konbini language isn’t just about the words you speak—it’s also about what you don’t say. In Japan, non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication, especially in convenience stores. From the subtle bow to how the cashier hands you your change, these gestures are all part of the experience. Let’s start learning Japanese through konbini language.
The Bow
Even in a fast-paced “Konbini,” you’ll notice that the staff will often give a slight bow when handing you your items or change. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude—a small gesture that says, “Thank you for shopping with us.”
The Two-Handed Exchange
When the cashier hands you your receipt, change, or items, they’ll often do so with both hands. This is another sign of politeness and care, showing that they’re handling your transaction with attention. Sometimes, the cashier may ask if you want your receipt. You might hear them say, レシートはご利用ですか？Reshīto wa go-ryou desu ka? “Would you like the receipt?”
If you prefer not to take it, you can respond with,レシートはいりませんReshīto wa irimasen “I don’t need the receipt.”
The Pointing Gesture
When the staff points at something, it’s often to clarify a question or action related to your purchase. For example, they might ask, こちらを温めますか Kochira wo atatamemasu ka? “Would you like this heated up?”
You can simply reply with はい、お願いします Hai, onegai shimasu if you want it heated, or いいえ、大丈夫ですIie, daijoubu desu if you don’t. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure your order is how you like it!
By using these phrases and gestures, you’re making your experience easier and showing respect for the people and the culture around you. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about nailing a perfect “Arigatou gozaimashita!” as you leave the store. It’s a small achievement that adds a lot of joy to your day.
10 Must-Know konbini Phrases to Impress the Locals
Want to blend in like a pro during your next konbini visit? Here are ten essential phrases that will not only help you navigate the store but also earn you some smiles from the staff:
いらっしゃいませ!Irasshaimase! You’ll hear this cheerful greeting when you walk through the door. It’s like the konbini’s saying, “Hey, welcome in!” You don’t have to respond—enjoy the warm vibe and start browsing.
お次のお客様、どうぞOtsugi no okyaku-sama, douzo “Alright, your turn now!” It’s your cue to go to the counter and prepare for a transaction—no need to feel rushed.
お待たせいたしましたOmatase itashimashita “Sorry for the wait!” It’s Japan’s way of ensuring you feel acknowledged, even if you’ve only been waiting for a few seconds.
レジ袋はいりますか？Reji bukuro wa irimasu ka? “Do you need plastic bags?” The cashier will ask if you need a plastic bag, and here’s your chance to say, “Daijoubu desu” (I’m good) if you’re going without.
お願いしますOnegai shimasu Need something done, like heating your bento? Just add this phrase when you hand it over—“Onegai shimasu,” which is like saying “Please!” in the nicest way possible.
お支払いはどうなされますか oshiharai wa dou nasaremasuka “How would you like to pay?”
現金でお願いします Genkin de onegai shimasu Want to pay with cash? Just say, “Genkin de onegai shimasu,” and you’re good to go.
カードでお願いします Kādo de onegai shimasu “I am paying with a card!” Just say, “Kādo de onegai shimasu,” and the cashier will handle the rest.
スイカでお願いしますSuica de onegai shimasu If you’re using an IC card like Suica or Pasmo, this phrase covers you. Just say, “Suica de onegai shimasu,” and tap your card. Easy!
XXはどこですかXX wa doko desu ka? Would you be interested in something specific? Just fill in the blank with what you’re after.
For example, パンはどこですかPan wa doko desu ka? “Where’s the bread section?”. The staff will usually point you in the right direction. It’s a lifesaver if you’re in a hurry or just want to find that one thing without wandering around.
の商品はありますか Kono shouhin wa arimasu ka? “Do you have this item?”
Are you wondering if they have a specific product? You can show the staff a picture or just describe what you’re looking for. This is perfect for those times when you need something particular, like a specific brand or product.
Give them a try, and watch your interactions become smoother and even more fun. Plus, you might make someone’s day with your effort to speak the local lingo!
Some more Tips !
Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Here’s how you can start practicing konbini language today:
Start Small: Next time you visit a konbini, use just one or two phrases you’ve learned. Even a simple “Onegai shimasu” when you hand over your item can make a big difference.
Observe and Imitate: Watch how the locals do it. Listen to the phrases they use, pay attention to the non-verbal cues, and don’t be afraid to mimic what you see. It’s the fastest way to learn!
Build Confidence: The more you practise, the more natural it will feel. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—every effort is appreciated, and the staff are usually very patient.
Ask Questions: Don’t be shy about asking where something is or if they have a specific product. Using phrases like “XX wa doko desu ka?” or “Kono shouhin wa arimasu ka?” will help you find what you need and give you more opportunities to practice.
Have Fun: Learning konbini language is not just about utility; it’s about enjoying connecting with a different culture. So have fun with it, and enjoy the ride!
Who knew that a quick visit to the store could be so enjoyable? Now that you’re armed with these phrases and tips, you’re ready to take on the world of konbinis like a true local. Whether paying by cash, card, or Suica, asking for a plastic bag, or hunting down your favorite snack, you can navigate quickly and confidently.
Happy shopping!!
FAQ
Do I need to speak fluent Japanese to use the konbini language?
Not at all! Even just knowing a few key phrases can go a long way in making your konbini experience smoother and more enjoyable. The staff will appreciate your effort, and it will make your interactions easier.
What’s the best phrase to use if I’m paying with cash?
Simply say, “Genkin de Onegai shimasu,” which means “I’ll pay with cash, please.”
Does Coto Language School offer cultural experiences as part of the learning process?
Yes! Alongside language lessons, we offer cultural workshops and outings that allow you to experience Japanese culture firsthand, making your language learning journey more immersive and fun. And we also offer courses that focus on practical Japanese for everyday situations, including konbini language, so you can navigate life in Japan with confidence.
Welcome to Coto Radio, a Japanese learning podcast by Coto Japanese Academy, Japan’s No. 1 Japanese language school. Each episode, our host combines captivating storytelling with engaging conversations, all delivered in clear, natural Japanese.
If you’ve spent any amount of time in Japan, you’ve probably noticed that point cards are everywhere. Almost every shop, big or small, has its own point card system. Yes, even JR, the railway company you rely on to get around Tokyo, lets you rack up points when shopping at its department stores. Your local supermarket probably has one too, and the list goes on.
These cards, known in Japanese as pointo kaado, are essentially a rewards system. They allow customers to earn points for every yen they spend at a specific store or a group of affiliated retailers. But Japan’s love of point cards didn’t happen overnight. To really understand why they’re such a big deal here, it helps to look back at the history of promotions and customer loyalty campaigns that set the stage for this phenomenon.
In today’s podcast episode, Nagai-sensei and Hidari-sensei dive into the story behind Japan’s obsession with point cards, exploring what sparked it, how it evolved, and why people still can’t get enough of collecting points today.
Ubiquity of Point Cards in Japan
Point cards are everywhere in Japan, from supermarkets to department stores, and even railway companies like JR have their own. People earn points on almost every purchase, and using or collecting them has become a normal part of daily life.
Hidari-sensei explained that people just take it for granted now: “Living in Japan, it’s normal to receive or use points every day.” Even students notice how aggressively stores push their cards: “Go get the app! Sign up for the card!” It’s a little overwhelming at first, but it’s part of the culture.
Behind Point Card Culture in Japan
It’s more than just saving a few yen. Points are considered part of economic activity: buy something, and a percentage comes back as points you can use for more shopping.
Some people take it seriously, tracking which cards give the best points and which stores to visit. There’s even a term for it: poikatsu, or “point-saving activities.” The competitive nature of point programs is compared to a battlefield with multiple strong groups vying for customers.
Commercialization of Point Culture
Point culture has expanded beyond just buying goods. For example, some donation portals for the Furusato Nozei system began offering points for contributions. People could donate to towns outside their residence and receive gifts in return — like Kyoto pickles or Gifu knives — but some started donating mainly to collect points.
Nagai noted the irony: “People started donating not to help the town, but to collect points for other purchases.”
Point Card Controversy
The point craze has even caught the attention of the government. Because people were using points in ways that undermined the original spirit of programs like Furusato Nozei, the government banned points for donations starting in October 2025. The decision caused immediate pushback from portal sites and companies involved. As Nagai remarked, “The points ban is a perfect example of how our love for points can sometimes cause unexpected problems.” It’s a reminder that what starts as a fun reward system can have real consequences when it becomes too popular.
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dividing into small portions; individually packaged
まさにそれ！
masani sore!
Exactly that!; That’s exactly it!
New Grammar From the Podcast
Along the way, the teachers introduced some new Japanese grammar. Find the full list of new grammar points
Grammar
English Explanation
（いくら）～ても～ない…
“No matter how much…, it doesn’t…” Used to show something is inseparable or can’t be detached.
AことはA…
Used to compare or qualify a statement.
Podcast Transcript
Below is a transcript of an episode of Coto Radio, a podcast presented by Coto Academy available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. The transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Nagai-sensei: どうもこんにちは！Cotoラジオをお聞きいただきましてありがとうございます。 Doumo konnichiwa! Coto Rajio o okiki itadakimashite arigatou gozaimasu. Hello everyone! Thank you for listening to Coto Radio.
こちらのCoto Radio for Japanese Learnersでは、日本のニュースや生活の中の話題について、できるだけ簡単な日本語を使って、できるだけナチュラルな話し方とスピードでお話をしていきます。 Kochira no Coto Rajio for Japanese Learners de wa, Nihon no nyuusu ya seikatsu no naka no wadai ni tsuite, dekirudake kantan na Nihongo o tsukatte, dekirudake nachuraru na hanashikata to supiido de ohanashi o shite ikimasu. On this Coto Radio for Japanese Learners, we talk about Japanese news and everyday life using as simple Japanese as possible, and in as natural a speaking style and speed as we can.
語彙や文法については、先生の説明もあるので、ぜひ今回も最後までお聞きください！ Goi ya bunpou ni tsuite wa, sensei no setsumei mo aru node, zehi konkai mo saigo made okiki kudasai! There will also be explanations of vocabulary and grammar, so please listen all the way to the end!
はい。さてさて、今回は、我々、現代の日本人にとっては切っても切っても切り離せない文化のお話をしたいと思うんですがよろしいでしょうか。 Hai. Sasete, konkai wa, wareware, gendai no Nihonjin ni totte wa kitte mo kitte mo kirihanasenai bunka no ohanashi o shitai to omou ndesu ga yoroshii deshou ka. Yes. So, today we want to talk about a part of modern Japanese culture that is absolutely inseparable from daily life. Does that sound okay?
Hidari-sensei: いいですね！早速！ Ii desu ne! Sassoku! Sounds good! Let’s get started!
「いくら～しても～ない」…私たちの気持ちを上手に表してくれる日本語表現ですね。 “Ikura ~ shitemo ~ nai”… Watashitachi no kimochi o jouzu ni arawashite kureru Nihongo hyougen desu ne. “No matter how much you ~, it doesn’t ~”… It is a Japanese expression that really captures how we feel.
がんばって、それをしようと思って、何回もそれをするんだけど…なかなかそれができないこと。 Ganbatte, sore o shiyou to omotte, nankai mo sore o suru n da kedo… nakanaka sore ga dekinai koto. We try hard and attempt something over and over. But sometimes we just cannot do it.
思った通りにいかない時に使う表現ですね。 Omotta toori ni ikanai toki ni tsukau hyougen desu ne. It is used when things don’t go as we thought.
切っても切れない、切っても切り離せない…はもうそれだけしっかりつながっている、関係が深い！ Kitte mo kirenai, kitte mo kirihanasenai… wa mou sore dake shikkari tsunagatte iru, kankei ga fukai! “Unbreakable” or “inseparable”… It expresses that the connection is already very strong and deep!
関係が硬い！強い！…ということを表現しています。 Kankei ga katai! Tsuyoi! … To iu koto o hyougen shiteimasu. It also expresses that the relationship is solid and strong!
ね、ビールはいくら飲んでもあきないし、サッカーは…？ Ne, biiru wa ikura nondemo akinai shi, sakkaa wa…? You know, no matter how much you drink beer, it never gets boring. And soccer…?
Hidari-sensei: はい、いくら見てもあきません！ Hai, ikura mite mo akimasen! I never get bored!
Nagai-sensei: はい、そんな日本人とほんっと～に関係の深い文化！ Hai, sonna Nihonjin to honto~ ni kankei no fukai bunka! Yes, this is a culture that is really deeply connected to Japanese people!
Hidari-sensei: ほう、それはなんでしょう！？ Hou, sore wa nan deshou!? Oh? What is that?
Nagai-sensei: 「ポイント文化」です。 “Pointo bunka” desu. It is the “point card culture.”
今日はポイントが大好きな日本だから起きた、ポイントのニュースについて話しませんか！？ Kyou wa pointo ga daisuki na Nihon dakara okita, pointo no nyuusu ni tsuite hanashimasen ka!? Today, let’s talk about a news story that happened because Japan loves points so much!
Hidari-sensei: ああ～ポイント！なるほど。確かに文化かもしれません！ Aa~ pointo! Naruhodo. Tashika ni bunka kamo shiremasen! Ah, points! I see. That really could be considered a part of culture!
この前、左先生もスタジオの前でやってて笑ってしまいましたが、僕もよくやるんですよ、あの・・・レジの前で、「この店のポイントカード、確かここに入れたよな」事件。 Kono mae, Hidari-sensei mo sutajio no mae de yatte te waratte shimaimashita ga, boku mo yoku yaru n desu yo, ano… reji no mae de, “kono mise no pointo kaado, tashika koko ni ireta yo na” jiken. The other day, Hidari-sensei did the same thing in front of the studio and it made me laugh. I do this all the time too—the classic “I am sure I put this store’s point card here somewhere” incident at the register.
Hidari-sensei: えー、記憶にございま・せ・ん。 Ee, kioku ni gozaimasen. Uh—I do not remember.
Nagai-sensei: あ！嫌な質問された時の政治家の答えじゃないですか（笑） Ah! I guess that is like a politician’s answer when they get asked a tricky question (laughs).
Hidari-sensei: よくわかりま・・せん。 Yoku wakarima… sen. I really do not understand…
Nagai-sensei: え～と、じゃ進めますよ。 E~to, ja susumemasu yo. Okay, let’s move on.
Hidari-sensei: はい。 Hai. Yes.
先生はポイントってどうですか？買い物の時、毎回ためてますか？ Sensei wa pointo tte dou desu ka? Kaimono no toki, maikai tametemasu ka? How about you, sensei? Do you collect points every time you shop?
はい、ドラッグストア、スーパー、コンビニ、日常的によく行くお店ではしっかり貯めてます。 Hai, doraggu sutoa, suupaa, konbini, nichijou-teki ni yoku iku omise de wa shikkari tametemasu. Yes, I collect points diligently at drugstores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other places I visit regularly.
Nagai-sensei: 学生からも、日本で買い物とかご飯食べたりすると、どのお店に行ってもポイントポイントって言われるって。 Gakusei kara mo, Nihon de kaimono toka gohan tabetari suru to, do no omise ni itte mo pointo pointo tte iwareru tte. Students also say that when they shop or eat in Japan, every store asks them about points.
先生あれは何なんだ！？なんでお店の人はあんなに私にポイントをあげたがるんだい！？ Sensei, are wa nan nan da!? Nande omise no hito wa anna ni watashi ni pointo o agetagarun dai!? What’s up with that!? Why do store staff want to give me points so much!?
カード作って！アプリ入れて！って先生もありません？ Kaado tsukutte! Apuri irete! tte sensei mo arimasen? “Make a card! Install the app!” Have you experienced that too?
Hidari-sensei: はい、よくあります。 Hai, yoku arimasu. Yes, that happens a lot.
以前はよく学生に「ふくろは？」「けっこうです」というやりとりを教えていたものです。 Izen wa yoku gakusei ni “fukuro wa?” “kekkou desu” to iu yaritori o oshiete ita mono desu. Before, I often taught students how to say, “Do you need a bag?” “No, thank you.”
最近では「ポイントカードは？」「ありません」「持っていません」というフレーズを教えることも多くなりました。 Saikin de wa “pointo kaado wa?” “Arimasen” “Motteimasen” to iu fureezu o oshieru koto mo ooku narimashita. Recently, I often teach phrases like, “Do you have a point card?” “No, I don’t.”
日本に住んでいると、もう当たり前のように、毎日何かのポイントをもらったり使ったりしていますよね～。 Nihon ni sunde iru to, mou atarimae no you ni, mainichi nanika no pointo o morattari tsukattari shiteimasu yo ne~. When you live in Japan, it becomes normal to receive and use points every day.
Nagai-sensei: はい、そうなんですよ。ポイントカードのインバイトも激しいですよね。 Hai, sou nan desu yo. Pointo kaado no inbaito mo hageshii desu yo ne. Yes, that’s right. The point card invites are pretty intense too.
僕も学習者の皆さんから、そういうの、自分の国にもあることはあるけど、日本のようにしつこいお店はないって話は聞いたことがあります。 Boku mo gakushuusha no minasan kara, sou iu no, jibun no kuni ni mo aru koto wa aru kedo, Nihon no you ni shitsukoi omise wa nai tte hanashi wa kiita koto ga arimasu. I’ve also heard from learners that other countries have points too, but no store is as persistent as in Japan.
Hidari-sensei: あ、じゃあ言葉の説明しておきますね！ A, jaa kotoba no setsumei shite okimasu ne! Ah, let me explain a word then!
「しつこい」…英語にするとpersistentでしょうかね。 “Shitsukoi”… Eigo ni suru to persistent deshou ka ne. “Shitsukoi” in English might be “persistent.”
簡単に1回や2回でそれをやめない。あきらめない。 Kantan ni ikkai ya nikai de sore o yamenai. Akiramenai. It means not giving up after one or two tries.
never give upのようにポジティブな意味では使いませんので、気を付けてください。 Never give up no you ni pojitibu na imi de wa tsukaimasen node, ki o tsukete kudasai. But unlike “never give up,” it isn’t used positively, so be careful.
ね、「彼は本当にしつこい努力をします！」…みたいな文には Ne, “kare wa hontou ni shitsukoi doryoku o shimasu!” … Mitaina bun ni wa So, in a sentence like “He makes really persistent efforts!”…
Hidari-sensei: なりません。はい。 Narimasen. Hai. That would not work. Yes.
Nagai-sensei: はい、で、アメリカの学生は、もう「ポイント」と言えば飛行機のマイル、あとは～ホテルに泊まったときにもらうくらいが一般的なポイントですって言ってましたが、日本人は、みんな好きなんですよね？ポイントが。 Hai, de, Amerika no gakusei wa, mou “pointo” to ieba hikouki no mairu, ato wa~ hoteru ni tomatta toki ni morau kurai ga ippanteki na pointo desu tte itte mashita ga, Nihonjin wa, minna suki nan desu yo ne? Pointo ga. American students said that “points” usually means airline miles or points for staying at hotels. But Japanese people love points, right?
Hidari-sensei: はい。確実に物を売ったり買ったりする動き、「経済活動」の一部として理解していますよね。 Hai. Kakujitsu ni mono o uttari kaitari suru ugoki, “keizai katsudou” no ichibu to shite rikai shiteimasu yo ne. Yes. Japanese people understand it as part of economic activity—when you buy or sell something.
何か買ったらその中の何パーセントが、ポイントとして戻ってくる。つまり「ポイント還元」ですね。 Nanika kattara sono naka no nan paasento ga, pointo toshite modotte kuru. Tsumari “pointo kangen” desu ne. When you buy something, a percentage comes back as points. That’s “point cashback.”
