Japanese Travel Phrases: At the Airport and Hotel

Travel Phrases From Arrival to Check-In

Whether you’re arriving at Narita, navigating Shinjuku Station, or checking into a ryokan, these phrases cover the key language moments of travel in Japan. Knowing them in advance dramatically reduces travel anxiety.

At the Airport

At the Hotel

Check-in:

• 「チェックインをおねがいします。」— I’d like to check in.
• 「よやくをしています。〜です。」— I have a reservation. I’m ~.
• 「パスポートを みせてください。」— Please show your passport. (hotel says this)

Requests during stay:

• 「タオルを もっとください。」— Please bring more towels.
• 「ルームサービスを おねがいします。」— Room service please.
• 「エアコンのつかいかたを おしえてください。」— Please show me how to use the air conditioner.
• 「きんじょのスーパーは どこですか。」— Where is the nearest supermarket?

Check-out:

• 「チェックアウトをおねがいします。」— I’d like to check out.
• 「にもつを あずかってもらえますか。」— Could you look after my luggage?
• 「領収書をください。」— Please give me a receipt.

Emergency Situations

• 「パスポートをなくしました。」— I’ve lost my passport.
• 「さいふをぬすまれました。」— My wallet was stolen.
• 「たいしかんはどこですか。」— Where is the embassy?
• 「きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください。」— Please call an ambulance.

Yuka & Rei Navigate Arrival Day

Here is how these phrases sound in a real exchange. Notice how naturally the expressions flow — and how the conversation stays polite even when things get complicated.

Yuka

Rei, I’m going to Japan for the first time! Walk me through what to say from the airport to the hotel.

Rei

At immigration, they’ll ask にほんへのもくてきはなんですか？ — ‘What is your purpose of visiting Japan?’ Answer: かんこうです — ‘Sightseeing.’ Simple and clear.

Yuka

What about getting my luggage? I’m always confused at baggage claim.

Rei

Look for your flight number on the screens — same as any airport. If you can’t find it, ask staff: 〜びんのにもつはどこですか？ — ‘Where is the baggage for flight number ~?’ Very straightforward.

Yuka

And checking into the hotel — what’s the key phrase there?

Rei

Walk up to reception and say: チェックインをおねがいします。よやくをしている〜です。 — ‘I’d like to check in. I have a reservation under [name].’ Hand over your passport and they handle the rest. Most hotel staff speak some English too, so don’t panic!

5 Practice Sentences — Read These Aloud

Reading aloud forces your brain to process the phrase as sound, not just text. Do it five times for each sentence.

1. にもつをなくしました。どうしたらいいですか？
   I’ve lost my luggage. What should I do?
2. しんじゅくまでどうやっていきますか？
   How do I get to Shinjuku?
3. チェックアウトはなんじですか？
   What time is check-out?
4. このへんにコンビニはありますか？
   Is there a convenience store near here?
5. タクシーをよんでいただけますか？
   Could you call a taxi for me?

Your Turn! Leave Your Example in the Comments

The fastest way to make new phrases stick is to use them yourself. Pick one or two expressions from this article and write a sentence — or even a short conversation — based on your own life.

Drop your answer in the comments below. Other learners will read it, and seeing real examples from fellow students is one of the most motivating parts of learning a language. If you log in, your past comments stay on your profile — and our most active commenters appear in the Top Commenters list in the sidebar!

Yuka & Rei Navigate Arrival Day

Here is how these travel phrases play out from the moment you land in Japan.

Yuka

Rei, walk me through what to say from the airport to the hotel on my first Japan trip.

Rei

At immigration: にほんへのもくてきはなんですか？ — What is your purpose? Answer: かんこうです — Sightseeing. Short and clear.

Yuka

What if I lose my luggage at baggage claim?

Rei

Go to the airline counter and say: にもつがでてきません — My luggage hasn’t come out. They will handle it and speak enough English too.

Yuka

And for the hotel check-in?

Rei

Say: チェックインをおねがいします。よやくをしている〜です。 Hand over your passport. Most hotel staff handle this smoothly. You’re prepared!

5 Practice Sentences

1. にもつをなくしました。どうしたらいいですか？
   I’ve lost my luggage. What should I do?
2. しんじゅくまでどうやっていきますか？
   How do I get to Shinjuku?
3. チェックアウトはなんじですか？
   What time is check-out?
4. このへんにコンビニはありますか？
   Is there a convenience store near here?
5. タクシーをよんでいただけますか？
   Could you call a taxi for me?

Your Turn! Leave Your Sentence in the Comments

Pick a situation from this article and write your own phrase. Even one sentence counts as meaningful practice. Leave it in the comments — other readers will benefit from your example, and active commenters appear in our Top Commenters sidebar!

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