You’ve landed at Narita or Kansai, your luggage wheels are spinning, and the hotel lobby is right in front of you. The front desk staff greets you with a warm いらっしゃいませ（いらっしゃいませ） — “Welcome.” Your heart beats a little faster. What do you say?
The good news: Japanese hotel staff are patient, professional, and accustomed to foreign guests. A handful of well-chosen phrases — said politely — will get you through almost any hotel situation. This guide gives you those phrases, organized by situation, with natural example dialogues so you can hear how conversations actually flow.
📋 At a Glance
| Situation | Key Japanese Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | チェックインしたいのですが | I’d like to check in |
| Confirm reservation | 予約をしております | I have a reservation |
| Room request | 〜をいただけますか | Could I have ~? |
| Report a problem | 〜が壊れているようです | It seems ~ is broken |
| Ask about breakfast | 朝食はどこですか | Where is breakfast served? |
| Wi-Fi password | Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えていただけますか | Could you tell me the Wi-Fi password? |
| Late check-out | チェックアウトを遅らせることはできますか | Can I extend my check-out time? |
| Luggage storage | 荷物を預かっていただけますか | Could you store my luggage? |
| Ryokan: yukata | 浴衣の着方を教えてください | Please show me how to wear the yukata |
| Ryokan: onsen time | お風呂は何時から何時までですか | What are the bath hours? |
1. Arriving and Checking In
Japanese hotel check-in is smooth and efficient — if you know what to say. Staff will almost always begin in Japanese (and often offer English if they see you hesitate), but starting in Japanese yourself earns instant goodwill.
The essential opener
The phrase you’ll use most at the front desk:
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| チェックインしたいのですが。 | チェックインしたいのですが。 | I’d like to check in. |
| 予約をしております。 | よやくをしております。 | I have a reservation. |
| 〇〇と申します。 | 〇〇ともうします。 | My name is 〇〇. |
| パスポートをお見せします。 | パスポートをおみせします。 | Here is my passport. |
| 鍵はどこで受け取りますか？ | かぎはどこでうけとりますか？ | Where do I receive the key? |
| 部屋は何階ですか？ | へやはなんがいですか？ | What floor is my room on? |
Grammar note: 〜したいのですが（〜したいのですが）literally means “I want to do 〜, but…” The trailing が softens the request — it’s like saying “I was hoping to…” in English. This polite, indirect phrasing is the standard way to open a service request at a hotel, restaurant, or shop in Japan.
A typical check-in exchange sounds like this:
Yukaチェックインしたいのですが。スミスと申します。予約をしております。
(I’d like to check in. My name is Smith. I have a reservation.)
Reiかしこまりました。パスポートをお見せいただけますか？お部屋は304号室でございます。エレベーターは右手にございます。
(Certainly. May I see your passport? Your room is 304. The elevator is on your right.)
Useful vocabulary:
- エレベーター（えれべーたー）— elevator
- 〇〇号室（〇〇ごうしつ）— room number 〇〇
- 〇〇階（〇〇かい）— 〇〇th floor
- カードキー（かーどきー）— key card
- フロント（ふろんと）— front desk
Pro tip: In Japan, floors are counted starting from 1 (1階 = ground floor). There is no “0th floor,” so floor numbering should feel natural for American travelers. However, note that 4階（よんかい）is sometimes skipped in older buildings — 4（し）sounds like 死（し）, “death.”
2. Room Requests and Reporting Problems
Even the best hotels occasionally have a flickering light or a noisy neighbor. Knowing how to make a polite request — or report a problem — will get things resolved quickly. Japanese hotel staff are exceptionally responsive to clear, respectful requests.