Nagai-sensei: はい。で、そのポイントを使ってまた買い物をする…と。 Hai. De, sono pointo o tsukatte mata kaimono o suru… to. Yes. Then you use those points to shop again…
Hidari-sensei: 「ポイント生活」「ポイ活」なんて言葉もありますからね～。 “Pointo seikatsu” “poikatsu” nante kotoba mo arimasu kara ne~. There are even words like “point life” or “poikatsu” (point activities).
Nagai-sensei: そうですよ本も出てるし。専門家もいますから。ポイント専門家。 Sou desu yo hon mo deteru shi. Senmonka mo imasu kara. Pointo senmonka. Yes, there are books about it, and even experts—point experts.
Hidari-sensei: どのカードで買い物をすればポイントが上手にたまるか？という方法がたくさん読まれていますね。 Dono kaado de kaimono o sureba pointo ga jouzu ni tamaru ka? To iu houhou ga takusan yomareteimasu ne. There are many guides on how to collect points most efficiently, depending on which card you use.
Nagai-sensei: いや～すごい時代です。ポイント戦国時代！ポイント群雄割拠！ Iya~ sugoi jidai desu. Pointo sengoku jidai! Pointo gunyuu kakyo! Wow, what an era. The point card warring states era! Points everywhere are competing!
Hidari-sensei: 「群雄割拠」…すごく力の強いグループが1つだけ王様みたいにいるんじゃなくて、同じくらいの強さのグループがいくつもあって、さらに、みんなが敵、ライバルとして戦っている状態を「群雄割拠」と言いますね。 “Gunyuu kakyo”… Sugoku chikara no tsuyoi guruupu ga hitotsu dake ousama mitai ni iru n ja nakute, onaji kurai no tsuyosa no guruupu ga ikutsu mo atte, sara ni, minna ga teki, raibaru to shite tatakatte iru joutai o “gunyuu kakyo” to iimasu ne. “Gunyuu kakyo” means a situation where many equally strong groups exist, all competing as rivals, instead of having one dominant king group.
Nagai-sensei: すみません、なんか、日本の歴史で使うような言葉の説明まで…。 Sumimasen, nanka, Nihon no rekishi de tsukau you na kotoba no setsumei made… Sorry, now I even explained a word from Japanese history…
Hidari-sensei: いえ、日本の歴史が好きな学習者って結構いるので、もしかしたら聞いている学習者の中にも喜んでいる方がいるかもしれませんよ！ Ie, Nihon no rekishi ga suki na gakushuusha tte kekkou iru node, moshikashitara kiite iru gakushuusha no naka ni mo yorokonde iru kata ga iru kamoshiremasen yo! No, there are many learners who like Japanese history, so some listeners might actually enjoy it!
Nagai-sensei: ああ、ぜひいてほしい！ Aa, zehi ite hoshii! Ah, I hope so!
Nagai-sensei: で、えっと…このポイント群雄割拠の日本を象徴したニュースが先日のニュースです。 De, e~to… Kono pointo gunyuu kakyo no Nihon o shouchou shita nyuusu ga senjitsu no nyuusu desu. So, the news story that symbolizes Japan’s “point card warring states” is a recent news item.
Hidari-sensei: 「ふるさと納税ポイント禁止！」のニュースでしょうか？ “Furusato nozei pointo kinshi!” no nyuusu deshou ka? Is it the news about “Furusato tax donation points being banned”?
Nagai-sensei: はいそれですー！ Hai, sore desu~! Yes, that’s the one!
Hidari-sensei: 先に「Aを象徴するB」…を説明しましょう。 Saki ni “A o shouchou suru B”… o setsumei shimashou. First, let me explain “B that symbolizes A”…
象徴するは、直訳するとSymbolizeですが、文の中での意味としては、「Bが起きた理由は、Aを知ってるとすごくよくわかる」という気持ちで使っています。 Shouchou suru wa, chokuyaku suru to symbolize desu ga, bun no naka de no imi to shite wa, “B ga okita riyuu wa, A o shitteru to sugoku yoku wakaru” to iu kimochi de tsukatteimasu. “Shouchou suru” literally means “to symbolize,” but in context it expresses “if you know A, you can understand perfectly why B happened.”
この文も、「日本にはポイント文化というのがあるんだよ。それを知っているとこのニュースはすごくよくわかりますよ！一番いい例のようなニュースです。」という意味になります。 Kono bun mo, “Nihon ni wa pointo bunka to iu no ga aru n da yo. Sore o shitte iru to kono nyuusu wa sugoku yoku wakarimasu yo! Ichiban ii rei no you na nyuusu desu.” To iu imi ni narimasu. This sentence also means: “Japan has a point card culture. If you know that, you understand this news perfectly! It’s the best example of it.”
ふるさと納税、聞いたことがある人もいるかもしれませんが、日本に住んで、日本で働いて、会社から給料をもらっている人。 Furusato nozei, kiita koto ga aru hito mo iru kamoshiremasen ga, Nihon ni sunde, Nihon de hataraite, kaisha kara kyuuryou o moratte iru hito. Some of you may have heard of furusato tax donations. It’s for people living and working in Japan who get paid by a company.
毎月住民税と所得税というTaxを払ってくれています。 Maitsuki juuminzei to shotokuzei to iu tax o haratte kureteimasu. They pay residential tax and income tax every month.
Hidari-sensei: はい、residential tax（住民税）とincome tax（所得税）ですね。 Hai, residential tax (juuminzei) to income tax (shotokuzei) desu ne. Yes, residential tax and income tax.
Nagai-sensei: そう、その税金を払っている人は、自分が住んでいる場所じゃないところにも自分のお金を送ることができます！ Sou, sono zeikin o haratte iru hito wa, jibun ga sunde iru basho ja nai tokoro ni mo jibun no okane o okuru koto ga dekimasu! Those who pay these taxes can also send money to places they don’t live in!
例えば、自分は横浜に住んでいるけど、京都が好きだから、私のお金を京都の観光のために使ってください！って10,000円送ります。 Tatoeba, jibun wa Yokohama ni sunde iru kedo, Kyoto ga suki dakara, watashi no okane o Kyoto no kankou no tame ni tsukatte kudasai! tte 10,000 en okurimasu. For example, you live in Yokohama but like Kyoto, so you send 10,000 yen saying, “Use this for tourism in Kyoto!”
Hidari-sensei: 寄付、donationですね。 Kifu, donation desu ne. That’s a donation.
Nagai-sensei: はい、で、寄付したら、そのお礼で京都から、京都で作った有名な漬物が送られてくる！ Hai, de, kifu shitara, sono orei de Kyoto kara, Kyoto de tsukutta yuumei na tsukemono ga okurarete kuru! Then, as a thank-you, Kyoto sends you famous pickles made there!
お金ありがとう！お礼にこの漬物食べてください！美味しいよこのカブ！すごく上手に時間をかけて漬けたんですよこのカブ！本当は京都でしか食べられないけどお礼に送ったから！このカブの・・・ Okane arigatou! Orei ni kono tsukemono tabete kudasai! Oishii yo kono kabu! Sugoku jouzu ni jikan o kakete tsuketa n desu yo kono kabu! Hontou wa Kyoto de shika taberarenai kedo orei ni okutta kara! Kono kabu no… “Thank you for the money! Here’s a pickle as a gift! It’s delicious! This turnip was carefully pickled. You can normally only eat it in Kyoto, but we sent it to thank you!”
Hidari-sensei: あ、「しつこい」ですね。もう漬物はわかりました。 A, “shitsukoi” desu ne. Mou tsukemono wa wakarimashita. Ah, persistent, right? Okay, we get it about the pickles.
Nagai-sensei: あ、すみません、はい、そう、で、寄付をすると、その分、自分のincome taxとか自分が払っているresidential taxが安くなるんです。 A, sumimasen, hai, sou, de, kifu o suru to, sono bun, jibun no income tax toka jibun ga haratte iru residential tax ga yasuku narun desu. Ah, sorry. Yes, so if you make a donation, your income tax and residential tax are reduced accordingly.
それが「ふるさと納税」というシステムなんです。 Sore ga “furusato nozei” to iu system nan desu. That is the “furusato nozei” system.
先生、どこかに寄付したことありますか？ Sensei, doko ka ni kifu shita koto arimasu ka? Have you ever made a donation anywhere?
Hidari-sensei: それが、一度もないんです。長井先生はどうですか。どこかおススメありますか。 Sore ga, ichido mo nai n desu. Nagai sensei wa dou desu ka. Doko ka osusume arimasu ka. I’ve never done it. Nagai-sensei, how about you? Any recommendations?
Nagai-sensei: そうですか。僕は、もう本当のふるさと新潟とか妻のふるさと高知とか、あと、おすすめは、一点ものをくれるところですかね！ Sou desu ka. Boku wa, mou hontou no furusato Niigata toka tsuma no furusato Kochi toka, ato, osusume wa, itten mono o kureru tokoro desu ka ne! I see. I donate to my real hometown Niigata, my wife’s hometown Kochi, and places that give a unique gift in return!
知り合いの出身地の岐阜県、関市とか。 Shiriai no shusshin-chi no Gifu-ken, Seki-shi toka. For example, Gifu Prefecture, Seki City, where friends are from.
関市はね包丁作りで有名ですから、お礼に本当に包丁をくれました！ Seki-shi wa ne houchou zukuri de yuumei desu kara, orei ni hontou ni houchou o kuremashita! Seki City is famous for making knives, and they actually sent me a knife as a thank-you!
すっごい切れるやつ！！料理の回数増えましたよ！ Sugoi kireru yatsu!! Ryouri no kaisuu fuemashita yo! It’s really sharp!! I started cooking more often!
Nagai-sensei: はい、それで、あれの、寄付をするポータルサイト！仲介業者！ Hai, sore de, are no, kifu o suru po-taru saito! Chuukai gyousha! Yes, and then there’s the donation portal site! The intermediary company!
その寄付をした町、つまり大好きな京都ではなくて、その寄付をするウェブサイトをadminしている会社が、その寄付した人に、ポイントを付けたんです！ Sono kifu o shita machi, tsumari daisuki na Kyoto de wa nakute, sono kifu o suru webusaito o admin shite iru kaisha ga, sono kifu shita hito ni, pointo o tsuketa n desu! The company managing the website, not the town you donated to—like Kyoto—gave points to people who made donations!
Hidari-sensei: なんか、そうなると、寄付した人は、ポイントがほしいのか、京都が好きなのか…もうわからなくなりますね…。 Nanka, sou naru to, kifu shita hito wa, pointo ga hoshii no ka, Kyoto ga suki nano ka… mou wakaranaku narimasu ne… At that point, it’s hard to tell if donors care about points or if they love Kyoto…
Nagai-sensei: はい。まさにそれが、今回のニュースの理由でして。 Hai. Masani sore ga, konkai no nyuusu no riyuu deshite. Yes. That’s exactly the reason behind this news.
Hidari-sensei: 「まさに」…長井先生よく使うので説明しておきましょう！ “Masani”… Nagai sensei yoku tsukau node setsumei shite okimashou! “Masani”… Nagai-sensei uses this a lot, so let me explain!
「まさに」・・・は「それにピッタリなんだよ！そのままなんだよ！」という意味で、「まさにその通り！」みたいな形でよく使われます。 “Masani”… wa “sore ni pittari n da yo! Sono mama n da yo!” to iu imi de, “masani sono toori!” mitaina katachi de yoku tsukawaremasu. “Masani” means “that’s exactly it! That’s just how it is!” It’s often used like, “Exactly right!”
例えば「先生はまさにプロフェッショナルだった。」 Tatoeba “Sensei wa masani purofesshonaru datta.” For example: “The teacher was exactly a professional.”
あとは、「その時ちょうど」という時間を表す時にも使いますね。 Ato wa, “sono toki choudo” to iu jikan o arawasu toki ni mo tsukaimasu ne. It’s also used to indicate an exact moment in time.
「外に出た、まさにその時！大地震が！」みたいな。 “Soto ni deta, masani sono toki! Daijishin ga!” mitaina. For example: “I stepped outside, and exactly at that moment—a huge earthquake!”
「ちょうど」とか「とたん」よりもインパクトが強いものに使ってみましょう～！ “Choudo” toka “totan” yori mo inpaku ga tsuyoi mono ni tsukatte mimashou~! Use it for something more impactful than just “just then” or “the moment.”
Nagai-sensei: 「外に出たまさにその時！田中さんにあいさつをした…。」みたいな文は作りません。 “Soto ni deta masani sono toki! Tanaka-san ni aisatsu o shita…” mitaina bun wa tsukurimasen. I wouldn’t make a sentence like, “I stepped outside, and exactly then I greeted Tanaka…”
そんなインパクトのあるできごとじゃないので…昨日も見たし田中さん。 Sonna inpaku no aru dekigoto ja nai node… kinou mo mita shi Tanaka-san. It’s not that dramatic of an event… I saw Tanaka yesterday anyway.
Hidari-sensei: はい、そうです。毎日あいさつしてますから！ Hai, sou desu. Mainichi aisatsu shite masu kara! Yes, that’s right. We greet each other every day!
Nagai-sensei: で、えっと、そう、政府が、最初に考えていたのは、「あの町のために寄付したい！そのお金できれいな道路作って！英語話せるボランティアの人をたくさん増やして！」という気持ちで寄付してくれた気持ちが、今は、「ポイントをたくさん貯めて他の買い物したいから！」という気持ちに変わってしまった！ De, e~to, sou, seifu ga, saisho ni kangaete ita no wa, “ano machi no tame ni kifu shitai! Sono okane de kirei na douro tsukutte! Eigo hanaseru borantia no hito o takusan fuyashite!” to iu kimochi de kifu shite kureta kimochi ga, ima wa, “pointo o takusan tamete hoka no kaimono shitai kara!” to iu kimochi ni kawatte shimatta! Originally, the government thought people donated to towns to make clean roads or increase English-speaking volunteers. Now, it has turned into people donating just to earn points for other shopping!
Hidari-sensei: あとは、もちろんポータルサイトには「仲介手数料」というインセンティブを結構払わなければいけませんしね。 Ato wa, mochiron po-taru saito ni wa “chuukai tesuuryou” to iu insentibu o kekkou harawanakereba ikemasen shi ne. Also, the portal sites need to pay considerable “intermediary fees.”
それも京都…はまあ例えですけど、町や市にとっては高くなり始めたということでしょうか。 Sore mo Kyoto… wa maa tatoe desu kedo, machi ya shi ni totte wa takaku nari hajimeta to iu koto deshou ka. Even for towns like Kyoto—it’s just an example—the costs started to rise for municipalities.
それで、「ポイント禁止」という国の発表になったんですね～。 Sore de, “pointo kinshi” to iu kuni no happyou ni natta n desu ne~. That’s why the government announced a “point ban.”
Nagai-sensei: はい。そうなのです。2025年の10月から来年から、寄付をしても、その分のポイントは入らないですよ～。 Hai. Sou nano desu. 2025 nen no 10 gatsu kara rainen kara, kifu o shite mo, sono bun no pointo wa hairanai desu yo~. Yes. Starting October 2025, even if you donate, you won’t earn points for it.
というか、ポイント付けるポータルサイトはcloseしますからね～というルールを国が発表していました。 To iu ka, pointo tsukeru po-taru saito wa close shimasu kara ne~ to iu ruuru o kuni ga happyou shite imashita. In other words, the government announced that websites giving points will be shut down.
本当に最近。 Hontou ni saikin. This was very recent news.
Hidari-sensei: ポータルサイトの管理会社は”大反対”するんじゃないでしょうか？ Po-taru saito no kanri kaisha wa “dai hantai” surun janai deshou ka? I bet the companies managing these portals strongly oppose it.
Nagai-sensei: はい、もうこれはもう政府が発表したまさにその直後に「そのルール反対！」という意見が出されていましたね。 Hai, mou kore wa mou seifu ga happyou shita masani sono chokugo ni “sono ru-ru hantai!” to iu iken ga dasarete imashita ne. Yes, immediately after the government announced it, opinions saying “We oppose this rule!” came out.
世界的にも有名な会社から。 Sekaiteki ni mo yuumei na kaisha kara. Even from globally famous companies.
Hidari-sensei: インパクト強いですね！ Inpaku tsuyoi desu ne! That’s a strong impact!
どうなんでしょう？ ポイント文化が生んだポイント禁止事件！ Dou nan deshou? Pointo bunka ga unda pointo kinshi jiken! What will happen next? The point ban incident born from point culture!
Hidari-sensei: もらうと嬉しいポイントも、もらいすぎると問題になるんですね。 Morau to ureshii pointo mo, morai sugiru to mondai ni narun desu ne. Even points that are fun to receive can become a problem if there are too many.
Nagai-sensei: あ！そうだ、みなさん、もし日本に来たら、いろんなところでポイントカードを作って、 A! Sou da, minasan, moshi Nihon ni kitara, ironna tokoro de pointo kaado o tsukutte, Ah! By the way, everyone, if you come to Japan, make point cards at various places,
それを国に帰ってから友達や家族にお土産として渡してみたらどうでしょうかね～！？ Sore o kuni ni kaette kara tomodachi ya kazoku ni omiyage toshite watashite mitara dou deshou ka ne~!? and then take them home and give them as souvenirs to friends or family!
今の日本の文化を象徴するお土産！どうですか？ Ima no Nihon no bunka o shouchou suru omiyage! Dou desu ka? A souvenir that symbolizes current Japanese culture! How about that?
Hidari-sensei: ん～日本文化を…感じるかなあ。 N~ Nihon bunka o… kanjiru kanaa. Hmm… I wonder if they would really feel Japanese culture.
Nagai-sensei: ちょっと難しいですかね。あ、じゃあハンコとか押してあったらさらに文化レベル上がりませんかね！ Chotto muzukashii desu ka ne. A, jaa hanko toka oshite attara sara ni bunka reberu agarimasen ka ne! That might be tricky. Ah, if you stamped them with a hanko (seal), wouldn’t it feel even more cultural?
Hidari-sensei: ん～そうですね～…。 N~ sou desu ne~… Hmm… yes, maybe…
Nagai-sensei: あ、じゃあさらにそのカードを一枚一枚パッキングして小分けの袋に入れたポイントカード・・・！ A, jaa sara ni sono kaado o ichimai ichimai pakkingu shite kowake no fukuro ni iret…ta pointo kaado…! Ah, and then pack each card individually in small bags… point cards…!
Hidari-sensei: はい、もうしつこいので、今日はこの辺で私が終わりにしまーす！ Hai, mou shitsukoi node, kyou wa kono hen de watashi ga owari ni shima~su! Yes, that’s persistent enough, so I’ll stop here for today!
最後までお聞きいただきましてありがとうございました！ Saigo made okiki itadakimashite arigatou gozaimashita! Thank you for listening until the end!
Nagai-sensei: あー、ありがとうございました。 A~, arigatou gozaimashita. Ah, thank you very much.
Hidari-sensei: CotoRadio For Japanese Learnersお相手は わたくし、左と Coto Radio For Japanese Learners o aite wa watakushi, Hidari to You’ve been listening to Coto Radio For Japanese Learners, with me, Hidari,
Nagai-sensei: Mr. Nagaiでした…！ Mr. Nagai deshita…! and Mr. Nagai…!
Nagai-sensei / Hidari-sensei: それでは、じゃあ、また、次回～！ Soredewa, jaa, mata, jikai~! Well then, see you next time!
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Ah, autumn. The leaves are changing into brilliant reds and yellows, the air is starting to get crisp with cold, and the fluffy scarves and coats of yesteryear are emerging. It’s times like these that we start to crave those warm and familiar Japanese autumn foods. For most of us, pumpkin pie, apple cider, or s’mores come to mind. But fall flavors in Japan offer something completely different, and there is just something about these dishes that makes fall feel complete!
