Travel & Accommodation

Japanese Hotel Phrases: Check-in, Requests & Ryokan Tips

Traveling in Japan? This guide gives you the essential Japanese phrases for hotel stays — from check-in and check-out to breakfast, onsen baths, and room requests. You’ll also learn the etiquette that makes staying in Japanese hotels, ryokan, and business hotels smoother and more enjoyable.

Understanding Japanese Hotel Culture and Accommodation Types

You're arriving at your hotel in Japan and need to check in, ask about amenities like breakfast and onsen hot springs, make special requests for your room, and handle check-out procedures smoothly

Essential Japanese Phrases for Hotel Check-in, Room Service, and Guest Requests

二泊にはくの予約よやくがあります。

Nihaku no yoyaku ga arimasu.

"I have a reservation for two nights."

Grammar: Possession statement using 'ga arimasu' for reservations, with counter 'haku/paku' for nights

チェックインをお願ねがいします。

Chekkuin o onegaishimasu.

"I'd like to check in, please."

Grammar: Standard polite request using 'o onegaishimasu' for services

パスポートを見みせていただけますか？

Pasupōto o misete itadakemasu ka?

"May I have your passport, please?"

Grammar: Ultra-polite request from staff using humble form 'itadakemasu' for receiving favor

一泊いっぱくの料金りょうきんはいくらですか？

Ippaku no ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?

"How much is the room per night?"

Grammar: Price inquiry using 'ikura' (how much) with specific night counter 'ippaku'

ご署名しょめいをお願ねがいします。

Go-shomei o onegaishimasu.

"I'll need you to sign, please."

Grammar: Formal staff request using honorific prefix 'go-' showing respect to guest

朝食ちょうしょくは料金りょうきんに含ふくまれていますか？

Chōshoku wa ryōkin ni fukumarete imasu ka?

"Is breakfast included with my stay?"

Grammar: Inclusion inquiry using passive form 'fukumarete imasu' (is included)

朝食ちょうしょくは何時なんじから何時なんじまでですか？

Chōshoku wa nanji kara nanji made desu ka?

"What time is breakfast served?"

Grammar: Time range question using 'nanji kara nanji made' (from what time to what time)

チェックアウトは何時なんじですか？

Chekkuauto wa nanji desu ka?

"What time is check-out?"

Grammar: Direct time inquiry for hotel procedures using question word 'nanji' (what time)

タオルをもう一枚いちまいいただけますか？

Taoru o mō ichimai itadakemasu ka?

"Could I have an extra towel, please?"

Grammar: Additional item request using 'mō ichimai' (one more [flat object]) with humble form 'itadakemasu'

荷物にもつを預あずかっていただけますか？

Nimotsu o azukatte itadakemasu ka?

"Could you keep my luggage for me?"

Grammar: Polite request for service using 'azukatte itadakemasu' (receive the favor of holding)

ホテルに温泉おんせんはありますか？

Hoteru ni onsen wa arimasu ka?

"Is there a hot spring in the hotel?"

Grammar: Existence question using location marker 'ni' + 'arimasu ka' (is there...?)

温泉おんせんは何階なんがいにありますか？

Onsen wa nangai ni arimasu ka?

"What floor is the hot spring on?"

Grammar: Floor location inquiry using question word 'nangai' (which floor) with existence verb

近ちかくのレストランをおすすめしていただけますか？

Chikaku no resutoran o osusume shite itadakemasu ka?

"Could you recommend a nearby restaurant?"

Grammar: Recommendation request using 'osusume shite itadakemasu' (receive the favor of recommending)

ランドリーサービスはありますか？

Randorī sābisu wa arimasu ka?

"Is there a laundry service available?"

Grammar: Service availability inquiry using simple existence question pattern

午前ごぜん7時じにモーニングコールをお願ねがいできますか？

Gozen shichiji ni mōningu kōru o onegai dekimasu ka?

"Could I get a wake-up call at 7 AM?"

Grammar: Specific time request using 'ni' (at) + time + service request with 'onegai dekimasu'

エアコンが動うごいていません。

Eakon ga ugoite imasen.

"The air conditioning isn't working."

Grammar: Reporting malfunction using negative progressive form 'ugoite imasen' (is not working)

チェックアウトの時間じかんを延長えんちょうできますか？

Chekkuauto no jikan o enchō dekimasu ka?

