details.

Where are the best locations to go?

Japan is famous all around the world for its first-class ski and breath-taking snowboard resorts with superb facilities and diverse local activities.

Where are the best skiing spots in Japan if you have little to no experience?

If you are new to skiing or just have a little experience, Honshu island has several spots for your choices. Honshu is the main island that is home to most major cities of Japan like Tokyo and Kyoto. From here, you can travel anywhere you want with their massive transportation system.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

The town of Hakuba is located in the Nagano Prefecture and about 270 km northwest of Tokyo. It is also referred to as the "Hakuba Valley" which is home to 11 ski resorts and several villages. Hakuba Noribuka Onsen Ski Resort is in the northern part of Hakuba Valley. You will feel a little bit out in the open as it has a simplistic Japanese charm style and there may not be buildings everywhere. There are many options for you to travel to Hakuba Japan including driving, flights, bus and train. See more on How to get to Hakuba.

Regarding accommodation, we recommend choosing the Hakuba Alps Hotel as it has an entire pack of services including an onsen, swimming pool, and plenty of restaurants to enjoy authentic Japanese winter dishes. In addition, the view is fantastic as it looks over a ski slope where you can perfectly relax. You can also visit the two main mini villages in Norikura and enjoy their handful of classic eating options such as katsu curry and rice bowls.

Ski and snowboard rentals are available at Hakuba Alps Hotel, so it is very convenient for anyone who doesn’t have (or doesn’t want to bring) their own gear. There is also a ski school, and the instructors can speak English, or at least just enough to keep you from running into anyone else. Anyway, it is probably better if you can communicate with them in just a little in Japanese.

Start your Japanese conversation right after 10 minutes with our Guide to Japanese conversation.

Noribuka ski resort is a beginner-friendly place as it is usually not too crowded so that beginners can learn in peace with little to no competition for the powder. Furthermore, there are Hakuba Guided day Tours available for private groups of up to 5 people at 14,400 yen for each, which might be a perfect fit for you and your groups of friends.

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort

Tsugaike Kogen is another ski resort of the Hakuba Valley, and it is called the "Queen of Green" with a massive beginner area. There is an international ski school that offers private and group lessons in English. You can easily hire your gears at Spicy Rentals or Hakuba ski & snowboard rental.

The easiest way to get to Tsugake village from Tokyo airports is to get a Hakuba Airport Bus with Nagano Snow Shuttle (remember to select Otari accommodation). There are four schedules per day to start from the Narita Airport to the Hakuba bus and two from Haneda Airport.

Hakuba Tsugaike tends to attract fewer crowds than some of the higher-profile ski resorts in Hakuba. However, there are excellent tree skiing, high-speed lifts and above the resort is some gorgeous scenery. It is a great spot to stay for a peaceful ski holiday where you can become absorbed in a traditional Japanese ski village.

Tsugaike accommodation is abundant at the slopeside or very close to being ski-in ski-out. Much of them consist of simple pensions and hotels that serve Japanese style rooms (with futons on the tatami flooring), Japanese meals, and some also have western rooms. In the main street of the Tsugaike little town are restaurants, izakayas and a handful of local shops.

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Kagura Ski Resort Mt Naeba

The Mitsumata ropeway of Kagura is located In Niigata Prefecture, about 175km northwest of Tokyo. Kagura is easily accessible from Tokyo by train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa on the Joetsu bullet train (or Shinkansen) in only 70 to 90 minutes. Then, it takes only 25 minutes to get to Mitsumata from the Echigo-Yuzawa train station by bus.

The Kagura Ski Resort is interconnected with Naeba Ski Resort via the super long Dragondola to form the extensive ski area Mt Naeba. Kagura is generally quieter than Naeba and is a three-in-one ski resort that incorporates the areas of Kagura, Mitsumata and Tashiro. It is famous for receiving lots of powder snow and the most extended ski season in Japan.

Naeba, although wonderful, can sometimes get a bit crazy, so Kagura is an excellent place to get away and enjoy the relative tranquillity as its ski area is frequently uncrowded.

Kagura is not a commercial resort, and there is not much connection with the nearby villages and very little to do in the evening. However, accommodation is available in the small towns of Mitsumata and Tashiro in simple pensions and minshuku that serve only basic Japanese beds and breakfasts. You can check them out at Kagura accommodation.

The facilities at Kagura can cover the basics of ski and snowboard rentals. There is a ski school, but if you can not speak Japanese, it is better to reserve at Snow Country Instructions for lessons in English.

Where are the best skiing in Japan if you're an experienced skier?

If you are an experienced skier, there are plenty of places that you can go. Here are some of our favourite recommendations from your staff.

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

Sapporo Teine is a great ski resort located 20km northwest of Sapporo in Hokkaido Prefecture. It is visited by every type of skier from beginner to pro, especially powderhounds who want steep, deep and cheap powder lines. It is made up of two small areas, Olympia and Highland.

Sapporo Teine Olympia was once the site of the sledge competition for the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Games. Thus, the Teine Olympia ski area offers delightfully mellow slopes for night skiing. Furthermore, advanced and expert skiers can take advantage of and challenge themselves with the off-piste and the side-country regions where you can enjoy awesome Hokkaido powder.

Up the mountain is the Sapporo Teine Highland, which is 1,000 metres above sea level. The area offers spectacular views of Sapporo and the ocean and features some of the steepest in-bounds terrains in Japan. You should not miss this nice top view once you visit Sapporo Teine.

There is no on-mountain accommodation, sadly. However, you can stay at one of the Sapporo hotels to enjoy the buzz of this big city. Another convenient option is hotels on or near the Hokkaido Resort Liner bus route or near the major subway stations such as Odori, Susukino or Sapporo. Otherwise, you can stay in the quaint town of Otaru, at the Grand Park Otaru, a lovely hotel offering great views of the sea and the mountains.

Both Highland and Olympia areas have well-developed facilities with great cafeterias and lockers. Gear rentals are also readily available. For beginners, there are ski lessons provided in English. Sapporo Teine is a great spot for families if you have one. Childcare is provided for kids aged 1-6. There is a park for kids where they can go tubing or sledging.

Kurodake Ski Resort

Kurodake is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park in north-central Hokkaido, Japan.

It is a fabulous spot for powder hounds looking for big mountains with plenty of snow. The area is home to the tallest mountains in Hokkaido, with approximately 15 metres of snowfall each season. The base depth often gets up to 5 metres, so suffice it to say, the ski area is packed with snow and, as its name Kuro-dake (Black Mountain) suggests, this area is more black than white.

Kurodake Hokkaido is a mainstream Hokkaido ski resort. It is not a "resort" but an unpredictable beast that is only suited to the patient, hardcore, expert skiers and snowboarders who are looking for new challenges and to really test their limits.

Kurodake is probably best visited as a long day trip, and you can stay in the Sounkyo Onsen, an onsen resort town with various multi-storey hotels. Most of the Sounkyo hotels have Western and Japanese-style rooms and some penthouses with simple, sleep-on-the-floor accommodation. However, Sounkyo accommodation is not the ski-in, ski-out type. Many of the hotels require about 350-700 metres of walking to and from the Kurodake Ropeway.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are some winter activities in Sounkyo, including a soak in one of the many onsens or extreme ice climbing, the Sounkyo Ice Festival (from January to mid-March) and impressive ice sculptures. But,... the Sounkyo nightlife is quiet. There are only a few restaurants because most visitors dine at their hotel.

Skiing at Kurodake can be much more challenging due to harsh weather and frequently limited visibility. Therefore, I recommend you choose the services of a guide rather than do it yourself, for your safety.

Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort

Tenjindaira Ski Resort is associated with Mt Tanigawa, located deep in the Joetsu National Park at Niigata Prefecture. Tenjindaira is renowned for having massive amounts of snow every year with impressive deep powder. If you are a hardcore backcountry rider and have a great love for skiing, this will be a perfect location for you. Otherwise, there are not many other things to do here except an onsen, going snowshoeing and a quiet beer at the lodge.

There is no on-mountain accommodation. The Tenjin Lodge is the closest lodging to the ski area, about 800 metres down the road from the ropeway building. There are simple, reasonably priced rooms in either Western or Japanese style, with hot water available in a shared bathroom. The owner here can provide you with guiding, renting out skis, snowboard equipment and backcountry safety gear.

Another option for you is to stay in the town of Minakami, with various hotels to choose from. Nearby is the high-quality Ryokan Tanigawa with beautiful Japanese rooms, onsens and the option of fine kaiseki dinners.

In the evening, you can choose to have a warm dinner at your ryokan (Japanese traditional inn) and lodge or drive into Minakami town, where there is a good range of authentic Japanese izakayas and restaurants. Be aware that there is likely little or no English spoken. If you need an English menu and a western feed, La Biere Pizza in Minakami has good wood-fired pizza.

When coming there, you can check out the fantastic side-country and backcountry. The chairlift will take you to an amazing ridge, either to drop down into the north-facing birch trees where the powder built up or to head up into the big alpine mountain terrain. However, there is often avalanche risk and the propensity for the weather to rapidly change, resulting in incidents. Therefore, it is better to have a guide.

See more destinations at Ski Resorts Rating.

It is your first winter in Japan, and you want to know what to do. Let's check out our article on Activities in Japan in Winter.

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Wallet-friendly day trips from Tokyo for a beautiful (but short) Winter getaway

If you are busy with your business or school stuff and can not schedule a long trip, why not consider a day trip? If you are living in Tokyo, there are plenty of convenient locations with many options for skiing in Japan just on a day trip from Tokyo. They usually all offer lessons for both kids and adults with rental gear available.

Let's take a look!

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Gala Yuzawa in Niigata

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort is one of the most convenient snow resorts to visit as it takes only 75 minutes to get there by Shinkansen from Tokyo station. You will be dropped off right at the base of the resort, which is ultra-convenient and time-saving. The resort usually opens from mid-December till early May, with business hours changed depending on the weather condition. The lift fee for a 1-day ticket for Adults is 5000 yen and it is 2500 yen for children. It might cost less if you buy tickets for just 5 hours in the morning or the afternoon.

Are you living in Tokyo? Start planning a day trip with us now!

Naspa Ski Garden

Naspa Ski Garden is a ski resort suitable for families, beginners and intermediate skiers who want ungroomed snow and mogul challenges. It is perfect for a family vacation, for learning how to ski, for improving your skills and for playing in the snow. You can easily access Naspa Ski Garden by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station.

The resort opens from 9.30 am till 4.00 pm daily from late December to Early April. A 1-day ticket for adults is 4300 yen and 3300 yen for children. The cost also varies depending on your time, so you should have a detailed plan before to avoid being out of budget.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is another easy access destination from Tokyo. You need to travel by the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station in an hour and 10 minutes. Then, the resort is 1 min away by taxi or 10 minutes on foot from the South Exit. Additionally, there is a free bus service between the Ski Area and Karuizawa Station and served on a daily basis from early December to the end of March.

The resort area lies at the bottom of the ski resort, including Prince Hotels and a large shopping complex resort that offers beginner and intermediate trails with snow parks. The ski season here starts early from November and has ski schools with private lessons in English. I highly recommend you check its website for lesson time and make advance bookings.

They offer day-based tickets and 1-day tickets in general for adults is 5700 yen. Children younger than middle and high school students are not welcome here. Their ticket fee is 4700 yen. If you are a member of the Seibu Prince Club, you will get 500 yen off.

Looking for more? Take a look at some of the Top Skiing Day-Trips in Tokyo.

Things you need to know before you go skiing in Japan

So now, you have your location and reservation at the ready. Next is to prepare before you go.

You might be a little (or a lot) worried about skiing things and your Japanese.

In 1 minute, let’s get you up to speed and feeling confident with the short sections below!

You can rent ski gear at every resort

Why do you have to worry about lugging skis and other gear while it is much easier to hire equipment at the resorts? As I mentioned above, every resort and ski field offer gear hire at a reasonable price. If you are a professional skier and own your favourite gear, you can include them as part of your checked baggage. In that case, just remember to add the required additional checked baggage allowance when booking simply.

There are plenty of ski lessons for beginners

Ski schools are usually available for all ages and skill levels at ski fields, depending on your request. The friendly instructors will help you to feel confident even if this is your first time on skis. There are groups or one-on-one lessons available and can be booked through your resort or ski fields. However, it is always better to read the information carefully before booking. The good news is that there are many friendly English-speaking instructors and staff throughout the resorts and ski fields.

Also, be mindful that you might fall over several times, and there will be legs and arms everywhere, with some bonus screams and an “oh, dear” or two. So, prepare to look like a baby giraffe learning to walk as it is hard to remain upright the entire time. Anyway, I believe that will be half the fun of your ski holiday!

Some important Japanese phrases that might save your life

Japanese people there might understand and speak basic English and try to help you as much as possible. However, it is still crucial to know some basic Japanese phrases that may save your life in an emergency.

助けて
たすけて
Tasukete
Help me！

あの木にぶつかると思います
あのきにぶつかるとおもいます
Ano ki ni butsukaru to omoimasu
I think I'm going to hit that tree.

どうすれば減速できますか
どうすればげんそくできます
Dou sureba gensoku dekimasu ka
How can I slow down?

転びました。(ころびました/Korobimashita)

I fell over. Don’t have time to go to a Japanese school in person? Let us help you by checking out some of our extensive articles on mastering Japanese on Guides to learning Japanese.

What do you need to take with you?

There must be plenty of things that you will have to pack for your trip, but below are some of the things you absolutely should not forget!

Warm clothes (You are skiing in Japan, after all)

It sounds obvious but warm clothes are a must. Be aware that in a sky full of snow, you might be wet all the time. Therefore, do not forget to bring enough warm clothes. There are some smaller items that you may forget, including waterproof gloves, jackets, beanies, ear muffs. Although these items are available for hire, it is better to have your own preferred stuff that perfectly fits you and can easily fit into your suitcase.

Cash (in case there is no ATM)

For more than six months in Japan, we strongly suggest you get a bank account. Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Bank in Japan if you want to open a bank account and don't know where to start.

As there are usually a lot of international travellers, some resorts do offer ATMs on site, and most motels accept credit cards for services such as dining, gear hire and lift passes. However, Japan is a largely cash-based country and most local shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants prefer cash. Therefore, it is always better to have plenty of cash with you on the go. Do not forget to check the facilities of your accommodation provider to see whether ATMs are available.

Travel insurance

It is imperative to prepare travel insurance for a ski holiday because skiing is quite a dangerous sport under harsh weather conditions, and none of us can predict the situation. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a first-timer, accidents can happen, and it is beneficial and crucial that you are covered for all eventualities.

Whether it is lost or damaged gear or just a nasty fall, travel insurance means you are covered and will not be out of pocket for both domestically and internationally expensive medical bills. Therefore, make sure that you ask your travel consultant about the levels of cover and carefully read the contracts to ensure you are covered specifically for snow sports.

Lost your resident card somewhere on the go? See what to do in our Guide to the Zairyu Card.

What else can you do when you're there?

Apart from the biggest attraction of all skiing spots, their skiing slopes, several side activities are waiting to welcome you. So if you are not too addicted to skiing and want to try it for a bit of an experience off the beaten path, you should go around and discover some excellent sightseeing and attractions nearby.

Attractions in Niseko

Attractions in Niseko range from natural and geothermal to historical, cultural and hands-on spots.

After hours on the slopes, you then might suffer from stiffness and soreness. Traditional onsen hot spring baths and a soak is the perfect remedy to wrap up a hard day. Many resorts have their onsite onsens and several ones dotted around the village. Notably, the Konu and Annupuri areas feature a large number of onsens that you should take a note down and pay a visit to.

If you are here in early February, you will be welcomed by the Sapporo Snow Festival when you can see the giant statues and incredible sculptures created from ice. Another popular Niseko attraction is a day trip to Otaru, an exciting place full of quirky Japanese shops, historic canals, and seafood markets. Or, you can enjoy the natural features of the volcanic caldera Lake Toya, or the very active volcano of Mount Usu, on a day trip.

If snowboarding is also on your to-do list this winter, check out this super helpful guide by Japan-Dev!

Attractions in Hakuba

One of the best-known attractions in Hakuba is the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Just over an hour and a half drive from Hakuba, the monkey park is the perfect day trip, and you will have the chance to witness 200 'wild' snow monkeys warming themselves in the hot springs. Have your cameras ready, and you may have some interesting shots of the cute and playful monkeys. You can get quite close to them as they are used to tourists.

The Nagano Zenkoji Temple is also located nearby and is often combined as part of a day trip to see the snow monkeys. This temple has a long history, including bringing the first Buddha image to Japan during the 7th century. If you visit there, remember to wear warm socks as you must remove your shoes before entering the temple.

You can experience the fascinating walking through the small tunnels in complete darkness. In addition, local streets around the temple provide some insight into traditional Japanese architecture and way of life.

Another popular Hakuba attraction is the so-called "Crow Castle" known for its black exterior, also known as Matsumoto Castle. This is Japan's oldest five-tiered donjon castle and was built roughly 400 years ago. Nearby, you can taste wasabi in various forms at the Daio wasabi farm, including the unique wasabi ice cream.

Besides, you can experience various activities in Hakuba, including samurai evenings, sake tastings, soba noodle making, origami folding, tea ceremonies and traditional kimono dressings.

Final thoughts

So, with the number of destinations and things to prepare we have looked at so far in this article, I hope I have shed some light on your plans this winter break. Even if you are too busy with your business or school stuff, there will always be options for you to engage in skiing in Japan. So, please keep this page as a note for your preparation. I hope you all have a charming and memorable trip!

If you want to know more about how life is in Japan, check out our Blog at Guides about Japan. We would be more than happy to incorporate you on your Japanese learning journey and your life here in Japan!

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The post Ultimate Guide to Skiing in Japan appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Day Trip from Tokyo

The Japan Switch Team — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 10:47:29 +0000

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Day trip from Tokyo

By Niina | October, 24, 2021

Are you living in Tokyo? Looking to planning a day trip from Tokyo?

Living in Japan comes with unlimited luxuries. One of which is living in the country where one of the world’s major cities, Tokyo, is located. Whether you are looking to travel to Tokyo, living in Tokyo, this guide will provide you with all the information you need for you, your friends and family to plan the perfect day trip from Tokyo!

This article is a part of our extensive series on our Japan Switch Blog about Japanese language and culture!

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Why Tokyo?