Japan is not excluded from these culinary desires; they even have a word for it called 食欲の秋 (shokuyoku no aki), which translates to “autumn appetite.” Some Japanese people believe that their appetite increases during this time simply because of the amount of good, hearty dishes available. And, given what autumn foods are popular in Japan, this makes a lot of sense!
So, sit down at the table, bring a healthy appetite, and ready your chopsticks; we have a mouth-watering and informative list of Japanese autumn foods to dish up!
Why Are Seasonal Foods Popular in Japan?
There are a couple of reasons why seasonal foods, such as limited autumn ingredients in Japan, are particularly loved by Japanese people. One of these is that it’s tradition! Lots of Japanese families grow up eating a particular fall dish or having some sort of fun custom associated with the food, much like eating pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving in the United States! So, eating these same dishes every year is a great way to remember the past and fall into a sense of nostalgia!
Another reason is that some of these foods simply aren’t available at other times of the year. Many plants grow only during particular seasons, and some animals mature at specific times. So, you have limited time to enjoy them before they go bad or get too old. You could think of it as another reminder of how quickly the seasons change!
And, finally, enjoying seasonal foods is simply fun! It’s an easy chance to enjoy foods and flavors that you don’t usually have, as well as to change up your regular routine. After all, what’s life without a little variety?
Popular Japanese Autumn Foods to Try
Alright – time for the main course! If you ask any Japanese person what their favorite autumn food in Japan is, they’ll most likely name one of the foods below. These dishes are eaten the most during the fall season, though there are a few others we’ll get to in a minute. But for now, it’s time to dig in!
1. Sweet Potatoes (Satsumaimo)
Known as satsumaimo (さつま芋), Japanese sweet potatoes are usually purple on the outside and orange on the inside. They’ve been a popular autumn food in Japan ever since they were first introduced to the country from the then-kingdom of Ryukyu (now Okinawa) in the 1600s.(However, sweet potatoes aren’t native to the area; they actually came from trade with the Philippines, which was actually acquired from China!)
In fact, they are such a popular item that many towns have dedicated yaki-imo, or roasted sweet potato trucks, that run during the fall! These trucks are often found near train stations and parks, where people eat the tasty tots plain or with some salt, butter, or pepper. You could compare this phenomenon with the traditional ice cream truck of the West, but instead of hearing upbeat music, you hear someone calling “’iiiishi-yaaaaki imoooo!” (stoooone-rooooasted potatooooes!) on repeat!
Aside from the yaki-imo trucks, you can also get roasted sweet potatoes from the popular chain Don Quijote. You can also find plenty of sweet potato-flavored items in stores, such as mochi, yokan (a thick jelly paste with red beans), milk, ice cream, and even doughnuts from the chain Mister Doughnut! Candied sweet potatoes, or daigaku-imo, are also a popular choice. No matter what you like to eat, you can probably get it with sweet potatoes!
2. Chestnuts (Kuri)
Of all the foods listed here, this one might hold the title of oldest Japanese fall food! Kuri (栗), but more commonly known by the French name マロン (marron), have been enjoyed in Japan since at least the Jomon Period (14,000 – 300 BC). People cultivated the treat as a good source of protein and used the trees they grew on as wood. Nowadays, if you see chestnut-filled rice balls appearing in stores, it’s a sign of autumn!
The nuts themselves taste nutty (surprise, surprise!), toasty, and slightly sweet. Traditionally, they are eaten roasted, though they aren’t very common in cities anymore. You are more likely to find roasted chestnuts in markets, tourist spots, in the country, or near hiking trails!A lot of people also eat them boiled with salt, soy sauce, or cooking wine.Alternatively, you can pair them with rice in the dish kuri-gohan; this dish steams the rice and chestnuts together, and when done, it’s topped with black sesame seeds.
Sounds a little too savory for you? There are also lots of sweet options! Aside from chestnut-flavored ice cream, Kit Kat, and drinks, you can also try chestnut manju or yokan. However, the most popular sweet would have to be the Mont Blanc, a French chestnut dessert that looks like a pile of spaghetti! It’s incredibly popular in Japan, and in the fall, you can buy a lot of different variations (all including chestnut, of course)!
3. Sanma Fish (Pacific Saury)
While fish might seem like an odd choice of autumn food in Japan for some readers, the sanma fish (literally written as 秋刀魚, or “autumn knife fish”), is a quintessential Japanese autumnal food. Slim and silver with a taste similar to sardines or herring, they are said to be at their tastiest during the fall (due to their high fat content). So, both supermarkets and traditional Japanese restaurants will stock up on this fish as soon as they’re caught off the coast of the Kanto area!
In both places, the sanma fish usually has all of the guts included. This is because Japanese people love the bitter taste that these insides create. They are also quite nutritious, so if you also have the guts, they are worth a try! At any rate, these fish are typically broiled whole before being seasoned with a little salt, lemon, or yuzu, and soy sauce. Many times, this dish is also served with a side of grated radish. You can also eat them grilled with salt, or shioyaki style!
4. Matsutake Mushrooms
Sometimes called the “King of Autumn Foods” due to their high price tag and rich, meaty taste, 松茸 (matsutake) mushrooms are definitely something you should try if you can!This fungus is a great example of food that is seasonal just because of its growing conditions; it can only grow at the base of pine trees during the autumn season (which also gives the fungi a pine-like smell). Because of this and the resulting high demand, one mushroom can sell for over $100!
Due to their prestige, some restaurants make a whole special menu just for the matsutake. One popular way to eat them is in the dish dobin mushi, a type of mushroom soup. It has “bonito stock, vegetables, chicken or shrimp, and of course, matsutake mushrooms,” which are the reason for the dish’s “smoky, earthy taste.” It is then served in a type of Japanese teapot called the dobin. The broth (which cooks everything) is poured out the spout into bowls; from there, you simply individually pick whatever else you would like to eat directly from the dobin.
On another note, the matsutake is said to symbolize autumn’s blessings and abundance, which is kind of ironic, considering their current cost and rarity!
5. Persimmons (Kaki)
Known in Japanese as 柿 (kaki), persimmons are a popular fruit that can be eaten starting in mid-September. They are a light red color, soft, and taste slightly of honey. They look really pretty when hanging, so going to see strung persimmons is a common fall sightseeing activity!
Persimmons are usually eaten in one of two ways: raw or dried. The raw ones, usually the sweeter variety called fuyu, are commonly sold in boxes in the countryside. Fuyu persimmons are akin to apples, with a crisp, bite-worthy texture, often sliced and eaten raw. The dried ones, usually made from the more sour variety of hachiya, go through a process called hoshigaki. In this, the persimmons are peeled and strung up to dry; this allows the persimmons to shrivel and produce a natural sugar coating. Either way, the result is delicious!
Following the Japanese tendency to have very specific words, there is a lot of fun vocabulary associated with persimmons! 樽柿 (tarugaki) refers to persimmons soaking in a sake bottle, 串柿 (kushigaki) refers to dried persimmons on a skewer, and 醂す (sawasu) means to make sour persimmons more sweet!
6. Gingko Nuts (Ginnan)
If you’re following the autumn foliage schedule in Japan, you might be familiar with ginkgo — one of the two most popular leaves admired by travelers during the season for its vivid yellow color. And yes, you can eat ginkgo nuts! After all, anything with a nutty flavor is fair game during the fall!
Gingko nuts, or ginnan (銀杏), while not as popular as other autumn foods in Japan, are still a favorite for many. Harvested when the gingko trees start to turn golden (September to November), they are usually eaten simply roasted with salt or steamed with a serving of rice.
Since gingko nuts have a sweet and nutty flavor similar to chestnuts, many people also like to put them in chawanmushi (egg custard), soups, and other combos! But, don’t try to eat these straight off the tree, as they are toxic when raw! Plus, they smell pretty bad beforehand, which might ruin your appetite for the rest of the day!
7. Pumpkins (Kabocha)
Well, it’s really no surprise that pumpkins would show up on a list of popular autumn foods in Japan! However, pumpkins, or南瓜 (kabocha), are only mildly popular in Japan. Pumpkin spice isn’t on the menu at every coffee shop, and you can’t buy pumpkin bread at many bakeries. Don’t despair, though: pumpkin-flavored drinks are starting to become more popular, but they are still a long way from being mainstream. For now, though, pumpkins can be found in soups, pies, fried up in tempura, or in a special fall curry!
Today, Japan favors soft, fluffy Western-style pumpkins, but traditional Japanese kabocha — sticky, sweet, and introduced from Portugal — still shines, especially the famous Kurokawa variety. Though fewer regions grow them now, places like Miyazaki keep the tradition alive. Greenhouse pumpkins are around December to June, while outdoor kabocha peaks in October and November.
8. Apple (Ringo)
Finally, apples, or ringo (林檎) are a popular autumn food in Japan! However, apples are fairly new to the country; they didn’t appear until 1865 when the United States brought them over for the first time. Since then, they have skyrocketed in popularity, with over 2,000 different varieties being grown throughout the country! Most of these are grown in either the Aomori or Nagano prefectures, both of which are known for their apple-raising skills.
Like in many places, picking apples at an apple orchard is a popular Japanese weekend activity (from October to December). You can also pick up all sorts of apple-flavored goods from stores, such as jams, pies, Kit Kat, wine, and even vinegar!
Fun fact, the world-famous variety of Fuji apples doesn’t actually refer to Mt. Fuji, though apples are grown near there; the name actually comes from the town of Fujisaki, where the apples originally came from!
8. Grapes (Budou)
Grapes, known as budou (ぶどう) in Japanese, are also considered a seasonal fruit of autumn. Vineyard-rich regions like Yamanashi and Nagano are especially famous for their high-quality, plump varieties.
One of the most popular types is the Shine Muscat, a large, green, seedless grape that’s prized for its crisp texture and delightful muscat aroma. Shine Muscats are considered a luxury fruit, often selling for ten times the price of regular green grapes. They come into season around late August to early September.
Another beloved variety is the Kyoho grape, known for its enormous size and rich, sweet flavor.
While grapes are indeed in season during early fall and are technically an autumn food in Japan, they aren’t as strongly tied to the fall image as seasonal icons like matsutake mushrooms or satsuma-imo (Japanese sweet potatoes). This might be because fruits are often more closely associated with spring.
Still, when you spot those glossy, plump Shine Muscats in the market, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy them at their peak!
9. Shinmai Rice
Who knew rice could also be seasonal? 新米, or shinmai rice, refers to the newest crop of rice for the year. This special type is softer and juicier than other kinds of rice, but you have to act quickly; shinmai rice is only available from September to November. This is because the grains have to be processed, shipped, and consumed all within the same year to preserve their unique taste. While maybe not as exciting as other food choices, shinmai rice would go well with some of the other seasonal flavors we discussed!
Like any well-harvested ingredient, shinmai rice should be enjoyed in its most pared-back form: in a bowl, freshly steamed. Try them with tempura (try kabocha tempura while you are at it), drizzle a bit of the sweet tare sauce, or pair them with your favorite sashimi and enjoy the different pleasant textures to welcome Japan’s coziest season.
10. Black Sesame Seeds (Kuro Goma)
Black sesame seeds, or黒ごま (kuro goma), are a popular flavor year-round, but interest in them tends to pick up during the fall. This is when the seeds are traditionally harvested, and their nutty flavor goes well with other autumnal foods. By itself, black sesame seeds are used in sesame-flavored ice cream and parfaits, which then get the added bonus of turning a spooky black or grey color!
11. Hojicha
Hojicha (ほうじ茶), or roasted green tea, is a flavor that is also available year-round but picks up popularity in the fall; this is due to its nutty and smoky flavors. Like its close cousin matcha, hojicha can be added to a variety of foods, such as cakes, lattes, candies, and more! (If you’d like to learn more about different types of Japanese tea, you can check out our article about that exact topic here.)
12. Japanese Pear (Nashi)
Forget everything you know about pears, because the Japanese pear, or nashi, is in a class of its own. Also known as the Asian pear and native to East Asia, nashi stands out with its larger, round, apple-like shape, crisp texture, and refreshing juiciness. Unlike Western pears that soften as they ripen, nashi pears are best enjoyed firm, offering a sweet, crunchy, and thirst-quenching bite every time.
In Japan, popular varieties include the reddish-brown Kosui, celebrated for its rich sweetness, and the abundant Hosui, prized for its juiciness. The season stretches from August to November, with peak flavor arriving from late August through October.
Beloved for their delicate balance of sweetness and gentle tartness, nashi pears shine both fresh and in the kitchen. Slice them into salads for a crisp crunch, pair them with desserts for a natural burst of sweetness, or simply savor them on their own.
13. Oden
Few foods capture the feeling of crisp evenings and the comfort of warmth quite like oden. Oden may not be tied exclusively to autumn, but it’s one of those Japanese comfort foods that truly comes alive when the seasons change and the nights grow cooler.
At its heart, oden is a simmering pot of dashi-based broth, often made from a delicate combination of fish and seaweed stock, into which a variety of ingredients are gently cooked until they soak up all the savory flavor.
The lineup of oden ingredients can vary, but classics include tender daikon radish, chewy konyaku, soft-boiled eggs, fried tofu, and an assortment of fish cakes.
You’ll often find steaming pots of oden at convenience stores, izakayas, and food stalls. It’s hearty yet light, nourishing yet deeply satisfying, often enjoyed over a glass of namabiiru (Japanese draft beer).
14. Nihonshu (Japanese Sake)
We have talked about autumn foods in Japan, but what about the drinks? In Japan, the brewing of sake, a traditional drink made from fermented rice, water, and koji, is closely tied to the changing seasons, and autumn holds a special place for enthusiasts.
This is when breweries release hiyaoroshi, a seasonal sake that is brewed in the spring and aged over the summer. Unlike freshly brewed spring sake, hiyaoroshi is smoother, milder, and perfectly suited to the cooler autumn months, making it a popular choice for gatherings, festivals, and cozy evenings.
Hiyaoroshi pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms, chestnuts, and pumpkin. Cooking with a touch of miso or soy sauce enhances the umami flavors, which the sake then complements and elevates.
15. Lotus Root (Renkon)
Lotus root is a versatile and nutritious vegetable with a long harvest season, spanning from July to March, and reaching its peak in the fall. Its texture and flavor change with the seasons: summer lotus root is semi-translucent, juicy, and tender, while winter lotus root turns milky white, with a soft, flaky texture.
In the fall, lotus root can be cooked in almost any way, as it is at its most versatile. One particularly delightful dish is lotus root chips, where you boil the roots with their skin at a low temperature, slice them thinly into rounds using a vegetable slicer, and deep-fry them until crisp.
Where You Can Try Autumn Foods in Japan
Well, now that we’ve tempted you with all of these delectable food descriptions, it wouldn’t be right to end without telling you how you can try some of these flavors for yourself!
If you’re in Japan, then it’s pretty easy to find these foods; simply go to your local grocery store or konbini, and you are sure to find seasonal foods galore! This is also when Japanese snack producers start showing off their creativity; you might find pumpkin Kit Kat or fall-inspired Pocky flavors.
Plenty of food chains, such as Krispy Kreme or Starbucks, also have seasonal menus that include many of the flavors we discussed above. For example, Starbucks likes to put out time-limited, fall-inspired drinks like the sweet potato latte or Japanese pear frappuccino.
You can find many of the more traditional offerings at places like izakayas and special festival stalls. If you’re up for some travel, you can also go to areas known for specific foods, such as Aomori Prefecture for apples or Obuse City for chestnuts!
If you’re not in Japan, it’s still not too hard to try these flavors! For one thing, many of the foods we mentioned (sweet potatoes, apples, chestnuts) are available all over the world; you can simply check at your local supermarket to see if you can get them there. This would be a fun way to try the flavors while also making some Japanese recipes! Alternatively, you can always check online at sites such as Amazon to see if there are any seasonal Japanese snacks available!
Conclusion
After every filling meal comes a time of contentment. Your stomach is warm, your taste buds are happy, and you’re left with the memory of a good time. Hopefully, our list of tasty Japanese autumn foods was enough to satisfy any hunger you came here with.
Or not! Maybe now you have a new hunger and want to keep exploring all the wonderful fall dishes that Japan has to offer! There’s always something new to discover about Japanese cuisine, and seasonal foods are no exception.
So, zip up your coat, put your scarf on, and head out the door; there’s too much to love about autumnal foods to wait any longer!
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FAQ
What are the seasonal flavors in the fall?
Chestnut, sweet potato, pumpkin, mushroom, and persimmon are classic autumn flavors.
How popular is pumpkin spice in Japan?
Actually, it’s not popular at all! While it is gaining some fans, pumpkin spice and pumpkin flavoring aren’t widespread in Japan. You are most likely to find pumpkin added to curries, stews, and fried in tempura instead!
What do Japanese eat during autumn?
Japanese enjoy kabocha, matsutake mushrooms, sanma (Pacific saury), chestnuts, and sweet potatoes in autumn.
What are traditional fall foods? T
Traditional fall foods feature mushrooms, pumpkin, chestnuts, fish like sanma, and rice-based dishes.
What to eat in Japan in October?
Seasonal treats in October include grilled sanma, roasted chestnuts, pumpkin dishes, and sweet potato desserts.
Visiting Japan this autumn? You might be interested in reading:
Welcome to Coto Radio, a Japanese learning podcast by Coto Japanese Academy, Japan’s No. 1 Japanese language school. Each episode, our host combines captivating storytelling with engaging conversations, all delivered in clear, natural Japanese.
Japan’s booming tourism industry has sparked overtourism concerns in recent years. In Fujikawaguchiko, authorities installed a 2.5-meter-high black barrier blocking Mt. Fuji’s view from a viral Lawson convenience store. In Kyoto, private alleys in the geisha district have been closed off after complaints about unruly visitors.
On this episode of Coto Radio, Mr. Nagai is joined by teacher Hidari to talk about traveling in Japan, from iconic sightseeing spots like Mt. Fuji and Kyoto to local food favorites. They also explore the phenomenon of “anime pilgrimages,” or seichi junrei (聖地巡礼), where fans visit real-life locations featured in movies and anime, and discuss the challenges of overtourism. Along the way, they introduce useful Japanese expressions while reminding listeners to enjoy Japan responsibly and follow local rules.
Must-Visit Spots for Foreign Visitors
In this episode, our host, Nagai-sensei and Hidari-sensei, talk about the most popular destinations for travelers in Japan. Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Yakushima often come up as top recommendations from students, while Nagasaki holds a special place for Hidari-sensei as his hometown.
Mt. Fuji is, of course, a must-see. Climbing it is tough, but the teachers agree that even just seeing it up close is worth the trip. Nagai-sensei even shared that he has climbed Mt. Fuji eight times, sometimes leading groups of over 100 students.
“Climbing is really hard, so at least go close and see it with your own eyes! It’s the tallest mountain in Japan!” Hidari-sensei remarks.
Eat Like a Local, Travel Like a Local
The conversation also highlights how food is central to travel in Japan. Trying local specialties is something recommended not only for foreigners, but for all travelers.
Examples included champon, a popular Nagasaki-style noodle dish in Japan, and Sasebo burgers from Nagasaki. A Sasebo burger does not refer to a single style of hamburger, but rather a general term for handmade, made-to-order burgers that originated in Sasebo City.
But the idea extends globally: pizza in Italy, pho in Vietnam, tacos in Mexico.
“This isn’t just for foreigners. Eating the local specialty is always part of the travel experience,” said Hidari-sensei
Anime and Movie Pilgrimages: Seichi Junrei
A unique form of tourism in Japan is anime pilgrimages. Fans visiting real-life locations featured in anime and films. These places may not be famous on their own, but gain popularity after being shown in works like Your Name, Suzume, or Slam Dunk.
