25 Essential Japanese Hotel Phrases for a Smooth Stay

Published: November 11, 2025 | Reading Time: 10 minutes

Japanese hospitality, or "omotenashi" (おもてなし), is famous all over the world. From modern business hotels to traditional ryokans, the level of service you'll get in Japan is really something special. While many hotel staff in major cities speak English, knowing key Japanese phrases makes your stay even better, shows cultural respect, and helps you handle situations where English support might be limited. Whether you're checking into a capsule hotel in Tokyo or a traditional inn in Kyoto, these 25 phrases will help you out.

Hotel front desk staff member in Japan assisting a guest, illustrating Japanese hospitality (omotenashi).
Figure 1: Using "Onegaishimasu" during check-in shows politeness.

On This Page

1. Why Hotel Phrases Matter 2. Making Reservations & Arrival 3. Check-In Process 4. Room Requests & Amenities 5. Hotel Services & Facilities 6. Handling Issues & Requests 7. Check-Out & Departure 8. Special: Ryokan & Onsen Etiquette 9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Hotel Phrases Matter

Hotels are your home base during your Japan trip. Being able to tell people what you need, understand the services, and get through check-in and check-out makes your stay way smoother. More importantly, using Japanese phrases shows respect for the culture and often gets you even better service than the already amazing standard.

"Omotenashi" (おもてなし) is about knowing what guests need before they even ask. When you speak Japanese, you're meeting your hosts halfway in this cultural exchange.

These phrases work for all types of places—from budget capsule hotels to luxury ryokans. The formality level is right for talking with staff in any hotel setting.

2. Making Reservations & Arrival

While most travelers book hotels online, these phrases come in handy for walk-ins, phone reservations, or confirming your booking when you arrive.

  • 予約をお願いします
    Yoyaku o onegaishimasu
    I'd like to make a reservation, please

    Useful when calling to book or when you want to reserve facilities like the onsen or restaurant.

  • 予約しています
    Yoyaku shite imasu
    I have a reservation

    Your most important phrase upon arrival. Follow with your name.

  • ___泊お願いします
    ___-haku onegaishimasu
    ___ night(s), please

    Replace with: ippaku (1 night), nihaku (2 nights), sanpaku (3 nights), yonhaku (4 nights).

  • シングルルーム / ダブルルーム
    Shinguru ruumu / Daburu ruumu
    Single room / Double room

    Also useful: "Tsuin ruumu" (twin room - two single beds), "Toripuru ruumu" (triple room).

3. Check-In Process

Check-in at Japanese hotels can be pretty formal. These phrases help you get through the process smoothly and understand what people are asking you.

  • チェックインをお願いします
    Chekku-in o onegaishimasu
    Check-in, please

    Say this when you approach the front desk. You'll typically need to show your passport.

  • 名前は___です
    Namae wa ___ desu
    My name is ___

    State your surname clearly. In Japan, surnames come first, but for reservations made in English, use your regular name order.

  • パスポートです
    Pasupooto desu
    Here is my passport

    Hotels are required to record foreign guests' passport information. Have it ready at check-in.

  • チェックアウトは何時ですか?
    Chekku-auto wa nanji desu ka?
    What time is check-out?

    Standard check-out is usually 10 or 11 AM. Knowing this helps you plan your morning.

  • 朝食は付いていますか?
    Choushoku wa tsuite imasu ka?
    Is breakfast included?

    If yes: "Tsuite imasu" (It's included). If no: "Tsuite imasen" (It's not included). You can also ask "Nanjikara desu ka?" (From what time?).

Check-In Tip

Japanese hotels take check-in and check-out times seriously. Early check-in might cost extra, and late check-out needs to be set up ahead of time. If you get there before check-in time, most hotels will happily store your luggage for you. Use "Nimotsu o azuketemo ii desu ka?" (May I leave my luggage?).

4. Room Requests & Amenities

Japanese hotel rooms are often smaller than what you might be used to in the West, but they're designed really efficiently. These phrases help you ask for what you need.

  • 部屋を見てもいいですか?
    Heya o mite mo ii desu ka?
    May I see the room?

    More common in budget accommodations or ryokans. Most chain hotels won't accommodate this request.

  • もっと静かな部屋はありますか?
    Motto shizukana heya wa arimasu ka?
    Do you have a quieter room?