Tokyo is the Capital of Japan, located on the east side of Japan. As of 2021, Tokyo is home to 13.96 million residents, making Tokyo the world’s most populous city. Also known as Edo before 1868, Tokyo was renamed during the Meiji Restoration in 1868 by the Emperor, as he moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Edo, now known as Tokyo. The name Tokyo translates to “east capital”. Tokyo is now one of the world's most popular cities for tourists as there is a wide variety of places to visit, shop and eat!

If you are looking for a little of that authentic Edo experience, there is a suburb called Kawagoe in Saitama (close to Tokyo) which is often referred to as Little Edo.

What is there to do in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers extensive amounts of entertainment, culture, dining and shopping choices for both visitors and residents! Planning a day trip in Tokyo will be different based on your own personal interests! Tokyo is often stereotyped as a futuristic, technological city in the media, despite that stereotype, Tokyo still offers traditional Japanese culture much like Kyoto. As mentioned earlier, Tokyo was previously named “Edo” during the Edo Period, with that being said, Tokyo still has districts which offer the atmosphere of old Tokyo within the city.

In addition to that, Tokyo also offers entertainment for Japanese pop culture such as anime, manga and idol culture. Harajuku, Shinjuku and Akihabara are the main districts for those who are interested in otaku culture as there are a range of merchandise shops and cafes dedicated to anime characters.

Aside from all of that, Tokyo offers a variety of dining, ranging from Japanese to American cuisine, trendy foods and drinks, a range of shopping options, whether you would like to shop for vintage items or high-end luxury brands.

What do I need to know before planning a day trip from Tokyo?

Before planning a day trip from Tokyo, let alone Japan as a whole. It is important to consider the lifestyle and societal norms that Japanese people live by.

Cash vs. Card

In Japan, the use of cash is still prevalent to this day. Although the acceptance of payments using credit cards have slowly increased, it is still important to bring cash with you wherever you go. Cash is the main method of payment in Japan whether it is to purchase food from a convenience store, buying a train ticket, paying for your meal at restaurants and even using a vending machine!

Tipping

On the topic of payments, you should never tip workers in Japan. Tipping in western countries is seen to be a token of appreciation, this differs in Japan as tipping can be seen to be derogatory and rude.

Smoking

Smoking is nothing out of the ordinary for Japanese people. Although, it comes with a rule. Smoking outside on the streets is prohibited. With that, there are designated rooms within trains, bars, restaurants and by train stations for smoking. These are called “smoking areas” or “smoking rooms” whereby smokers can freely smoke, segregated from the general public. Until very recently, smoking was permitted indoors until laws were passed banning smoking outside of designated areas in the lead up to the 2021 Olympics.

Tattoos

Tattoos are not welcomed in Japan (but this is gradually changing insofar as non-Japanese people are concerned). Often those who have visible tattoos on their bodies are prohibited from entering onsens (hot springs), pools, saunas and even some restaurants! This is because tattoos are strongly associated with yakuzas, criminal gangs in Japan.

Etiquette and Customs

Aside from what has already been mentioned, etiquette in Japan is a major factor that will affect your experience while travelling. Proper etiquette is important in Japan, despite your status and relationship with one another. Proper manners and behaviour is highly valued in Japanese society.

To begin with, it is crucial to understand that bowing is the standard method of greeting in Japan. Bowing can be used to thank people, apologize, or ask for a favour. As for foreigners, bowing is not expected, a small nod of the head can suffice.

In restaurants, you will be greeted with the phrase “Irasshaimase” in response to this, no response or a small nod of the head and smile will suffice. No other response is expected.

When commuting using the trains, it is important to have the proper manners and etiquette. Japanese people avoid talking on the phone while on the train, let alone talking to others, when speaking on the train, it is expected that you speak in a quiet voice. As for tourists, it would be considered rude to be carrying large luggage during rush hour. When carrying backpacks on the train, it would be expected that the individual should place their belongings on the luggage racks or placed in front of you. This is done to prevent taking up any excess space.

Other than that, while on the streets of Japan, you are expected to not block the passageways. It is often found that foreigners can unintentionally block passageways with the number of people and/or with their luggage as they are unaware of the lifestyle of their surroundings. Additionally, garbage bins are hard to find in Japan. Aside from the train stations and convenience stores, it is expected that you hold on to your trash until you are able to find one. In relation to that, eating while walking is considered rude and bad mannered in Japan. When enjoying street food, be sure to stay away from pedestrians and find a place to eat while standing still or sitting down, away from pedestrians.

As there is a large amount of customs that need to be kept in mind, check out our articles on:

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Customs

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Culture

Day trip within Tokyo Recommendation Guide

Day trips within Tokyo can be done in one day or even five, depending on your personal interests and time. Below are daily itineraries created based on convenience of location, interests and popularity. As these are just sample daily itineraries, modifications can be made by you based on your own personal interests!

Experiencing the real Japan may be a challenge as places of recommendations are targeted to tourists but don’t worry! We have compiled places of recommendations from foreigners living in Japan and the locals living in Japan.

What are some activities for university students to do in Tokyo?

With the rising popularity of Japan over the past decade, it is no surprise that Tokyo is a popular destination for university students to study in. Whether you’re a university student in Tokyo or abroad, the following are popular activities university students in Japan do.

One thing that is common amongst university students all over the globe is drinking (but note that the legal drinking age is 20). The drinking culture in Japan is prominent amongst both university students and working professionals. As drinking culture is popular, drinking is not limited only to bars and clubs. People in Japan will drink anywhere as long as alcohol is available and it is not against the law to consume alcohol in public.

Based on the information given by university students in Tokyo, a popular spot for hangouts is the newly built Miyashita park in Shibuya, Tokyo. Miyashita Park is popular for skating, eating and drinking. Another option for experiencing Tokyo University student life is to drink and eat snacks at Izakaya restaurants. Izakaya restaurants are restaurants that serve alcohol and foods such as meat, ramen and other foods. One of the most popular chains is Torizoku, which serves yakitori, grilled chicken on skewers.

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Daily itinerary for activities for university students to enjoy on a budget

Other than the regular day to day routines of university students, the desired plans for university aged students are as followed:

Brunch in Daikanyama

Daikanyama or Daikanyamacho is a popular neighbourhood within Shibuya,Tokyo, also known as “Little Brooklyn” amongst the locals. You can travel to Daikanyama by train as Daikanyama has its own station or by foot from Shibuya. Daikanyama offers a different feeling of Tokyo which isn’t just shrines, neon lights and busy city life. Daikanyama offers plenty of cafes for you and your friends to enjoy, before or after visiting the Kyu Asakura House located nearby the Daikanyama Station. This house was built by Torajiro Asakura, this home is important to the Japanese Government as it is one of the only wooden houses that survived bombings during WW2 and the Great Kanto Earthquake. The house is open for visitors to walk around both the interior and garden of the house.

Other than that, another famous place within Daikanyama is the Daikanyama T-site, this place is considered one of the main attractions of Daikanyama. Daikanyama T-site is a bookstore with books, music, cafe and lounge.

Aside from that, Daikanyama is popular for shopping for vintage clothes and antiques that are rare to come across!

Spend your afternoon in Shibuya and Harajuku

As mentioned earlier, Daikanyama and the busy Shibuya are walking distance from each other. Both walking and taking the train to Shibuya from Daikanyama can take up to 22 minutes. As Shibuya is one of the main tourist destinations of Tokyo, there are a plethora of activities, foods and places to see. With that, below are some popular activities that can be done in Shibuya, catering to people with all different types of interest.

Karaoke

If you are interested in Japanese pop culture, karaoke may be the choice for you. Karaoke is a popular activity that is done with friend groups in Japan. Karaoke places often have packages whereby food and drinks are served during your time singing with your friends!

Cafe Hopping

If you are a coffee fanatic, cafe hopping may be the ideal activity for you to do in Shibuya. There are plenty of cafes within the Omotesando area in Shibuya for you and your friends to experience. The special part about cafes in this area is that it’s not only just limited to coffee and pastries but often pancakes and other desserts!

As Shibuya is one of the more crowded areas of Tokyo, it is also recommended to just take a walk around the area to take in the lifestyle of Tokyo people while shopping and people watching. For those who want to see the Harajuku culture, taking the train or walking from either Daikanyama or Shibuya will only take 15 minutes at most. Takeshita Street is one of the main tourist destinations, it is a pedestrian shopping street in Harajuku with boutiques, cosmetics, street foods and other bits and pieces that can’t be found elsewhere.

The majority of the people who walk down Takeshita street intend to go for the fashion boutiques as takeshita street has an abundance of cheap and trendy clothing for both men and women with different styles. Although, as the concept of insta-buy, the sole purpose of buying aesthetically pleasing food to post on social media, has become more prominent in Japanese pop culture, takeshita street has now recently become famous for their rainbow cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory, prior to that trend, Harajuku and Takeshita street was popular for their crepes, every corner is still filled with crepe shops even to this day!

Want to know more about the popular activities in Tokyo? Read on:

Ultimate Guide to Karaoke in Tokyo

Ultimate Guide to Cafes in Tokyo

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Make your Otaku Dreams come true!

Aside from Shibuya and Harajuku, another option, especially for those who enjoy anime, manga or Japanese idol culture, Akihabara is the place for you to visit! Akihabara is another one of the most popular destinations for tourists as there is a never ending amount of shops, restaurants and other establishments dedicated to anime and manga culture. You may take the train from Sendagaya station to Akihabara, travel time is around 10 minutes.

Akihabara is filled with electronic stores ranging from small businesses to large corporations such as the famous Yodobashi Camera, Laox and Sofmap. These stores are mainly focused on selling electronics such as computers, games, watches, cameras, hair tools and other electronics. It can be noted that Yodobashi Camera and Laox are both tax free!

Aside from the electronics, Akihabara caters to otaku people, the Japanese word to describe people who are passionate fans for anime, manga or computer related things. To begin with, Akihabara has a ton of cosplay cafes, more specifically maid cafes. These cafes are predominantly only found in Japan. Customers are served by cosplay maids, these are often seen in anime, hence the popularity of maid cafes amongst anime watchers. Some of the most popular maid cafes include Maidreamin, @home cafe , Akiba Zettai Ryoiki, these cafes are often decorated with pink and white interiors and have J-pop music blasting through the sound system. For those who are more interested in a more relaxed environment, Cure Maid Cafe is recommended. If you are not interested in maid cafes, don’t worry, there is still a lot more Akihabara has to offer!

For anime and manga fans who are wanting to simply purchase merchandise and goods, there is an unlimited amount of anime and manga related stores in Akihabara. To begin with, one of the most iconic otaku stores, Mandarake, has labelled themselves to be the “largest manga and anime shop in the world”. With that, Mandarake was the first 8-story tall store to open in Akihabara in 1987. Mandarake sells manga, anime figurines, video games and cosplay items for you to fulfill your otaku dreams. Another popular store in Akihabara is the Gamers store. Gamers is a 7-story, bishōjo, Japanese word for “beautiful girl” anime and voice actor merchandise shop. Gamers offer magazines, CDs, mangas and just about anything with a bishōjo plastered all over the item.

Experience Tokyo Nightlife

It may come with no surprise that Tokyo has quite the nightlife. As previously mentioned, Japan has a prominent drinking culture and can be done in bars, clubs, at home or even alleys. With or without alcohol, there are plenty of things to do during the nights in Tokyo.

Bars

Tokyo has a variety of different styles of bars. To experience a more Japanese drinking culture, Izakaya would be the way to go! Izakayas are places where you can sit, drink and eat snacks, the equivalent to British pubs. Snacks served are usually yakitori, meat on skewers and other foods served in small servings.

Clubs

As there are quite a large number of foreigners living in Japan, it comes with no surprise that some of the clubs are popular amongst foreigners. The majority of the clubs are located in Shibuya and Roppongi. It can be noted that clubs in Shibuya attract a younger crowd of people between 20 to 25 years old, whereas Roppongi clubs tend to attract people that are over 25 years old.

Other Night Activities

If you aren’t interested in the drinking culture, there are still other things you can do in Tokyo! As mentioned earlier, karaoke can be an option for you! As the business hours in Tokyo are longer than in other places, you can also simply enjoy shopping, dining and exploring the city under the city lights!

Want to know more about Tokyo Nightlife? Take a read through our:

Top 15 Best Bars in Tokyo

The Best Things to do in Tokyo at Night

Ultimate Guide to Tokyo at Night

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What are some popular activities for couples to do in Tokyo?

As Tokyo is one of the main tourist destinations, there are plenty of activities for couples to do during their time in Tokyo. Couples can do a bunch of different activities, ranging from cafe dates, shopping, karaoke, visiting museums, or even going on a boat trip! The dating culture in Japan is

For those who are looking to follow a daily itinerary for touring Tokyo with your loved one, below is a sample itinerary that can be followed, made with consideration of transportation and convenience while maintaining the intention of experiencing the real Japan.

Daily Itinerary for Couples in Tokyo

Breakfast at bills

If you and your loved one are wanting to experience the life of young Tokyo locals, bills is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Tokyo. Serving Australian style breakfast in Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Honolulu and London! There are currently four locations of bills in Tokyo, Omotesando, Odaiba, Ginza and Futakotamagawa. As these areas are in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, there are plenty of other choices for you and your loved one to check out.

Want to know popular spots for couples in Japan? Interested in the dating scene in Japan? Read our articles on:

The Ultimate Guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Japan

The Ultimate Guide to White Day in Japan

The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Men

Enjoy a day to night trip in Odaiba

An artificial, man-made land created in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba offers views and entertainment like no other. You can commute to Odaiba via the rainbow bridge which illuminates with rainbow lights at night, by foot or car. Once arriving in Odaiba, there are museums, Ferris wheels and restaurants within various malls for you to enjoy. If you want to experience nightlife, Odaiba is the option for you! Odaiba offers a beautiful view of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge during the night which can also be seen from their Daikanransha, Giant Ferris Wheel that is open until 10pm!

Take a trip down Inokashira Park River

Another popular destination for couples, more specifically new couples is Inokashira Park. Inokashira Park is located in Mitaka, Tokyo. Inokashira Park is popular amongst locals, offering greenery, cherry blossoms during the spring, shrines and recreational activities. One of the most popular activities for couples is the swan boats, which can be rented for only ¥600. Within Inokashira Park, there are also guinea pig petting zoos and the Ghibli Museum nearby. This is an option for you to consider if you would like a change of environment from the Tokyo city life!

Take a trip down Inokashira Park River

Dine and Ride on a Yakatabune

If you and your loved one want to experience true traditional Japan, consider dining on a Yakatabune. Yakatabune, historically known as pleasure boats, are boats that were previously only enjoyed by wealthy people. Yakatabune serves Japanese cuisine such as sushi, sashimi, tempura and on a cruise boat. Guests for the Yakatabune dinner cruises are boarded in Asakusa and flow through Sumida River, the river that flows through central Tokyo. Some of the Yakatabune dinner cruises are:

Where can I experience the real Japan?

Quite frankly, when it comes to experiencing the real Japan within Tokyo, it will be recommended to explore alleyways within Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza and other popular areas of popular shopping districts to discover where the locals are at!

What do Tokyo locals do during their holidays/days off?

If you would like to know what Tokyo locals do during their days off to escape the busy city life, it can be seen that Tokyo locals often travel to places such as Nikko, Kamakura and Enoshima as they are of close distance to Tokyo, only around an hour travel time by train.

Final Remarks

It is important to consider while planning a day trip from Tokyo, that Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, therefore there are an unlimited amount of activities and places to see! These are just some recommendations and information given by Tokyo locals for you to experience the real Japan with a hint of tourism for you to enjoy the best of both worlds!

You are not limited to what is given in this article, there is still a lot more to explore. The information given is a general guide to what is popular amongst locals. Enjoy your time in Tokyo!

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Ultimate Guide to Japanese Nabe

The Japan Switch Team — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:13:41 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Nabe

By Norie Matsumoto | October 19, 2021

Winter is coming and that means it's time to enjoy some Japanese Nabe. Nabe・鍋 is quite literally pot or hotpot. You may have heard of hot pot in other Asian countries like Thailand, the Philippines, or Taiwan. But the Japanese make them in their own unique way. There are different types of Japanese Nabe and you can find these dishes all over Japan in the colder seasons.

Japanese nabe are typically made of lots of different ingredients put together in one pot like a stew or soup. If you aren’t too sure what goes into a nabe, keep reading to find out all the different varieties and flavors depending on region, as well as helpful recipes that you can try for yourself. It’s also helpful to learn what pairs well with the 鍋 and the best restaurants to visit while in Japan.

This article is a part of our extensive series of culture in Japan.

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What’s a Japanese Nabe?

In Japan, 鍋物・nabemono as it’s often referred to when explaining a thing in a pot is put on top of portable gas stoves to keep hot during dinner. The family sits around the hot pot and enjoys the meal together while sharing the food. It can be a great way for families or friends to enjoy each other's company while warming up and relaxing. I remember when I was younger, my family and I would sit in the 炬燵・kotatsu (a low, table covered by a futon. Underneath is a heat source, built into the table itself) during the colder months of December and January enjoying Japanese Nabe. There is so much to do during winters in Japan, Ultimate Guide to Activities in Japan in Winter.

Japanese nabe is typically cooked at the dining table and not the kitchen. Once cooked, each member picks up the ingredients they want from the pot and eats them on their individual plates. It is usually eaten with the broth, 鍋だし・Nabedashi or with a dip. Further ingredients can also be successively added to the pot.

Now, you might be wondering what Japanese hot pots consist of? All kinds of ingredients are added in and can build up the flavor of the broth. There are often vegetables (cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, etc.) proteins (meat, seafood, eggs, etc.), tofu, and any other ingredients you can add to your heart’s desire. It’s pretty straightforward and easy, considering it’s a one-pot job. The most popular sauce and dip choices are soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin (Japanese rice wine). Japanese Nabe is quite popular in Japan and can be fairly healthy since there are so many vegetables included. It’s not too expensive to make at home and a good way to have a balanced and nutritious meal! Why not try it?

Become more familiar with Japanese Nabe, Let’s Nabe! A Beginner’s Guide to Hot Pot Cooking

Most popular types of Japanese Nabe

Now that you have an idea of what Nabemono is all about, let’s introduce the 7 most well-liked types of Japanese Nabe. You may be familiar with a few of these.