One of the most famous examples is the red staircase at Suga Shrine in Yotsuya, Tokyo, which appeared in Your Name. Fans flock there to recreate the iconic scene of the main characters crossing paths.
“Why are you taking pictures on such an ordinary staircase? There are plenty of other famous spots… but that’s the power of anime pilgrimages,” Nagai-sensei admits.
This trend is also seen with idols and musicians, as fans visit shops or restaurants recommended by their favorite stars.
The Challenge of Overtourism in Japan
While Japan has many places to visit, the teachers also point out a growing concern: overtourism. As the number of international visitors continues to rise, certain famous spots have become overcrowded, leading to safety issues, environmental damage, and frustration for local residents.
A clear example is Mt. Fuji. In July and August 2023 alone, over 220,000 climbers were recorded. This puts enormous strain on the mountain environment, with problems like litter, trail erosion, and even “bullet climbing” (people rushing to the summit overnight without proper rest, which is dangerous for both the climber and rescuers).
Another case is the viral photo spot at a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko. Tourists lined up daily to snap pictures of the store with Mt. Fuji towering behind it, causing heavy congestion and inconvenience for locals.
“If overtourism continues, people will start saying things like ‘I can’t stand it,’” says Nagai-sensei.
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Check out the new Japanese words you might encounter along the way as you listen to the podcast.
Japanese
Romaji
English
引き続き
hikitsuzuki
continuously/as before
早速（ですが）
sassoku (desu ga)
immediately/without delay
観光スポット
kankou supotto
sightseeing spot/tourist attraction
名物
meibutsu
specialty (local specialty)
慌てて～する
awatete ~suru
to spread/become widespread
連続もの
renzoku mono
series (TV, manga, etc.)
バンバン～
banban ~
rapidly / in quick succession
広まる
hiromaru
to spread / become widespread
描く
kaku
to do something in a hurry/panic
代表
daihyou
enthusiast/nerd (often anime/manga context)
オタク
otaku
sense of discomfort/something feels
違和感
iwakan
to spread/become widespread
New Grammar From the Podcast
Along the way, the teachers introduced some new Japanese grammar. Find the full list of new grammar points below.
Grammar Point
Romaji
English Translation
Aに限らずB
A ni kagirazu B
not limited to A; also B
～というわけではない
~ to iu wake dewa nai
it doesn’t mean that ~
～ないと…（てしまう）
~ nai to … (te shimau)
if ~ not done, …will happen
～てくる／～てきた
~ te kuru / ~ te kita
to gradually come to do ~ / has come to ~
いくつも…
ikutsu mo …
It doesn’t mean that ~
～だらけ
~ darake
full of ~ / covered with ~
Useful Japanese Phrases From the Podcast
Not just words and grammar, here are a few extra phrases that you can start using right away.
Japanese Phrase
Romaji
English Translation
とにかく～
tonikaku ~
anyway / in any case / above all
聖地巡礼
seichi junrei
pilgrimage to a sacred site / visiting anime/manga locations
○○そのものは～
○○ sono mono wa ~
as for ○○ itself…
○○を舞台にした～
○○ o butai ni shita ~
~ set in / based on ○○
正直～です
soujiki ~ desu
honestly, ~
Podcast Transcript
Below is a transcript of an episode of Coto Radio, a podcast presented by Coto Academy available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. The transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Nagai-sensei:
どうもこんにちは！Cotoラジオをお聞きいただきましてありがとうございます。 Doumo konnichiwa! Coto rajio o okiki itadakimashite arigatou gozaimasu. Hello! Thank you for listening to Coto Radio!
Cotoでレッスンしている学習者の皆様そして世界中の日本語学習者の皆様こんにちは！お元気でしょうか！？ Coto de ressun shite iru gakushuusha no minasama soshite sekaijuu no nihongo gakushuusha no minasama konnichiwa! Ogenki deshou ka!? Hello to all learners taking lessons at Coto, and to Japanese learners around the world! How are you doing?
日本で一番スポーツとビールが好きな日本語教師Nagaiです。 Nihon de ichiban supootsu to biiru ga suki na nihongo kyoushi Nagai desu. I’m Nagai, a Japanese teacher who loves sports and beer the most in Japan.
学校でもし会ったら、「ハーイMr.Nagai」と声をかけてください！どうぞよろしくお願いします！ Gakkou de moshi attara, “Haai Mr. Nagai” to koe o kakete kudasai! Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu! If you see me at school, say “Hi, Mr. Nagai!” Nice to meet you!
こちらのプログラムでは、日本のニュースや生活の中の話題について、できるだけ簡単な日本語で先生たちといっしょに会話をしていきます。 Kochira no puroguramu de wa, Nihon no nyuusu ya seikatsu no naka no wadai ni tsuite, dekiru dake kantan na nihongo de sensei-tachi to issho ni kaiwa o shite ikimasu. In this program, we talk about Japanese news and daily life topics in as simple Japanese as possible, together with the teachers.
日本語がまだはっきり聞き取れない！という方は、ぜひリラックスして聞くことができるリスニングのテキストだと思って聞いてみてください。 Nihongo ga mada hakkiri kikitore nai! To iu kata wa, zehi rirakkusu shite kiku koto ga dekiru risuningu no tekisuto da to omotte kiite mite kudasai. If your Japanese listening isn’t clear yet, please relax and treat this as a listening text.
すごくナチュラルに話していますので語彙はちょっと難しいかもしれませんが、まあ、使っている文法はだいたいN4レベルで勉強するものなので、内容は理解できる………はず！ Sugoku nachuraru ni hanashite imasu node goi wa chotto muzukashii kamo shiremasen ga, maa, tsukatte iru bunpou wa daitai JLPT N4 reberu de benkyou suru mono nanode, naiyou wa rikai dekiru………hazu! We speak very naturally, so the vocabulary may be a little difficult, but the grammar is mostly N4 level, so you should be able to understand the content… probably!
「はず」…はN3ですか? すみません、理解できると信じています！ “Hazu”… wa N3 desu ka!? Sumimasen, rikai dekiru to shinjite imasu! The word “hazu”… is it N3 level? Sorry, but I believe you can understand it!
さて、今日、私といっしょにお話してくれるのは「クマ被害」のお話に引き続き、麻布校レッスンでおなじみ、左先生です！ Sate, kyou, watashi to issho ni ohanashi shite kureru no wa “Kuma higai” no ohanashi ni hikitsuzuki, Azabu kou ressun de onajimi, Hidari sensei desu! Now, joining me today to talk, following our last discussion about bear damage, is the familiar Azabu school teacher, Hidari-sensei!
Hidari-sensei:
はい、こんいちは。よろしくお願いしまーす！ Hai, konnichiwa, yoroshiku onegaishimaasu! Yes, good afternoon. Nice to meet you!
Nagai-sensei:
はい、今回もよろしくお願いします！ではでは、早速ですが、質問です！ Hai, konkai mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu! Dewa dewa, sassoku desu ga, shitsumon desu! Yes, thank you for joining again! Now, let’s get straight to the point. Here’s the question!
Hidari-sensei:
はい、答える前に、言葉の説明です！「早速」は、翻訳するといろんな英語が出てきますが、この使い方は Let’s get straight to the point…、「すぐにメインのトピックにいきます！」というサインですね。 Hai, kotaeru mae ni, kotoba no setsumei desu! “Sassoku” wa, hon’yaku suru to ironna eigo ga detekimasu ga, kono tsukaikata wa “Let’s get straight to the point…”, “sugu ni mein no topikku ni ikimasu!” to iu sain desu ne. Before answering, let me explain a word! “Sassoku” can be translated in many ways, but here it’s used like “Let’s get straight to the point”—a signal that we are moving immediately to the main topic.
Nagai-sensei:
ありがとうございます。いつものように言葉の説明もしていただきました。 Arigatou gozaimasu. Itsumo no you ni kotoba no setsumei mo shite itadakimashita. Thank you. As usual, she also explained the meaning of the words.
では、もう一度、早速ですが質問です。テデンッ！！外国人にとって、日本に来たら、1度は行ってみたい観光スポット…と言えばどこですか？？ Dewa, mou ichido, sassoku desu ga shitsumon desu. Teden!! Gaikokujin ni totte, Nihon ni kitara, ichido wa itte mitai kankou supotto… to ieba doko desu ka?? Now, once again, let’s get straight to the question! For foreigners, when they come to Japan, which sightseeing spot do they want to visit at least once??
あ～いや、お勧めにしましょうか！先生のお勧めの観光スポット！！ Aa iya, osusume ni shimashou ka! Sensei no osusume no kankou supotto!! Ah, let’s make it a recommendation! What sightseeing spots do you recommend, sensei?
Hidari-sensei:
私のおすすめはもちろん出身地の「長崎」なんですが、学生からよく聞くのは「京都」「広島」「屋久島」でしょうか。「黒部ダム」も人気で、私もいつか行ってみたいところです。 Watashi no osusume wa mochiron shusshin-chi no “Nagasaki” nan desu ga, gakusei kara yoku kiku no wa “Kyouto”, “Hiroshima”, “Yakushima” deshou ka. “Kurobe Damu” mo ninki de, watashi mo itsuka itte mitai tokoro desu. My recommendation is, of course, my hometown, Nagasaki, but students often mention Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Yakushima. The Kurobe Dam is also popular, and I want to visit it someday, too.
Nagai-sensei:
黒部ダム。おおきいですね。 なるほど。じゃあ「富士山」はどうですか？ Kurobe Damu. Ookii desu ne. Naruhodo. Jaa “Fujisan” wa dou desu ka? Kurobe Damu.. that is pretty big. I see. Then, how about Mount Fuji?
Hidari-sensei:
それはもちろん！ただ、登るのは本当に大変なので、とにかく近くに行って、自分の目で、しっかり見てほしいです！日本一の山ですから！ Sore wa mochiron! Tada, noboru no wa hontou ni taihen nano de, tonikaku chikaku ni itte, jibun no me de, shikkari mite hoshii desu! Nihon ichi no yama desu kara! Of course! But climbing it is really hard, so at least go close and see it with your own eyes! It’s the tallest mountain in Japan!
Nagai-sensei:
はい、本当に、本当に近くで見ると大きいですよ！うわっ！でかい！って思いました。僕ちなみに、8回登ってます。 Hai, hontou ni, hontou ni chikaku de miru to ookii desu yo! Uwa! Dekai! tte omoimashita. Boku chinami ni, hachi-kai nobottemasu. Yes, really—seeing it up close, it’s huge! Wow! I thought. By the way, I’ve climbed it 8 times.
Hidari-sensei:
えー！？先生、趣味ですか？プライベートですか？ Ee!? Sensei, shumi desu ka? Puraibeeto desu ka? What!? Sensei, is it a hobby? Was it for personal reasons?
Nagai-sensei:
いえ、最初の1回はプライベートで、大学生の時先輩の命令コマンドでしたね…。行くぞ！はい！って。 Ie, saisho no ikkai wa puraibeeto de, daigakusei no toki senpai no meirei komando deshita ne… Iku zo! Hai! tte. No, the first time was personal, but when I was a college student, it was a senior’s command… “Let’s go! Yes!”
あとは全部、日本語学校の先生になってからです。学生の参加者のパーティーのキャプテンとして。あの～、一番多い時は、160人くらいいました。もちろん先生1人じゃないですよ！何人かでエスコートしました。 Ato wa zenbu, nihongo gakkou no sensei ni natte kara desu. Gakusei no sanka-sha no paatii no kyaputen to shite. Ano~, ichiban ooi toki wa, hyaku rokujuu-nin kurai imashita. Mochiron sensei hitori ja nai desu yo! Nan-nin ka de esukooto shimashita. After that, all the climbs were when I became a Japanese school teacher, as the captain for student parties. At the busiest time, there were about 160 people. Of course, I wasn’t alone; several of us escorted them.
Hidari-sensei:
すごいですね。 Sugoi desu ne. That’s amazing.
Nagai-sensei:
若かったな～…って思います…。本当に。 Wakakatta naa… tte omoimasu… Hontou ni. I feel like I was really young back then… really.
Hidari-sensei:
あ、そうだ！ あとは、スポットだけじゃなくて、食べ物かな～！ A, sou da! Ato wa, supotto dake janakute, tabemono ka na! Oh, that’s right! And not just the spot, but the food too!
Nagai-sensei:
あ～。行った先で、そこの名物を食べる！っていう旅ですね。 A~. Itta saki de, sokono meibutsu o taberu! tte iu tabi desu ne. Ah, so traveling to eat the local specialty of the place you visit!
Hidari-sensei:
はい、これはでも外国人に限らず、旅のお勧めですよね！ Hai, kore wa demo gaikokujin ni kagirazu, tabi no osusume desu yo ne! Yes, but this is recommended not only for foreigners, but for all travelers!
Nagai-sensei:
お！文法！！「Ａに限らずＢ」ですね。日本語の先生っぽい！ O! Bunpou!! “A ni kagirazu B” desu ne. Nihongo no sensei-ppoi! Oh! Grammar!! “A ni kagirazu B,” right? You sound like a Japanese teacher!
Hidari-sensei:
そうです。では、日本語の先生、わたくし左が、ご説明します。まず、「ず」は昔の言葉で「～ない」。
Sou desu. Dewa, Nihongo no sensei, watakushi Hidari ga, go-setsumei shimasu. Mazu, “zu” wa mukashi no kotoba de “~nai.” That’s right. Well then, as your Japanese teacher, I’ll explain. First, “zu” is an old form of “nai” (not).
「限る」は「それだけ、それ以外はだめ！」という意味なので、一緒に使うと、「それだけ、それ以外はだめ！…じゃないよ！他のものでもいいよ！！」という意味になります。 “Kagiru” wa “sore dake, sore igai wa dame!” to iu imi nanode, issho ni tsukau to, “sore dake, sore igai wa dame! …janai yo! Hoka no mono demo ii yo!!” to iu imi ni narimasu. “Kagiru” means “only this, nothing else is allowed.” So together, it means “Not just that, others are also okay!”
Nagai-sensei:
はい、あの、「限る」は「限り」って名詞の形になっているのを、よく見ます。 Hai, ano, “kagiru” wa “kagiri” tte meishi no katachi ni natte iru no o, yoku mimasu. Yes, I often see “kagiru” used as the noun form “kagiri.”
Hidari-sensei:
そうですね。「今夜限りの20％OFF！」「現品限り」「一回限り」とか。Cotoもよく出してますよねキャンペーンのお知らせ。 Sou desu ne. “Konya kagiri no 20% OFF!”, “genpin kagiri”, “ikkai kagiri” toka. Coto mo yoku dashitemasu yo ne, kyanpeen no oshirase. Right. Like “20% OFF tonight only!”, “limited to stock on hand,” or “one time only.” Coto often uses these phrases in campaign ad,s too.
Nagai-sensei:
だから、日本語を読んで「慌てて買いに行く！」ことができたらそれはみなさんの日本語レベルが上がっている証拠です！ Dakara, Nihongo o yonde “awatete kai ni iku!” koto ga dekitara sore wa minasan no Nihongo reberu ga agatte iru shouko desu! So if you can read Japanese and rush out to buy something, that’s proof your Japanese level has improved!
Hidari-sensei:
「慌てて何かする」…は、急がなければなりません！ “Awatete nanika suru”… wa, isoganakereba narimasen! “To do something in a hurry” means you must act quickly!
早くしないと終わってしまう！困る！大変だ！…と思って、他にしていることをストップしてそれをすることです。Rush to do somethingですね。 Hayaku shinai to owatte shimau! Komaru! Taihen da!… to omotte, hoka ni shite iru koto o sutoppu shite sore o suru koto desu. Rush to do something desu ne. You think, “If I don’t do this now, it’ll end! That’s a problem! Oh no!” So you stop what you’re doing and rush to do it.
Nagai-sensei:
はい。あ、そう、それで…、えっと～、「旅行」とか「観光」と言えば、日本人もそうですけど、今までは、その場所にある有名な建物とか景色とか…を見に行っていたんですよ。 Hai. A, sou, sore de… etto~. “Ryokou” toka “kankou” to ieba, Nihonjin mo sou desu kedo, ima made wa, sono basho ni aru yuumei na tatemono toka keshiki toka… o mi ni itte ita n desu yo. Yes. Oh, right, so… speaking of “travel” or “sightseeing,” until now, people, including Japanese, would go see famous buildings or scenery at a place.
Hidari-sensei:
はい、そうですね。 Hai, sou desu ne. Yes, that’s true.
Nagai-sensei:
はい。食べ物とかもそうです。 その土地で有名な食べ物を食べに行く！ Hai. Tabemono toka mo sou desu. Sono tochi de yuumei na tabemono o tabe ni iku! Yes, and food as well. You go to eat the famous food of the area!
韓国に焼肉！メキシコにタコス！あとは・・・？ Kankoku ni yakiniku! Mekishiko ni takosu! Ato wa…? Korean BBQ in Korea! Tacos in Mexico! And then…?
イタリアにピザ、ベトナムにフォー、あ、長崎にちゃんぽん！あとは長崎に佐世保バーガー Itaria ni piza, Betonamu ni fou, a, Nagasaki ni chanpon! Ato wa Nagasaki ni Sasebo bagaa. Pizza in Italy, pho in Vietnam, oh, champon in Nagasaki! And Sasebo burgers in Nagasaki!
Nagai-sensei:
そう、そうそう。 長崎いいですね～。いっぱいありますね。 Sou, sou sou. Nagasaki ii desu ne~. Ippai arimasu ne. Yes, exactly. Nagasaki is great, so many things.
ちょっとその長崎の話、次のトピックに関係あるんですけど、今あの～世界中に「日本のアニメ」がバンバン広まっているじゃないですか。 Chotto sono Nagasaki no hanashi, tsugi no topikku ni kankei aru n desu kedo, ima ano~ sekaijuu ni “Nihon no anime” ga banban hiromatte iru ja nai desu ka. That Nagasaki talk actually connects to the next topic — Japanese anime is spreading rapidly around the world, right?
有名な連続ものもそうですし、その時代その時代の映画、「サマーウォーズ」とか、「君の名は」とか、「すずめの戸締り」とか。 Yuumei na renzoku mono mo sou desu shi, sono jidai sono jidai no eiga, “Samaa Woozu” toka, “Kimi no Na wa” toka, “Suzume no Tojimari” toka. There are famous series, and also films from different eras, like Summer Wars, Your Name, and Suzume.
Hidari-sensei:
名探偵コナン、セーラームーン、スラムダンクそうですねー。 Meitantei Konan, Seeraa Muun, Suramu Danku sou desu ne~. Detective Conan, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk… yes.
あとは、やっぱりジブリの作品ですか。 Ato wa, yappari Jiburi no sakuhin desu ka. And of course, Studio Ghibli works.
Hidari-sensei:
ニッポン代表！！ジブリ！ えーっと、そのアニメや映画にいろんな場所が出てくるんですよ。 Nippon daihyou!! Jiburi! Eetto, sono anime ya eiga ni ironna basho ga dete kuru n desu yo. Japan’s representative!! Ghibli! Well, anime and movies show many places.
しかも、日本のアニメーションってかなりリアルにその場所を描きますよね。 Shikamo, nihon no animeeshon tte kanari riaru ni sono basho o egakimasu yo ne. And Japanese animation often depicts them very realistically.
だから、その映画のワンシーンに出てくる場所に実際に行って、映画の中のキャラクターと同じことをしたり、同じ格好をしたりして写真を撮るっていう。 Dakara, sono eiga no wan shiin ni dete kuru basho ni jissai ni itte, eiga no naka no kyarakutā to onaji koto o shitari, onaji kakkou o shitari shite shashin o toru tte iu. So fans actually visit those spots and take photos doing the same poses as the characters.