"Could you extend my checkout time?"

Grammar: Extension request using potential form 'dekimasu ka' (can/is it possible to...?)

眺ながめの良よい部屋へやはありますか？

Nagame no yoi heya wa arimasu ka?

"Do you have any rooms with a view?"

Grammar: Room preference inquiry using descriptive phrase 'nagame no yoi' (with good view)

禁煙室きんえんしつをお願ねがいします。

Kin'enshitsu o onegaishimasu.

"I'd like a non-smoking room, please."

Grammar: Room type specification using direct request pattern with 'o onegaishimasu'

製氷機せいひょうきはどこにありますか？

Seihyōki wa doko ni arimasu ka?

"Where can I find the ice machine?"

Grammar: Location inquiry using question word 'doko' (where) with existence verb

お世話せわになりました。

Osewa ni narimashita.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Grammar: Formal gratitude expression meaning 'I have been in your care' - essential hotel checkout phrase

Japanese Hotel Etiquette: From Business Hotels to Traditional Ryokan

Japanese hotel staff provide exceptional service with careful attention to detail. They use formal keigo language and prioritize guest comfort above all. Don't hesitate to make reasonable requests - staff genuinely want to help make your stay perfect.

Check-in procedures in Japan are thorough but efficient. You'll typically need your passport for registration (required by Japanese law), and staff will explain hotel facilities, breakfast times, and amenities in detail. This initial explanation is part of Japanese hospitality culture.

Shoes-off culture applies in many Japanese hotels, especially ryokan and some business hotels. Look for slippers at the entrance and pay attention to where shoes are removed. Room slippers should never be worn into bathrooms or tatami mat areas.

Onsen (hot spring) etiquette is crucial in hotels with bathing facilities. You must wash thoroughly before entering shared baths, and tattoos may be prohibited in some facilities. Private family baths (kazoku-buro) are alternatives if you have tattoos or prefer privacy.

Japanese hotels often have specific quiet hours (typically 10 PM - 7 AM), and noise consideration for other guests is highly valued. Speaking softly in hallways and common areas shows respect for the wa (harmony) culture.

Breakfast timing is strictly observed - arriving late may mean missing the meal entirely. Many hotels serve traditional Japanese breakfast (washoku) alongside Western options, and the set times reflect kitchen preparation schedules.

Japanese Grammar Patterns for Polite Hotel Communication and Service Requests

〜を預あずかっていただけますか？

very-polite

Ultra-polite request pattern meaning 'Could you keep/hold [something] for me?' using humble form 'azukatte itadakemasu ka'

When asking staff to hold luggage, valuables, or items for you

〜は料金りょうきんに含ふくまれていますか？

polite

Inclusion inquiry pattern: 'Is [something] included in the price?' using passive form 'fukumarete imasu ka'

Asking whether breakfast, wifi, parking, or other amenities are included in room rate

〜は何時なんじから何時なんじまでですか？

polite

Time range inquiry: 'From what time to what time is [something]?' using 'nanji kara nanji made'

Asking about operating hours for breakfast, onsen, check-out, or other time-dependent services

〜をもう一いち[counter]いただけますか？

very-polite

Polite request for additional items using 'mō ichi-[counter] itadakemasu ka' (could I have one more...?)

Requesting extra towels, pillows, blankets, or other room items

ご署名しょめいをお願ねがいします

very-polite

Formal request pattern staff uses: 'Please sign' using honorific prefix 'go-' and 'onegaishimasu'

What reception staff say when requesting your signature on registration forms

〜は何階なんがいにありますか？

polite

Location inquiry for facilities: 'What floor is [something] on?' using 'nangai ni arimasu ka'

Finding location of onsen, restaurants, vending machines, or other hotel facilities