    Useful if you're given a room near elevators or an ice machine. You can also request "Kinchou menjou no heya" (non-smoking room).

  • ___をもう一つください
    ___ o mou hitotsu kudasai
    One more ___, please

    Fill in with: taoru (towel), makura (pillow), moufu (blanket), hangar (hanger).

  • Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか?
    Wai-fai no pasuwaado wa nan desu ka?
    What is the Wi-Fi password?

    Most hotels have free Wi-Fi. The password is often in your room or provided at check-in.

  • エアコンの使い方を教えてください
    Eakon no tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai
    Please show me how to use the air conditioner

    Japanese AC/heating controls can be complex. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Replace "eakon" with other appliances.

5. Hotel Services & Facilities

Understanding hotel services and how to ask for them is key to having a comfortable stay.

  • ___はどこですか?
    ___ wa doko desu ka?
    Where is the ___?

    Essential for finding: onsen (hot spring bath), sentaku-shitsu (laundry room), jihanki (vending machine), erebeetaa (elevator), kaidan (stairs).

  • ルームサービスをお願いします
    Ruumu saabisu o onegaishimasu
    Room service, please

    Call from your room phone. Note that many budget and mid-range hotels don't offer room service.

  • モーニングコールをお願いします
    Mooningu kooru o onegaishimasu
    Wake-up call, please

    Follow with the time: "Gozen roku-ji ni" (at 6 AM). Gozen = AM, Gogo = PM.

  • 荷物を預けてもいいですか?
    Nimotsu o azuketemo ii desu ka?
    May I leave my luggage?

    Perfect for before check-in or after check-out. Hotels will store luggage for free on your check-in/check-out day.

  • タクシーを呼んでいただけますか?
    Takushii o yonde itadakemasu ka?
    Could you call a taxi for me?

    Front desk staff are happy to arrange transportation. You can also ask them to write your destination in Japanese.

Understanding Hotel Amenities

Japanese hotels often have unique amenities and services. Reading the hotel information booklets in your room helps you find out about restaurants, massage services, and other convenient facilities on site. Building your reading ability through real content helps you understand these materials and get the most out of your stay.

YoMoo gives you articles about Japanese hospitality, travel tips, and cultural insights—great for understanding the background behind hotel services and customs.

6. Handling Issues & Requests

Sometimes things go wrong. These phrases help you politely tell people about problems and ask for help.

  • ___が壊れています
    ___ ga kowarete imasu
    The ___ is broken

    Fill in with: terebi (TV), eakon (AC), shawaa (shower), toire (toilet), denki (light).

  • ___が出ません
    ___ ga demasen
    The ___ doesn't come out / work

    For: oyu (hot water), mizu (water). "Oyu ga demasen" = Hot water doesn't come out.

  • 隣の部屋がうるさいです
    Tonari no heya ga urusai desu
    The room next door is noisy

    Staff will handle noise complaints professionally. Japanese hotels really value quiet environments.

  • 部屋を変えていただけますか?
    Heya o kaete itadakemasu ka?
    Could I change rooms?

    Use this if there's a problem with your current room. Hotels will usually accommodate if rooms are available.

  • ___を忘れました
    ___ o wasuremashita
    I forgot my ___

    For: heya no kagi (room key), pasupoto (passport), saifu (wallet). Follow with "Arimasu ka?" (Do you have it?).

7. Check-Out & Departure

Checking out smoothly and thanking people for the hospitality is important in Japanese culture.

  • チェックアウトをお願いします
    Chekku-auto o onegaishimasu
    Check-out, please

    Return your room key and settle any outstanding charges.

  • レイトチェックアウトは可能ですか?
    Reito chekku-auto wa kanou desu ka?
    Is late check-out possible?

    Usually costs extra. Ask about this the night before or early in the morning.

  • 領収書をください
    Ryoushuusho o kudasai
    Receipt, please

    Important for business travelers or expense tracking.

  • クレジットカードで払えますか?
    Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka?
    Can I pay by credit card?

    Most hotels accept cards, but some smaller ryokans may be cash-only.

  • お世話になりました
    Osewa ni narimashita
    Thank you for taking care of me

    A polite way of thanking them for their hospitality. Great for check-out. This phrase goes beyond "thank you" to recognize the care you got.