Hidari-sensei:
「聖地巡礼」と言われている旅のし方ですね。「聖地巡礼」を直訳すると pilgrimage（ピルグリメイジ）で宗教用語なんですけど。 “Seichi junrei” to iwarete iru tabi no shikata desu ne. “Seichi junrei” o chokuyaku suru to pilgrimage de shuukyou yougo nan desu kedo. That style of traveling is called seichi junrei, or “pilgrimage.” Literally, it means religious pilgrimage.
Nagai-sensei:
はいそれです！ ただもともとの意味とはちょっと違って、有名な場所に行くのではなく、建物や場所そのものは特に有名というわけではないのに、アニメによってすごく知られている。 Hai sore desu! Tada motomoto no imi to wa chotto chigatte, yuumei na basho ni iku no de wa naku, tatemono ya basho sono mono wa tokuni yuumei to iu wake de wa nai noni, anime ni yotte sugoku shirarete iru. Yes, that’s it! But the meaning here is a bit different — not about visiting a historically famous place. Instead, it’s places that aren’t famous on their own, but have become well-known because of anime.
そんなところに人が「聖地巡礼しましょう！」って言って集まってしまうんですよ！ Sonna tokoro ni hito ga “seichi junrei shimashou!” tte itte atsumatte shimau n desu yo! And then fans gather there, saying, “Let’s do a pilgrimage!”
Hidari-sensei:
ねー。そこに住んでいる人にしたら、「え～、、なんで？？ この坂がどうしたの？」みたいな。 Nee. Soko ni sunde iru hito ni shitara, “Ee… nande?? Kono saka ga doushita no?” mitaina. Right. For people who live there, it’s like, “Huh? Why?? What’s so special about this slope?”
Nagai-sensei:
そうそう、「え、なんでそんな何もない階段で写真撮る？」みたいな…。他にあるよ、もっと有名な建物とか公園とか…。 Sousou, “Ee, nande sonna nanimo nai kaidan de shashin toru?” mitaina… Hoka ni aru yo, motto yuumei na tatemono toka kouen toka… Exactly. Like, “Why are you taking pictures on such an ordinary staircase?” There are plenty of other famous places, like buildings or parks.
「ごめんなさい、ちょっとそこ、じゃまなんですけど…。」みたいな。それが「聖地巡礼」。観光の形が変わってきました。 “Gomen nasai, chotto soko, jama nandesu kedo…” mitaina. Sore ga “seichi junrei”. Kankou no katachi ga kawatte kimashita. Or people saying, “Excuse me, you’re kind of in the way…” That’s what anime pilgrimages are — the shape of tourism has changed.
Hidari-sensei:
最近は映画やドラマ、アニメの舞台になったところだけでなく、好きなアイドルやミュージシャンがおススメしていたお店などに行って同じものを買ったり、食べたりというパターンもあるようです。 Saikin wa eiga ya dorama, anime no butai ni natta tokoro dake de naku, suki na aidoru ya myuujishan ga osusume shiteita omise nado ni itte onaji mono o kattari, tabetari to iu paataan mo aru you desu. Recently, people don’t just visit places from movies, dramas, or anime. They also go to shops recommended by their favorite idols or musicians, to buy or eat the same things.
あ、そういえば、長井先生は「聖地巡礼」しないんですか？ ほら、バスケットボールの「スラムダンク」オタクじゃないですか？ A, sou ieba, Nagai-sensei wa “seichi junrei” shinain desu ka? Hora, basukettobooru no “Slam Dunk” otaku janai desu ka? Oh, by the way, don’t you do anime pilgrimages, Mr. Nagai? I mean, you’re a Slam Dunk basketball otaku, right?
Nagai-sensei:
ええ、まあ正直オタクと言われて違和感はないレベルです。 Ee, maa shoujiki otaku to iwarete iwakan wa nai reberu desu. Well, honestly, I wouldn’t feel it’s strange to be called an otaku.
Hidari-sensei:
あの鎌倉の「江ノ電」の踏切…。すごく有名じゃないですか！ Ano Kamakura no “Enoden” no fumikiri… Sugoku yuumei janai desu ka! That Kamakura “Enoden” railroad crossing… it’s super famous, right?
Nagai-sensei:
江ノ電、江ノ島電鉄鎌倉高校前ね。七里ガ浜のほうにちょっと行くんですけど… Enoden, Enoshima Dentetsu Kamakura Koukou Mae ne. Shichirigahama no hou ni chotto ikun desu kedo… Yes, Enoden — at Kamakura High School Station. It’s near Shichirigahama.
アニメがスタートして最初のオープニングで、「君が好きだと叫びたい」という歌の…（熱く語り出す） Anime ga staato shite saisho no oepuningu de, “Kimi ga suki da to sakebitai” to iu uta no… (Atsuku katari dasu) In the anime’s opening scene, during the song Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai… (he starts passionately describing the scene).
Hidari-sensei:
ちょっと、何言ってるかわからないです。 Chotto, nani itteru ka wakaranai desu. Um, I don’t really understand what you’re talking about.
Hidari-sensei:
ですよね！！ですよね…。 Desu yo ne!! Desu yo ne… Right?! I knew it…
Nagai-sensei: 多分、初級の学生が、「授業で先生がずっと言葉の説明しててよくわかんなかったー」って言うあの気持ちでした今、この時間。 Tabun, shokyuu no gakusei ga, “Jugyou de sensei ga zutto kotoba no setsumei shitete yoku wakannakatta~” tte iu ano kimochi deshita ima, kono jikan. I think I just felt what beginner students feel when they say, “The teacher kept explaining words in class, but I didn’t understand anything.”
Nagai-sen:
いやすみません。え～っと、何の話でしたっけ、 Iya sumimasen. Ee… tto, nan no hanashi deshita kke, Ah, sorry. Uh… what were we talking about again?
Hidari-sensei:
聖地巡礼！ Seichi junrei! Anime pilgrimages!
Nagai-sessei:
あ、そう、聖地巡礼！ 僕は、しません。 A, sou, seichi junrei! Boku wa, shimasen. Ah, right — anime pilgrimages! I don’t do them.
Hidari-sensei:
しないんですか～。え～意外。 Shinain desu ka~. Ee~ igai. You don’t?? Wow, surprising.
Nagai-senssei:
ええ。僕はしないんですけど、今、すごい人なんですよ。あそこ。 Ee. Boku wa shinain desu kedo, ima, sugoi hito nan desu yo. Asoko. Yeah, I don’t, but those places are packed now.
外国の方、特にアジアの方々ですね、ニュースにもなってますが…。 Gaikoku no kata, toku ni Ajia no katagata desu ne, nyuusu ni mo nattemasu ga… Especially with people from overseas, mostly from Asia. It’s even been in the news.
その～、市や町は、そんな観光スポットとして「すごくアピールして来てくださいー！」って言ってるわけじゃないのに、 Sono~, shi ya machi wa, sonna kankou supotto toshite “Sugoku apiiru shite kite kudasai~!” tte itteru wake janai noni, The cities or towns aren’t even officially promoting these places as tourist spots,
人が来てしまう場所というのが結構たくさん日本にあって、それが大きい問題に発展しているケースがあるんですよね。 hito ga kite shimau basho to iu no ga kekkou takusan Nihon ni atte, sore ga ookii mondai ni hatten shite iru keesu ga aru n desu yo ne. Yet people still come in huge numbers. In Japan, there are actually a lot of places like that — and in some cases, it’s developed into a big problem.
Hidari-sensei:
「発展する」…という言葉は、大抵、とてもいい意味で使いますねー。 “Hatten suru”… to iu kotoba wa, taitei, totemo ii imi de tsukaimasu ne~. The word hatten suru (to develop) is usually used in a positive sense
何かができる場所が広がって、さらにできる技術、テクニックもレベルアップして、上にも横にも大きくなっていくという意味の言葉です。 Nanika ga dekiru basho ga hirogatte, sara ni dekiru gijutsu, tekunikku mo reberu appu shite, ue ni mo yoko ni mo ookiku natte iku to iu imi no kotoba desu. This phrase means that the scope of what can be done expands, the skills and techniques that can be used also improve, and things grow both upwards and horizontally.
そのケースは、つまり、「オーバーツーリズム」と呼ばれる社会問題ですね。人が予想よりも多く来てしまうので、問題がでてしまう Sono keesu wa, tsumari, “oobaatsuurizumu” to yobareru shakai mondai desu ne. Hito ga yosou yori mo ooku kite shimau node, mondai ga dete shimau. But in this case, it refers to a social issue called overtourism: when more people than expected come, leading to problems.
Nagai-sensei:
はい、オーバーツーリズム。too much ツーリズムです。 Hai, oobaatsuurizumu. Too much tsuurizumu desu. Yes — overtourism. Simply put, too much tourism.
来て欲しいけど、人が増えたらそれだけ問題も増えます。 Kite hoshii kedo, hito ga fuetara sore dake mondai mo fuemasu. We want visitors to come, but the more people there are, the more problems there will be.
Nagai-sensei:
富士山も登山客が列に、ラインになってますからね。いや、列じゃない、渋滞ですね。Traffic jam。 Fujisan mo tozankyaku ga retsu ni, rain ni nattemasu kara ne. Iya, retsu janai, juutai desu ne. Traffic jam. On Mt. Fuji, climbers form not just lines, but real traffic jams.
あと、これも調べました。去年OPENしてからCLOSEする9月までの2か月間で、富士山の登山客は22万1000人だったそうです。 Ato, kore mo shirabemashita. Kyonen OPEN shite kara CLOSE suru kugatsu made no nikagetsukan de, Fujisan no tozankyaku wa 22-man 1000-nin datta sou desu. I looked this up — in just two months last year, from the opening to the September closure, there were 221,000 climbers.
これ、計算すると1日3680人が登ってることになります。 Kore, keisan suru to ichinichi 3680-nin ga nobotteru koto ni narimasu. That’s about 3,680 people climbing per day.
Hidari-sensei:
それは、ゴミも増えるし、ルールが守れない人もいますよー。 Sore wa, gomi mo fueru shi, ruuru ga mamorenai hito mo imasu yo~. That means more trash, and some people are not following the rules
あとね、登る人だけじゃなくて、富士山の写真撮る人ですよね～。 Ato ne, noboru hito dake janakute, Fujisan no shashin toru hito desu yo ne~. That means more trash, and some people not following the rules.
近くにあるコンビニの上に富士山が積んであるように見える写真を撮る！っていうねー。ニュースになってました。 Chikaku ni aru konbini no ue ni Fujisan ga tsunde aru you ni mieru shashin o toru! tte iu nee. Nyuusu ni nattemashita. And not only climbers, but also people taking photos — like the famous shot where Mt. Fuji looks like it’s stacked on top of a convenience store roof. That even made the news.
Nagai-sensei:
はい、あそこは、信号がないのに、写真撮るために道路を渡る人があまりにも多くて、すごく危ないから、ついに、写真が撮れないようにネットを張りましたから。 Hai, asoko wa, shingou ga nai noni, shashin toru tame ni douro o wataru hito ga amarini mo ookute, sugoku abunai kara, tsuini, shashin ga torenai you ni netto o harimashita kara. Yes, at that spot, even though there’s no traffic light, so many people were crossing the road just to take photos that it became dangerous. Finally, they put up a big net so photos couldn’t be taken.
Hidari-sensei:
はい、私たちが見て欲しいのは、ここじゃないんですー。 Hai, watashitachi ga mite hoshii no wa, koko janain desu~. Yes, that’s not what we want people to see.
こんな細い歩道に1日3000人も来ないでください…。 Konna hosoi hodou ni ichinichi 3000-nin mo konaide kudasai… Please, don’t have 3,000 people a day crowding into such a narrow walkway…
Nagai-sensei:
…と、いうことです。たくさんお客さんには来て欲しいけど、ルールを守って！ということですね。 …to, iu koto desu. Takusan okyakusan ni wa kite hoshii kedo, ruuru o mamotte! to iu koto desu ne. …And that’s the point. We want many visitors, but please follow the rules!
Hidari-sensei:
でも、その後のニュースで、結局あの黒いネットにも、小さい穴をいくつも空けられて、その穴から写真撮る人はやっぱりたくさんいるそうですよ。 Demo, sono ato no nyuusu de, kekkyoku ano kuroi netto ni mo, chiisai ana o ikutsumo akerarete, sono ana kara shashin toru hito wa yappari takusan iru sou desu yo. But later news said that in the end, people poked small holes in that black net, and many are still taking pictures through those holes.
Nagai-senseii
あ～そうなんですか、穴！？ じゃあもう結構穴だらけに…。 Aa~ sounan desu ka, ana!? Jaa mou kekkou anadarake ni… Oh, really? Holes!? So now it’s full of holes…
Hidari-sensei:
はい、「だらけ」…それがあっても自分はぜんっぜん嬉しくないものがたくさん見えて嫌になる…という気持ちになったら使ってみましょう。 Hai, “darake”… Sore ga atte mo jibun wa zen~zen ureshikunai mono ga takusan miete iya ni naru… to iu kimochi ni nattara tsukatte mimashou. Yes, “-darake” means when there’s a lot of something, but it’s something you don’t like seeing, and it makes you unhappy.
Nagai-sensei: オーバーツーリズムの問題は、このままだと、本当に「最近、観光客だらけで嫌んなっちゃう」とか「富士山がごみだらけになってしまった」とか…言われるようになってしまいます。 Oobaatsuurizumu no mondai wa, kono mama da to, hontou ni “Saikin, kankoukyaku-darake de iyannacchau” toka “Fujisan ga gomi-darake ni natte shimatta” toka… iwareru you ni natte shimaimasu. If overtourism continues, people will really start saying things like, “Lately it’s tourist-darake and I can’t stand it,” or “Mt. Fuji has become gomi-darake (covered in trash).”
Hidari-sensei:
そうですね、でも、だからと言って、逆に「ルールだらけ」にもしたくないですよね。たくさん観光客に来て欲しい気持ちもちゃんとありますから。 Sou desu ne, demo, dakara to itte, gyaku ni “ruuru-darake” ni mo shitakunai desu yo ne. Takusan kankoukyaku ni kite hoshii kimochi mo chanto arimasu kara. That’s true. But at the same time, we don’t want it to become “rule-darake” either. We still want many tourists to come.
Nagai-sensei:
そう思います。皆さんもルールを守って！ Sou omoimasu. Minasan mo ruuru o mamotte! Exactly. Everyone, please follow the rules!
Hidari-sensei:
ね、いつも周りの人のことを考えて！ Ne, itsumo mawari no hito no koto o kangaete! Yes — and always think of the people around you!
Nagai-sensei
日本をもっともっと楽しんでください！ Nihon o motto motto tanoshinde kudasai! Please enjoy Japan even more!
あ、じゃ最後に左先生に、本当にここはいろんな意味でお勧め！っていうベスト左スポットを聞いてお別れしましょうか！ A, ja saigo ni Hidari-sensei ni, hontou ni koko wa ironna imi de osusume! tte iu besuto Hidari supotto o kiite owakare shimashou ka! Oh, and finally, let’s ask Hidari-sensei for his top recommended spots before we finish!
Hidari-sensei: 東京だと、外苑前の銀杏並木、隅田川クルーズ、千鳥ヶ淵の桜でしょうか。 Toukyou da to, Gaienmae no ichou namiki, Sumidagawa kuruuzu, Chidorigafuchi no sakura deshou ka. In Tokyo, I’d recommend the gingko trees at Gaienmae, the Sumida River cruise, and the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi.
Nagai-sensei: 今教えてもらったところにも、ぜひ、ルールを守って出かけてみてください！それでは本日もお時間となりました。お相手はMr. Nagai、そして… Ima oshiete moratta tokoro ni mo, zehi, ruuru o mamotte dekakete mite kudasai! Soredewa honjitsu mo ojikan to narimashita. Oaite wa Mr. Nagai, soshite… Please, when you visit the places we mentioned today, follow the rules! That’s all for today. I’m Mr. Nagai, and…
Nagai-sensei: ありがとうございました。 Arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you very much!
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Gratitude and appreciation for the little things are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but did you know that saying “thank you” in Japanese isn’t as simple as it seems?
Depending on who you’re speaking to, the phrase you use can change significantly. And we’re not just talking about the difference between “arigatou” and “arigatou gozaimasu.” For example, the way you thank a friend differs from how you thank a client. The social proximity and status between the speaker and the degree of politeness determine the best manners and phrases to use. From the formal kansha shimasu to the English loanword that’s popular among young men, sankyuu, every situation calls for a different “thank you”.
But don’t worry! Here’s a practical guide to 20 different ways to say “thank you” in Japanese. We’ll break down when to use each phrase (and when not to), explain the nuances behind them, and give you example situations so you can express gratitude naturally in Japan.
What is Thank You in Japanese?
The most basic and commonly used way to say “thank you” in Japanese is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). However, Japanese is a language rich in nuance and politeness, so there are several variations of the phrase depending on the level of formality, the situation, and who you are speaking with.
Kanji for Arigatou（ありがとう）
The kanji for arigatou is 有り難い. The word was originally used in Buddhism, where 有る (aru) means “existing; being”. If you’ve learned a few kanji, you will probably be familiar with the second character, 難, which is also used for the Japanese adjective muzukashii (難しい), which means “difficult”.
Here, 難い comes from gatou (難う), which carries the same meaning (muzukashii) and is derived from the Japanese adjective “difficult.”
Together, they both can be translated to “something that rarely exists,” “difficult to have,” or “something rare and precious.“
Think of the phrase arigatou as a Japanese proverb: Having someone do something for you is a rare and precious thing.
Now, the word arigatou is often written in hiragana. ありがとう or, if you’re familiar with the more formal and long way to say thank you, ありがとうございます(arigatou gozaimasu).
History of Arigatou（ありがとう）
It’s interesting to look at the kanji characters that trace their historical roots back to the 8th Century.
According to the kokugo dictionary (national dictionary), arigatashi originally meant “difficult to exist”, which later had its meaning changed to “something rare”. It wasn’t until the 15th century that it eventually came to mean welcome or thankful.
Culture of Saying Thank You in Japan
Japanese culture and way of living are reflected in its language. Different pronouns, honorific titles and verb forms are used depending on the relationship between speaker and listener, ranging from downright rude to the utmost respect.
Similar to saying sorry, expressing the basic arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) is tightly related to the Japanese culture of groupthink, humility and compassion. In Japan, people try to put the priority of their in-group (uchi) ahead of their own personal desires.
Ironically, one “ありがとうございます” in a Japanese work setting can come off as curt and insincere. Instead, say thanks a second time is necessary to show one’s sincere feelings of appreciation for receiving a kind gesture.
For example, instead of saying “Thank you for waiting,” Japanese people might opt to say “Sorry for keeping you so long.” They might not necessarily seek forgiveness, but this apology is a token of politeness and humility.
This is because “thank you” and “sorry” fits nicely with one another — or, at least, in Japan’s structured society. Sometimes, it seems like a few minutes of Japanese thank-yous amongst a group of recipients will last an eternity.
Keep in mind that in formal writing and business situations, the word can be written as either 有り難う or 有難う followed by ございます.
It’s perfectly acceptable and quite common in business situations to say thank you in its hiragana form as ありがとうございます. And if you feel really appreciative of what you have received, you can add どうも or おおきに to the beginning of the previous word.
Casual and Everyday Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese
1. Sankyuu (サンキュー)
Sounds familiar? The word sankyuu is a loanword taken too literally from the English phrase “thank you”. The Japanese alphabet doesn’t recognize the consonant “th, so the “s” is used (full table on converting English to Japanese consonants here).