Requesting extra items
| What you want | Japanese phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| Extra towels | タオルをもう一枚いただけますか？ | Could I have one more towel? |
| Extra pillow | 枕をもう一つお願いできますか？ | Could I have an extra pillow? |
| Extra blanket | 毛布を一枚いただけますか？ | Could I have a blanket? |
| Toothbrush/Toiletries | 歯ブラシはありますか？ | Do you have a toothbrush? |
| Hangers | ハンガーをお願いします。 | Hangers, please. |
Grammar pattern: 〜をいただけますか？（〜をいただけますか？） is your most flexible polite request tool. Break it down:
〜を = object marker | いただく = humble form of “to receive” | ますか = polite question ending
Slot any noun before を and you have a gracious hotel request.
Reporting a problem
| Problem | Japanese phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| AC not working | エアコンが壊れているようです。 | It seems the air conditioning is broken. |
| TV not working | テレビがつきません。 | The TV won’t turn on. |
| Noisy room | もう少し静かな部屋に変えていただけますか？ | Could I change to a quieter room? |
| Hot water not working | お湯が出ません。 | No hot water is coming out. |
| Light is broken | 電気がつきません。 | The light won’t come on. |
| Room hasn’t been cleaned | 部屋の掃除がまだのようです。 | It seems the room hasn’t been cleaned yet. |
Language note: Using 〜ようです（〜ようです）— “it seems/appears that” — softens your complaint significantly. Instead of declaring “The AC is broken!” you say “It seems the AC may be broken.” This indirect framing is culturally appropriate in Japan and makes staff more receptive. It also leaves room for the possibility that you may have simply missed a switch.
Yukaすみません、エアコンが壊れているようで、部屋がとても暑いのですが…
(Excuse me, it seems the air conditioning may be broken — my room is very hot…)
Rei大変失礼いたしました。すぐに係の者を向かわせます。少々お待ちいただけますか？
(We sincerely apologize. I’ll send a staff member right away. Could you wait just a moment?)
3. Amenities and Services
Japanese hotels — from budget business hotels to five-star properties — typically offer a rich set of services. Here’s how to ask about the most important ones.
Breakfast
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 朝食はついていますか？ | ちょうしょくはついていますか？ | Is breakfast included? |
| 朝食はどこですか？ | ちょうしょくはどこですか？ | Where is breakfast served? |
| 朝食は何時から何時までですか？ | ちょうしょくはなんじからなんじまでですか？ | What are the breakfast hours? |
| 和食と洋食、どちらがありますか？ | わしょくとようしょく、どちらがありますか？ | Do you have Japanese or Western breakfast? |
Vocabulary: 朝食（ちょうしょく）is the formal word for breakfast used in hotel contexts. In casual conversation you may also hear 朝ごはん（あさごはん）. 和食（わしょく）= Japanese food; 洋食（ようしょく）= Western food.
Wi-Fi, laundry, and parking
| Service | Japanese phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi password | Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えていただけますか？ | Could you tell me the Wi-Fi password? |
| Is there laundry? | コインランドリーはありますか？ | Is there a coin laundry? |
| Parking | 駐車場はありますか？ | Is there a parking lot? |
| Late check-out | チェックアウトを遅らせることはできますか？ | Can I extend my check-out time? |
| Vending machine | 自動販売機はどこですか？ | Where is the vending machine? |
| Ice machine | 製氷機はありますか？ | Is there an ice machine? |
Note on late check-out: Standard check-out in Japan is typically 11:00 AM or noon. Late check-out (レイトチェックアウト) is often available for an additional fee. It’s best to request this the evening before — don’t wait until check-out morning.
4. Staying at a Ryokan (旅館) — What’s Different
A ryokan（旅館・りょかん）is a traditional Japanese inn, and staying in one is a highlight of any Japan trip — but it comes with its own customs and vocabulary. If you’ve never stayed in one, the first evening can feel a little overwhelming. These phrases and notes will make you feel at home.
Key differences from Western hotels
- Futon on tatami: You sleep on a 布団（ふとん）laid on 畳（たたみ）floors. Staff will set it up after dinner. Don’t unfold it yourself when you arrive — it’s considered improper timing.