Oden (おでん）

Surprise! Did you know this everyday food you can find in many convenience stores is actually considered a part of the Japanese Nabe family? It fits the criteria. It has hot broth with a variety of different ingredients inside and can be found everywhere in the winter. This one has a bit of a distinctive list of foods, unlike the rest of the hot pots, we will introduce to you today. Odens come with, of course, the most important, Dashi, along with:

大根・だいこん・Daikon
- a type of mild-flavored winter radish
蒟蒻・こんにゃく・Konjac
- also known as Elephant Yam, is a plant commonly grown in Asia. The one found in Oden comes in the form of a rubber-like jelly.
かまぼこ・Kamaboko
- Fishcake
- A type of cured surimi
昆布・こんぶ・Konbu
- Seaweed kelp
豆腐・とうふ・Tofu
- Also known as bean curd
- Coagulated soy milk
- Can be soft, firm, extra firm, or super firm.
竹輪・ちくわ・Chikuwa
- Made from seasoned ground fish meat, wrapped on a bamboo spit, and cooked.
卵・たまご・Tamago
- Egg
さつま揚げ・さつまあげ・Satsuma-age
- Fried fish cake originating from Kagoshima, Japan.

Truthfully, the above might not sound all that appetizing but surprisingly, if you get the broth right, it all comes together to create a delicious, inexpensive, and rather low-calorie dish.

If you are itching to try it without the hassle of cooking, just go to your local conbini such as 7/11 or Family Mart from the end of September to the end of March. You can even buy individual pieces that would be in a hotpot by themselves. Just know that it doesn’t come with the broiler!

Protip: If you cook Oden yourself, it tastes the best a day later, when the soup soaks into the ingredients, the Daikon and the egg will absorb the delicious broth.

If you're looking for people to share your hot pot with, Top 15 Tips to Make Japanese Friends

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Shabu Shabu（しゃぶしゃぶ）

The most popular among foreigners, this dish is onomatopoeic, named Shabu Shabu because it sounds like thin slices of meat swishing around in a hot pot.

Did you try sounding it out to see if it was true? The star of this dish is the meat. The soup is usually lightly seasoned, at times with just kombu seaweed and Dashi broth. The meat is typically thin slices of beef or pork and cooked from raw in the hot pot.

The best matching sauce and dip is ponzu or a sesame sauce. This is a good starter Nabe if you are looking to dip your toes into the Japanese hot pot world. Shabu Shabu can get expensive depending on the restaurant and quality of meat, but more and more places are bringing out better value Shabu Shabu with decent meat.

If you want to go more into detail on the different types of Nabe, this article helps Hot pot dishes (nabe).

Sukiyaki（すき焼き）

Another Japanese Nabe focusing on meat is Sukiyaki. It is quite similar to the Shabu Shabu but a little sweeter. It has thin slices of beef or pork mixed with vegetables in a broth of mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Where this dish differs from all the other hot pots is that you dip the cooked ingredients into a beaten raw egg before eating.

Eating raw eggs might be appalling to some, especially those from America, where it’s not common practice to consume eggs raw as it can be seen as a safety hazard. However, the procedure of producing, washing, and selecting eggs in Japan is extremely strict. This doesn’t mean there is zero chance of Salmonella, but every day many Japanese people have eggs, and other dishes have raw eggs incorporated. Would you take the small risk?

Yosenabe（寄せ鍋）

This is the most common, basic, and easiest kind of Japanese Nabe dish served at homes all across Japan. Generally, you just fill a pot with Dashi, throw in your favorite flavorings, and stew all the ingredients you like. There are no particular rules regarding the ingredients and seasonings you can use, therefore, every region and household has its own special way of making it.

You can go crazy and mix in all the combinations of meat, fish, and veggies. You won’t need a dipping sauce because the soup is already flavorful. The broth usually has sake, soy sauce, water, mirin, and Dashi. If you don’t want to waste broth that may be leftover, it is common practice to put in rice and create a 雑炊・ぞうすい・Zousui, which is a Japanese rice soup.

Chankonabe (ちゃんこ鍋)

This type of Japanese Nabe is actually most commonly known as a dish that sumo wrestlers like to eat to gain weight because of how a large amount can be made easily. It is rather healthy and very protein-rich. Sumo wrestlers cook and eat them depending on their seniority rank. This Nabemono can have either a light or rich broth foundation.

Apparently, Chankonabe cooked for sumo tournaments often uses only chicken because of the idea that a sumo wrestler should always be on two legs like a chicken, not all fours like a cow or pig. This dish can be eaten with different types of condiments determined by the seasoning of the broth. You can find a lot of restaurants created by retired sumo wrestlers to have a taste of what it’s like to eat as the Japanese wrestlers do.

Another way to warm up during the winter is tea. Here is the Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tea.

Different regional Japanese Nabe

Can you believe that there are so many different types of Nabemono, and they are different depending on where in Japan you are? Since Japanese Nabe has been made in Japan from over a thousand years ago when earthenware first started being used, people have gotten creative with their interpretation of the dish.

Tohoku: Kiritanpo Nabe きりたんぽ鍋

Main ingredient: Rice. Particularly found in Akita Prefecture. Kiritanpo is named that because of its shape, which looks like a spearhead. It is made from fresh mashed rice, water, and salt. This is then cooked on wooden skewers and added to a traditional Nabe. Eaten during the rice harvesting season of September to late March.

Fukuoka: Mizutaki Nabe 水炊き鍋

Main ingredient: Chicken. This is a Japanese Nabe where the chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu are simmered in a light-tasting kombu dashi soup. The cooked ingredients are then dipped into a citrusy ponzu sauce. The broth is kept light to keep the flavor focused on the chicken.

Hokkaido: Ishikari Nabe 石狩鍋

Main ingredient: Salmon. This is nabe that includes onions, cabbage, salmon, or trout, with kombu kelp, milk, and Miso based broth. Originally a dish created for fishermen in the Ishikari region.

Fukuoka: Motsunabe (Giblet Hot Pot) もつ鍋

Main ingredient: Intestines. If you are feeling brave, this hot pot meal has pork or beef offal (which is a fancier way of saying guts), vegetables, garlic, and chili peppers in a broth that has dashi and soy sauce or miso. It has a distinctive texture and strong taste that is enjoyed all across Japan. Noodles are often added after the soup is leftover.

If you're curious about other regional dishes in Japan, take a look at the Ultimate Guide to Okinawan Food and Cuisine

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Kyoto: Yudofu 湯豆腐

Main ingredient: Tofu. This boiled tofu nabe accentuates the airy taste of tofu. With a simple and clear soup, it can be just flavored with a piece of kombu. Ponzu is used for dipping and green onion is added. The taste is soybean-like tofu, it’s warm and healthy. You will see this more as a side dish than a whole meal.

Ibaraki: Anko Nabe あんこう鍋

Main ingredient: Monkfish. Popular in the east of Japan and is also called Monkfish hot pot. This uses the scary-looking fish, Monkfish. This fish has a firm, white meat that has a mild and sweet taste that is frequently compared to lobster meat. Substitutes for this fish if you can’t find one near you are mahi-mahi, sea bass, swordfish, halibut. The steamed liver of the fish adds a nice flavor to the broth.

Kansai: Fugu Nabe (Tecchiri nabe) 鍋ふぐ（てっきり鍋）

Main ingredient: Fugu. This is the most dangerous type of Japanese Nabe. This nabemono is made of fugu meat and skin cooked alongside vegetables in a light kombu kelp and dashi soup that goes well with the fugu flavor.

You might be wondering how eating a simple dish can compromise your safety. Well, Fugu is a pufferfish, which is considered a delicacy in Japan and can be quite expensive. The danger of eating pufferfish is because it has tetrodotoxin which is lethally poisonous to humans. You should never attempt to cook this by yourself at home as it has led to many accidental deaths.

Going to a reputable restaurant is the only way to eat this. Preparing fugu for human consumption is heavily regulated by Japanese law and only chefs who have been certified for three or more years of intensive training are allowed to present the fish. Chefs have to carefully get rid of all toxic parts and avoid contaminating the rest of the meat.

See more regions that have unique Nabe, Regional Nabe: A Local’s Guide to Japanese Hot Pots

Kohoku: Duck Hot Pot (Kamo Nabe)　鴨鍋

Main ingredient: Duck. This has a rich and deep flavor that is very different from all of the other Nabemono. This goes well with green onions. It is sliced and then simmered with mushrooms and clam soup. Once the meat is cooked medium rare, the sweet fat melts. Sake goes well with it.

Hiroshima: Miso Kaki Nabe　鍋味噌柿

Main ingredient: Oysters. This has oysters and vegetables in a strong Miso flavored soup. This is popular in Hiroshima because, during the winter, people in Hiroshima can produce a lot of oysters. The miso is spread all around the inside of the pot and the flavor can be strong so it can be diluted if preferred.

Hokkaido: Crab Hot Pot (Kani Nabe)　蟹鍋

Main ingredient: Crab. As crabs are expensive, this Japanese Nabe is considered a special hot pot dish in comparison to other nabe dishes. The soup is made from crab shells which bring out a rich flavor. Adding ginger and garlic can also make the broth taste better. Also includes Japanese Leek, Soy Sauce, Salt, Bean Curd, and Napa Cabbage. If you are willing to shell out a few more yens, you can get the Kani Nabe.

Osaka/ Kyoto/ Hyogo: Botan Nabe　ぼたん鍋

Main ingredient: Boar. This Japanese Nabe is made from the meat of wild boars. It is named Botan (peony) because of the flower-like appearance of the meat as it is arranged before cooking. This is slowly cooked in a mild miso soup. This could be considered the most beautiful nabe with its presentation.

You can discover more about the Japanese food culture here, Guide to Japanese Customs

How do you make a Japanese nabe?

Feeling like you want to try cooking it this winter? This section will go over the tools and ingredients you need as well as a simple recipe.

What Supplies You Need

A Donabe Pot・土鍋・どなべ

A donabe is an earthenware pot made for cooking Japanese Nabe. There are a variety of sizes and designs. Sizing is dependent on the number of people who will eat the hot pot. There are ranges of 1-2 and all the way up to 6 or more people if you want to have a party.
The material is made of heavy-duty ceramic that is durable and keeps the heat in. These are made to cook over an open flame so don’t be afraid of putting them on your gas stove.

A Portable Gas Burner/Electric Stove

Feels a little bit like camping. If you are using a Donabe you will need to use a gas stove. If you only have an electric stove, the Majority of donabe require a gas stove, and can’t be used on an electric stove. If using electricity, you will need to use a normal pot but taste and experience-wise, the gas burner with Donabe is recommended.

Where to Buy

Most supermarkets and homeware stores have the supplies needed in their cooking departments. If you can’t find one at your local stores, there are plenty of options online on Amazon Japan and Rakuten. The prices aren’t so bad, the Donabe range from 2000-4000 yen.

Basic Japanese Nabe Recipes

Here are a few different types of Japanese Nabe that you can watch to learn how to cook at home.

For those with dietary restrictions, it is best to make your own hotpot to ensure that you do not accidentally get a hotpot you can't eat. If you have any allergies, it is best to inform the wait staff if you intend to dine out and make sure that whoever you are sharing the Nabe with is okay with removing them.

Vegan and Vegetarian Hot Pot recipes

Most nabes can easily be meatless and just have the veggies and tofu but here is a recipe for Shabu Shabu that can be made.

Best Japanese Nabe Restaurants in Tokyo

If you are feeling lazy, you can always go out to eat in one of the many restaurants serving delicious Japanese abe, so you know you are getting the right hot pot meal. These are some of the best Japanese Nabe Restaurants in Tokyo that we found.

Depending on the location and type of hot pot, the price varies. It ranges anywhere from 1000-2500 yen. Some places offer buffet style so that you can try all the different versions of the Japanese Nabe in one go. There are even restaurants like Hitori Shabu Shabu where it is specifically made to be dined in alone if you do not want to share your hotpot with someone else.

Komakata Dozeu - 4.3 stars 2,168 reviews·$$$

Dojo restaurant

1 Chome-7-12 Komagata, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0043

Hours: 11AM–9PM (Subject to change)

Nabezo - 4.6 stars 829 reviews·$$

Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu restaurant

Locations:

Shibuya:

〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 31−2 渋谷BEAM 6F
〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 20−15, Humax Pavilion, 8F

Shnjuku: 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−30−11 新宿高野第2ビル 8F

Hours: 11:30 AM–9 PM (Subject to change)

Chanko Kirishima - 3.8 stars 508 reviews·$$

Chanko restaurant

2 Chome-13-7 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0026

Hours: 11:30 AM–3 PM 5–9 PM

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays (Subject to change)

There are so many other great nabe restaurants in Tokyo, check out more at Keeping Warm with Nabe: Hot Pot Restaurants in Tokyo.

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The golden rules of eating Japanese Nabe

When sharing a Nabe, always make sure to pick up the food from the pot with the back of your chopsticks and not from the side you put your mouth to. This is just common hygienic practice and etiquette
The best drink to have with Nabe is Sake, traditional Japanese alcohol. Specifically, Otokoyama and Kubota Senju pair well.
Calories of Nabemono ranges from 108kcal - 897kcal
- This website goes into details of nutritional facts of the Nabe, Calories in Nabe (per serving)
Do not overcook your ingredients
Skim the broth once in a while

To know more tips and information about eating Nabe, see this article Nabemono: A Guide to Japanese Hot Pot 鍋物

Conclusion

Who knew there was so much to learn about Japanese hot pot, a seemingly simple dish with so much variety and culture. A part of getting to know Japanese culture is getting to know Japanese Nabemono because its reach is expansive. You bet you can find hot pot almost anywhere in Japan as it's the go-to meal for many families. Now you can go out and try the hot pot to immerse yourself in Japanese winter cuisine and activity. If you are living in Japan or are moving here, go to Japan Switch to get helpful lessons to advance your proficiency level!

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Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sushi

The Japan Switch Team — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:11:46 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sushi: How much do you know?

By Chu Thi Anh | October 18, 2021

What do you think of when it comes to Japanese food? I bet that most of you would think of Japanese sushi.

Needless to say, sushi is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. As a universal food in Japan, sushi has gone beyond the borders for a long time and has been welcomed in many countries from the East to the West. It is so well-known that the Japanese word “sushi” (寿司) became globally accepted.

Styles of sushi vary widely with countless versions, but the key ingredient is “sushi rice”. When we think of sushi, we definitely imagine it as a small roll of rice accompanied by fresh seafood. Because it is usually raw, if we could not find a good restaurant with quality assurance, we are very susceptible to food poisoning which can lead to an unwelcome stomach ache. But that is most certainly not the case in Japan, where food quality is on top of the game.

However, did you know that sushi is actually considered just a type of “fast food” in Japan? Or, did you know that the ingredients do not necessarily need to be raw? In Japan, even in an expensive city like Tokyo, you can definitely have great sushi dishes for just 1 dollar. So amazing, isn’t it? Let's discover your next sushi spot!

If you are a newcomer to Japan, check out more amazing guides on our Japan Switch Blog to learn more about Japanese culture and the Japanese language.

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Japanese sushi - all you need to know

This section will take you only 3 minutes to understand all the mysterious things and facts about the famous Japanese sushi.

Why is Japanese sushi such a popular food?

Have you ever wondered why Japanese sushi is so popular? In both Japan and anywhere in the world, people all know about sushi as Japan's typical and signature dish. This is because Japanese people focus on the fresh and original taste of fish. They had spent thousands of years in history discovering and developing the flavour.

Japanese sushi is a traditional food

Most of you may assume that Japan was the creator of sushi, but that is not the case surprisingly. If you spend a little time tracing back the history, sushi originated as a dish from China and was spread to Japan in the 8th century.

At first, sushi consisted of fermented rice and salted fish. In the past, Japanese people used to ferment the rice by using rice vinegar and then use that fermented rice to preserve the fish as some kind of wrapper. That fermented rice was then thrown away. However, it was not until the middle of the 18th century that sushi became a beloved staple dish in Edo (contemporary Tokyo). It was so popular that, as one writer in 1852 said, there were 1-2 sushi restaurants for each 100-meter square during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

However, due to the lack of refrigeration during those days, sushi was often cooked and served in large pieces. You would be astonished by the size of sushi pieces in the Edo era. If you visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The sushi we know today is quite different. The rice was tossed with vinegar instead of being thrown away, and a small slice of fish was placed on top. It is now called “nigiri”, which literally means two fingers, which implies smaller and subtle flavours.

In the simplest terms, Japan is an island country with a scarcity of resources, not to mention the severe effect of regular natural resources. As their nation is not blessed to be rich in food, Japanese people always focus on the in-depth development of what they have and appreciate them. Therefore, the fishery must be the industry with the most prolonged historical development in Japan and became a spiritual existence. Thus, only in Japan could sushi become that popular and delicious. It can be said that sushi is just like art, and the chef is an artist.

You can find out more in A brief history of sushi and why it’s so popular today.

Japanese Sushi - a healthy and nutritious food

Japanese people eat sushi quite often, almost every week. You can easily find several types of sushi boxes even in convenience stores and supermarkets. It is common to see families with children spend time together in a sushi restaurant enjoying sushi, without spending too much money.

Sushi’s main ingredients are naturally low in fat and high in protein. Ingredients such as vinegar, fish full of DHA, rice with vitamin B and E, which are considered suitable for your health and the intellectual development of your children. Japanese people have eaten sushi for thousands of years, and have the highest life expectancy in the world. Of course, they do not eat sushi alone, but we never can deny the high levels of certain nutrients in fish.

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Why should you make Japanese sushi a regular part of your diet?

How often do Japanese people eat sushi in Japan? Here are some reasons that you should consider Japanese sushi as a part of your weekly diet.

You can have sushi fast and almost everywhere

Sushi restaurants are almost everywhere in Japan. Sometimes, it is just about finding a restaurant with a reasonable cost for your decision. During lunch breaks at work or school, you can order and consume sushi quickly without rushing or wasting time in the long queues. Be aware that sushi restaurants are usually crowded at lunchtime, and you may have a few minutes to wait. You can avoid the queue by making a reservation beforehand from their websites. Aside from that, there are always many options of sushi for you in convenience stores or supermarkets where they serve a set of sushi in plastic trays.

As there may be a few foreigners who can not eat raw fish, don’t worry! There are many other kinds of fish that are cooked on the sushi menu.