And because it’s a loanword, it means it’s written in katakana, too. There are typically two written versions: サンキュー (with a long “u” vowel sound at the end) and サンキュ (with a short “u” vowel).
It goes without saying, but never use サンキュー to someone socially higher or older than you. Only use this on your friends whom you are close to, as even saying it to a same-aged classmate or colleague can give the wrong impression of being “too friendly”.
Most of the time, this casual way of saying thank you in Japanese is used by young Japanese people.
2. Azassu (あざっす)
Sankyuu is a loan word, but azassu is a popular Japanese slang. The word actually comes from the original ありがとうございます. If you try saying it fast, you’ll notice that you’re going to skip some vowels and consonants. That’s how azassu was born.
This is one of the slang words that are popular among Japanese men. In the same way saying ore sounds more rough and masculine, あざっす has a light and casual tone. It can be written as あざーす、あざーっす or あざす. It depends on the length of the vowel you might want to emphasize.
3. Azamasu (あざます)
Another branch of the same slang word above, あざます is popular among young people in Japan. Other variations include ざす(zasu) and あざお(azao). You’ll notice that men tend to use these slang words more often than women, too.
4. Doumo (どうも)
Domo and arigatou tend to have similar formality levels expressed in quite casual situations. Domo is used more often by male speakers and is less often heard among Japanese women.
It’s a quick, shortened way to say thank you to your friends or family if you don’t want to use slang words. Keep in mind that, rank-wise, doumo is more casual than the shortened arigatou. Because of this, save this for someone who has the same social status, if not lower than you.
This phrase for saying thank you is extremely casual. It’s an even more casual way to say thank in Japanese than “arigatou”. Because of its extreme light tone, this phrase is often used with people at the same social status level as you or lower, like your friends and younger siblings. It’s also okay to say it to the cashier or restaurant staff.
5. Sumimasen (すみません)
すみません (Sumimasen) literally means “excuse me” or “sorry,” but in Japanese it’s also commonly used to say thank you, especially when someone has gone out of their way to help you or do you a favor. This expression conveys a mix of gratitude and a slight feeling of apology for causing trouble or inconvenience.
For example, if someone holds the door open for you or helps you carry something heavy, saying sumimasen shows you appreciate their effort while acknowledging you might have caused them a little extra work.
Sometimes, sumimasen is even more natural than just saying “thank you” directly.
6. Sumanai (すまない)
You know how “azasu” is a slangy, shortened version of “arigatou gozaimasu”? Well, “sumanai” works the same way for “sumimasen.” It’s an informal, rougher-sounding way to say sorry or even thank you, depending on the context.
You’ll often hear guys using it more than girls, but it’s not a gendered phrase. It just carries a slightly tougher or blunt tone. Like with most casual Japanese slang, this one’s best reserved for close friends or peers. Definitely don’t use it with your boss or in any formal situation!
7. Arigatou (ありがとう)
Arigatou is really an archetypical way to express a friendly-casual thank you in Japanese. Arigatou has an identical meaning to the English “thanks”, which means that you probably know that it shouldn’t be used in formal situations.
However, because it’s less casual than doumo, you can still use it with someone older than you, like your senpai, parents or ojiisan. Keep in mind that, while it’s acceptable, the most important thing is the relationship distance you have with them.
8. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Adding gozaimasu signifies an even more formal situation, the distance between the speakers and is typically used in business encounters. It shows respect and politeness. You can also use this form for strangers, like a waiter, the konbini clerk or a distant acquaintance.
Notice sometimes people switch between the present and past tense of arigatou gozaimasu? You say arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) when someone has already helped or done a favor.
For example, if someone is offering a hand to carry your luggage, you will use the present tense.
荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございます。 Nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you for carrying my luggage.
However, if that person has carried the luggage yesterday, you’d opt for arigatou gozaimashita instead.
昨日, 荷物を持ってくれてありがとうございました。 Kinou, nimotsu o motte kurete arigatou gozaimashita. Thank you for carrying my luggage yesterday.
9. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)
In this case, adding doumo on the front emphasizes your appreciation further and makes it more polite. Besides that, you can use hontou ni (本当に), which means truly.
本当にありがとうございます。 I am truly thankful.
10. Doumo arigatou ( どうも ありがとう)
This expression is a small step up from a simple “arigatou,” but it’s a bit more casual and friendly than “arigatou gozaimasu.” It’s best used with friends, family, or younger people to show your gratitude in a warm, informal way. “Doumo” by itself can also be used casually, but we’ll cover that shortly.
11. Kurete arigatou (～くれてありがとう)
～くれてありがとう is used when you want to say “thank you for [doing something]” and attach a verb to show what action you’re thankful for. It’s commonly used in casual situations with friends, family, or people close to you. Use this structure when you’re directly thanking someone for an action they did for you or someone in your inner circle.
To use it, attach it to the て-form of a verb, which acts like a “connector” in Japanese grammar.
手伝ってくれてありがとう Tetsudatte kurete arigatou Thanks for helping me.
How to Say Thank You in Business Japanese
Now that we’ve gone over some casual and everyday ways to express appreciation in Japanese, let’s shift to how to say thank you in professional or workplace settings. These phrases are typically reserved for office communication and are especially common in business emails. Using them for everyday situations might come across as overly formal or stiff.
12. Kansha shimasu (感謝します)
This is usually used in business emails, more often written than spoken, as you can come off as stiff or “old-school” if you attempt to say it. The word kansha (感謝) means thanks or gratitude, which is, of course, the same as the other thank-yous above, but it has a more polite tone to it.
In business Japanese emails, you can start off withitsumo sapoto shiteitadaki, kansha shimasu (いつもさーポッとしていただき、感謝します), which means “thank you for your continued support”
You will need to add the verb する after the end. If you want to level up the formality and flex your business Japanese skill, you can use Japanese keigo instead and follow the typical rule of adding a prefix on the noun and changing する to its humble form: いたす.
The highest degree you can get from using 感謝します as an alternative to arigatou gozaimasu is ご感謝いたします(gokansha ita shimasu).
心の底からご感謝いたします。 Kokoro no soko kara gokansha ita shimasu. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
13. Osoreirimasu (恐れ入ります)
Lastly is the most formal phrase 恐れ入ります (おそれいります), used to thank someone for the trouble they went through to help you. The word osore (恐れ) means uneasiness, reverence or concern.
Like sumimasen, 恐れ入ります doesn’t translate immediately as “thank you” in Japanese. Even Japanese people don’t use it often, as it’s only used in super formal situations like in meetings. You can think of this phrase as something like, “Would you be so kind?”
Unlike sumimasen, which can be used as an apology, osoreirimasu is used to only acknowledge the trouble someone has done for you.
恐れ入りますが、私手紙を出してくれませんか？ Osoreirimasuga, watashi tegami o dashitekuremasenka? Would you be so kind as to post my letter?
14. Arigataki shiawase (ありがたき幸せ)
We can’t help but sneak this one in. If you’ve never heard of it before, that’s completely understandable. Arigataki shiawase is an old-fashioned way used by Japanese samurai to show gratitude to their lord. If you like to watch Japanese historical drama, you’ve probably come across it a few times.
Now, some people still like to use it in a sarcastic way. It is sometimes used as an old-fashioned expression with humor when you catch a person doing something they don’t usually do.
まさか、お弁当を作って下さるなんて、誠にありがたき幸せにござります。 Masaka, obentou o tsukutte kudasaru nante, makoto ni arigataki shiwase ni gozarimasu. No way… I am very grateful and happy that you made me a lunchbox.
15. Haisha moushiwagemasu ( 拝謝申し上げます)
“拝謝申し上げます” is a very polite and formal way to express gratitude. It is often used in business settings or formal written communication to show deep respect and sincere thanks to the other person.
The meaning is similar to saying, “I humbly express my heartfelt thanks” or “I sincerely offer my gratitude.” This Japanese thank you phrase uses keigo, with an implied meaning that you are putting yourself socially below the person you are thanking.
16. Otsukare sama desu (おつかれさまです)
This isn’t technically an official way to say “thank you” in Japanese, but otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です) is a versatile phrase widely used in the workplace. It carries several meanings—it can be a greeting, a way to say “good job,” or a polite way to express appreciation for someone’s effort. In many cases, it functions as a congratulatory or thankful phrase.
For example, you might say it after finishing a presentation with a coworker or to thank someone for sending out an important email. It’s a go-to phrase for acknowledging and appreciating someone’s hard work in a professional setting.
17. Itadaite arigatou (~いただいてありがとうございます)
いただいてありがとうございます is a very polite and formal way to say “thank you for giving me [something]” in Japanese. It uses the humble verb いただく, which means “to receive,” typically used when you’re talking about receiving something from someone of higher status or when you want to sound respectful.
The phrase is formed by taking the て-form of いただく (いただいて) and attaching ありがとうございます, the polite form of “thank you.” This construction is commonly used in business settings, emails, or formal conversations to express gratitude for something you’ve been given, such as a message, a reply, or documents.
For example, you might say ご連絡をいただいてありがとうございます to mean “Thank you for contacting me.”
Saying Thank You When Eating in Japan
While you can always say arigatou gozaimasu to thank someone for the food, did you know that Japanese dining etiquette has specific phrases to use depending on whether you are about to start or have just finished your meal?
18. Itadakimasu (頂きます)
Itadakimasu is a polite phrase traditionally said before eating a meal in Japan. While it literally means “I humbly receive,” it carries a much deeper cultural meaning. Saying itadakimasu is a way of expressing gratitude, not just to the person who prepared the food, but also to the farmers, animals, plants, and everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table.
Though there’s no direct equivalent in English, it’s sometimes compared to saying “Let’s eat” or “Bon appétit.”
19. Gouchisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした)
Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is the standard phrase you say after finishing a meal in Japanese to thank the person who prepared, treated, or served the food. Literally, 馳走 once meant “to run about” (as in going to great lengths to prepare a feast), so the phrase conveys appreciation for all the effort behind the meal.
Don’t get mistaken between itadakimasu and gouchisousama deshita! Itadakimasu is said before you eat the food. Gouchisousama deshita is said after you finish eating!
Bonus: Bowing to say Thank You in Japanese
Showing appreciation in Japan isn’t always about words—nonverbal gestures like bowing, or ojigi, play a huge role in expressing gratitude and respect. Bowing is a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years and remains an essential part of Japanese culture today.
Typically, bowing is done from the waist with a straight back. The angle of your bow conveys how humble or respectful you are being: a slight 15-degree bow is casual and common for everyday situations, such as acknowledging a shopkeeper. A deeper 30-degree bow is more formal and often used in professional settings, like greeting clients or coworkers. The deepest bows—around 45 degrees—are reserved for expressing deep gratitude, sincere apologies, or when meeting someone very important.
Of course, if someone just did you a small favor, you don’t need to perform a formal bow. A quick nod or a brief bow can still effectively show your sincerity and thanks.
How to Use Sumimasen and Arigatou in Context
If you live in Japan, you’ll probably realize that sumimasen might as well be Japanese people’s favorite word. That’s because すみません is a versatile word with multiple meanings, ready to be used across different social contexts. It can be said in situations where the English “excuse me” and “sorry” would fit.
遅くてすみませんでした！ Osokute sumimasen deshita! I’m sorry for being late!
Besides these two functions, sumimasen can be used to express gratitude for someone who’s gone through all the trouble helping us. Think of the word as “sorry for being a nuisance.” In other words, when you’re thanking someone, you’re also making a fuss or bothering them. You thank them for allowing you to inconvenience them. This is why, oftentimes, “thank you” goes hand in hand with “I’m sorry”.
Because of this, Japanese people actually use sumimasen a lot more than arigatou. For example, instead of being grateful that someone is holding the elevator for you, you’d say sumimasen. In this case, you’re implying, “Sorry (but thank you) for holding the elevator for me.”
Sumimasen and arigatou don’t have to be used separately, though. You can combine domo, sumimasen and arigatou together when speaking Japanese.
Occasionally, you can attach the word wazawaza (わざわざ ), which means “purposefully”. When you do, it emphasizes your appreciation for bothering someone.
And there you have, a quick guide on how the Japanese use all these permutations to specifically show their appreciation and thanks based upon the situation at hand. Pay particular attention to the situation for which you have been thanked, and you will gradually develop a greater sensitivity to how the expression “thank you” is properly used in Japanese. If you want to learn more, why not join Japanese lessons in Tokyo, or practice with an online Japanese tutor with Coto Academy?
Fill out the form below for a free level check and get a personalized recommendation by our friendly staff!
FAQ
What is the most common way to say thank you in Japanese?
The most common way is 「ありがとうございます」(arigatou gozaimasu). It’s polite and appropriate in most situations, especially when speaking to people you don’t know well.
What does ありがとう (arigatou) mean?
「ありがとう」(arigatou) is a casual way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It’s typically used with friends, family, or people of the same age or lower status.
What's the difference between arigatou and arigatou gozaimasu?
Arigatou is casual and best for informal situations, while arigatou gozaimasu is more polite and respectful. Use the polite version when talking to someone older, in a professional setting, or with people you don’t know well.
Is it rude to only say arigatou?
It’s not rude if you’re speaking casually with friends or people you know well. But in formal or unfamiliar settings, it’s better to use arigatou gozaimasu to sound more polite and respectful.
If you really thought mint chocolate chip or cookie dough was daring, wait until you hear about Japanese ice cream flavors like squid ink, soy sauce, and even horse meat. Yes, you read that right. Japan has taken ice cream to a whole different level over the years, combining bold flavors, local ingredients, and a whole lot of creativity — or chaos into every scoop. Some are surprisingly good, others not so much. But one thing is for certain: you will never find them boring.
Whether you are planning a trip in the near future or just curious about the wild side of Japanese dessert, here are 40 of the weirdest ice cream flavors you’ll only find in Japan.
What is Ice Cream in Japanese?
In Japanese, “ice cream” is written as アイスクリーム (aisu kuriimu), a Japanese loanword taken directly from English. In everyday conversation, it’s often shortened to アイス (aisu), which can refer to various frozen desserts, including popsicles and soft-serve.
For example, someone might sayアイスクリームを食べたい(aiisukuriimu o tabetai) to mean “I want to eat ice cream,” or simply “このアイス、おいしい!” (kono aisu, oishii!) to say “This ice cream is delicious!”
Let’s Dive In
Japan not only pushes the boundaries of fashion and anime, but it also reinvents dessert, too. Ice cream in Japan isn’t limited to your usual chocolate or vanilla. Instead, it dives deep into flavor territory that ranges from nostalgic and local to downright bizarre.
Because 40 is a lot (we know), we’ve categorized these Japanese ice creams based on some peculiar categories, too. Don’t hate it until you try it!
Local Japanese Ice Cream Flavor
Japan’s pantry is full of unique ingredients you will not find in a typical Western kitchen, and many of them have somehow found their way into ice cream. From the nutty richness of kinako to the fizzy pop of ramune, these flavors offer a crash course in Japanese culinary culture with a sweet (and oftentimes fermented) finish.
1. Purple Sweet Potato
Purple sweet potato, or ube (more accurately, purple yam), is a common flavor in the Asian region, with a more earthy and nutty flavor. Naturally vibrant and sweet, this Okinawan favorite is both pretty and satisfying. It is starchy, smooth, and perfect for fall.
You can find ube-flavored ice cream in a popular Japanese ice cream chain called Blue Seal Ice Cream, which is headquartered in Okinawa but has several chains in Tokyo.
Inspired by the fizzy blue soda, Ramune ice cream is tangy, sweet, and full of childhood nostalgia. A must-try on a hot summer day in Tokyo.
3. Sakura
Lightly floral and pastel pink, sakura ice cream is a seasonal delight during spring. It is subtle, elegant, and deeply connected to Japanese culture. The ice cream flavor is usually popular during the spring season.
Salty, sweet, and surprisingly rich, soy sauce is a staple in the Japanese kitchen, used in everything from crispy karaage to thick, glossy teriyaki sauce. But did you know that, yes, soy sauce can be incorporated into ice cream? It is a umami-laced treat with a traditional twist.
Where to find soy sauce-flavored ice cream in Japan: If you visit a soy sauce brewery during your trip to Japan, you might get the chance to try this unique flavor.
5. Kinako
Toasted soybean flour adds a nutty, warm flavor reminiscent of peanut butter. This nostalgic scoop is often enjoyed with mochi.
Miso, another fermented staple in Japan, can also be incorporated into ice cream. The dessert blends the fermented depth of traditional Japanese miso with smooth, creamy sweetness. The result is a complex and balanced flavor that is both comforting and unexpectedly rich
7. Natto
You either love or hate natto — there’s rarely an in-between. But if you love ice cream and hate natto, you might just be in the middle.
Sticky and pungent, natto ice cream is reserved for the brave. It is an acquired taste with a cult following.
Cafe au Lait Tokyo offered coffee-flavored ice cream with Japan’s famously pungent fermented soybeans, mixed in soy sauce, and finished with whipped cream, nuts, and kuromitsu. In recent years, some adventurous foodies have discovered a konbini (convenience store) hack: pairing store-bought vanilla ice cream with a pack of natto for a DIY sweet-and-savory treat.
8. Azuki (Red Bean)
Mildly sweet and packed with texture, red bean ice cream is a staple in Japan. It is a perfect pairing with matcha or as part of a traditional dessert.
You can find an azuki ice cream bar in convenience stores.
9. Kurogoma (Black Sesame)
If other countries have Nutella and peanut butter, Japan has azuki (red bean) and kurogoma, or black sesame. Intensely nutty and rich, black sesame ice cream tastes like roasted seeds in creamy form. It is deeply satisfying and visually striking.
10. Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
Herbal and slightly bitter, yomogi gives this ice cream a tea-like quality. It is particularly loved in springtime desserts. You can find this ice cream flavor at a konbini. Search for Yamaochi Ice Cream — a green ice cream cup — and enjoy a mugwort ice cream with yomogi-flavored mochi, red bean paste and kinako (roasted soybean flour).
11. Ume (Japanese plum).
Tangy and floral, ume ice cream is bright and refreshing. It is a go-to flavor for the warmer months. The ice cream typically has a pink hue
12. Sake
Delicately boozy and smooth, sake ice cream brings a hint of Japan’s iconic rice wine to dessert. It is subtle but sophisticated. SAKEICE in Tokyo has perfected the ice cream that uses plenty of sake in collaboration with sake breweries all over Japan. The alcohol content of the ice cream can reach 4.5%!
13. Yuba (Tofu skin)
Yuba — the delicate “skin” that forms on top of soy milk when it’s boiled — is a specialty of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. It has a pleasantly mild taste, like a creamier version of soy milk. It might not be a common ice cream in Tokyo, but if you drive by Nikko, you’ll find local shops with tofu ice cream.
14. Charcoal
Pitch black and mildly flavored, charcoal ice cream adds a detox trend to your dessert. It is visually dramatic and Instagram-worthy.
15. Lavender ice cream
Lavender season peaks in mid to late July. Not only can you see them, but taste them, too. Thankfully, you don’t need to head north to Hokkaido to enjoy this floral treat. You can savor creamy, lavender ice cream at lavender farms in Kawaguchiko, Aichi Prefecture, and Gunma Prefecture.
16. Hibiscus
Bright, tart, and refreshingly floral, hibiscus ice cream is a perfect pick for a hot summer day. It often comes in a stunning pink or red hue. One of the easiest ways to try this unique flavor is by visiting a Blue Seal store, where it’s sometimes featured among their seasonal offerings.
