【Part.8】 10 Useful Japanese Phrases for Staying at a Ryokan: A Guide to Traditional Japanese Inns 🇯🇵♨️
If you're traveling to Japan, why not try staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn?
A ryokan offers a different experience from a typical hotel. You might sleep in a tatami room, wear a yukata, relax in a hot spring bath, and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
It's a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture during your trip.
However, if you're staying at a ryokan for the first time, you might have a few questions:
What should I say when checking in?
How do I wear a yukata?
Where is the hot spring bath?
How do I ask about meal times?
Do I need to lay out my own futon?
Don't worry! You don't need to speak perfect Japanese to enjoy your stay.
Learning a few simple phrases can help you communicate with the staff and feel more comfortable.
In this guide, we'll introduce 10 useful Japanese phrases for staying at a ryokan, along with practical tips and important things to know before your visit.
Let's get started!
1. Useful Japanese Phrases for Check-In
① 「チェックインをお願いします」
Romaji: Chekku-in o onegaishimasu.
English: I'd like to check in, please.
This is a basic phrase to use when you arrive at your ryokan.
For example, you can say:
「こんにちは。チェックインをお願いします。」
Konnichiwa. Chekku-in o onegaishimasu.
Hello. I'd like to check in, please.
You can also show the staff your reservation confirmation on your smartphone.
At some ryokan, the staff may explain how to use the facilities, when meals are served, and other important details about your stay.
If you don't understand their explanation, try this phrase:
「もう一度お願いします。」
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
Could you repeat that, please?
It's a useful expression whenever you need someone to repeat something.
② 「荷物を預かってもらえますか？」
Romaji: Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?
English: Could you store my luggage?
This phrase is useful if you arrive before check-in or want to explore the area after checking out.
For example, if you arrive early, you can ask:
「荷物を預かってもらえますか？」
Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?
Could you store my luggage?
Some ryokan offer luggage storage before check-in or after check-out, but availability and conditions vary.
If you plan to arrive early, it's a good idea to contact the ryokan in advance.
2. Useful Japanese Phrases for Yukata and Ryokan Facilities
③ 「浴衣の着方を教えてください」
Romaji: Yukata no kikata o oshiete kudasai.
English: Could you show me how to wear a yukata?
Many ryokan provide a yukata, a casual traditional Japanese garment similar to a lightweight robe.
Depending on the ryokan, you may be able to wear it while relaxing in your room or walking around certain areas of the property.
If you're wearing a yukata for the first time, you might wonder how to wrap it or tie the belt.
Simply ask:
「すみません、浴衣の着方を教えてください。」
Sumimasen, yukata no kikata o oshiete kudasai.
Excuse me, could you show me how to wear a yukata?
An important tip about wearing a yukata
When putting on a yukata, wrap the left side over the right side from your own perspective.
The opposite arrangement is traditionally associated with dressing the deceased in Japan, so it's important to get the overlap right.
If you're unsure, ask the staff for help.
④ 「温泉はどこですか？」
Romaji: Onsen wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the hot spring bath?
If your ryokan has a hot spring bath, you'll probably want to know where it is!
You can ask:
「温泉はどこですか？」
Onsen wa doko desu ka?
Where is the hot spring bath?
Some ryokan have separate bathing areas for men and women. Others may offer private baths that require reservations.
Opening hours and access rules vary, so check the information provided by your ryokan.
3. Useful Japanese Phrases for Hot Spring Baths
⑤ 「タオルはどこにありますか？」
Romaji: Taoru wa doko ni arimasu ka?
English: Where can I find the towels?
When visiting a hot spring bath, you may wonder where to get a towel.
Some ryokan provide towels in guest rooms, while others offer them near the bathing area.
If you're unsure, ask:
「タオルはどこにありますか？」
Taoru wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Where can I find the towels?
Here are some other useful phrases:
「脱衣所はどこですか？」 — Datsuijo wa doko desu ka? — Where is the changing room?