- Yukata: A 浴衣（ゆかた）— a casual cotton kimono — is provided in your room. Wear it around the inn, to meals, and to the bath.
- Slippers protocol: Wear slippers in hallways. Remove them before entering tatami rooms. There are separate toilet slippers in the bathroom — always swap back when you exit.
- Kaiseki meals: A multi-course dinner (懐石・かいせき) is usually served in your room or a private dining area at a set time. Confirm the time at check-in.
Essential ryokan phrases
| Situation | Japanese phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| Yukata size | 浴衣のサイズを変えていただけますか？ | Could I have a different size yukata? |
| Yukata how-to | 浴衣の着方を教えてください。 | Please show me how to wear the yukata. |
| Onsen hours | お風呂は何時から何時までですか？ | What are the bath hours? |
| Dinner time | 夕食は何時ですか？ | What time is dinner? |
| Private bath reservation | 貸切風呂の予約はできますか？ | Can I reserve a private bath? |
| Futon set-up time | 布団はいつ敷いていただけますか？ | When will the futon be set up? |
| Dietary restriction | アレルギーがあります。〇〇が食べられません。 | I have an allergy. I cannot eat 〇〇. |
Onsen etiquette phrases at a ryokan
The communal bath (大浴場・だいよくじょう) or hot spring (温泉・おんせん) is the heart of the ryokan experience. A few key phrases — and rules:
- Shower thoroughly before entering the bath: 湯船に入る前に体を洗ってください。 (“Please wash your body before entering the bath.”) — You don’t need to say this, but you must follow it.
- Tattoos: Many onsen still prohibit tattoos (タトゥーお断り). Ask ahead: タトゥーがあっても入浴できますか？(“Can people with tattoos use the bath?”)
- Towel in the bath: Don’t bring your large towel into the water. The small modesty towel (小タオル) should be folded on your head or left at the side.
- Male/female baths: 男湯（おとこゆ）= men’s bath; 女湯（おんなゆ）= women’s bath. Watch for the 暖簾（のれん）— the curtain at the entrance.
For a deeper dive into onsen vocabulary and etiquette, see our dedicated guide:
5. Asking for Local Recommendations
Hotel and ryokan staff are local experts. Most front desk staff know the neighborhood extremely well and are happy to share tips — especially when asked politely. This is one of the most underused traveler superpowers.
| You want to know… | Japanese phrase | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby restaurant | 近くにおすすめのレストランはありますか？ | Is there a recommended restaurant nearby? |
| Convenience store | コンビニはどこですか？ | Where is a convenience store? |
| Tourist spots | 近くに観光スポットはありますか？ | Are there tourist spots nearby? |
| Nearest train station | 最寄りの駅はどこですか？ | Where is the nearest train station? |
| Bus stop | バス停はどこですか？ | Where is the bus stop? |
| Walking time | 歩いて何分くらいですか？ | About how many minutes on foot? |
| Can I get a map? | 地図をいただけますか？ | Could I have a map? |
| Can you call a taxi? | タクシーを呼んでいただけますか？ | Could you call a taxi for me? |
Cultural tip: When asking for restaurant recommendations, mention your food preferences or budget if you can. おすすめのランチ（おすすめのらんち）— “recommended lunch” — is a phrase locals respond to enthusiastically. Staff may even call ahead to reserve a spot for you.
6. Checking Out and Luggage Storage
Check-out at Japanese hotels is typically smooth and quick. The bill (お会計・おかいけい or 請求書・せいきゅうしょ) is usually itemized clearly. You may be asked if you consumed anything from the minibar (冷蔵庫・れいぞうこ) or used pay-per-view TV services.