17. Royal milk tea
Royal milk tea is a beloved classic across Asia. If you’re a fan, you’ll want to try its ice cream counterpart. Häagen-Dazs launched a limited-edition Caramel Royal Milk Tea flavor. It is bitter, richly aromatic, and — perhaps the highest praise for any Asian dessert — not too sweet.
18. Milk
Milk might seem ordinary, but in Japan — especially in Hokkaido —it’s something special. Known for its high-quality dairy, Hokkaido produces some of the country’s most beloved milk-based ice cream. Some popular brands include Cremia and MOW.
Unique Ice Cream Flavor in Japan
Who would need chocolate when you can have tulips, garlic, and eggplant? These veggie-forward flavors may seem odd, but they are rooted in Japanese farming culture and have a lot of creative flair. Whether earthy, floral, or just plain wild, they prove that plants can be just as fun in a cone.
With nutty undertones and a hearty feel, soba-flavored ice cream in Japan is surprisingly grounded. It is a great balance of rustic and refreshing.
During the summer, you might find a unique soba dish where the buckwheat noodle is topped with the popular Coolish ice cream by Lotte.
20. Tulips
This floral flavor is made from real tulip petals, offering a light and perfumed taste. Best enjoyed during seasonal flower festivals, it is as elegant as it is unusual.
21. Potato
Creamy and starchy with subtle sweetness, potato ice cream is surprisingly comforting. A Hokkaido favorite, it manages to turn a simple ingredient into a cold treat.
22. Garlic
Roasted garlic lends warmth and umami to this daring dessert. Its caramelized edge makes it more palatable than you would expect.
Head to Aomori Prefecture, Japan’s top garlic-producing region, for a surprisingly tasty twist on dessert. In Takko Town, one of the country’s leading garlic producers, you’ll find garlic ice cream served at the local Garlic Center. Make sure to bring some mints!
23. Wasabi
A sharp kick of heat meets the coolness of sweet cream in this surprising flavor. The nose-tingling finish keeps your taste buds on alert. Wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, might belong to sushi, but it is surprisingly delicious when incorporated into ice cream.
You can find wasabi ice cream in wasabi farms across Japan, particularly Nagano (check out Daio Wasabi Farm for that).
24. Shiso
Bright and herbaceous, shiso ice cream tastes somewhere between mint and basil. It is light, refreshing, and beautifully green.
25. Eggplant
Aki City, Japan’s top producer of spring and winter eggplant, takes this humble vegetable to the next level at the Aki Group Farm shop. There, you can try their award-winning grilled eggplant ice cream, made with vegetables roasted over charcoal.
Earthy and mellow, eggplant brings a soft and smooth texture to the Japanese ice cream base. It is subtle but so satisfying with a savory undertone.
26. Pumpkin
Japanese pumpkin, or kabocha, is a popular fall flavor in Japan. Nutty and rich in flavor with hints of cinnamon, you’ll know it’s here when you see popular coffee chains like Starbucks or Tully’s featuring the vegetable. The scoop is especially popular during the Halloween season.
27. Melon Bread
Inspired by the iconic sweet bun, which is similar to the Mexican concha, this Japanese ice cream blends creamy vanilla with a doughy, sugary flavor. It is a comforting bakery-meets-dessert experience.
28. Basil
Fresh and fragrant, basil ice cream adds a garden-fresh twist to your dessert. It is especially good when paired with fruit.
29. Ginger
Ginger’s zing cuts through the creaminess, making this palate-awakening treat. It is both spicy and refreshing.
30. Olive
With the popularity of olive oil ice cream, this flavor might no longer be controversial. Rich and slightly bitter, olive ice cream offers a complex, savory note. It is a refined option for those who like their desserts less sweet.
You can find olive ice cream in Shodoshima, an island in Kagawa that is known to be Japan’s top olive oil producer. Head to Shodoshima Olive Park to grab an ice cream.
Seafood-flavored Japanese Ice Cream
Japan’s deep connection to the sea has never been a secret, but to go as far as turning seafood into dessert? That is a whole new wave of creativity. These next flavors take inspiration from sushi counters and fishing boats, blending ocean umami and creamy goodness. You might raise an eyebrow at eel or octopus ice cream, but don’t knock it until you try it!
31. Whitebait
This Japanese fish ice cream is made of tiny, translucent fish called shirasu frozen right into the cream, giving this ice cream a crunchy texture and salty depth. It is a regional delicacy that blends both sweet and savory into one unforgettable bite.
32. Whale meat
It sounds like a gimmick, but a farmers’ market in Chiba tops its ice cream with, yes, raw whale meat. With cream infused with small bits of cooked whale meat, this dessert is chewy, rich, and layered with an earthy flavor. It is rare and controversial but often sought out by culinary thrill-seekers.
33. Octopus
Chunks of octopus tentacles are mixed with a surprisingly smooth dairy base. Briny and chewy, it is a seafood lover’s wildest frozen dream…or nightmare.
If you are lucky, you might find them hidden in the frozen aisle. Search for タコアイス (takoaisu, literally translates to “octopus ice cream”) or タコメシアイス (takomeshiaisu).
34. Crab
This buttery, ocean-scented ice cream has the delicious mouthfeel of a seafood bisque. It is particularly popular in coastal towns with strong fishing traditions.
Creab ice cream is available at Kani Doraku, a seafood restaurant in Osaka’s Dotonbori area. You will know the place once you see the iconic, large robotic crab sign.
35. Squid Ink
Squid ink might not be a controversial ice cream flavor now with the popularity of squid ink pasta, but it is definitely still unique. With its jet-black color and savory flavor, squid ink ice cream offers a bold flavor profile with subtle saltiness. It is both eye-catching and unexpectedly refined.
36. Eel
Inspired by grilled unagi, this ice cream features smoky undertones and a soy-sugar glaze flavor. It is a chilled homage to a beloved Japanese dish, though it might be an acquired taste. You can look for unagi-flavored ice cream online.
37. Katsuobushi
Smoked fish flakes are blended with dairy in this umami-rich ice cream. It is aromatic, complex, and reminiscent of dashi broth but in frozen form.
Meat-flavored Japanese Ice Cream
If you have ever wished your BBQ came with a side of ice cream — or was the ice cream — Japan’s always got your back. From chicken to beef tongue, these meat-inspired scoops are not for the faint of heart. They are savory, surprising, and totally unforgettable.
38. Chicken
Smoky notes of yakitori meet creamy sweetness in this highly unusual scoop. It is surprisingly balanced, like a barbecue with a dessert twist.
39. Beef tongue
With a texture that is firm and chewy, beef tongue ice cream is a specialty of Sendai. Being rich and meaty, it is more of a savory snack than a dessert.
40. Horse Meat
Also known as basashi, this ice cream incorporates raw horse meat in a mildly sweet vanilla base. It is lean, slightly metallic in taste, and an adventurous option.
Where to Find Unique Ice Cream in Japan
It is important to note that you won’t find all of these Japanese ice cream flavors at your average 7-Eleven. Many of them are region-specific or sold at tourist spots known for celebrating local specialties. Here are places where you can begin your chilly adventure:
Namjatown (Tokyo): This indoor theme park in Ikebukuro is famous for its “Ice Cream City,” featuring dozens of regional and bizarre flavors all in one place.
Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture): This traditional village isn’t just famous for its beautiful thatched-roof houses. It is also known for unique local flavors like wasabi and soba ice cream.
Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum: This museum sounds quite unrelated as they specialize in Cup Noodles, but the gift shop often stocks novelty flavors like soy sauce and miso ice cream.
Hokkaido: Although it is known for its dairy, Hokkaido also offers some strange flavors like melon, squid ink, and even sea urchin ice cream at local farms and tourist stops.
Kamakura & Enoshima: These locations are popular with day-trippers from Tokyo. These seaside towns offer whitebait and octopus ice cream near the beachside snack shops.
Kumamoto: The place to go if you are in search of horse meat ice cream, typically found at local souvenir shops or unusual cafés.
Kanazawa: This city is mainly known for its love of gold-leaf-topped ice cream, another Japanese delicacy, but also offers kinako, kurogoma, and sweet potato flavors.
Japan’s Ice Cream Adventure Awaits
Japan is not afraid to take chances with its desserts, blending local ingredients, culinary history, and seasonal traditions into flavors that are anything but boring. Some of these ice creams are only available in limited regions or seasons, so if you spot them, do not miss your chance!
From sweet to savory, floral to fishy, there’s something for every adventurous taste. Just remember: weird doesn’t mean bad, it might just mean your new favorite.
Exploring Tokyo? Learn the Language as You Go
Excited to explore Japan and all of its weird ice cream flavors? The best way to truly enjoy the country is by immersing yourself in the local culture, and that starts with the language.
Coto Academy offers flexible, short-term Japanese courses designed specifically for travelers. Whether you are here for a few weeks or staying long-term, our lessons help you connect with locals, navigate confidently, and enjoy every surprising scoop Japan throws your way.
Learn more with Coto School Finder to pick the best course and campus for you!
FAQ
What are popular Japanese ice cream flavors?
Some popular ice cream flavors include matcha, Kurugoma, Miso, and Sweet potato but you can find less unusual ones such as Yuzu, Melon, and Sakura.
Where can I try weird ice cream flavors in Japan?
Places such as Namjatown or local cafes and markets may have the ice cream flavors you are looking for. Do not expect to find them at your usual grocery store or 7/11 as they tend to be niche products.
Why does Japan have so many unique ice cream flavors?
Japan has so many unique ice cream flavors because people embrace seasonal, regional, and novelty-based marketing. Japan tends to embrace all parts of the culture and twist it into delicious and amazing products.
Is it safe to eat raw meat or seafood ice cream?
Generally, yes, the shops in Japan are held to a certain standard to ensure the health of the consumers. To be safe, always read the reviews of the shop you are visiting as well as their health rating online.
Can I find vegan or dairy-free weird ice cream flavors in Japan?
The majority of ice creams will still contain dairy, although they may be marketed as soy milk/ almond milk products. It is possible to find great vegan options, though, as they are becoming more popular in Japan. It is important to note that although it is possible to find vegan and dairy-free products, it remains more challenging.
What are some of the biggest culture shocks you’ve experienced in Japan? Coming to the country, you might not want to bring with you the “Western culture” complex that many have seen across the globe — or on social media. We might want to acclimate to the Japanese way of life as best as we can, though some of us might not know how hard it would be.
A culture shock is defined as “the sudden change in environment with new social norms.” They all vary in how easy or hard they were to remember and implement. But as Japan continues to blend tradition with modernity through the 21st century, some things will have changed from how they are now.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common examples of culture shock in Japan and share practical tips on how to manage or even avoid it altogether!
How is Japanese Culture Different From Other Cultures?
Japanese culture is known for its indirect communication and conformity, but there is so much more to it that isn’t really talked about when comparing it to other cultures. Japanese people have a strong sense of community, unlike any other culture that you have had the chance to see. They are also very respectful of others and see the best in everyone. As you go through this list, you’ll see these recurring themes in the reasoning as to why things are the way they are.
1. Everything, from food portion to clothing size, is smaller
When we say everything is small, we mean everything. From food and drink portions to clothing, be ready to adjust your sizes!
While I knew coming to Japan things would be different, especially for the clothing aspect, I wasn’t mentally prepared to go from medium-sized pants in America to an extra-large large one in Japan! Let alone when talking about portion control for eating, that took a while to get used to, honestly. When looking at the quality of food in comparison to America’s, Japan doesn’t need a lot, let alone when I used to get full in America, I was not feeling good after the meal. My stomach would often hurt.
But when in Japan, at the end of my meals, the end of the meal makes me feel recharged until my next meal. This was something that took a lot of getting used to, as I thought it meant I wasn’t fully done and needed to keep eating. It’s a refreshing feeling, to say the least, and also crazy to think about when comparing it to what I eat back at home.
2. Different sanitary practices
One common sanitary-related culture shock in Japan is the lack of paper towels in public restrooms. Many travelers are surprised to learn — sometimes right before their trip — that it’s a good idea to bring a small hand towel or two. These towels are used to dry your hands after washing, since most bathrooms either have no paper towels or rely on air dryers, which might be a different practice depending on where you are from. It’s best to carry your own towel with you at all times.
3. Japanese bidets are everywhere
Obviously, Japan is known for its bidet, but even public bathrooms have a bidet attached to them. Some of us might thought it would just be in nicer places like hotel rooms. However, this is a common feature even for public bathrooms. Plus, most bathrooms have an antibacterial spray to use on the toilet after usage to keep it clean between users.
Moreover, while public bathrooms are a thing, they are still uncommon. In train stations, you often need to pay for transit to be able to use the bathroom. Japanese convenience stores (also known as a konbini, コンビニ) might have public bathrooms, but not every store has one available to customers. So, before you leave your accommodation or the restaurant, make sure to use the bathroom there!
One thing I was heavily unprepared for was my lack of knowledge about recycling. In America, they have different trash for recyclable items, glass, pop cans, and our usual trash, but Japan just elevates it up 6 levels (and as they should!).
When it came to taking the trash out of my room, it would take me about 15 minutes just to make sure I was putting the correct items in the right container because of how organized they are about it. My biggest tip would be to just slow down and read what containers your accommodation has for trash, and use the internet to check about where certain items should go if they aren’t outright about it. It is important to put things in the right trash, though, as there could be financial punishments involved.
This might seem a bit contradictory to the earlier point about Japan being incredibly clean. If you’ve ever been to major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, especially in busy neighborhoods like Shibuya, you might notice that despite the cleanliness, public trash cans are surprisingly scarce.
In fact, if you visit popular tourist spots like Tsukiji Market or Harajuku’s Cat Street (both known for their kawaii crepes and street food), you might struggle to find a bin. More often than not, the shop where you purchase your food will accept the trash, but only if it came from their store. If it’s from somewhere else, they’ll likely refuse it.
When that happens, don’t be confused. It’s perfectly normal in Japan to carry your trash home with you or back to your hotel or apartment.
6. Solo dining is normal in Japan
In some countries, dining alone might feel awkward or even be seen as strange, but not in Japan. Solo dining is not only accepted, it’s often encouraged. While many people are familiar with Ichiran’s private ramen booths made for solo diners, this kind of layout isn’t limited to specialty shops.
Fast food chains like Yoshinoya or Sukiya are designed with efficiency in mind, often featuring seating arrangements suited for individuals. Japan’s fast-paced work culture means people often want to eat quickly and quietly, making solo dining a perfectly practical and socially acceptable option.
With cities like Tokyo growing increasingly popular, trendy cafe and restaurants that go viral on social media often have long lines. If you don’t make a reservation in advance, you’ll likely end up waiting or competing for a seat. In some places, especially cafés, you may even be asked to find a seat before placing your order.
Don’t be surprised to see people casually dropping off their belongings — like a bag or jacket — to claim a table before heading to the counter.
This might feel like a culture shock if you’re from a country where leaving your things unattended would be risky. But in Japan, it’s generally safe to leave personal items at your table. Theft is rare, and people tend to be respectful of others’ belongings and space.
In fact, if you lose your wallet in Japan, there’s a surprisingly high chance it will be returned, thanks to the country’s lost-and-found system. Ironically, wallet theft is quite rare in Japan. Instead, the most commonly “stolen” items are umbrellas and bicycles. Umbrella “theft” typically happens on rainy days, when someone takes a similar-looking umbrella from a storefront rack.
8. No tipping!
We’ve all been there: enjoying a nice meal only to be surprised by a higher-than-expected bill once tax and service charges are added. But in Japan, what you see is what you get: menu prices already include both tax and service fees.
The no-tipping culture can be a surprising (but welcome) culture shock, especially if you’re from countries like the United States. In Japan, tipping is neither expected nor encouraged. In fact, if you try to leave a tip, the staff will likely be confused and politely refuse it. Persisting may even come across as rude or offensive, as good service is seen as a basic part of the job, not something that needs extra reward.
9. Trains in Japan can be efficient — but overwhelming
Japan’s train system is often praised as one of the most advanced and reliable in the world. Trains arrive on time, in-train announcements are clear (often in both Japanese and English), and any delays are announced right off the bat.
But what often surprises newcomers is the sheer scale and complexity of major train stations, especially places like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. These mega-hubs combine multiple railway companies, such as JR Lines and Tokyo Metro, with platforms and exits. For Tokyo Station alone, there are 14 lines!) Navigating from one line to another isn’t always straightforward, and during rush hours, the flood of commuters can make it even more overwhelming.
To make things easier, we recommend downloading Google Maps, which does a great job of guiding you through the maze, showing you the best route, platform number, and even train car positions.
In many countries, eating while walking is common and even encouraged! However, in Japan, this practice, known as tabearuki (食べ歩き), is generally frowned upon.
There are two main cultural reasons behind this: first, as a sign of respect for the food. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on presentation and appreciation, so eating while on the move can be seen as careless or disrespectful to the effort put into the meal. Second, Japan has a deep-rooted value for cleanliness in public spaces.
While tabearuki isn’t illegal and you won’t be penalized for it, it’s considered poor manners in many areas, and you may even see signs asking people not to do it.
Tips to Cope with Japanese Culture For the First Time
1. Be an Observer First
Not everything will be secondhand when you first get here, no matter how much you may think it will. Watch what the locals are doing first and follow suit. And if there aren’t locals to follow, do what you think you should do and allow corrections to be made by others! Trying your best and staying open-minded is what matters most. Do it correctly after being shown how to, and say a quick “Sumimasen” (Excuse me/I’m sorry) and “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you)!
2. Learn Some Basic Etiquette
Come with an idea of some basic respectful cultural norms known is always a good way to start. Because Japan values social harmony, it is best to stay respectful in every scenario you come across.
Bowing is always seen as courteous and is the standard greeting.
Certain restaurants/establishments will require you to take off your shoes, so come wearing socks or have socks packed in your bag!
On public transportation, do not talk loudly or take phone calls until you are out of the station.
3. Learn a Little Japanese
Learning some of the basics of Japanese can take you a long way. English is common when it comes to signs, like in the train station, but it should not be expected for other establishments or people to know English, so come to know some Japanese. People will be very appreciative that you are practicing!
A great way to do that is by joining fun and flexible part-time Japanese classes at Coto Academy! Our students come from all over the world. Some are traveling or backpacking, while others live and work in Japan. We focus on real, practical Japanese conversation, and it’s also a great chance to make new friends along the way.
Here are some common and useful phrases to learn prior to coming to Japan:
Japanese (Kana)
Romaji
English
こんにちは
konnichiwa
Hello
おはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
Good morning
こんばんは
konbanwa
Good evening
ありがとうございます
arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you
いくらですか?
ikura desu ka?
How much is it?
きんきゅう
kinkyuu
Emergency
わかりません
wakarimasen
I don’t understand
英語を話せますか？
eigo o hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
トイレはどこですか?
toire wa doko desu ka?
Where are the restrooms?
4. Be Patient with Yourself
Coming from a Western society with different norms from the host country you’re in can be very challenging for the first little bit. Give yourself time to adjust to it and don’t get upset if you mess it up. Just keep moving and laugh it off; it’s all about the process and trying again!
We have discussed culture shocks when moving to Japan, but did you know there is another phenomenon called reverse culture shock?
Moving to Japan is one thing, but returning home or moving from another country back to Japan can bring its own set of surprises. Reverse culture shock happens when the customs, behaviors, or environment you’ve adapted to suddenly feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. After being in Japan, these were my top three hardest things to get back into doing.
1. Remember to tip!
Coming home from a trip like Japan, but adjusting to the different expenses and costs at home, can take some time. Since tipping culture is not a thing in Japan, this has become something I need to actively remember when I go out to restaurants. Also, coming back home and going shopping, the feeling of no longer needing to bring a tote bag is strange. It’s one of those things that I almost wish we could implement back at home. It does seem that much more efficient and better for the planet!