It is very reasonably priced

In my experience, sometimes it is cheaper to go out to eat sushi rather than buying raw fish at the supermarkets or trying to cook a dish. It is hard to have fresh, tasty fish at a reasonable price and it also takes time and effort for trial and error when cooking. There are many 100 yen sushi chain restaurants around, so I’d recommend you’d rather go there instead! Additionally, sushi boxes in supermarkets are also relatively cheap, ranging from 500 yen to 1500 yen for differences in size and types. You can find many options from What are the best and most wallet-friendly Japanese sushi options around?

But there are still health risks when eating Japanese sushi

Although sushi brings along a variety of nutrients, it can still potentially put your health at risk. Sushi contains white rice with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and salt, which may increase the saturated fats you intake. Besides, some types of fish like tuna may lead to mercury poisoning when consumed in large amounts due to the levels of methylmercury they harbour.

The small risk of quality issues of sushi and raw fish in Japan is inevitable but still very small. They always sell a certain amount of sushi within the day, even in supermarkets or convenience stores. Thus, almost all sushi restaurants in Japan allow you to choose sushi dishes with a smaller amount of rice, usually in half. If you do not want to intake too much rice and carbohydrates, you’d better keep this in mind.

The difference between authentic Japanese sushi and sushi in Western countries

If you are from a Western country, especially the US, you may already have been familiar with Sushi as there are plenty of restaurants in America. However, how are they different from authentic Japanese Sushi served here, in Japan? Let’s discover it!

Difference in ingredients

Traditional Japanese Sushi is lower in both calories and fat than Western Sushi. This is because Japanese Sushi remains simple and is usually made of three to four ingredients. Typically, Sushi is only fish and rice, which are filled with minerals and vitamins. The core value in Japanese Sushi is the freshness of the fish, which is only taken from local markets or famous fishing spots. Many restaurants will also adjust their menus bases on the quality of fish they have that day. In addition, wasabi is added slightly between the fish and rice so that customers can enjoy the natural tastes of the fish.

In contrast, Western Sushi tends to be larger in size with many toppings and condiments, for example, tempura, avocado, mayonnaise, cream cheese, etc. Therefore, it has a significant amount of calories.

Moreover, the used rice also differs between the two. Sushi rice in Japan is known to be minor, white and glutinous, which is very chewy. However, in Western sushi restaurants, many restaurants use brown rice or even quinoa to attract people who are on a diet or those who want to avoid white rice.

Difference in styles

A significant difference in the sushi styles of Japanese and Western Sushi is how sushi rolls are made. Sushi rolls in Japan are most commonly done with the nori wrapped on the outside of the roll, while the idea of putting rice outside the nori was to appeal more to the Western aesthetic.

Besides, Japanese Sushi does not come in as many styles as the West, and they keep their sushi pieces simple and traditional. However, in the US, many sushi places serve several creative sushi such as thick sushi roll, sushi stack, sushi doughnuts, deep-fried Sushi,... Although the main components are still rice and seafood, they are very colourful with many side ingredients. On that note, Japanese Sushi is trying to be more creative these days as well.

The Top 4 most common types of sushi that you should definitely try in Japan

Here below are 4 common types that are served in any sushi restaurant in Japan. Have you tried them all?

Nigiri-zushi

Nigirizushi (握り寿司） is one of the most traditional and popular sushi forms in Japan. It is also fundamental with a slice of fish served on top of palm-pressed sushi rice and a little bit of wasabi placed between them. One point here is that the fish is not always raw, sometimes they also serve Nigiri with fried fish, meat or vegetables.

Makizushi

Makizushi (巻き寿司 is mostly what people think of when it comes to sushi rolls. This type of sushi uses seaweed to wrap outside the rice and toppings rolled together in a long cylinder form. It is also very easy to cook at home as you can customize what goes into it. See the simple homemade sushi recipe below.

Sashimi

Sashimi (刺身) is just fresh fish, or shellfish (sometimes meat) served alone in thin pieces with no rice. This is the best choice for people who want to lower the intake of carbs and those who love to flavour the fish or shellfish alone. You can buy a sashimi box from any supermarket as the taste is not too different from restaurants.

Chirashi

Chirashi sushi (ちらし寿司) means Scattered Sushi in English, is often eaten on special occasions like Girl’s Day or other events in Japan. Traditionally, it is a homemade dish that has a generous amount of seafood such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, sliced vegetables, etc. placed on top of the rice bowl. It is the inspiration of Kaisen-Don, a rice bowl with a variety of sashimi on its top. However, chirashi sushi is more decorative with several types of cutting seafood, sometimes meat or fried fish. This brings along a bright and colourful dish to celebrate a particular day.

Planning for a trip to Okinawa? Discover its features in our article Okinawan Food and Cuisine.

Japanese Sushi Vocabulary you should remember

100 yen sushi restaurants usually have a menu in English accompanied by a monitor, so it may not be a concern for you when visiting those places. They are also served in conveyor belts to pick what you like without having to communicate with the chefs. However, in classic restaurants, especially when you sit at the counters and order dishes directly with the chef, you’d better know some essential Japanese words and sentences.

You can just remember a simple sentence to order:

すみません、えび一個お願いします。(すみません、えびいっこおねがいします。）

(Sumimasen, ebi ikko onegaishimasu)

(I’d like to have a dish of shrimp?)

Shrimp can be replaced by other seafood such as:

甘鯛 (あまだい amadai）：tilefish

鯔 (ぼら bora) : striped mullet

河豚 (ふぐ fugu) : blowfish, pufferfish

いか ( ika ) : squid

鮪 (まぐろ maguro) :tuna

鰻 (うなぎ unagi) :eel

There are many more types of fish served at the restaurants, you can find more from Sushi Vocabulary.

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What are the best and most wallet-friendly Japanese sushi options around?

Where to get the best Japanese sushi value for your 100 yen?

In this section, I will recommend some affordable Japanese sushi restaurants that can be found anywhere in Japan. Are they familiar to you? Have you tried all of them? All of those chains have a menu in English so there is no need to worry about the language barrier.

Sushiro (スシロー）

The first bullet point in this list is Sushiro. This is the biggest franchised 100 yen sushi restaurant in Japan. Although most of the Sushi dishes served here are 100 yen, the prices also vary depending on the quality or type of seafood. Side dishes like Ramen or desserts cost about 150 yen to 300 yen and are worth trying.

Sushiro is quite popular, so it is normal to see a long waiting queue there, especially at lunchtime or dinner. Therefore, to avoid wasting time in the line, I recommend you book a table in advance through their phone app.

Hamazushi (はま寿司)

When coming to Hamazushi shop, you will meet a robot serving as their front door named “Pepper”. Pepper will warmly welcome you, give you a waiting number and assign you a table. Hamazushi is the first sushi restaurant that hires robots to place at their gate.

Like other competitors, Hamazushi serves sushi dishes at 100 yen, but sometimes they manage to lower the price to only 90 yen, typically during weekdays (except for holidays).

Hamazushi offers a wide range of soya sauces, from rich to mild flavours for your choice. Deep-fried dishes and Nankotsu are highly recommended at Hamazushi!

You can find the nearest locations by visiting its site or simply type its name on Google.

Kura sushi (くら寿司）

Kura sushi has several notable features that you may find interesting. Japanese rice served here is high quality and well-selected, while seafood products are very fresh. They are kept in special covers to remain fresh and hygienic on the conveyor belt. In addition, there are many unique vinegared rice options like curry dishes, curry ice bread or rice coke.

You, of course, should try every dish here to find out your favourite one, but my recommendation for you is the cheesecake and grinded ice.

The best thing at Kura sushi is that you can play a little game after every five plates. You just need to slide the empty plates into the slot attached to your table and press the start game button on the screen. The game is like a kind of lottery. If you are lucky, you will get a small prize if you win (usually a tiny cute toy).

Kappa sushi (かっぱ寿司）

Kappa Sushi is a pioneer of the 100 Sushi industry, who first started conveyor belt style in Japan. Although it does not have many branches like Sushiro or Hamazushi, it is still nationwide beloved in Japan.

At Kappa sushi, you can order an “all-you-can-eat” course to enjoy a variety of 100 yen sushi dishes, side dishes like Ramen or desserts, and free-flow soft drinks limitlessly within 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, you can pay 550 yen for every 30 minutes if you wish to have more time. However, remember to make sure that you should not leave dishes, or there will be a penalty cost for you!

The all-you-can-eat price at Kappa sushi (including taxes):

Adults: 2200 yen/person

Senior over 65: 1700 yen/ person

Elementary school children: 1200 yen/ person

Children from 4 to 6 years old: 500 yen/person

Children under 3 years old: free

You can make a reservation on their website or using the phone app before you go. Sometimes, Kappa sushi offers a 100 yen off coupon if you do their small survey. So interesting, isn’t it?

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Must-try classic Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants

100 sushi chain, although popular, but at a reasonable price, they can not serve the best sushi dishes for your experience. So in this session, let's take a look at some other fancier sushi restaurants. You may be interested in celebrating a special occasion with your friends or family there.

Katsumidori Meguro Branch

Katsumidori is a sushi chain restaurant that has several branches around Japan. They are trendy and often featured on TV. Here, you can enjoy delicious sushi dishes at affordable prices. In Tokyo, the most famous one is located in Meguro. Probably, the branch is viral owing to the elegant neighbourhood of this area.

Katsumidori Meguro Branch is noteworthy for its remarkable diversity in the menu, which serves more than 200 fresh items in sushi rolls. Dish prices here vary from 110 yen to 610 yen.

The branch, unfortunately, does not accept reservations. Many people will line up for it, so waiting is unavoidable. The inferior inside is in wood grain which will make you feel very bright and relaxed. There are both counter seats and table seats available so you can enjoy the meals with your family and friends at leisure.

Edokko Kanda Branch

As its name suggests, this sushi restaurant is located in front of Kanda Station, which is known as an academic area with many schools, businesses around. It is also one station away from Tokyo station. Therefore, it is very convenient to drop in after work or visit the extremely crowded Tokyo station.

The menu at Edokko is filled with sashimi, snacks, Japanese sake, other side dishes and drinks. It is also popular to gather for drinking parties, so the drink menu is diverse enough to suit most people’s tastes. The cheapest dish here cost 187 yen, and they offer sushi sets from 2000 yen to 4000 yen.

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Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi Branch

Nemuro Hanamaru is a fantastic restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish from Nemuro (Hokkaido area). Most of their branches are located in Hokkaido, and there are only two spots in Tokyo. The Kitte Marunouchi Branch is highly recommended as it is close to the Tokyo station.

A recommended sushi topping for you at this branch is the soft roe of Pacific cod called Madachi. They have many other great toppings, such as live surf clam or live spiral-shelled snail, but you can only taste them if you go to Hokkaido. So how about note this restaurant down for your list when you travel to Hokkaido?

At Kitte Marunouchi Branch, you can have sushi dishes starting at the price of 198 yen or have a set with different types of fresh fish from more than 1000 yen. It is also a kid-friendly place, and the staff are efficient within a dash-and-dine environment.

They also have a variety of take-out sets that you can buy home for your family.

Numazuko Ginza 1st

If you usually watch TV shows in Japan, you probably have heard that Numazuko Ginza 1st was a winner in the show TV Champion. It is also one of Japan's top classic conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where fresh sushi toppings are served with fish caught at Numazu port.

Located in Tokyo's most high-end spot, you can feel the fancy atmosphere within a spacious, vast restaurant while enjoying first-rate sushi at a high level of freshness and quality. One of their most famous dishes is the sushi assorted in the shape of Mt. Fuji, which is hand-shaped sushi with large pieces of ingredients.

The items in their menu are priced between more than 150 yen to 250 yen, and sets are offered from 1650 yen. You can also choose its all-you-can-eat pack to enjoy all dishes from sushi to side options within 120 minutes. This course costs 4200 yen for women, 5300 yen for men, 2500 for elementary school children and 1500 yen for younger children.

A quick and simple homemade sushi recipe

If you love cooking, why don’t you try making sushi at home? Although it may be different from the way it tastes at your favourite restaurant, making it is still enjoyable and worth trying for your next gathering with friends. Rolling sushi might be the easiest to make at home, and you can put all your favourite ingredients into the custom roll. In addition, there is no need to heat it up, so it can be perfect for a lovely lunchbox or picnic day.

Basic Ingredients:

Here are some essential ingredients for your references, and you can probably add in anything you like. Most of them can be found at the supermarket.

Sheet of sushi seaweed (のり)
Sushi rice mixed with rice vinegar
Soy sauce (I always use the Kikkoman Light Soy Sauce because it is low in sodium)
Fish/ sausage/ vegetables/cheese/… (depending on your preference - I personally love eggs, cucumber and bacon because it’s easy to prepare and always delicious)

How to make Japanese sushi

Prepare sushi rice. You can see details from How to make sushi rice?
Place the seaweed on a bamboo mat (you can buy it on Amazon or 100 yen stores).
Cover the seaweed in sushi rice, then use a paddle to flatten it into an even layer
Place fish/sausage/vegetables/cheese/… on the rice and roll it up tightly
You can slice the roll into pieces or enjoy it as is with a soy sauce dip (or any sauce of your preference if you want to get experimental!).

For more easy homemade sushi recipes, you can take a look at a video from NHK.

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Conclusion

Getting back to the question I asked at the start of this article, how many of the things that we talked about did you already know?

I hope you have an overall picture of Japanese sushi and note down some following restaurants to visit. Japanese sushi appears to be very delicate and meaningful to Japanese people as a traditional dish and a cultural symbol. Chefs from Japan and around the world have spent thousands of years learning and developing several sushi types that are served in different ways. You can also make a move and try creating your own styles at home, too!

If you want to know more about Japan, check out our blog homepage at Guide about Japan. We also have several articles to help you out with your Japanese learning journey and your life here in Japan!

The post Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sushi appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ultimate Guide to the Zairyu Card in Japan

The Japan Switch Team — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:44:48 +0000

Ultimate Guide to the Zairyu Card in Japan

By Norie Matsumoto Revised by Ava S. McKee | September 30, 2021

Ever heard of a 在留カード・Zairyu Card? Chances are if you have looked into moving to Japan, you will know it as your Residence Card. If you’re thinking of coming to Japan for study, work, or to just explore the country for a long time, you’ll want to be well informed about the Zairyu Card. Living in any new country, you need a residence card. It’s used to identify you and show how long you’ll be staying. You are required to get one when you step into the country and you can’t go out without one. This helpful guide will let you in on all the necessary information about the Zairyu Card and any questions you might have, such as, the process of getting one, the application form, renewal, what to do when moving, leaving the country, extension, permanent residence, help, losing the card, status change, and more.

This article is part of our extensive series on learning about Japanese Culture through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.

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What is a Zairyu Card?

Before 2012, there was the alien registration card or 外国人登録証明書・gaikokujin-toroku-shomeisho. Now, we have the Zairyu Card. Easier to say, right? Under this newer program, it is not necessary for a visa stamp in your passport, so your Residence Card is the proof of your visa in Japan. Every foreign citizen living in Japan for more than 3 months needs to file their residency. When you are registering as a foreign citizen, the Zairyu Card is supplied. It is basically an ID, and a way to identify you that is crucial to keep with you at all times. It has an embedded IC chip.

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Why do I need a Zairyu Card?

Why go through the trouble of obtaining one, what is the big fuss about it anyway? Well, it’s evidence of your identity when you want to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or set up utilities or any services. So basically, you need it to live in Japan.

Citizens from 50+ countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong will be able to stay in Japan for 90 days without registering for any visa if you are just touring the country. Meanwhile, citizens from the United Kingdom can stay up to 90 days on a tourist visa too, but can additionally request a visa extension up to 6 months during their stay. You can check the list of countries with visa exemptions at Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay).

Temporary visitors cannot work or do paid activities. Even tourists have to keep their passports on them at all times.

*Note: Due to Covid-19 these rules have changed so it is best to keep checking the official immigration website for up-to-date information.

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Do I need to carry my Zairyu Card at all times?

Yes, if you are over 16 years old. Consider your Zairyu Card to be more important than your phone when you go out. Police in Japan often stop foreigners on the streets to check if you have your Zairyu card on you, and you do not want to be caught without one. Do not worry too much if you get randomly stopped by Japanese police officers. They most likely just want to know what you are doing, check your ID, and make sure that you are legally allowed in the country. In general, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, so they have the time. Just know, if an officer stops you and asks for your identification, you are legally required to display it and it is considered illegal to be a foreigner walking around Japan without your Zairyu card or passport with you. If you do not have it with you when checked, you may have to pay a fee that can be as high as ¥ 200,000, and in the worst case scenario, may be sentenced to a one-year prison sentence.

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How do I get a Zairyu Card?

If you are someone looking to study or to work in Japan, you must first apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy. Here are the requirements that you should not forget!

You will need to provide the following in your application:

Name
Birthdate
Gender
Nationality
Address
Visa Status
Visa Expiration Date
Photo

First time in the country

Most Zairyu Cards are given at the airport in Japan when you first enter.

These airports include: Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka Airport.

Otherwise, you should go to the office of your municipality to inform them that you moved in and you can get your Zairyu Card through the mail instead.

The general flow goes like this:

Show your passport, visa, and any other related documents.
Give your fingerprints and take a photo, so make sure to look your best, even after you just got off a long flight!
Get your details to input into their immigration data.

After you leave the airport

Do not forget that within 14 days of moving into your new residence you must register your new address with the local authorities of your ward. Individual numbers, or ‘My Number’, will be given to all registered residents.

When you first get to Japan, you might run into more than a few things that surprise you! Prepare yourself for a few of those surprises by checking out our article - Guide to Japanese Culture Shock.

Who won’t get a Zairyu Card

Those that have “Temporary Visitor” status of residence
Those that have an “Official” or “Diplomat” status of residence
Those that are a staff member of the Japanese office of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association
Those that are a special permanent resident
Those that have no status of residence
- Those that are visiting as tourists
- Those that are staying in Japan as a refugee

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How do I renew my Zairyu Card?

You have to go to your local immigration agency where you live and renew it. This needs to be done within 30 days of your Zairyu card's expiration date.

When your residence card is nearing its expiry date, you should go to your local immigration office to get it renewed and you must get it done within 30 days of your Zairyu Card expiring.

Here’s what to do:

Make an appointment if necessary at your local immigration agency.
Go to the agency, bringing your residence card, passport, and other related documents.
Visit the office, taking along your Zairyu Card, passport, and any other required supporting documents

Renewal application form

Click here to fill out the Renewal Application form.

After submitting your application

If there are no issues with your request, your application should take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, then you will get a postcard in the mail. On the postcard will be a timeframe in which you can go to get your new Residence Card. Bring the postcard and your passport as proof of identification for the immigration agent. After a little bit of a wait, you will get your new Residence Card, therefore, completing the renewal procedure.