8. Special: Ryokan & Onsen Etiquette

Traditional ryokans and onsen (hot spring baths) have specific customs and etiquette. Understanding these phrases and rules makes your experience even better.

What is a Ryokan?

A ryokan (旅館) is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami mat floors, futon bedding, Japanese-style meals (kaiseki), and often an onsen. Staying at a ryokan is a cultural experience that gives you a deeper look into Japanese hospitality traditions.

  • 大浴場は何時まで開いていますか?
    Daiyokujou wa nanji made aite imasu ka?
    Until what time is the large bath open?

    Important to know since many onsens close late at night or have times when they're being cleaned. Some switch between men's and women's hours.

  • 浴衣を着てもいいですか?
    Yukata o kite mo ii desu ka?
    May I wear the yukata?

    Yukata (casual cotton kimono) are provided in ryokans. You can wear them around the inn and to the onsen. Proper wrapping: left side over right (right over left is for funerals!).

  • 夕食は部屋で食べられますか?
    Yuushoku wa heya de taberaremasu ka?
    Can I eat dinner in my room?

    Many ryokans serve fancy kaiseki dinners in your room or in a private dining area. Breakfast works the same way.

  • タトゥーがあります
    Tatuu ga arimasu
    I have a tattoo

    Many onsens don't allow tattoos because of their connection with yakuza. Some have private baths or are tattoo-friendly. Always ask ahead of time: "Tatuu demo daijoubu desu ka?" (Are tattoos okay?).

Basic Onsen Etiquette

  • Wash thoroughly before entering: Use the shower station to soap and rinse completely
  • No clothes or towels in the bath: You can bring a small towel for modesty while walking, but don't put it in the water
  • Hair up: Long hair should be tied up to keep it out of the water
  • Quiet atmosphere: Onsens are for relaxation—keep conversations quiet
  • Hydrate: Drink water before and after to avoid dehydration

9. Frequently Asked Questions

No, tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Excellent service is considered standard, and staff take pride in their work without expecting tips. Expressing gratitude through phrases like "Arigatou gozaimashita" and "Osewa ni narimashita" is the appropriate way to show appreciation.

Go to the front desk and say "Heya no kagi o nakushimashita" (I lost my room key) or "Heya no kagi o wasuremashita" (I forgot my room key). Bring your identification. Most hotels will issue a replacement immediately, though some may charge a small fee for lost keys. Modern hotels with card keys can easily reprogram a new one.

You can ask, but availability depends on the hotel's occupancy and cleaning schedule. Use "Aarii chekku-in wa kanou desu ka?" (Is early check-in possible?) or "Reito chekku-auto wa kanou desu ka?" (Is late check-out possible?). Early check-in is often difficult, but hotels will store luggage. Late check-out usually incurs an hourly or half-day fee. Request these the day before or early in the morning.

Hotels in Japan are similar to Western hotels with beds, private bathrooms, and optional meals. Ryokans are traditional inns with tatami floors, futon bedding, communal baths (often onsen), and typically include kaiseki meals. Ryokans offer a more cultural, immersive experience with higher service expectations and etiquette. They're usually more expensive but provide a unique glimpse into Japanese hospitality traditions.

In Western-style hotels, you can wear shoes in hallways and lobbies but should remove them in your room if it has tatami mats. In ryokans, you remove your shoes at the entrance and wear provided slippers in hallways. Never wear outdoor shoes or even slippers on tatami. Separate toilet slippers are provided for bathroom use only—never wear them outside the bathroom! The rule is simple: remove shoes before stepping on any raised surface or tatami.

Most hotels have at least one English-speaking staff member, especially in major cities. If communication is difficult, try using translation apps, showing pictures, or writing/drawing what you need. Hotel staff are trained to be helpful and will make every effort to understand and assist you. You can also say "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?) or "Eigo ga dekiru hito wa imasu ka?" (Is there someone who can speak English?).

Final Thoughts

Japanese hotels and ryokans offer world-class hospitality based on the principle of omotenashi—knowing and taking care of guests' needs with grace and attention to detail. By learning these key phrases, you show respect for this cultural value and make your own experience even better. Whether you're staying in a budget business hotel or a luxury ryokan, phrases like "Osewa ni narimashita" (Thank you for taking care of me) recognize the care you've gotten and create real connections with your hosts.