「露天風呂はどこですか？」 — Rotenburo wa doko desu ka? — Where is the outdoor bath?
「ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？」 — Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? — Is it okay to take a photo here?
Important: Photography is generally prohibited in bathing areas and changing rooms to protect everyone's privacy. Always follow the facility's rules and posted signs.
⑥ 「温泉の利用時間は何時までですか？」
Romaji: Onsen no riyou jikan wa nanji made desu ka?
English: What time does the hot spring bath close?
Use this phrase when you want to check the bathing hours.
For example, if you plan to enjoy the hot spring after dinner, you can ask:
「温泉の利用時間は何時までですか？」
Onsen no riyou jikan wa nanji made desu ka?
What time does the hot spring bath close?
Some baths close temporarily for cleaning, and some ryokan change which bathing area is available to men and women at different times.
Checking the schedule will help you plan your visit.
4. Useful Japanese Phrases for Meals at a Ryokan
⑦ 「夕食は何時からですか？」
Romaji: Yuushoku wa nanji kara desu ka?
English: What time does dinner start?
Some ryokan offer dinner and breakfast as part of the accommodation package.
Meal times may be fixed, so it's helpful to check the schedule when you arrive.
You can ask:
「夕食は何時からですか？」
Yuushoku wa nanji kara desu ka?
What time does dinner start?
To ask about breakfast, say:
「朝食は何時からですか？」
Choushoku wa nanji kara desu ka?
What time does breakfast start?
If you want to know where meals are served, ask:
「食事会場はどこですか？」
Shokuji kaijou wa doko desu ka?
Where is the dining area?
If you're running late for a scheduled meal, contact the ryokan as soon as possible.
⑧ 「これは何の料理ですか？」
Romaji: Kore wa nan no ryouri desu ka?
English: What kind of dish is this?
Ryokan meals may include a variety of Japanese dishes, such as sashimi, grilled fish, simmered vegetables, and tempura.
If you see something unfamiliar, you can ask:
「これは何の料理ですか？」
Kore wa nan no ryouri desu ka?
What kind of dish is this?
If you want to know which ingredients are used, try:
「これは何が入っていますか？」
Kore wa nani ga haitte imasu ka?
What ingredients are in this?
If you have a food allergy, tell the staff before you begin eating.
For example:
「すみません、エビのアレルギーがあります。」
Sumimasen, ebi no arerugii ga arimasu.
Excuse me, I have a shrimp allergy.
Food allergy tip: If you have a food allergy, explain it clearly in advance and ask whether the ryokan can accommodate it. Ingredients and preparation methods can vary, so make sure you understand the staff's response before eating.
5. Useful Japanese Phrases for Your Room and Futon
⑨ 「布団は自分で敷きますか？」
Romaji: Futon wa jibun de shikimasu ka?
English: Should I lay out the futon myself?
In a traditional Japanese-style room, you may sleep on a futon placed on the tatami floor instead of a Western-style bed.
Depending on the ryokan, staff may prepare the futon for you, or you may be expected to lay it out yourself.
If you're unsure, simply ask:
「布団は自分で敷きますか？」
Futon wa jibun de shikimasu ka?
Should I lay out the futon myself?
Some ryokan have a specific time when staff prepare the bedding, so check any instructions you receive.
⑩ 「ありがとうございました」
Romaji: Arigatou gozaimashita.
English: Thank you very much.
This is a useful phrase when thanking the staff for their help.
You can say it when checking out, after receiving assistance, or at the end of a meal.
For example:
「ありがとうございました。」
Arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you very much.
In Japan, expressing gratitude is a common part of everyday communication.
Even a simple thank-you can help you end an interaction on a friendly note.
6. Ryokan Etiquette: Things to Know Before Your Stay
A few simple tips can help you enjoy your ryokan experience and feel more confident during your visit.