*Note: Don’t lose the postcard because if you don’t get your Zairyu card in the time the postcard says, you will have to start all over from the beginning.

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What happens to my Zairyu Card if I move?

Moving within Japan

Within 14 days of your move, you have to notify your ward office that you are moving and notify the change of address by presenting your residence card or special permanent resident certificate at your new ward office. Your new address will be updated at the city office counter.

Moving out of Japan

Is it time to say sayonara?

You have to return your residence card to an Immigration agent at the airport when you are leaving the country.

How to change my status or extend my period of stay?

If you want to alter your status of residence, you have to request for a change of status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Click here to access the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence.

To extend your residence card, just request an extension at your local immigration office.

Click here to access the Application for Residence Card Validity Period Extension.

Our Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases can help you with a few important phrases for speaking with immigration representatives.

What happens to my Zairyu Card if I leave Japan?

If you want to go back to your home country to see your family and friends or travel to a new country for a vacation, the Japanese government wants to know about it. If you are thinking of going on a quick trip, less than a year, you do not need to do anything and you can come back to Japan.

Before leaving

If you are thinking of being out of Japan for a longer time, you have to request permission to return to Japan before you actually leave.

Special re-entry permission is typically given for up to 5 to 6 years. When you are leaving Japan, make sure to show your Zairyu Card and on the Embarkation-disembarkation card for Special Re-entry Permit holders, check the box showing your purpose to leave (and come back in) under the Special Re-entry Permit System.

Re-entry

If you leave Japan with a re-entry permit but are unable to come back to Japan within the valid time of the permit, you will have to give back your residence card.

There are two types of reentry:

Special re-entry permit if you are coming back within a year.

If you come back to Japan within a year, the re-entry permission procedure at Regional Immigration Services Bureau will be free to come in as long as they have Residence Card and valid Passport.

Re-entry permit if you are coming back to Japan after 1 year or later.

If you request a re-entry permit at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau, you can come back to Japan with your current status of residence and timeframe of stay up to five years.

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What if I lose or damage my Zairyu Card?

Yikes, if you happen to lose or damage your sacred Zairyu Card, you might be really worried. No worries, it happens to the best of us! You will have to register for a new one at your local immigration department depending on where you live. You will have to write up documentation that you lost the card. If it was stolen, report it to the police in case they are able to locate it. You may need an appointment to go to the immigration office. Just apply for a new residence card. You will have to request for re-issuance of a Zairyu card at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days of the day you lose it.

What you need to have to get another one:

Passport
Photo of yourself
- 4 cm long x 3 cm wide
- Taken within the last three months.
- No photo required for anyone under the age of 16
Police report if it was lost or stolen
Application for lost card

Where can I go for help with my Zairyu Card?

Contact and Inquiries

There is an option for telephone, in-person and email questions in Japanese and foreign languages.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Available anywhere in Japan.

Tel: 0570-013904

03-5796-7112 (for IP phones and calls from overseas)

Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Supported languages:

Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai, Cambodian, Myanmar, Mongolian, French, Sinhala, and Urdu.

Important information about Zairyu Card

Be careful of deportation, as it can be serious if you don’t follow the laws of your residency and visa rules.

Here are some ways to get deported:

Staying in Japan after the given timeframe of stay (even a day of overstaying can mean bad news!)
Doing an activity that is not allowed in your residency terms, such as working and getting paid over what is allowed in your visa
Committing some crimes

Additionally, there is a free residence card checker app that displays the information stored in the Zairyu Card’s IC chip. It is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The app checks and shows the information (like the card holder’s name) that’s kept on the IC chips of Zairyu cards and special permanent resident certificates which help users to know that the card is not forged.

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How can I get permanent residence in Japan?

Say you end up loving Japan and realizing your residence card is expiring soon but you actually want to stay a little longer, or actually, forever! Is that possible? Yes. The good news, for people who want to live in Japan permanently, you can register for permanent residency.

Click here to access the Application for the Permanent Residence Permit.

What kind of benefits are there for permanent residents? The benefits of the Permanent Resident visa are:

You can live in Japan just Japanese people regularly do
You do not have any restrictions on where you can work and what you can do like you do with a student or non permanent resident visa
You do not need to do any more visa renewals because the Permanent Resident visa is good for life, wow!
You will have an easier time receiving a loan from Japanese banks

*Disclaimer: You will still have to renew the Residence Card and Re-entry Permit if you will be outside of the country for over one year.

The requirements that you need to get the Permanent Resident visa application are :

Good conduct and no criminal records
Have enough money or a firm job to make a living
Properly following all the conditions of your current visa
Live in Japan already for 10 years+ (you need 5 years of living in Japan under a work visa)
Pay taxes to Japan’s social security program during the necessary timeframe and paid them on time
Have a guarantor for the application
Have stayed in Japan physically for more than 6 months

10 years of living in Japan as a requirement sounds crazy long, but it can be shortened in these circumstances:

Japanese nationals’ spouses and Permanent Residents being married for over 3 years and have lived more than one year in Japan
Child of Japanese nationals and Permanent Residents who have lived over one year in Japan
If you have a Long Term Resident visa or
Refugee status living over 5 years in Japan
If you live 5 years in Japan and are known for making an important contribution to Japan relating to economically, culturally, diplomatically, and socially.

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What if I marry a Japanese National?

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Once you are married to a Japanese National, you can get a Spouse of a Japanese national visa. But also, even if your partner isn’t a Japanese national, there are other options for visas.

You can get a:

‘Spouse of permanent resident visa’ if your spouse is a permanent resident visa holder
‘Long term resident visa’ if your spouse is a long term resident visa holder
‘Dependent visa’ if your spouse has a work visa or a student visa

Once you are married to a Japanese person and you want to live in Japan with them, you need the Spouse of a Japanese National Visa. You should report your marriage to your ward office of where you live. You can’t get this visa if you live together but are not married.

The immigration authorities may check to make sure your relationship is not a marriage of convenience if you have not spent a lot of time together. Although it seems silly, it is ideal to put proof of authentic intimacy like a letter or email communication.

There have been many cases of fake marriages, therefore immigration offices can be skeptical and the examination of foreign nationals particularly from a country that has a history of a lot of counterfeit marriages can take a long time, about 4 to 6 months.

The documents you need to apply:

The official copy of your Japanese partner’s family register
Employment, tax, and tax withholding certificate

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Conclusion

Hopefully, this article makes your transition into moving to Japan easier. It may seem overwhelming because there are so many different processes, but just be careful with the documentation and get help from the official websites if you get confused!

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The post Ultimate Guide to the Zairyu Card in Japan appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ultimate Guide to Activities in Japan in Winter

Hei Kin Wong — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 09:42:09 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Activities in Japan in Winter

About to experience your first winter in Japan? Or maybe you want to know more about the interesting activities and traditions Japan has during winter? Then you are in the right place! This unique guide will provide you with all the information you need for the coming winter while telling you some interesting activities and places in Japan during winter. For those who don’t want to be stuck at the same place in Japan for this winter, we also have a list of activities and places we recommend you visit across Japan!

If you wish to know more about Japanese culture and language, then make sure to check out our main page to learn more!

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What’s winter like in Japan?

For many Japanese, winter can be just as important as Christmas is to many westerners. The Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) happens during winter and winter-related events will pop up across Japan. From the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival to the Marunouchi Illumination in front of Tokyo station, Japan during winter has a lot to offer and you will never be bored. On the other hand, if you are coming from a warmer country than Japan, then going through your first winter could be a big concern. So let’s tackle some of the most common concerns foreigners have about Japan during winter.

Japan Winter Temperatures

Because of Japan’s unique geography, the average winter temperature will vary a lot during winter. But still, let’s discuss the temperature of the biggest cities in Japan. The average winter temperature in Tokyo and Osaka is around 2 to 12 degrees Celsius. For northern places like Hokkaido, the average winter temperature can go as low as -6 degrees Celsius. The weather is much warmer if you go to Okinawa during winter, with the average temperature going around 17 degrees Celsius. There is a common trait that all areas of Japan have during winter - it rains very little. This means that the weather can be quite dry in winter times. So make sure you have the necessary tools to protect your skin in this Japanese winter.

What to wear in Japan during winter?

We will be using Tokyo as a reference for the appropriate clothing during winter here, so keep that in mind if you are living in the northern areas like Aomori and Hokkaido. The average clothing for Japan during winter is usually a long-sleeve T-shirt combined with a coat or down jacket. For those who are susceptible to cold temperatures, gloves and scarves might also be needed.

What are some tricks used by the Japanese to make their winter life more comfortable?

One common trick used by many Japanese is heating pads (Kairo). Just stick a few of them to your clothing and it will protect you from the cold. If you want to get the true Japanese winter experience (and have the space for it), then consider getting a Kotatsu.

Kotatsu

Simply put, Kotatsu is a low table that is covered by a special blanket. It has an electrical heater below the center of the table which keeps your lower body warm and comfy. Kotatsu has been one of the most iconic pieces of furniture that the Japanese use to combat cold during winter. Although as technology advances, heating the entire room becomes more and more common, many Japanese will still have a kotatsu out when winter comes despite turning on the heating in the room.

For those who are on a budget - Uniqlo and more

For those who don’t have the luxury of getting a Kotatsu or turning on heating all the time, we also have some recommendations for you! Consider getting some clothes from Uniqlo. It’s cheap and its design keeps heat from your body inside the cloth. Alternativity, for those who want to stay warm with some traditional Japanese food, Oden (御田) is a great choice! It is a type of stew that the Japanese eat whenever winter comes. It has ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon, fishcakes, and many more. This is a great way to stay warm while experiencing an important piece of Japanese winter culture. Speaking of Oden...

What other unique food can I get in Japan in winter?

No matter how long you have lived in Japan, one thing that we can all agree with is that Japan has great food. This is also true during winter. There will be many interesting and delicious foods available to you. Here are some of our picks for the best food to try out during winter.

Nabe

If you have tried Chinese cuisine, this one might be familiar to you. The Japanese have their own spin on how hot-pot is done. Whether it’s the famous Shabu-shabu or a more classic Chanko Nabe, they are all excellent dishes for a cold winter. There are also different types of Nabe depending on the region you are in. So if you happen to travel to a new region in Japan in winter, trying out the local Nabe could be a great idea.

Mochi

This is not so much of a winter food but more so a new year's food. The Kagami mochi (mirror rice cake) is an important part of traditional Japanese culture and symbolizes a bright new year ahead. There are also Mochi-pounding festivals around Japan when the new year comes. So make sure to look out for one of those.

Yuzu

While it’s true that you could find and eat Yuzu all year round, the best and most flavorful Yuzu in Japanese comes in the middle of winter. As a foreigner who has lived in Japan for a few years, trust me when I say that eating Yuzu while sitting in the Kotatsu/ in the comfort of your own home is a tradition that I’m more than happy to adapt to. There are also various seasonal Yuzu-related foods in restaurants whenever winter comes, so be on the lookout for them if you are a big Yuzu fan.

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What are some interesting events and places I could visit in Japan in Winter?

Japan has some of the most exciting and amazing events and places one could visit during winter. Whether it’s a giant illumination show or a Christmas market or something more unique. There is going to be something for everyone to enjoy. Here are our picks for some of the best locations and events you could visit in Japan in Winter.

Our picks for the best events and places to go to if you are in Tokyo

Since many foreigners are living in Tokyo, this is where our recommendations start. Tokyo has some of the best Christmas illuminations you can find across Japan. It has a good combination of western winter events and traditional Japanese activities you can partake in. Some of these events include:

Roppongi Hills Christmas Market / Illuminations

This annual German-style Christmas market is one of the most famous winter attractions in Tokyo. While this is not the largest Christmas market you could find in Japan, it is the oldest Christmas market in Tokyo. This first one can be traced back to 2006. Every year there are unique decorations and illuminations for all to see. Combined with the illuminations at Roppongi Hills, it made for a stunning Christmas attraction.

Date: Nov 28, 2021 – Dec 25, 2021 (note that the date is an estimate and is subjected to change)

Location: Roppongi Hills Oyane Plaza 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108

Setagaya Boro-Ichi

If you are looking for more traditional events, Tokyo has that covered too! The Setagaya Boro-Ichi is one of the oldest flea markets in Japan, with the first one being held in 1578. It is one of Tokyo’s intangible folk cultural properties and represents a crucial and traditional part of Tokyo. There will be hundreds of vendors there selling all kinds of items. From daily necessities to Japanese antiques to traditional street food, there will be something interesting for everyone who visits the market. The closing of the flea market will also be marked by a firecracker show. So make sure to stay behind if it’s something you want to see.

Date: Jan 15, 2022 - Jan 16, 2022 9:00am – 9:00pm

Location: Boroichi Dori, Boroichi Dori, 1-chome Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0017

Interested in learning more about Japanese culture? We have A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Culture that talks all about it! Go check that out after this article.

Hagoita Ichi Fair

Yes, I know everyone has been to Sensoji. But going to this famous temple during the Hagoita-Ichi Fair might paint it in a new light. It is one of the more famous winter events in Tokyo and attracts Japanese and foreigners to visit the temple again every year. One of the biggest attractions for this market is hagoita, they are rectangular bats used for a traditional new year's game named hanetsuki. The simplest explanation I could give about this game is badminton with the net. Check out the Wiki article on this traditional game if you are interested.

There are many uniquely designed bats sold at the fair every year. Since hanetsuki as a game has been less popular over the years, the bats sold at the market are more of a good luck charm rather than an actual bat. You could also find a more modern take on the bat, with popular celebrities and anime characters being printed on the bat.

Date: Dec 17, 2021 – Dec 19, 2021 9:00am – 9:00pm

Location: Sensō-Ji 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Interested in a more traditional side of Japanese culture and buildings? Then check out our Ultimate Guide to Shrines and Temples in Tokyo to learn more!

I’m in Osaka. What are the places and events I can visit?

Being the third most populous city in Japan and the center of traditional Japanese culture, Osaka has just as many interesting places and events as Tokyo during winter. Here’s our pick for the must-see and must-go if you are living in Osaka.

Osaka Castle Iluminage

This is one of the most unique illuminations you can find in all of Japan. Just below the Osaka castle, there will be a variety of illumination each year that represent the most famous attractions in Osaka. There are also separate areas that have illumination which represent different eras of Japan. If you are interested in going just remember this is one of the most sought out events in Osaka during winter, so it’s better to buy advance tickets from the convenience store.

Date: Nov 27, 2020 – Mar 7, 2021 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka-jo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002

German Christmas Market

Tokyo is not the only city in Japan that has a Christmas market. Osaka also has its own German-style Christmas market. The main attraction for this annual Christmas market is a 27 meter-tall Christmas tree with shining decorations. Similar to the Roppongi market, it will also have German-style food and beverages with all kinds of Christmas-related goods. The Christmas atmosphere is just as good as the one in Roppongi so you are not missing out on anything. However, last year’s Christmas market was canceled because of the pandemic so there’s still no date on when this year’s market will happen. If you are interested then make sure to follow the announcement made by Umeda Sky Building in the coming months.

Date: Mid Nov – Late Dec 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Shin Umeda City Wonder Square 1 Chome-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0076

Midosuji Illumination

Here’s another out-of-this-world illumination in Osaka. Every year the trees along with the Midosuji Averune lights in one of the most spectacular illuminations in all of Japan. Over 500 trees were decorated with stunning and colorful lights that stretched across 4km from Umeda to Namba. This is without a doubt, one of the most amazing Christmas illuminations you will see in Japan and a must-see for foreigners living in Osaka. There’s also a video on how it looked like last year so check it out if you are interested.

Date: Early Nov – Late Dec

Location: Midosuji Boulevard

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I want to go skiing in Japan in Winter! But where should I go?

It would be a waste if you never go skiing once while staying in Japan. There are around 500 ski resorts across Japan so there’s a variety in both scenery and difficulty. Most sites on google will tell you to go to Hokkaido but the ski areas there can be difficult for people who are new to skiing. Therefore the purpose of this section is to give you some ideas on where you could go skiing if you are a beginner. We also have some recommendations for you intermediate-level skiers so don’t click off just yet.

Kita Shinshu Kijimadaira Ski Resort, Nagano

Located in the Kijimadaira Village, this ski resort is our first recommendation for two reasons. First, it’s relatively close to Tokyo, travelling all the way to the resort from Tokyo only takes around 3-4 hours by train. Secondly the tracks there is a mixture of beginning to advanced difficulty tracks. It has some of the steepest courses in Japan while also having a beginner-friendly course. So if your group of friends happens to have people who are at different levels of skiing, then this resort will be a great choice for everyone. This is also the first winter resort to allow snowboarding.

Opening Hours: 8:45 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: 389-2303 Nagano, Shimotakai District, Kijimadaira, 村上木島3876-2

Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido

If you have decided to go to Hokkaido for this winter and are new to skiing, then this ski resort in the western region of Hokkaido is one that we(and many other skiers) recommend. It has a good mixture of beginning and intermediate courses and has both ski and snowboarding lessons available to foreigners. The resort is also relatively close to Sapporo so you won’t have to travel very far to enjoy skiing in Japan in winter.

Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:00

Location: 048-1711 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Rusutsu, Izumikawa, 13番地

Tambara Ski Park, Gunma

This ski park is for those who just want to have a good time with their family, it has a separate course dedicated for families, and the average steepness for the course is just 5 degrees. The access to the ski park is also quite friendly, with a 50-minute free shuttle bus from a shinkansen station. Getting to the park from Tokyo station should take just shy of four hours. The one thing to keep in mind for this resort is that it is located higher than any of the ski resorts mentioned previously, so make sure to prepare adequate clothing before heading there.

Niseko

It will not be a good ski resort list if we don’t mention the resorts at Niseko. Niseko is often called the “Best place to learn to ski” The ski resorts there have a range of course situations for all levels of skiers. It also has some of the best accommodation you can find in Japan while accompanied by a great nightlife. Some of the best and most foreigner-friendly ski resorts are all located in Niseko. The one downside is that the resorts there can be quite expensive compared to the resorts on this list.

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Northern Japan is too cold for me. What are some interesting places down south I could visit in Japan in Winter?

This section is for those who have been to various ski resorts in Hokkaido or have seen all there is to winter in northern Japan. While going to Kyushu or Okinawa during winter seems counterintuitive, there is quite a bit to see during winter for these areas as well. Here are some of our picks for the interesting events and places that might get you to plan a trip down south for this winter.