Check-out phrases
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| チェックアウトしたいのですが。 | チェックアウトしたいのですが。 | I’d like to check out. |
| 領収書をいただけますか？ | りょうしゅうしょをいただけますか？ | Could I have a receipt? |
| この明細は何ですか？ | このめいさいはなんですか？ | What is this item on the bill? |
| クレジットカードで払えますか？ | クレジットカードではらえますか？ | Can I pay by credit card? |
| 現金で払います。 | げんきんではらいます。 | I’ll pay in cash. |
Luggage storage (荷物預かり)
荷物預かり（にもつあずかり）— luggage storage — is a lifesaver on check-out day when your flight or train isn’t until the evening. Most hotels offer it for free until closing time.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 荷物を預かっていただけますか？ | にもつをあずかっていただけますか？ | Could you store my luggage? |
| 何時まで預かっていただけますか？ | なんじまであずかっていただけますか？ | Until what time can you store it? |
| 夕方５時に取りに来ます。 | ゆうがたごじにとりにきます。 | I’ll come to pick it up at 5 PM. |
| スーツケースが2つあります。 | スーツケースがふたつあります。 | I have two suitcases. |
Yukaチェックアウトしたいのですが、荷物を夕方まで預かっていただけますか？スーツケースが一つあります。
(I’d like to check out, but could you store my luggage until this evening? I have one suitcase.)
Reiもちろんでございます。こちらの荷物預かり票をお持ちください。お受け取りの際にご提示ください。
(Of course. Please keep this baggage claim ticket. Please show it when you pick up your luggage.)
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced Japanese learners make these errors at hotels. Being aware of them now means smoother stays.
Mistake 1: Using casual Japanese with hotel staff
Hotel staff speak to you in keigo（敬語・けいご）— honorific Japanese. You don’t need to match their level, but you should stay in polite （丁寧語・ていねいご）register at minimum. Avoid casual endings like だ or phrases you’d use with friends.
| Too casual (avoid) | Polite version (use this) |
|---|---|
| タオルくれる？ | タオルをいただけますか？ |
| チェックアウトしたい。 | チェックアウトしたいのですが。 |
| パスワード何？ | パスワードを教えていただけますか？ |
Mistake 2: Entering the onsen without showering first
This is the single most important ryokan etiquette rule. The communal bath water is shared — everyone must shower (シャワーを浴びる・しゃわーをあびる) and rinse completely before stepping into the 湯船（ゆぶね・the hot bath itself）. This is not optional.
Mistake 3: Confusing お風呂 timing at a ryokan
At a ryokan, お風呂（おふろ）hours matter. The baths are cleaned overnight and may not open until a specific time in the morning (often 6 AM). Some ryokan also split men’s and women’s sides during different times of day — or rotate them. Always ask: お風呂は何時から使えますか？(“From what time can I use the bath?”)
Mistake 4: Wearing outdoor slippers into the tatami room
Tatami rooms are slipper-free zones. Look for the threshold (段差・だんさ) — a step up into the tatami area. Remove your slippers there and leave them facing outward. Walking on tatami in slippers is a common mistake that signals unfamiliarity with Japanese customs.
Mistake 5: Not informing the ryokan about dietary restrictions in advance
Kaiseki meals are prepared hours in advance. If you have food allergies or restrictions, call or email the ryokan before your stay — not when you arrive. The phrase: アレルギーがありますので、事前にお知らせしたいのですが。(“I have an allergy and would like to inform you in advance.”)
8. Decision Flowchart: Which Phrase for Which Situation?
Use this quick decision guide to find the right phrase fast:
Are you at the front desk?
├── Arriving?
│ └── → チェックインしたいのですが。+ 予約をしております。
├── Leaving?
│ └── → チェックアウトしたいのですが。
└── Asking a question?
├── About breakfast → 朝食は何時からですか？
├── About Wi-Fi → Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えていただけますか？
├── About luggage storage → 荷物を預かっていただけますか？
└── About local area → 近くにおすすめの〇〇はありますか？
Is there a problem in your room?