Complete Japanese Hotel Vocabulary: Rooms, Amenities, and Facilities

Japanese	Romaji	English	Category
予約よやく	yoyaku	reservation/booking	Check-in
チェックイン	chekkuin	check-in	Check-in
チェックアウト	chekkuauto	check-out	Check-in
宿泊しゅくはく	shukuhaku	lodging/stay	Check-in
パスポート	pasupōto	passport	Check-in
署名しょめい	shomei	signature	Check-in
泊はく	haku/paku	night(s) of stay (counter)	Check-in
延泊えんぱく	enpaku	extended stay	Check-in
部屋へや	heya	room	Rooms
シングルルーム	shinguru rūmu	single room	Rooms
ダブルルーム	daburu rūmu	double room	Rooms
ツインルーム	tsuin rūmu	twin room (two beds)	Rooms
和室わしつ	washitsu	Japanese-style room (tatami)	Rooms
洋室ようしつ	yōshitsu	Western-style room	Rooms
禁煙室きんえんしつ	kin'enshitsu	non-smoking room	Rooms
喫煙室きつえんしつ	kitsuenshitsu	smoking room	Rooms
料金りょうきん	ryōkin	fee/charge/rate	Payment
一泊いっぱく	ippaku	one night (stay)	Payment
二泊にはく	nihaku	two nights (stay)	Payment
含ふくまれる	fukumareru	to be included	Payment
追加料金ついかりょうきん	tsuika ryōkin	additional charge	Payment
税金ぜいきん	zeikin	tax	Payment
サービス料りょう	sābisu ryō	service charge	Payment
朝食ちょうしょく	chōshoku	breakfast	Meals
夕食ゆうしょく	yūshoku	dinner	Meals
バイキング	baikingu	buffet	Meals
和食わしょく	washoku	Japanese cuisine	Meals
洋食ようしょく	yōshoku	Western cuisine	Meals
ルームサービス	rūmu sābisu	room service	Meals
温泉おんせん	onsen	hot spring bath	Facilities
大浴場だいよくじょう	daiyokujō	large communal bath	Facilities
露天風呂ろてんぶろ	rotenburo	outdoor bath	Facilities
家族風呂かぞくぶろ	kazokuburo	family/private bath	Facilities
エレベーター	erebētā	elevator	Facilities
Wi-Fi	waifai	wifi	Facilities
ランドリー	randorī	laundry	Facilities
自動販売機じどうはんばいき	jidō hanbaiki	vending machine	Facilities
製氷機せいひょうき	seihyōki	ice machine	Facilities
タオル	taoru	towel	Amenities
歯はブラシ	haburashi	toothbrush	Amenities
シャンプー	shanpū	shampoo	Amenities
ボディソープ	bodi sōpu	body soap	Amenities
ドライヤー	doraiyā	hair dryer	Amenities
浴衣ゆかた	yukata	casual kimono (room wear)	Amenities
スリッパ	surippa	slippers	Amenities
枕まくら	makura	pillow	Amenities
毛布もうふ	mōfu	blanket	Amenities
荷物にもつ	nimotsu	luggage/baggage	Luggage
スーツケース	sūtsukēsu	suitcase	Luggage
預あずける	azukeru	to check/leave (items)	Luggage
クローク	kurōku	cloakroom/luggage storage	Luggage
コインロッカー	koin rokkā	coin locker	Luggage
階かい	kai/gai	floor (counter)	Location
何階なんがい	nangai	which floor	Location
一階いっかい	ikkai	first floor	Location
フロント	furonto	front desk/reception	Location
ロビー	robī	lobby	Location
レストラン	resutoran	restaurant	Location
モーニングコール	mōningu kōru	wake-up call	Requests
鍵かぎ	kagi	key	Requests
カードキー	kādo kī	key card	Requests
部屋番号へやばんごう	heya bangō	room number	Requests
清掃せいそう	seisō	cleaning	Requests
今日きょう	kyō	today	Time
明日あした	ashita	tomorrow	Time
昨日きのう	kinō	yesterday	Time
午前ごぜん	gozen	morning/AM	Time
午後ごご	gogo	afternoon/PM	Time
近ちかく	chikaku	nearby/vicinity	Recommendations
おすすめ	osusume	recommendation	Recommendations
コンビニ	konbini	convenience store	Recommendations
観光地かんこうち	kankōchi	tourist spot	Recommendations

Practical Tips for Booking and Staying in Japanese Hotels and Ryokan

Cultural

Understanding Japanese Hotel Categories

Japan offers diverse accommodation types each with distinct etiquette: Business hotels (bijinesu hoteru) are compact and efficient with minimal service interaction. City hotels provide full service with English-speaking staff. Ryokan are traditional inns requiring shoes-off culture and often including kaiseki meals. Capsule hotels are budget options with shared facilities and strict quiet rules.