Skiing in Kyushu: The Kujyu Forest Park Skiing Ground

Yes, you saw it right, you can ski in Kyushu. The Kujyu Shinrin Koen (Forest Park) is one of the largest ski resorts in Kyushu and offers beginner to intermediate-level courses. It also has a snowboarding area for those who are interested. Of course, the size of this resort cannot be compared to those in Hokkaido or Nagano, but it does offer a fresh experience for those who are used to skiing in northern Japan. This is also a great destination to add to your itinerary if you are planning on an Osen trip in Kyushu this winter.

Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 8:30-17:00

Location: Yutsubo 612-1, Kokonoe Town, Kusu County, Oita Prefecture

For those who really hate the cold: Visiting Okinawa in winter

Since Okinawa is far south compared to the rest of Japan, even during winter the average temperature in Okinawa is quite warm, with it fluctuating between 15-20 degrees Celsius. There is no better place than Okinawa to escape the cold without traveling outside the country. There are also some unique activities you can only do in Okinawa during winter. For example, it is only possible to watch whales migrate from the Aleutian Islands to Okinawa during winter and early spring. Another activity you can do is actually Hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Because of Okinawa’s weather, the blooming season of Cherry blossoms in Okinawa is around mid-January to mid-February, meaning you will be one of the very first people in Japan to enjoy Cherry blossoms next year. Additionally, most of the attractions in Okinawa are not bound by season. So if you have not been to Okinawa before, visiting it during winter might not be such a ridiculous idea.

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What are some of the most unique activities in Japan in winter?

Aside from skiing and Christmas lights, here are some of our picks for the most unique activities and places you can visit during winter.

Sapporo Snow Festival

This is a staple for any must-go/must-see list when it comes to winter events in Japan. There is simply nothing like the Sapporo Snow Festival. Millions of people from both domestic and abroad travel to Sapporo each year just to see all the interesting sculptures made by talented artists. In addition to the amazing ice sculptures, there are also snow slides for families and a stage for exciting events every year. This is a festival so iconic that if you haven’t visited it before, then it should be on top of your list this year.

Date: Feb 5, 2022 – Feb 12, 2022

Location: Odori and Susukino Sites: Central Sapporo; Tsu Dome Site: Sakaemachi

Visiting Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park)

This place is also quite famous among queue winter locations in Japan. Located in Yamanouchi, Nagano, it is a must-see if you are planning on visiting Nagago during winter. As the name suggests, the park is filled with Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys). The park has a central pool for the snow monkeys to bathe in while giving tourists great opportunities to take pictures. Since the monkeys are so used to seeing humans you can get very close to them without scaring them off.

Date: No closing days unless announced on official site; 9:00 to 16:00

Location: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401

Although accessibility for foreigners at the park has been improving over the years, it is still recommended that you know a degree of Japanese before heading to the park. Here at Japan Switch, we offer excellent online Japanese lessons for those who want to learn Japanese and apply it to their trip across Japan this winter. Alternatively, you can take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation to learn some basics of Japanese conversation.

Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival

Another traditional winter festival. This time it’s located in Yokote city, Akita. The event includes hundreds of snow domes of different sizes called Kamakura. These snow domes are built to deify the water god and are built across the city. This is one of the more unique festivals in Japan, even among the Japanese. Heading to the Festival from Tokyo takes around 4 hours using shinkansen.

Date: December 29, 2021 to January 3, 2022 ; 9:00 to 17:00

Location: Yokote City, Akita

Fun Fact: Did you know that JR East recently allowed foreign residents to purchase the Tohoku area pass and the Nagano, Niigata area pass despite not being a tourist? Just go to your nearest JR East Travel Service Centre to get a pass and travel to your heart's content this winter!

Concluding Thoughts

Winter can be one of the most exciting seasons for many Japanese and foreigners alike. With the number of activities and places we have discussed in this article, there is bound to be something for everyone this winter. We hope this article gave you some good ideas on where to go in Japan in winter.

Since you have searched for Japan during winter, you might also be interested in our guide to Seasons in Japan. Within it, we talked about the best activities and places to go to for each season. So go check it out!

Do you know what else is coming other than winter? Halloween! Halloween in Japan can be just as exciting as the winter events. So go check out our Guide to Halloween in Japan to learn more!

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The post Ultimate Guide to Activities in Japan in Winter appeared first on Japan Switch.

Useful Japanese Phrases

The Japan Switch Team — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:49:07 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases

By Norie Matsumoto

What are some useful Japanese phrases you also frequently use in English? Something simple like ‘Good Morning’ おはようございます・Ohayōgozaimasu and ‘I would like to order…’ これを注文したいです・Kore o chūmon shitaidesu are commonly used in both languages.

If you’ve recently moved to Japan or are planning on it, you’ll need to learn all the most useful Japanese phrases for living here. If you are a new Tokyo resident, this article, Ultimate Guide to Life in Tokyo will help you. Knowing these will make your life in Japan easier and you’ll find that you can get along with the people effortlessly as well.

This article will teach you the basics, ordering, on the phone, transportation, emergencies, special occasions, dating, work, slang, and more. Surely you will find new phrases to use yourself and help guide you through getting started in Japan. Knowing these will guarantee that you will have a good time during your stay.

This is part of a collection of helpful articles and guides that will make your life in Japan easier.

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Table of Contents

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Basic useful Japanese phrases to get you started

First, we should always start from the beginning, knowing the greetings, pronouns, and polite words are important for learning any new language. These set the foundation for understanding and learning the most commonly used phrases in Japanese, key for surviving in Japan.

Greetings

Now, before starting a conversation, greetings are always nice to break the ice. Besides こんにちは・Kon'nichiwa these are some typical greetings used for different times and settings.

はじめまして・Hajime mashite =　Nice to meet you

おげんきですか・O genki desu ka = How are you?

久しぶりです・Hisashi buridesu = Long time no see

おはようございます・Ohayō gozaimasu = Good Morning

こんばんは・Kon banwa = Good evening

おやすみなさい・Oyasumi nasai＝Good night

さようなら・Sayōnara = Good bye

おなまえはなんですか・O na ma e wa nandesu ka = What is your name?

わたしのなまえは＿＿＿です・Watashi no na ma e wa ___desu = My name is _____

はい・Hai = Yes

いいえ・Īe = No

Pronouns

I = 私 (watashi)

You = あなた・anata

He = 彼・kare

She = 彼女・kanojo

They = 彼ら・karera

This = これ・kore

That = それ・sore

Polite Words

Additionally, one of the most important things to know is words to be polite. In Japanese culture, being respectful and thinking of others is crucial. Without these, you could easily offend someone and you definitely don't want to start off on the wrong foot!

ごめんなさい・Gomen'nasai = I am sorry

すみません・Sumimasen = Excuse me (this one is probably the most frequently used and can also be used to say you’re sorry)

ありがとうございます・Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you

おねがいします・Onegai shimasu = Please

Well wishes

皆様にどうぞよろしく・Minasama ni douzo yoroshiku. = Please give my regards to everyone.

お体を大切に・Okarada o taisetsu ni. = Please take care of yourself.

お返事お待ちしております・Ohenji omachi shite orimasu. I look forward to hearing from you.

Want to know more basic phrases? See this article, 150+ Japanese Words and Phrases You Need to Start Speaking Now

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Common Japanese Questions you will hear

If you don’t hear at least one of these phrases, are you even in Japan?

おいくつですか？・O-ikutsu desu ka. (Very polite) / 何歳ですか？・Nan-saidesu ka? = How old are you?

(This is one of the first things you will be asked, especially if you are in college, as it is a way for the other person to figure out if they should use casual or formal language with you.)

これは何ですか・Koreha nandesuka = What is this?

誰ですか・dare desuka = Who is it?

これはいくらですか・Kore wa ikura desu ka = How much is this?

なんでですか・Nande desu ka = Why?

どこにいますか・Doko ni imasu ka = Where are you?

出身がどちらですか・Shusshin ga dochira desu ka = Where are you from?

趣味は何ですか・Shumi wa nan desuka = What are your hobbies?

仕事は何ですか・Shigoto wa nan desuka = What is your job?

Questions specific to foreigners:

国はどちらですか・ Okuni wa dochira desu ka = Which country are you from?

なんで日本へ来たんですか・Nande nihon e kitan desu ka = Why did you come to Japan?

日本ははじめてですか・Nihon wa hajimete desu ka = Is this your first time to Japan?

お箸使えますか・O hashi tsukae masu ka = Can you use chopsticks?

*Note: In Japanese, you don’t really use question marks and exclamation points in essays or typical writing unless it is casual.

Useful Japanese phrases for ordering

These are some crucial phrases to know if you don’t want to go hungry. When you go out to eat, these phrases are what you will be confronted with.

Restaurants & Cafes

Entering the restaurant:

２名です・二人です/ Ni mei desu・Futari desu = We’re two or table for two (You can replace the number of people where ‘ni’ is.

禁煙席お願いします・Kinen seki onegai shimasu = A non-smoking table, please.

喫煙席お願いします・Kitsuen seki onegai shimasu = A smoking table, please.

テーブル席をお願いします・Tēburu seki o onegai shimasu = I would like a table seat.

カウンター席をお願いします・Kauntā seki o onegai shimasu = I would like a counter seat.

個室ありますか？・Koshitsu arimasuka? = Do you have a private table?

Ordering

英語のメニューありますか？・Eigo no menyu arimasuka? = Do you have an English menu?

注文をお願いします・Chūmon o onegai shimasu = I would like to order.

これは何ですか？・Koreha nan desuka? = What is this?

こちらをお願いします・Kochira o onegai shimasu = I’d like to order this.

お手洗いはどこですか？・O tearai wa doko desu ka? = Where is the restroom?

おいくらですか？・O ikura desu ka? = How much is this?

Eating/Drinking

お冷お願いします・Ohiya onegaishimasu = Can I please have water? (お冷 is just another way to say water お水・ omizu）

乾杯・Kanpai = Cheers (When you are drinking)

いただきます・Itadaki masu = (Before eating)

Paying

お会計お願いします・O kaikei onegaishimasu = Check, please.

クレジットカードで大丈夫ですか？・Kurejitto kaado de daijobu desuka? = Can I pay by credit card?

領収書ください・Ryoshusho kudasai = Please give me a receipt.

Leaving

ごちそうさまでした・Gochisousama deshita

また来ます・Mata kimasu = I will come again.

美味しかったです・Oishikattadesu = It was delicious.

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Dietary restrictions

Allergies

There is not as much emphasis on food allergies in Japan compared to the United States so when you are out to eat, you should let the staff be aware of your allergies, especially if you can’t read the menu and ingredients.

すみません、＿＿＿のアレルギーがあるのですが・Sumimasen,___ no arerugī ga aru nodesuga = Excuse me, I have allergies to _____.

Vegan/vegetarian

私はベジタリアンです。ベジェタリアンメニューありますか？・Watashi wa begitarian desu. Begitarian menyu arimasuka? = I am vegetarian. Do you have a vegetarian menu?

ベジェタリアンにおすすめありますか？・Bejitarian ni osusume arimasu ka? = Do you have vegetarian recommendations?

これはお肉が入っていますか？・Kore wa o niku ga haitte imasu ka? = Does this have meat in it?

お肉を食べれないです・O niku o tabe renaidesu = I can’t eat meat.

お肉と動物性食品が食べられないです・O niku to dōbutsusei shokuhin ga tabe rarenaidesu = I can’t eat meat and animal products.

Shopping

他のサイズはありますか？・Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka? = Is there a different size?

シャツはありますか？・Shiyatsu wa arimasu ka? = Do you have shirts?

値段はいくらですか？・Nedan wa ikuradesu ka? = How much is this?

これはいかがですか・Kore wa ikaga desu ka = How about this?

試着室はどこですか・Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka = Where is the dressing room?

Kore wa chîsasugimasu.Kore wa chīsa sugimasu.= This is too small.

何時まで空いてますか・Nanji made suitemasu ka = What time are you open unti?

There are more useful restaurant phrases here, Easy Japanese For Dining Out In Japan

Useful Japanese phrases for on the phone

Talking on the phone can be nerve-wracking, but these phrases you can learn will make your phone call go smoothly. The most customary options are the train, bus, taxi, or by foot.

When calling friends or family, when you first pick up the phone, you say もしもし・Moshimoshi which is like saying hello but it’s reserved only for on the phone.

If it’s an unknown number or a more formal phone call, you can answer with はい・hai = yes or say your last name. Example: すずきです・Suzukidesu = It’s Suzuki / スミスです・Sumisu desu It’s Smith.

Japanese phrases for making an appointment/reservation

What you may use:

予約をしたいです・Yoyaku o shitai desu = I would like to make a reservation

よろしくお願いします・yoroshiku onegai shimasu = Thank you

土曜日の夜に二人お願いします・Doyōbi no yoru ni futari onegai shimasu = Saturday night for two people please. (You can switch out the day and amount of people.)

5時半からお願いします・Goji han kara onegai shimasu = From 5 please. (Japan uses military time as well so you can also say 17時)

Here is an article to help you learn Counting in Japanese if you are still unsure about numbers or counting people.

This article, The Ultimate Guide to Learn Japanese will also be helpful for beginners.

What the other person may say:

ご希望のサービスはなんでしょうか?・Gokibōno sābisu wa nan deshouka? = What service would you like?

何時からがよろしいですか・Nanji kara ga yoroshii desuka = What time would you like?

お名前は何でしょうか？・onamae wa nan deshouka? = What’s your name?

お電話番をお願いします・Odenwabango o onegai shimasu = Your phone number please.

ご予約の確認をいたします・goyoyaku no kakunin o itashi masu = I’ll repeat your reservation.

お待ちしております・Omachi shite orimasu = We’ll be waiting.

For more useful phrases for reservations, this article will help, How to make an appointment in Japanese

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Useful Japanese phrases for transportation

If you are coming to Tokyo, chances are, you will be using a lot of public transport. Knowing these phrases ensures that you won’t get lost or end up somewhere far away from where you intended to go.

Train

The most commonly used type of transportation is trains and there are many people hustling and bustling at subways and train stations. The trains are typically pretty punctual and clean for how often they are used. It is good to know in advance the words and phrases that will come up as to not slow down your journey.

＿＿＿はどこですか？・___ Wa dokodesu ka? = Where is _____?

トイレ・toire: Bathroom

コインロッカー・Koin rokka-: Coin locker

券売機・Kenbaiki: Ticket vending machine

この電車は＿＿＿に停まりますか？・Kono densha wa ___ ni tomarimasu ka? = Does this train stop at ___?

電車が遅れています・Densha ga okurete imasu = The train is late.

Words used at the train station:

English	Pronunciation	Japanese
Ticket	kippu	切符
Ticket gate	kaisatsu guchi	改札口
Train platform	puratto fo-mu	プラットフォーム
First train of the day	Shihatsu	始発
Last train of the day	Shu-den	終電
Station employee	Eki in	駅員
Local train (most stops, slowest)	kaku eki densha	各駅電車
Express train (least stops, fastest)	kyu-ko densha	急行電車
Limited express train (in between express and local)	Tokkyu densha	特急電車

There are more phrases used at train stations, if you want to know more train station phrases, check out Japanese conversation at train stations

Bus

Many of the same words and phrases are used for buses as trains. Here are just a few that are different:

切符売り場はどこですか？・Kippu uriba wa doko desu ka? = Where is the ticket office?

( for most everyday buses, you just pay on the bus but if you are taking a long haul bus ride, you will need to buy a ticket in advance at a bus station.)

次のバスは何時ですか？・Tsugi no basu wa itsu desuka? = What time is the next bus?

バス停はどこですか？・Basu tei wa doko desu ka?= Where is the bus station?

新宿までいくらですか・Shinjuku made ikura desu ka. = How much is it to Shinjuku?

When lost

Getting lost in a big city can easily happen and may feel scary but it is no big deal. The staff at stations are helpful and can guide you to where you need to go. Even if you guys do not understand each others’ languages, knowing the name of where you want to go can typically be enough for them to lead you in the right direction. Having a map they can point to can also be helpful for both parties.

Someone may come up and ask,

何かお困りですか？・Nanika okomari desuka? = Do you need help?

If not, don’t worry. Just go up to a staff member for help.

英語わかりますか？・Eigo wakari masu ka? = Do you understand English?

＿＿＿に行きたいです。どうしたらいいですか？___ Ni ikitai desu. Dōshitara īdesu ka? = How can I get to ____ ? (name of station or place you want to go).

I lost my 〇〇”

＿＿＿をなくしました・___ wo nakushi mashita = I lost my ___.

If you are just lost in the streets, you can go up to a passer by or a conbini employee and say these things.

道に迷いました・Michini mayoi mashita = I lost my way

ここはどこですか？・Koko wa doko desu ka?I = Where are we?

東京タワーへの行き方を教えてください・Tōkyō tawā e no ikikata o oshietekudasai = Please tell me the way to Tokyo Tower.

この住所に行くにはどうすればいいですか？・Kono jūsho ni iku ni wa dōsureba īdesu ka? = How can I get to this address?

If they offer directions:

右・Migi = Right

左・Hidari = Left

真っすぐ・Massugu = Straight

突き当り・Tsuki atari = End (of the path)

Useful Japanese phrases for Emergencies

God forbid something bad happens, knowing these phrases is of utmost importance to keep you safe and worry-free. These could be used whether it is a natural disaster, criminal activity, or accident. Whether it is to help someone else or yourself, learn all the important phrases in the event of an emergency.

When offering help or needing help

助けてください・Tasukete kudasai = Please help me.

If you lost something, go to the police station or the front desk of the place you lost it and say:

落し物をしました・Otoshi mono o shimashita = I lost something.

Contacting emergency services

The number for the police in Japan is 110 and for the ambulance is 119, don't forget it!

When you call, say kyuu kyuu desu = It’s an emergency.

They may ask, どうしましたか? Dou shimashita ka? = What happened?

It’s good to say the address of where you are before anything to get the dispatch to you quicker.

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
けがです	Kega desu	I am injured
病気です	Byōki desu	I am sick
交通事故です	Koutsuu jiko desu	There has been a traffic accident.
意識不明です	Ishiki fumei desu	(Someone) is unconscious
火事です	Kaji desu	It is a fire
住所は～	Jūsho wa...	The address is...
救急車	Kyū kyūsha	Ambulance
警察	Kei satsu	Police
消防車	Shōbō sha	Fire engine
大丈夫ですか	Daijōbu desuka.	Are you okay?