├── Something broken → 〜が壊れているようです。
├── Something missing → 〜をいただけますか？
└── Too noisy → もう少し静かな部屋に変えていただけますか？
Are you at a ryokan?
├── Don't understand something → 〜を教えていただけますか？
├── Bath hours → お風呂は何時から何時までですか？
├── Dinner time → 夕食は何時ですか？
├── Yukata help → 浴衣の着方を教えてください。
└── Allergy/diet → アレルギーがあります。〇〇が食べられません。9. Quick Quiz
Test yourself on the phrases you’ve learned. Fill in the blank or choose the right translation.
Q1: How do you say “I’d like to check in” in Japanese?
a) チェックインしたい！
b) チェックインしたいのですが。
c) チェックインください。
Answer: b) チェックインしたいのですが。The trailing のですが makes it politely indirect — perfect for a service context. Option a) is too abrupt; option c) is not natural Japanese.
Q2: You want an extra towel. What do you say?
a) タオルが欲しい。
b) タオルをもう一枚いただけますか？
c) タオルをくれ。
Answer: b) タオルをもう一枚いただけますか？ Option a) is grammatically fine but too blunt for hotel use. Option c) is rude/command-like and should never be used with staff.
Q3: At a ryokan, what does お風呂は何時から何時までですか？ mean?
a) “Where is the bath?”
b) “Is the bath free to use?”
c) “What are the bath hours?”
Answer: c) 何時から（なんじから）= “from what time” / 何時まで（なんじまで）= “until what time.” This is a critical phrase for ryokan guests since bath hours are strictly observed.
Q4: You want to store your luggage after check-out. Which phrase do you use?
a) 荷物を持っていてください。
b) 荷物を預かっていただけますか？
c) 荷物はここに置いてもいいですか？
Answer: b) 荷物を預かっていただけますか？ uses the key verb 預かる（あずかる）= “to keep/store on behalf of someone.” Option c) (may I leave my luggage here?) is understandable but informal and doesn’t invoke the proper service request framing.
Q5: True or False — You can enter a ryokan onsen bath (湯船) without showering first if you’re in a hurry.
Answer: False. Showering before entering the 湯船 is a non-negotiable rule in Japanese bathing culture. This applies in all communal baths — public onsen, ryokan, and sento. Skipping it is considered extremely rude.
Summary: Your Hotel Japanese Cheat Sheet
| Situation | The phrase to use |
|---|---|
| Check in | チェックインしたいのですが。予約をしております。 |
| Extra item request | 〜をいただけますか？ |
| Problem in the room | 〜が壊れているようです。 |
| Ask about breakfast | 朝食は何時からですか？ |
| Ask for Wi-Fi password | Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えていただけますか？ |
| Ryokan: bath hours | お風呂は何時から何時までですか？ |
| Ryokan: yukata help | 浴衣の着方を教えてください。 |
| Luggage storage | 荷物を預かっていただけますか？ |
| Check out | チェックアウトしたいのですが。 |
| Receipt | 領収書をいただけますか？ |
Japanese hotel and ryokan staff are among the most hospitable people you will encounter anywhere in the world. The phrases in this guide are not just useful — they are a form of respect, a signal that you care about communicating thoughtfully in their language. Even a single well-placed いただけますか？ will earn a warmer smile than any amount of English fumbling.
Take the time to practice a few of these before your trip. Your future self — standing refreshed in a yukata, sipping tea in a tatami room overlooking a garden — will thank you.
Have you stayed at a Japanese hotel or ryokan before? Which phrase did you find most useful — or was there a situation you wish you had known the right words for? Share in the comments below! We’d love to hear your stories from the front desk.
Keep Learning
Ready to build on your travel Japanese? These articles pair perfectly with this guide:
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About the Author
Daisuke is the creator of JP YoKoSo — a Japanese learning site for English speakers. Every article is written to explain Japanese clearly, with real examples, grammar notes, and practical tips for learners at every level.
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