Tip

Check-in Timing and Early Arrival Strategy

Standard check-in is typically 3:00-4:00 PM, and arriving earlier won't get you early access to rooms. However, most hotels will store luggage before check-in time, allowing you to explore freely. Use the phrase 'Nimotsu o azukatte itadakemasu ka?' (荷物を預かっていただけますか？) to request luggage storage upon early arrival.

Watch Out

Don't Miss Breakfast Times

Japanese hotel breakfast has strict service windows, typically 7:00-9:30 AM. Arriving at 9:25 AM often means rushed service or being turned away. The kitchen operates on precision schedules, and late arrival disrupts operations. Always confirm exact breakfast times during check-in.

Example:Wrong: Assuming you can grab breakfast anytime before 10 AM → Right: Arriving by 9:00 AM at latest for relaxed dining

Cultural

Onsen and Bath House Etiquette Essentials

If your hotel has onsen facilities, know the rules: Wash completely before entering communal baths, never bring towels into the water, and tattoos may prohibit entry. Many hotels now offer private family baths (kazoku-buro) that you can book, which bypass tattoo restrictions and offer privacy for those uncomfortable with public bathing.

Tip

Room Slippers Zones Matter

Japanese hotels provide different slippers for different zones. Regular room slippers (room wear slippers) should be removed before entering tatami areas. Toilet slippers are exclusively for bathroom use and must never be worn outside the toilet area. This distinction is crucial for maintaining cleanliness standards.

Watch Out

Checkout Time Is Strict

Standard checkout is 10:00-11:00 AM, and Japanese hotels enforce this precisely. Late checkout often incurs automatic charges, sometimes a full night's rate. If you need flexibility, ask about late checkout during check-in: 'Chekkuauto no jikan o enchō dekimasu ka?' (チェックアウトの時間を延長できますか？)

Example:Many hotels allow 1-2 hour extensions for ¥1,000-3,000 if rooms aren't fully booked

Tip

Ryokan Meal Inclusion Terminology

When booking ryokan, understand meal terms: 'sudomari' (素泊まり) means room only, 'ippaku chōshoku-tsuki' (一泊朝食付き) includes breakfast, 'ippaku nishoku-tsuki' (一泊二食付き) includes dinner and breakfast. Traditional kaiseki dinners are served at set times (typically 6:00-7:30 PM), not à la carte.

Cultural

Yukata Wearing in Hotels

Hotels often provide yukata (casual cotton kimono). It's acceptable to wear yukata around the hotel, to onsen, and even to nearby konbini in hot spring towns. The correct way is left side over right (right over left is for funerals). Don't be shy - locals expect tourists to enjoy this aspect of Japanese hotel culture.

Tip

Post-Checkout Luggage Storage

Most hotels will store luggage after checkout for free, allowing full-day sightseeing before catching evening trains. Simply ask: 'Nimotsu o azukatte itadakemasu ka?' (荷物を預かっていただけますか？) Staff typically keep items until 8:00-9:00 PM. Some major hotels offer this service for multiple days if you're returning.

Watch Out

Don't Assume All Staff Speak English

While major Tokyo hotels have English-speaking staff, regional business hotels and family-run ryokan may not. Learning key phrases in Japanese shows respect and dramatically improves service quality. Staff appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation isn't perfect - the attempt matters more than accuracy.

Example:Use 'Eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasu ka?' (英語えいごを話はなせる人ひとはいますか？) if you need English assistance

More Japanese Conversation Guides

Food Experiences

Japanese Hotel Phrases: Check-in, Requests & Ryokan Tips

Understanding Japanese Hotel Culture and Accommodation Types

Essential Japanese Phrases for Hotel Check-in, Room Service, and Guest Requests

Japanese Hotel Etiquette: From Business Hotels to Traditional Ryokan

Japanese Grammar Patterns for Polite Hotel Communication and Service Requests

Complete Japanese Hotel Vocabulary: Rooms, Amenities, and Facilities

Practical Tips for Booking and Staying in Japanese Hotels and Ryokan

Understanding Japanese Hotel Categories

Check-in Timing and Early Arrival Strategy

Don't Miss Breakfast Times

Onsen and Bath House Etiquette Essentials

Room Slippers Zones Matter

Checkout Time Is Strict

Ryokan Meal Inclusion Terminology

Yukata Wearing in Hotels

Post-Checkout Luggage Storage

Don't Assume All Staff Speak English

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