At the hospital:

具合が悪いです・Guaigawaruidesu I don’t feel good.

薬局はどこですか・Yak kyoku wa dokodesu ka Where is the pharmacy,

頭が痛いです・Atamagaitaidesu, My head hurts

一日何回薬を飲めばいいです・Tsuitachi, nan kai kusuri o nomeba īdesu。How many times a day should I take the medicine？

かぜです。

しんさつをうけたいのですが・Shin satsu o uketai no desuga = I would like to have a medical examination

どのようなしょうじょうですか？・konnichiwa. Dono youna shoujou desuka? = What kind of symptoms do you have?

ねつはなんどですか？・Netsu wa nan do desu ka? = How high is your temperature

保険証・Hoken-shō = insurance card

駐車・ChūshaＩ = shot

骨折・Kossets = fracture

病院・Byōin= hospital

Feel like you want to know more? Check this article out Emergency Japanese: Necessary Japanese Words/Phrases for Use in Emergencies

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Special occasion phrases

These are phrases that are specific to each occasion that will likely come up at some point. It is good to know. There is so much to know about Japanese culture, this A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Culture will come in handy to learn more.

Birthdays

誕生日おめでとう (casual)・Tanjōbi omedetō = Happy birthday

誕生日おめでとうございます (formal)・Tanjōbi omedetō gozaimasu = Happy birthday

遅ればせながらお誕生日おめでとう・Okurebasenagara otanjoubi omedetou = belated happy birthday

As you may already know, Japanese people like to use humbling phrases so when giving gifts, they often use

つまらないものですが・tsumaranaimonodesuga = It's not much, but… / Please accept this little gift.

Also, there is a special coming-of-age birthday when you turn twenty years old.

二十歳・hatachi

In January, there is a ceremony for 20-year-olds called 成人式 seijin shiki. Everyone who turned 20 in the past year wears traditional clothing such as kimonos and celebrates with friends and family.

Weddings

おめでとうございます・Go-kekkon omedetō gozaimasu = Congratulations on your wedding.

結婚式・Kekkon shiki = Wedding ceremony

夫婦・Fūfu = married couple

Get to know more about Japanese customs with this article, Ultimate Guide to Japanese Customs

Graduations

卒業おめでとうございます・Sotsugyō omedetōgozaimasu = Congratulations on graduating.

卒業式・Sotsugyo shiki = graduation ceremony

今まで本当にがんばったね・Ima made hontou ni gan battane = You worked so hard up to now.

これからも頑張ってください・Kore karamo gan batte kuda sai = I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

What people wear to graduations:

Dresses or suits

着物・kimono: traditional Japanese garment

袴・hakama: skirt for formal wear

More graduate phrases in Japanese, 10 most useful words for graduates in Japanese

Funerals

Most Japanese funerals お葬式・ Ososhiki, are done Buddhist-style. There is a lot of etiquette to remember for them if you are attending.

ご愁傷様です・Goshuushou-sama desu = You must be grieving terribly.

お悔やみ申し上げます・O-kuyami moushi agemasu = I offer my condolences. (Can also be used in a letter.)

お線香・O senkō = Incense

These are used to light and set up while praying at altars. It comes in many different smells and leaves ashes.

Learn about funeral etiquette in Japan, Japanese Funeral Etiquette: Some Helpful Guidelines

Christmas

The Japanese celebrate Christmas in a little bit of a unique way compared to the western world. It is less of a religious holiday and actually a couples holiday.

メリークリスマス・Merī kurisumasu = Merry christmas

The abbreviated version: メリクリ・Merī kuri

クリスマス・イブ・Kurisumasu ibu = Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is more important than the actual Christmas Day in Japan.

サンタさん・Santa-san = Santa Claus

クリスマスイルミネーション・Kurisumasu iruminēshon = Christmas Illuminations

During the holiday season, illuminations are everywhere and a sight to behold!

フライドチキン・Furaido chikin = Fried Chicken

Oddly enough, Christmas means eating Kentucky Fried Chicken for Japanese people.

Effective marketing?

プレゼント・Purezento = Present

良い冬休みを・Ī fuyu yasumi o = Have a great winter vacation!

New Years

New years is a bigger event than Christmas in Japan!

あけましておめでとうございます・Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu = Happy New Year’s

よいお年をお迎えください・Yoi otoshi o omukae kudasai = I hope you will have a good new year.

本年もどうぞよろしくお願ねがいいたします・Hon'nen mo dōzo yoroshiku o gan negai itashimasu = I will be counting on you this year as well.

新年・Shin'nen = New Year

おせち料理・Osechi ryōri = New Year dishes

雑煮・Zōni (This is mochi cooked with vegetables)

年越しそば・Toshi koshi soba (The tradition of eating soba noodles at the end of the year. Soba noodles break the easiest so by consuming soba noodles, you break off all the bad luck before the new year comes.)

鏡開き・Kagami biraki (to eat the mochi that was given as an offering to the gods/Buddha)

新年の抱負・Shin'nen no hōfu = New year’s resolutions

More about New Year in Japan, Wishing others a Happy New Year in Japanese!

Useful Japanese phrases for dating

If you want to date a Japanese person, these phrases are good to know. If you want to learn about dating apps in Japan, check out this article, Japanese Dating Apps.

Asking someone out for dinner in Japanese

Person 1: 今度の金曜日一緒に食事でもどう？・kondo no doyōbi ishho ni shokuji demo dō? Would you like to go out for dinner with me on Friday?

Person 2: いいね、行きましょう・ ii ne, zehi ikimashō Yes, let’s go.

Asking someone to hangout in Japanese

A: 今度の金曜日空いてる？どっか遊びにいかない？・kondo no kin'yōbi aiteru? dokoka asobi ni ikanai? = Are you free this Friday? Do you want to hang out somewhere?

B: オッケー、一緒にどこかへ行こうか・ issho ni dokoka e ikou ka = Okay, let’s go somewhere.

Confessing your feelings to someone in Japanese and asking them out

好きです。良ければ付き合ってください・Sukidesu. Yokereba tsukiatte kudasai = I like you. If it’s okay, let’s date.

Telling someone you want to break up in Japanese

しばらく距離おこっか・shibaraku kyori okokka = Let’s take a break / We should have some space

わかれよう・Wakare you = Let’s break up. (This one is a little more straightforward and blunt).

Here are some other words and phrases you might use:

English	Pronunciation	Japanese
First date	hatsu deeto	初デート
To ask someone out on a date	deeto ni sasou	デートに誘う
Boyfriend	kareshi	彼氏
Girlfriend	kanojō	彼女
Lover	koi bito	恋人
Long distance relationship	en kyori renai	遠距離恋愛
You are cute	kawaii ne	可愛いね
You are handsome	kakkoii ne	かっこいいね
(Love) confession	koku haku suru	告白する

Want to know more about dating in Japan? See Top 10 Japanese phrases for dating.

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Useful Japanese phrases for when you don’t understand

Chances are, there will be instances where you can’t clearly express yourself or remember that exact word in Japanese, or you couldn’t quite understand what someone said to you. Don’t worry, this is natural and there is no shame in asking for the other person to clarify or repeat what they said. So, how do you express that?

Examples:

すみません、もう一度言ってもらえませんか？・Sumimasen, mō ichido itte morae masen ka = Sorry, could you please repeat that for me?

すいません、わかりません・Suimasen, wakari masen = I’m sorry, I don’t understand”

わかりました、ありがとうございます・Wakari mashita, arigatou gozaimasu = I understand, thank you.

ちょっと難しです・Chotto muzu kashii desu = It’s a little difficult (for me).

訳してください・Yaku shite kudasai = Can you translate this for me?

If you are having trouble at the beginning, it is good to download an app like ‘Google Translate’ because it also has a camera feature so that you can scan signs you can not read.

Still, confused? Find out more, 73 Basic Japanese Phrases to Survive Your First Conversation With a Native

Typical Japanese dialogue examples

Next, learning about phrases is helpful but it will be easier to understand if you read a real conversation and dialogue example. Here are two types of conversations you might run into. These are broken into casual and formal conversations with 2 types of formality each introduced with two examples.

Conversations with friends (casual)

Speaking with friends that you are familiar with means that you don’t have to think about using polite words or using です・desu ます・masu. The good thing about being with friends is that you have more leniency on what you say and how you say it. Even if you get a phrase wrong, you can just ask for help.

*Note: Friends usually call each other by first name and sometimes add -chan (female) or -kun (male).

Example 1:

ななこ：おはよう、トミーくん！今日はいい天気だね。

Ohayō, tomī kun! Kyō wa ī tenkida ne.

Good morning Tommy! It's nice weather today.

トミー：ななこちゃん、おはよう！そうだね、晴れてる。今日は予定あるの？

Nana ko chan, ohayō! Sōda ne, hare teru. Kyō wa yotei aru no?

Nanako, good morning! Yeah, it's sunny. Do you have any plans today?

ななこ：夕方は、家族と映画を見に行くつもりなの。トミーくんは？

Yūgata wa, kazoku to eiga o mi ni iku tsumorina no. Tomī kun wa?

I'm going to see a movie with my family in the evening. What about you, Tommy?

トミー：そうなんだ、楽しそうだね。僕は今から釣りに行くつもり。

Sōnan da, tanoshi-sōda ne. Boku wa ima kara tsuri ni iku tsumori.

Is that so? That seems fun. I'm going to go fishing right now.

ななこ：わかった、じゃあまた明日会おうね。

Wakatta, jā mata ashita aou ne.

Okay, see you tomorrow.

Example 2:

はると：ヤッホー、ベン。元気？

Yahhō, ben. Genki?

Hey, Ben. well?

*ヤッホー is a casual way of greeting friends

ベン：元気だよ。君は？

Genki da yo. Kimi wa?

I am fine. What about you?

はると：まあまあ。ところで、頼みがあるんだけど。

Mā mā. Tokoro de, tanomi ga arun dakedo.

So so. By the way, I have a request.

ベン：何か助けが必要なの？

Nanika tasuke ga hitsuyōna no?

Do you need any help?

はると：旅行中に俺の犬の世話をしてくれない？

Ryokō-chū ni ore no inu no sewa o shite kurenai?

Will you take care of my dog while I am traveling?

ベン：ぜんぜん、大丈夫

Zenzen, daijōbu

It is definitely okay.

If you want to know how to find new friends check out this article, Top 15 Tips to Make Japanese Friends

Conversations with your senpai/someone older (formal)

Speaking politely to someone in a higher position than you or someone older is very important in Japan as a show of respect. Although most people will be likely to give some slack if they know you are a foreigner, it is still better to try your best at sounding native as it will show that you are well versed in the language. This can even be people outside of work or school.

先輩・Senpai = Senior

後輩・Kōhai = Junior

The kōhai yields to the senpai's seniority and experience and talks to the senpai using honorific language. The senpai speaks as a friend. This can be a little confusing and difficult to learn at first but once you get the hang of it, it will not be as challenging.

Example 1:

先輩：松下、今日部活に参加するのか？

Matsushita, kyō bukatsu ni sanka suru no ka?

Matsushita, are you going to join club activities today?

後輩：先輩、おはようございます。はい、今日は行きます。

Senpai, ohayō　gozaimasu. Hai, kyō wa ikimasu.

Good morning, senpai. Yes, I will go today.

先輩：オッケー、じゃあ後で。

Okkē, jā atode.

Okay, see you later.

Example 2:

後輩：ほしの先輩、お久しぶりです！

Hoshi no senpai, ohisashi buri desu!

Hoshino-senpai, it's been a long time!

先輩：あ、田村。元気か？おまえずいぶん痩せたな。

A, Tamura. Genki ka? Omae zuibun yaseta na.

Oh, Tamura. How are you? You got pretty thin.

後輩：はい、ランニング始めてから十キロ痩せました。

Hai, ran'ningu haji mete kara jū-kiro yase mashita.

Yes, I've lost 10 kilos since I started running.

先輩：そうなんだ、良かったな。今からバイト行ってくるから、さらば。

Sōna nda, yokatta na. Ima kara baito itte kurukara, saraba.

Is that so? That’s good. I'm going to my part-time job now, so farewell.

Find out more on this topic, Hear Japanese Survival Phrases

Useful Japanese phrases in the workplace

Did you get a new job after moving to Japan and worried about what phrases to know on the job? Acing the interview is the first step. Navigating the workplace in Japan can seem difficult, figuring out what you should and shouldn’t say to certain people. However, in this section, you will find out the best Useful Japanese phrases to use with your coworkers, boss, customers, and what you should avoid using. It can get complicated quickly, so let’s stay focused!

Speaking with coworkers/boss

Much of the phrases you use at a business works for both coworkers and boss but the boss needs to be respected and it is most important to get formal phrases right when speaking with them.

When you first start working at the company:

It is important to make a good first impression at your new company so make sure to introduce yourself to everyone.

When meeting someone for the first time, ___と申します・___ to mōshimasu = My name is ___.

どうぞよろしくお願いいたします・Dōzo yoroshiku onegaī itashimasu = It’s a pleasure to meet you.

お早うございます・Ohayo gozaimasu

This means good morning as we learned earlier, however, the Kanji is different. We say this between coworkers or to the boss as soon as you see them first thing at work regardless of the time of day. Strange, right?

If you’re stepping out for a bit for a lunch break or something like that,

いってまいります・Itte mairi masu = I’m leaving now.

ただいま戻りました・Tadaima modori mashita = i have returned.

お先に失礼します・O-saki-ni shitsurei shimasu = Sorry to leave before you.

This is if you are leaving before your coworkers at the end of the day.

お疲れ様です・O-tsukare-sama desu = Thank you for your hard work + You must be tired

This can also be used at the end of the day or if someone did a favor for you.

お世話になっております・Osewa ni natte orimasu = Thank you for your kind cooperation.

ご苦労さまです・Gokuro sama desu = Thank you for your hard work, Good job. (You would not use this with your boss.)

すみません、今お時間大丈夫ですか・Sumimasen, ima ojikan daijoubu desu ka. = Excuse me, is now a good time?

申し訳ございません・Moushi wake gozai masen = I am terribly so sorry

Typically, you will call everybody by their last name with ～さん added to it.

Example: 田中さん・Tanaka-san、鈴木さん・Suzuki-san

For your boss, sometimes you also use their last name and ～さん or just call them 社長・Shachō = boss.

上司・Jyoushi = Superior

部下・Buka = Subordinate

Speaking with customer

Have you heard of Omotenashi?

This is uniquely Japanese because, in Japan, the culture is to wholeheartedly look after guests/customers. The Japanese mindset of hospitality revolves around care.

With customers is when you would use the highest form of respect in word choices.

You would often use お in front of words. お adds formality. ～おります。You will most likely receive amazing service. Since the standard of quality is high, it is important you give a good impression to whoever you are speaking to. It can be hard to work in customer service but knowing about these phrases can make it easier for you.

*Lots of bowing

You should call customers, ～さま・～sama, which is a more honorific way to call them by their name.

If you are working in customer services like a restaurant or a store, when a customer walks in, you say いらっしゃいませ・Irasshai mase = welcome to the store.

If you are a cashier,

次のお待ちの方どうぞ・Tsugi ni o-machi no kata, douzo = The next person waiting, please.

何かお探しですか？・Nani ka o-sagashi desu ka? = Are you looking for something?

For frequent customers, 毎度ありがとうございます。Maido arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you for always shopping with us.

What NOT to say to your boss or co-workers

There are some things that should never be said to your coworkers or boss in a professional setting like the workplace. Avoid these phrases so you don’t get a bad reputation or a write-up!

Don’t use casual language

You most likely will not be using casual language or ため口・Tame-guchi and will be using ～です、～ます unless you are friends or the same age.

Never call superiors or boss by their first name

Calling coworkers by their first name is a big no-no, especially if they are higher-ups because it can seem disrespectful and too friendly. You can call subordinates by their last name with no さん.

Don’t ask personal questions

Typically you should not discuss personal matters with coworkers as many people like to be private and some can find it invasive. If you want to make friends, it is best to do it during breaks.

The main takeaway is to try and avoid offending your peers and bosses to make sure you have a good time working in Japan. Although there are probably many things that are different from your home country and you may not approve of the work culture in this country, it is good to respect it and to adhere to it.

There is more to learn, check out this article, Polite and Useful Japanese Business Phrases

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Useful Japanese phrases to express emotion

Often, there are many words to express emotions, some even multiple for one feeling. You just have to determine what the situation calls for. It is key to be able to express yourself to others in Japanese. These range from negative to positive to apathetic emotions. Some can not be described the same in English as Japanese.

Samples

綺麗ですね・Kirei desu ne = You are pretty

素晴らしいですね Subarashī desu ne = That's wonderful.

立派ですね！・rippa desune = It is grand.

すごい・Sugoi = Wow/very

嬉しい・Ure shī = happy

悲しい・Kana shī = sad

恥ずかしい・Hazu kashī = shy

寂しい・Sabishī = lonely

怖い・Kowai = scary

辛い・Tsurai = painful

苦しい・Kuru shī= difficult

懐かしい・Natsu kashī = nostalgic

安心・Anshin = relieved

感動・Kandō = moved

腹が立つ・Hara ga tatsu = get angry

うらやましい・Ura yama shī = envy/jealousy

かわいそう・Kawaisō = poor, pitiful

Useful Japanese Slang

Lastly, slang in Japanese. Slang is ever-changing and evolving rapidly. Especially if you are a young person, knowing slang is key to assimilating into Japanese culture and becoming closer with your Japanese friends. There are so many slang words and abbreviations that are used every day, even slang is used in popular media and tv. Find out useful Japanese phrases you’ll find on social media like Twitter or words you’ll see your friends text on Line messages. The easiest way to learn them is to start a Twitter account or start chatting with young Japanese people, you will quickly learn and integrate the work together.

Samples

超・chō = Super

Example: 超美味しい・Chō oishii = Super delicious

めっちゃ・metcha = Seriously/very

Example: めっちゃ楽しい・Metcha tano shī = Very fun

マジで・maji de = For real, Literally

Example: マジで熱い・Majide atsui = Literally so hot

やばい・yabai: Cool/Awful (can be used for pretty much anything)

Example: このゲームやばい・Kono gēmu yabai = This game is crazy/bad/cool.