Take off your shoes in tatami rooms
If your guest room has tatami flooring, you would normally remove your shoes before entering.
Follow the signs and instructions at the entrance. Slippers may be provided, but you may be asked to remove them before stepping onto tatami.
Wash before entering a hot spring bath
At many traditional Japanese hot spring baths, guests wash their bodies at the washing area before entering the communal bath.
It's also customary to keep your towel out of the bathwater.
Follow the facility's posted instructions, as rules can vary.
Check meal times
Dinner and breakfast may be served during specific time slots.
If your booking includes meals, confirm the time and location when you arrive.
If you expect to be late, contact the ryokan as soon as possible.
Be considerate of other guests
A ryokan is a place where people come to relax.
Avoid making excessive noise in hallways or guest rooms, especially late at night.
A little consideration helps everyone enjoy a peaceful stay.
7. Practice with a Mini Japanese Conversation
Let's put some of these phrases together in a short conversation.
Traveler: こんにちは。チェックインをお願いします。
Konnichiwa. Chekku-in o onegaishimasu.
Hello. I'd like to check in, please.
Staff: いらっしゃいませ。お名前をお願いします。
Irasshaimase. Onamae o onegaishimasu.
Welcome. May I have your name, please?
Traveler: 田中です。予約しています。
Tanaka desu. Yoyaku shite imasu.
My name is Tanaka. I have a reservation.
Staff: ありがとうございます。こちらが館内のご案内です。
Arigatou gozaimasu. Kochira ga kannai no goannai desu.
Thank you. Here's some information about the facilities.
Traveler: ありがとうございます。温泉はどこですか？
Arigatou gozaimasu. Onsen wa doko desu ka?
Thank you. Where is the hot spring bath?
Staff: 廊下の奥にございます。
Rouka no oku ni gozaimasu.
It's at the end of the hallway.
Traveler: 温泉の利用時間は何時までですか？
Onsen no riyou jikan wa nanji made desu ka?
What time does the hot spring bath close?
Staff: 夜の10時までです。
Yoru no juuji made desu.
It closes at 10 p.m.
Traveler: わかりました。ありがとうございます！
Wakarimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu!
I understand. Thank you!
As you can see, a few simple Japanese phrases can help you handle many everyday situations at a ryokan.
If you don't understand something, you can ask the staff to repeat it or use a translation app on your smartphone.
8. Quick Japanese Quiz!
Let's see what you've learned.
Q1. How do you say “Could you show me how to wear a yukata?” in Japanese?
A. 浴衣の着方を教えてください。
B. 温泉はどこですか？
C. 荷物を預かってもらえますか？
Answer: A. 浴衣の着方を教えてください。
Q2. What should you say if you want to check the hot spring's opening hours?
A. これは何の料理ですか？
B. 温泉の利用時間は何時までですか？
C. 布団は自分で敷きますか？
Answer: B. 温泉の利用時間は何時までですか？
Q3. How do you ask “What time does dinner start?” in Japanese?
A. 朝食は何時からですか？
B. 食事会場はどこですか？
C. 夕食は何時からですか？
Answer: C. 夕食は何時からですか？
How many did you get right?
Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Unique Japanese Experience at a Ryokan!
Staying at a ryokan is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and culture.
You can enjoy tatami rooms, wear a yukata, relax in a hot spring bath, and try a variety of Japanese dishes.
If it's your first time, some things may feel unfamiliar. But don't worry—you don't need to speak complicated Japanese to enjoy your stay.
Start by remembering these three phrases:
「チェックインをお願いします」 — I'd like to check in, please.
「温泉はどこですか？」 — Where is the hot spring bath?
「夕食は何時からですか？」 — What time does dinner start?
If you need help, ask the staff or use a translation app.
Every ryokan is a little different, so follow the property's instructions and enjoy discovering Japanese hospitality.
We hope you have a wonderful stay at a ryokan and make unforgettable memories in Japan! 🇯🇵♨️