キモい・kimoi = Gross, Ew

Example: これキモイ・Kore kimoi = This is disgusting

ダサい・dasai = Ugly/Lame/Old-fashioned

Example: その服ダサい・Sono fuku dasai = Those clothes are lame.

ガチ・gachi = Totally, Seriously, For real

Example: ガチで面白い・Gachi de omoshiroi = Seriously funny.

ウケる・ukeru = Hilarious

Example: その話ウケる・Sono-hanashi ukeru = That story is hilarious.

ムカつく・mukatsuku = Irritating

Example: あの人ムカつく・Ano hito muka tsuku = That person is irritating

ぴえん・pien

This is a popular internet slang that is used jokingly and conveys the crying emoji.

Take a look at this article for more new slang, Japanese Slang: The Top 40 to Know

Conclusion

To conclude, hopefully, you learned a lot of new Useful Japanese phrases that you can now go out and use in the real world. You will most likely hear them a lot and when they’re used by other people, you can understand them better. These many phrases will come up in various different situations and now you will be prepared with the knowledge to understand them. Using these every day will also advance your Japanese, so do not be afraid to apply them to your life. Practice makes perfect! If you really want to get better at Japanese, check out the Japan Switch website to see your skills skyrocket!

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The post Useful Japanese Phrases appeared first on Japan Switch.

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Idioms

The Japan Switch Team — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:34:22 +0000

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Idioms

By Norie Matsumoto | August 5th, 2021

七転び八起き・Nanakorobiyaoki Do you know what that is? That’s one of the Japanese idioms. An idiom is an expression, quote, or phrase that usually brings up a figurative meaning that is not literal, that is connected to the phrase. It is often a customary turn of phrase that is only comprehensible because it is popular and used by most people. Anyone who is not used to the language will not know the idioms as it is often neglected in the process of learning, but is crucial to learning. These idioms use typical words that have a special meaning to those in the know.

Nanakorobiyaoki, You have probably heard of this phrase before in English. Fall down seven times, stand up eight. A simple phrase that actually has a deeper meaning. It means even if you keep failing at something, you don’t give up and that your perseverance will be rewarded eventually. Even if you get knocked down seven times, the eighth time you stand up is what truly matters and not the times you failed. Idioms are in almost every language and are a part of what makes that language special.

Every country has its own funny wordings to express global experiences and sentiment. Japan uses many idioms in day-to-day conversations and it will definitely come in handy for you to know some so you can feel more connected with Japanese people and sound more fluent in Japanese. Check out the article, Ultimate Guide to Japanese Conversation for more information.

Sometimes they can be funny or sometimes strange, but they’re guaranteed to be fun to try and say to yourself! In this article, we’ll go over why you NEED Japanese idioms, English idiom you already know but in Japanese, differences between Japanese proverbs and idioms, kotowaza, and so many different types of Japanese idiom examples for every circumstance you can think of.

This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning Japanese through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.

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This is why you need Japanese idioms

Why would you need Japanese idioms anyways? Just learning your nouns and verbs isn’t enough, you’ve gotta know phrases that are commonly known in Japanese! You might be confused when a common Japanese idiom comes up in conversation.

The number one reason that you should know Japanese idioms is to have conversations in Japanese sounding like a native. They make boring conversations more lively and fun. Who wouldn’t want to throw in, イタチの最後っ屁・Itachi no saigo ppe・‘A weasel’s last fart’ into conversation while at the same time sounding like you know Japanese? It actually means, someone’s last-ditch effort in a tough situation. With these idioms, they give you a new, creative way to convey yourself and a more complex and engrossing expression.

Another purpose of learning Japanese Idioms is to understand Japan and its culture better. Many of these idioms are unique to Japan and express the way that the Japanese think. For every country, the focus on idioms is different and they may have varied types that reflect on their society. For example, in Japan, there are many life and nature-related idioms. This is because Japan, generally, the culture emphasizes harmony, humbleness, and appreciation of nature. A big factor may be because the main religions in the country are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto’s focal point is purity and optimism. It revolves around rituals to elude evil spirits and praying to the kami. Meanwhile, Buddhism stresses non-violence, karma, reincarnation, and personal spiritual growth.

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Top 10 most common Japanese idioms used every day

Now you must really want to know the most common Japanese idioms that are used most often in day-to-day conversations. So here are 10 of the most useful ones for you. Have these handy for the near future!

1. 腹八分に医者いらず・Hara hachi bunme ni ishairazu (Eight-tenths full keeps the doctor away)

This one my Japanese mother says a lot, it means to eat only 80% of your stomach capacity so you don’t overindulge in food.
For example, “腹八分目に医者いらずということを守っていれば、きっと胃腸を壊すことはないだろう。” Harahachibunme ni ishairazu to iu koto o mamotte ireba, kitto ichō o kowasu koto wanaidarou. (If you follow the rule that you don't need a doctor and you only have an eighth of your stomach, you will not hurt your stomach and intestines.)

2. 猿も木から落ちる・Sarumo kikara ochiru (Even monkeys fall out of trees)

This means that an animal like the monkey who is born to climb trees and is expert maneuvering around them can fall too. Just like in life, no one is perfect and even the best make mistakes. This can be used to cheer up your friend who made a mistake.

3. 自業自得・Jigō jitoku (You get what you give/what goes around comes around)

Just like how karma is a part of Buddhism, this means your actions have consequences. You get what you deserve, whether that be good or bad is up to you.

4. 弱肉強食・Jakuniku kyōshoku (Survival of the fittest)

Literally translated, it means that the weak are meat while the strong eat. Pretty straightforward and frank.

5. 知らぬが仏・Shiranuga hotoke (Not knowing is buddha)

You may have heard this in an anime before, this one is distinctly Japanese and it may not make sense at first glance but it means ignorance is bliss, not knowing is good.

6. 花より団子・Hana yori dango (Dumplings over flowers)

This means substance over style, although flowers are pretty, dumplings are more practical and useful because you can eat them. There was a popular drama and manga based on this phrase.

7. 相変わらず・Ai kawarazu (The same as ever)

As always. You could use them to say someone hasn’t changed, but sometimes can have a negative connotation depending on the context so watch out!
“相変わらずこの部屋は冷房の効きが悪い” Aikawarazu kono heya wa reibō no kiki ga warui (As usual, this room has poor air conditioning.)

8. 朝飯前・Asameshi mae (Before breakfast)

That something is so easy it can be done before breakfast, so early.
For example, “これはなかなかなことだ、朝飯前とはいかないぞ。” Kore wa nakanakana kotoda, asameshimae to wa ikanai zo. (This is pretty hard, not like before breakfast.”一日一歩・Ichinichi ippo (One step, one day)

Means to take one day, one step at a time to work towards your objectives.

9. 地獄に仏・Jigoku ni hotoke (My Buddha in hell)

Another Buddha-related one, he’s pretty popular! This one seems a bit aggressive but it means something or someone is like a savior in a terrible situation or environment. If someone helps you out in a pinch, you could use this.
For example, “ひとりの登山者が現れたときには、地獄で仏にあったような思いだった。” Hitori no tozan-sha ga arawareta tokiniha, jigoku de Futsu ni atta yōna omoidatta. (When a climber appeared, I felt like it was my Buddha in hell.)

10. 見ぬが花・ Minugahana (Ignorance is bliss)

A little similar to the phrase from earlier about Buddha, this one is also about how reality can’t compete with imagination.

These can be heard often throughout conversations so don’t forget them!

If you want to learn more of these common idioms, check out 29 Genius Japanese Idioms That All Learners Should Know

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The English idioms you already know but in Japanese

You’d be surprised that Japanese also has the same phrases you say all the time. Who knew? It might be surprised how they changed in translation. Let’s see if you recognize any of these.

一石二鳥 ・Issekinichō (Two birds with one stone)
- This one seems to be universal, so many countries have their own translation of this. In English it’s to kill two birds with one stone. Poor birds! It means to achieve two things by doing one action.
- For example, “気分転換に髪の毛を切ったら、涼しいうえに髪の毛を乾かす時間も減り一石二鳥だ。” Kibun tenkan ni kaminoke o kittara, suzushī ue ni kaminoke o kawakasu jikan mo heri issekinichōda. (If you cut your hair for a change, it will be cooling and you will need less time to dry your hair, so it's two birds with one stone.
氷山の一角・Hyōzan no ikkaku (The tip of the iceberg)
- a small, visible part of a problem, but the total size of it is really much greater
- For example, “今回の事件で逮捕された人たちは、氷山の一角であるという噂がある。” Konkai no jiken de taiho sa reta hito-tachi wa, hyōzan no ikkakudearu to iu uwasa ga aru. (There are rumors that the people arrested in this case are just the tip of the iceberg.)
隣の芝生は青い・Tonarino shibafuha aoi (The grass is greener on the other side)
- This is where you can see a cultural difference, even with the same phrase. Notice it’s 青い・Aoi (Blue) instead of green like in English. That’s because in the past, the Japanese used blue to describe something green, confusing right? But the word blue is used to describe a green light, 青信号・Aoshingō or green apple, 青りんご・Ao ringo
必要悪・Hitsuyō aku (necessary evil)
- This means an evil that someone believes has to be done because it is needed to achieve a better result.
時は金なり・Tokiha kanenari (time is money)
- Time is just as valuable, if not more than money.
- For example, “時は金なりなのだから、若いうちはダラダラしないで勉強するべきではないのか。”　Tokihakanenarina nodakara, wakai uchi wa daradara shinaide benkyō surubekide wa nai no ka. (Time is money, so shouldn't you study without messing around when you're young?)

If you want to find out more of your favorite English idioms in Japanese, take a look at Idioms and Proverbs Common in Japanese and English

Idioms unique to Japan that we need in English

You just learned the idioms in Japanese that are also in English but Japan has so many distinct idioms that can’t be fully translated into any other language. These truly show the uniqueness and essence of the language.

武士は食わねど高楊枝・Bushi ha kuwa nedo taka yōji (A Samurai pretends, even when he is hungry, by holding a toothpick between his teeth.)
- Now this one is very Japanesque. It means when you don’t want to let other people see your pain because you are too proud.
雨が降ろうと、槍が降ろうと・Ame ga furou to, yari ga furou to (Whether it rains or spears)
- No matter what happens, or how difficult it may be, it will happen and will be dealt with.
- For example, “雨が降ろうが槍が降ろうが、あなたが困っているときには必ず駆けつけるから安心して。” Amegafurōga yarigafurōga, anata ga komatte iru toki ni wa kanarazu kaketsukeru kara anshin shite (Whether it rains or spears, rest assured that I will always rush to you when you're in trouble)
砂を噛むよう・Sunawo kamuyō (Like chewing sand)
- It means something is boring or monotonous.
- For example, “食欲が感じられないため、せっかくの好物も、砂を噛むような思いで食べた。” Shoku yoku ga kanji rare nai tame, sek kaku no kō butsu mo, sunawo kamu yōna omoi de tabeta. I didn’t have an appetite, so I ate my favorite food as if I was chewing on sand.

Get to know more super Japanese idioms that’ll make you really wish you had in English here 69 Wonderful Japanese Idioms

The weirdest Japanese idioms you’ll ever hear

Some of the idioms you learned up till now may have seemed strange but surprisingly, there are many more odd ones that you should know about.

爪の垢を煎じて飲む・Tsume no aka o senjite nomu (Brew and drink the dirt from under someone’s fingernails)
- Wait what? Apparently this is not to be taken literally because it’s saying, if you admire someone and want to use them as an example or an idol for self improvement, you should brew the dirt under their fingernails and drink it as a tea so their good traits could be given to you. Oddly specific but okay.
馬鹿は死ななきゃ治らない・Baka ha shina nakya nao ranai (Unless an idiot dies, he won’t be cured.)
- This means that there is no cure for ignorance and stupidity. Nothing can help them. Harsh!
喉から手が出る・Nodo kara tega deru (Hands come out of my throat)
- This is when you want something so badly.
- For example, “自分を陥れたやつらの情報が喉から手が出るほど欲しかった。” Jibun o otoshī reta yatsu-ra no jōhō ga nodo kara tega deru hodo hoshi katta. (I wanted the information of those who had betrayed me so much that I could get out of my throat.)
ごまめの歯ぎしり・Goma meno hagishiri (Little fish grinding their teeth)
- Something insignificant and has no consequence. When little fishes grind their teeth, it has little to no effect.
- For example, “言いたくなる気持ちも分かるが、ごまめの歯ぎしりはみっともないぞ。” Iitaku naru kimochi mo wakaru ga, goma meno hagi shiri wa mitto monai zo. (I know what you want to say, but the goma meno hagishiri is terrible.)
小便横町・Shōben yokochō (Urine alley).
- Narrow streets that are dirty and smelly. Often, dirty public streets and alleys have urine in them.

If your craving more strange and funny Japanese idioms, check out 10 Japanese expressions that sound delightfully strange and funny when translated

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Japanese proverbs or kotowaza

Now that you know a lot about Japanese idioms and examples of them, there are other similar types of phrases in Japanese that you should know. There is, even more, to learn about the culture in Japan, this article A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Culture will help you find out more.

Difference between Japanese proverbs and idioms

Proverbs are really similar to idioms and are a part of them but here are the key differences.

An idiom is a fixed phrase with a figurative meaning.
Phrases, not complete sentences and may not make sense unless familiar with it.
Proverb is a short, famous saying containing advice. Sentences. Have moral or advice based on truth. Can be understood for the first time.
Proverbs are typically four characters
The Japanese proverb can be in the shape of a short phrase, an idiomatic phrase, or a four-character idiom. Even though "proverb" and "saying" are practically synonymous, it is not the same as "idiomatic phrase" and "four-character idiom".
Some examples of proverbs are:
- 三日坊主・mikka bouzu (A monk for 3 days)
  - This describes someone who is inconsistent and lacks the resolve to see something through. For example, they exercise for 3 days but then give up.
  - For example, “私は何をやっても長く続かない三日坊主です。”Watashi wa nani o yatte mo nagaku tsudzu kanai mikka bōzudesu. (I'm a three-day priest who doesn't last long no matter what I do.)
- 四面楚歌・shimen soka (Surrounded by enemies)
  - It means everyone around you is betraying you and is untrustworthy.
  - For example, “人の悪口ばかり言うと、みんなに嫌われて四面楚歌になってしまうよ。” Hito no waru guchi bakari iu to, min'na ni kirawa rete shimen soka ni natte shimau yo. If you say bad things about people, everyone will hate you and you will end up with a shimen soka.
- 危機一髪・kiki ippatsu (close call)
  - For example, if you run into a train at the last second and almost didn’t make it in.

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Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Verbs here!

Famous kotowaza

Proverbs are called kotowaza and these are the famous ones.

覆水盆に返らず・Fukusui bon'ni kaerazu (Do not return to the water basin)
- This means the same as, don’t cry over spilt milk. Don’t be down about something from the past you can’t change.
- For example, “失敗して初めて、覆水盆に返らずの意味を痛感する事となりました。” Shippai shite hajimete, fukusui bon' nikaerazu no imi o tsūkan suru koto to nari mashita. It was not until I failed that I became keenly aware of the meaning of not returning to the water basin)
猫に小判・Neko ni koban (Gold coins to a cat)
- This means to not spend a lot of money on a gift that won’t be appreciated by the recipient. Don’t waste your time on people who won’t appreciate it.
- Fore example, “どんなに価値のある歴史的建造物でも、その価値をわかっていない人が管理者では猫に小判だ。” Don' nani kachino aru rekishi teki kenzō butsu demo, sono kachi o wakatte inai hito ga kanri shade wa nekoni kobanda. (No matter how valuable a historic building is, those who don't know its value by the administrator is neko ni koban.)
蛙の子は蛙・Kaeruno koha kaeru (The frog’s child is a frog)
- Like father, like son. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
- For example, “小さい頃は才能があるように見えたけど、やっぱり蛙の子は蛙だったね。 “小さい頃は才能があるように見えたけど、やっぱり蛙の子は蛙だったね。” Chīsai koro wa sainō ga aru yō ni mieta kedo, yap pari kaeru no koha kaeru datta ne. “When I was little, I seemed to be talented, but after all the frog cub was a frog.”

If you want to learn conjugation, check out this article Guide to Japanese Conjugation.

Japanese sayings and quotes about life

In Japan, there are many inspirational quotes about life that may help motivate you. Using these and reflecting is not a bad idea.

水に流す・mizu ni nagasu (The water flows)

Water under the bridge, to forgive and forget, and let it go.
For example, “さっきの喧嘩は水に流そう。 ” Sakki no kenka wa mizu ni nagasou. (Let's flush the quarrel.)
花鳥風月・Kachō fūgetsu (beauties of nature)

Each kanji translated in order is flower, bird, wind, and moon. This means that there is beauty in everything around us. It is a suggestion to enjoy mother nature.
For example, “花鳥風月に親しむ毎日だ。” Kachō fūgetsu ni shita shimu mainichida. (Every day I get to know Kacho Fugetsu.)

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず・Nitowo oumo noha ittowo moezu (Those who chase two rabbits do not get one)

This means to not be greedy and try to go for multiple things at once. Also, trying to complete multiple tasks at once is not as good as focusing on one and doing it well.
For example, “そんなに欲張ったら、二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずで結局なにひとつ自分のものにならないよ。” Son'nani yoku battara, nito wo oumono ha ittowo moezu de kek kyoku nani hitotsu jibun no mono ni nara nai yo. (If they’re so greedy, those who chase two rabbits won't get a single rabbit and in the end nothing will be their own.)

明日は明日の風が吹く・Ashita ha ashita no kazega fuku (Tomorrow’s winds will blow tomorrow)

It means, tomorrow is another day. Even if today was not good, there’s a whole new start tomorrow.
For example, “明日は明日の風が吹くの精神で頑張ろう”・Ashitaha ashitano kaze gafuku no seishin de gan barou (Let's do our best tomorrow with the spirit of tomorrow's wind)

There are even more proverbs you can learn at 47 Japanese Proverbs about Life, Love, and Wisdom to Inspire You (with English translations)

Conclusion

There you have it, we introduced so many new Japanese idioms as well as proverbs and kotowaza. Did you learn something new? Hopefully, you did find some of these phrases and expressions useful. In the future, look out for these idioms in conversations or in movies and tv shows. It’ll be fun to recognize them and know the real meanings behind them. Practice saying them out loud and get the flow down. Study them with flashcards or practice with a friend. Don’t forget to try and use them yourself. If you are wanting to get better at Japanese, go to the Japan Switch website!

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