2. Punctuality and driving
After relying on Google Maps and public transit for so long, it felt like I had to rewire my brain to remember how to correctly drive my car! Going back to using Waze and not being able to properly estimate the time of arrival, and worrying about parking, was a trip in itself. Google Maps did a very good job at keeping users up to date on train delays, and the business of the trains coming back to traffic was a nightmare in itself. Let alone construction? Hard pass! I never personally felt like my train rides were long, even if Google was telling me that it was a 45-minute commute. Oh, how I yearn for that back!
3. Japan is not a “noisy” society
As an American, the noise level in Japan was eerie but calming. Quiet walks home from the train station and even quieter train rides. It took me a few weeks, even just to hear someone honking on the streets, which I didn’t realize was so uncommon till then.
Coming back, it almost feels like America is rowdy: Everyone is fighting to see who can be louder all the time. I think the beauty in Japan’s quiet is that it really does give you time to just soak in the world around you and de-stress from whatever is bothering you; meanwhile, America’s energy is constantly just “go-go-go”.
While it is good to be able to work in a variety of environments, Japan has made me realize how much nicer it is to be able to hear the wind and flow with the breeze. Why rush when you can just enjoy the moment as it comes?
Conclusion: Cushion Your Culture Shock by learning Japanese!
One of the best ways to cushion your culture shock in Japan is by learning Japanese. This helps you feel better in navigating the streets and understanding local rules. If you’re ready to travel abroad and learn everything for yourself, why not learn some Japanese while you’re at it? Coto Academy offers flexible language courses that tailor to your needs as a student, while offering assistance in cultural learning. Come check out our intensive Japanese lessons and part-time classes here!
Slurping in Japanese culture is often seen as a sign of appreciation for the food and that it is tasty. So if you are happy with how your ramen tastes, don’t be afraid to slurp your noodles!
Why is Japanese culture so important?
Japanese culture holds high importance due to its rich and long history, unique traditions, and overall global influence. Japan’s history deeply shapes its cultural identity.
How hot is Tokyo in summer?
Tokyo experiences hot and humid summers from June to August. And from early June to mid-July, it experiences tsuyu (梅雨), which is their rainy season. Temperatures range from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius (or around 75 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit). Learn more about the rainy season here.
What is an example of culture shock in Japan?
An example of culture shock in Japan is the lack of public trash cans despite the streets being incredibly clean.
What is frowned upon in Japanese culture?
Eating while walking, or tabearuki, is generally frowned upon as it’s seen as disrespectful and potentially messy.
How to deal with culture shock in Japan?
To deal with culture shock in Japan, stay open-minded, observe local customs, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or do research beforehand.
What is surprising about Japanese culture?
One surprising aspect of Japanese culture is the high level of trust — people often leave belongings unattended in public without fear of theft.
You’ve spent the last few months preparing for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). You’ve reviewed everything you need to know the night before the test day. But now, you need to start packing — and now you’re wondering what to bring to the JLPT test center!
Taking the JLPT is an important step towards mastering the Japanese language. As you gear up for the big day, it’s crucial to ensure that you have everything you need to make your test experience a success. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist of what to bring to the JLPT test center. From essentials to some extra things to bring just in case, we’ll guide you through the must-have items you should pack in your bag, along with some useful tips to help you stay calm and focused on the day of the test. So, let’s dive in and make sure you’re fully prepared and equipped to ace the JLPT!
Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.
Checklist for Items to Bring to the JLPT Test Center
To ensure a smooth test day experience, it’s important to have a checklist of items to bring to the JLPT test center. Here are the essential items you should pack in your bag — some required, some recommended.
What You Can Bring to The Desk at the JLPT Test Center
1. Your JLPT Test Voucher
If you are in Japan, you should have received a JLPT test voucher by mail. It’s a small slip that you can open, containing your JLPT test ID, your face (which you must submit when you register for the JLPT online), and personal information. It also includes confirmation of the test site and map. Your JLPT test ID will also help you find your exact seat in the exam room. There’s the test number on each table and possibly a map of the room layout printed outside so you can quickly locate where you need to sit.
2. Valid ID
This is arguably the most important thing that you’ll need to have; otherwise, you might need to retake the test another time. A proper identification that shows your face and name allows the exam proctors to confirm if you are the right person to take the test. From personal experience, they will usually double-check your face during the course of the exam. If you are in Japan, it’s good to bring your residence card or passport.
For those taking the JLPT outside Japan, check what kind of identification is accepted. Generally, a driver’s license, a passport or a residence card should be okay.
3. 2B Pencil (and extra pencils)
The JLPT answer sheet will be read on the computer, so you’ll have to make sure you’re bringing a pencil that is 2B or darker so the computer can scan it.
One thing we recommend is that instead of using a traditional wood pencil, opt for a mechanical pencil! You’ll be doing a lot of shading and note-taking, so the tip of the pencils can get dull pretty quickly. It’s a hassle to sharpen them on your table!
Just make sure that even your mechanical pencils have extra leads.
Keep in mind that using mechanical pencils may not be allowed in different countries or test sites, so make sure you confirm and have traditional wooden pencils as a backup!
4. An eraser
This is a no-brainer, but opt for a good-quality eraser instead of relying on the eraser tip on top of your pencil.
5. Wristwatch
This is the one tip we recommend for the actual JLPT test day. Exam rooms usually have a wall clock somewhere — but that’s if they provide one at all. But be warned: these clocks can be placed at the back of the room, where you will need to turn your back every time to check the time.
The JLPT proctors are very strict, so moving your head around will raise suspicions and possibly alert them of possible attempts to cheat.
When you’re rushing to answer the JLPT questions, time also becomes very critical. The proctors will not announce how many minutes you have left or give you any warnings. The proctors will only say, “Time’s up. Put your pencils down.” Time management is something you need to handle yourself.
Do you want to spend every few minutes glancing at the wall clock and possibly lose focus? After all, time is very critical when taking the JLP, especially on higher levels like N2 or N1 (where you have even less time to answer more questions)!
The best way to handle this is by bringing your own wristwatch. With this, you can easily know how much time you have left.
One thing, though: make sure that it’s an analog or traditional watch. Smart watches or anything digital or with alarms is not allowed.
6. A water bottle with no label
Some test sites allow you to bring a water bottle and put it on the table as you take the tests, but this is only if the bottle has no label or writing on it.
What You Need to Keep in Your Bag during the JLPT
The above items are allowed to be on your desk at all times. The rest of these items must be in your bag, but they’re handy for rests between test sections.
1. Your Own Snacks
The JLPT usually lasts 3 hours, with a short break between the vocabulary/reading sections and the listening sections. Many of us use this time to fuel up, go to the toilet, and do a last-minute review. You might be hungry (or just want to avoid your stomach rumbling in the exam room) then.
You can check if your test site has a nearby convenience store to grab a few food items. However, from personal experience, we noticed most exam takers would also be lining up at the Konbinistore. You can buy your snacks on the way in the morning or have them prepared beforehand just in case you don’t have enough time to buy food, eat them, and come back to the exam room.
2. Spare stationery
You never know when you’ll find a malfunctioning mechanical pen or when you’ll drop your eraser. Carry a small pouch containing spare stationery items like extra pencils, pens, erasers, and a pencil sharpener. This will help you avoid any last-minute panic if your primary writing instrument fails or breaks during the test.
3. Sweater or jacket
Test centers can be chilly, so consider bringing a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable.
4. Textbook or pocket dictionary (for review)
This is an option if you are still anxious about a few vocabulary or grammar points. Before the test begins or during the break, take a quick look at a few grammar points as a quick review. Additionally, I find it helpful to have a pocket dictionary on hand during the test to look up answers (although we recommend this after you finish all test sections to keep a positive mindset).
We’ve seen some students bring their own flashcards, too, which are far lighter than heavy textbooks.
5. Your phone
This goes without saying, but your phone needs to be on silent mode and in your bag! Better yet, the safest opion is to turn it off altogether! We have heard cases and our students have seen alarms go off during the JLPT exam! Be careful, even if you turn it to silent mode or airplane mode.
Test proctors are very strict. Violating any of the above may lead to misconduct charges!
6. Positive Mindset!
Although not a tangible item, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for success in any examination. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and approach the test with confidence. Remind yourself that you have prepared diligently and are ready to demonstrate your Japanese language skills.
Tips for a Successful JLPT Test Day
Now that you know what to bring and what not to bring, here are some additional tips to help you have a successful JLPT test day! For more practical tips for the JLPT test day, head to this article!
1. Arrive early
Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give you enough time to check in and get settled. You never know if you’ll have a hard time finding the test site, too.
2. Get a good night’s sleep
Instead of attempting to cram everything the night before, ensure you have a restful night’s sleep before the test to stay alert and focused.
3. Don’t skip breakfast
You’re going to be taking the JLPT for a few hours, so avoid getting hungry and out of focus by eating breakfast. Even if you’re not someone who eats breakfast, make the day an exception.
4. Make sure your phone is silent and on airplane mode
Here’s a mistake we have seen way too often — and it’s one that can cost you the entire JLPT. Someone forgets to completely turn off their phone. Maybe they thought silent mode was enough, or they just missed the reminder. And then, right in the middle of the test — ding!
Even if it’s unintentional, the JLPT has a strict system: yellow cards are for warnings, but red cards? No second chances. Especially during the listening section, where even the smallest noise can throw off everyone’s focus.
To be safe, instead of setting it to silent or airplane mode, turn off your phone completely and keep it in your bag. It’s such a simple thing, but it could make the difference between passing and failing.
4. Follow instructions carefully
Take the time to read the instructions thoroughly before starting each section of the test. In Japan, the proctors might speak in English and maybe some Japanese appropriate to your level.
Preparing for the JLPT requires careful planning and organization. By following this ultimate checklist of what to bring to the JLPT test center, you can ensure a stress-free test day experience. Remember, being well-prepared will give you the confidence you need to perform your best. Good luck on your JLPT journey!
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Whether embarking on a life-changing adventure or chasing career goals, finding a comfortable and convenient place to call home in Japan is crucial. Don’t worry; navigating the unique housing landscape doesn’t have to be a headache! Buckle up for a whirlwind tour of your Japanese housing options. This blog will give you basic information about housing in Japan and provide the resources to find your home here.
Studio or 1R (1 room): The compact classic is perfect for solo explorers. A typical 1R apartment has between 13 and 20 sqm of floor space.
1K (1 kitchen): A little more spacious than 1R as there will be a separate kitchen. 1K apartments typically have between 13 and 25 sqm of floor space.
1DK (1 Dining and Kitchen): A two-room apartment with a kitchen and dining space separated from the other room. 1DK apartments usually have between 25 and 30 sqm of floor space.
1LDK (1 Living, Dining, and Kitchen): A one-bedroom apartment. It offers a separate living area and bedroom, ideal for small families or roommates. 1LDK apartments usually have between 23 and 35 sqm of floor space.
2LDK & Up: Spacious digs for families or those who crave extra elbow room. LDK apartments usually have between 35 sqm and above of floor space.
Renting: The most common option, offering flexibility and lower upfront costs. Brush up on terms like 敷金 “shiki-kin” (deposit) and 礼金 “rei-kin” (key money).
Buying: A long-term investment that requires significant financial resources and navigating complex legal procedures.
Alternative Options
Sharehouses: Budget-friendly and social, perfect for making friends and experiencing communal living.
Guest Houses: Ideal for short-term stays and exploring different neighborhoods before committing.
Traditional 旅館 Ryokans: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with these unique inns.
Hotels: It is always an option to find local hotels or branded hotels for your stay here
Short-term Rentals: Services like Airbnb allow you to have your space for a short stay and could be a budget-friendly option.
Do you want to study Japanese in Japan but have trouble finding accommodation? Coto is here to help! We assist our students in housing by working with our trusted partner – Oak House! By using Oak House, you will get a 10,000 yen coupon! Come Join Coto Now!! And Use Oak House Today!
Here are some benefits of using Oak House!
Furnished Rooms: Most Oak House properties come fully furnished, eliminating the need to buy furniture upon arrival. This can be a significant advantage, especially for short-term stays.
Simplified Move-in Process: Oak House handles most administrative tasks, such as key money, agency fees, guarantors, and utilities, which simplifies the move-in process and reduces upfront costs.
Multilingual Support: Oak House offers support in English, French, Chinese, and Korean, which can help you navigate the rental process if you don’t speak Japanese.
This is the largest and most popular real estate website in Japan, with listings for apartments, houses, and sharehouses all over the country. While the main website is in Japanese, they offer an English version with limited listings. However, it’s still a great resource for browsing different areas and getting a feel for the market.
This website is specifically designed for foreigners living in Japan and offers many resources, including housing listings. They have a search engine for apartments, houses, and sharehouses; their listings are all in English.
This website is a great resource for finding affordable housing in Tokyo. They have a listings section for apartments, sharehouses, and guest houses, and their listings are all in English. They also offer many helpful tips and advice on finding housing in Japan.
This website offers fully furnished apartments specifically designed for foreigners. They have locations in major cities all over Japan, and their apartments are all-inclusive, meaning that utilities and internet are included in the rent.
Sites You Need To Know: Some Other Sites With Some English Support
These sites are mainly in Japanese, but you can contact them in English if needed.
These websites offer English services with sharehouses listings in major cities all over Japan with different room types and amenities for sharehouses in Japan!
This app offers many apartment and house listings. While the interface is in Japanese, it’s fairly intuitive, and the pictures can help you understand the listings.
A renowned app for short-term renting, the price varies by place and offers a wide range of listings. You can also access it through their website!
Real Estate Company You Need To Know
They can translate documents, handle negotiations, and provide invaluable local knowledge.
Mitsui Fudosan Realty: One of the largest real estate developers in Japan, offering a wide range of apartments, houses, and commercial properties.
Sumitomo Realty: Another major player with a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties.
Nomura Real Estate: Known for its high-end developments and strong presence in urban areas.
Mitsubishi Estate Co.: Major developer responsible for large-scale projects like the Marunouchi district in Tokyo.
Useful Japanese Phrases
賃貸物件を探しています。Chintai bukken o sagashiteimasu. – I am looking for a place to rent.
家賃はいくらですか？ Yachin wa ikuradesu ka? – How much is the rent?
敷金・礼金はいくらですか？ Shikikin reikin wa ikuradesu ka? – How much is the deposit and key money?
いつから入居できますか？ Itsu kara nyūkyo dekimasu ka? – When can I move in?
契約期間はどれくらいですか？ Keiyaku kikan wa dorekuraidesu ka? – How long is the lease term?
ペットを飼ってもいいですか？ Petto o katte mo īdesu ka? – Can I keep pets?
インターネットは付いていますか？ intānetto wa tsuite imasu ka? – Is the internet included?
最寄り駅はどこですか？ Moyorieki wa dokodesu ka? – Is there a station nearby?
近くにコンビニはありますか？ Chikaku ni Konbini wa arimasu ka? – Is there a convenience store nearby?
電気・ガス・水道代はいくらですか？ Denki, gasu, suidō-dai wa ikura desu ka? – How much are the utilities?
収納はありますか？ Shūnō wa arimasu ka? – Is there storage space?
バルコニー／ベランダはありますか？ Barukonii/Beranda wa arimasu ka? – Is there a balcony?
日当たりはいいですか？ Hiatari wa īdesu ka? – Does it get good sunlight?
騒音はありますか？ Sōon wa arimasu ka? – Is there any noise?
物件の写真を見せてください。 Bukken no shashin o misete kudasai. – Can you show me some sample photos?
もう少し安くできませんか？ Mōsukoshi yasuku dekimasen ka? – Can you lower the rent a bit?
契約金は分割払いでお願いできませんか？ Keiyaku-kin wa bunkatsubarai de onegai dekimasen ka? – Can I pay the deposit in installments?
入居日を遅らせることはできますか？ Nyūkyo-bi o okuraseru koto wa dekimasu ka? – Can I move in later?
Essential Japanese Vocabulary
Accommodation Types
アパート Apāto – Apartment
一戸建て Ikkodate – Detached house
マンション Manshon – Condominium
シェアハウス Sheahausu – Sharehouse
ゲストハウス Gesutohausu – Guesthouse
旅館 ryokan – Traditional Japanese inn
Rent & Fees
家賃 yachin – Rent
敷金 shikikin -Deposit
礼金 reikin – Key money
保証金 hoshoukin – Guarantee deposit
更新料 koshinryo – Renewal fee
管理費 kanrihi – Management fee
Amenities
インターネット intanetto – Internet
エアコン eakon – Air conditioning
洗濯機 sentakuki – Washing machine
バルコニー/ベランダ barukonii/Beranda – Balcony
駐輪場 Chūrinjō – Bicycle parking
駐車場 Chūshajō – Car parking
ペット可 petto ka – Pets allowed
Utilities
電気 denki – Electricity
ガス gasu – Gas
水道 suidou – Water
Contract & Lease
契約書 keiyaku sho – Contract
契約期間 keiyaku kikan – Lease term
退去日 taikyoku bi – Move-out date
Additional Tips
Start your search early: The housing market in Japan can be very competitive, so it’s important to start your search early, especially if you’re moving to a popular city.
Be prepared to pay upfront costs: In Japan, paying a security deposit and key money equal to one or two months’ rent when you move into an apartment is common.
Consider using a real estate agent: A real estate agent can help you find an apartment and translate documents.
Learn some basic Japanese: Even just a few basic phrases can be helpful when communicating with landlords and real estate agents.
Cleanliness is paramount: Keep your living space spotless and respect communal areas.
Community matters: Be mindful of noise levels and respect your neighbors.
Remember: Finding a home in Japan is a journey. Be patient, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to bargain politely. With a little research and cultural sensitivity, you’ll unlock the door to your perfect Japanese living space!
You Might Be Wondering…
Are furnished apartments available?
It’s not as common, but some exist. Consider buying used furniture.
What are the initial costs?
Expect 敷金 “shiki-kin” (deposit) equal to 1-2 months’ rent, plus 礼金 “rei-kin” (key money) and agent fees.
Can I rent without a guarantor?
Some landlords accept alternative options like deposits or insurance.
Want to learn and study more about the Japanese language and culture?
Book a free level check consultation with us to join!
Go shopping anywhere in Japan, and the first thing they asked when you’re at the checkout will probably be: Do you have a point card? (ポイントカードはお持ちですか? Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka?)
A lot of times, we might opt for an easy いいえ in hopes that it’s a good-enough reply cut the transaction short, and it’s obvious why: point cards take up a lot of space in your wallet.
However, the next time a staff asked “Pointo kaado wa mochi desu ka”, you might want to raise the question: should I get a point card in Japan? This is because point cards have become a great life hack to save some money and rack up major points at gas stations, restaurants, drug stores and supermarket — all with one card!
When you’ve lived in Japan long enough, these types of communication can be a common experience, but don’t be quick to dismiss point cards. In this article, we’ll guide you to a better understanding of what ポイントカードはよろしいですか (pointo kaado wa yoroshii desuu ka) means and how to reply to it, as well as why you might want to get one (or two) point cards.
Meaning of ポイントカードはよろしいですか (Pointo Kaado wa Yoroshii Desu Ka)
“ポイントカードはよろしいですか” (pointo kaado wa yoroshii desuu ka) literally translates to, “Do you have a point card?”
Pointo kaado is a loanword borrowed from English. In most cases, this is the first thing they will ask you at the cash register.
Other variations of ポイントカードはよろしいですか are:
ポイントカードはお持ちですか Pointo kaado wa omochi desu ka.
The word お持ち is a Japanese keigo derived from もつ (motsu), which means “to bring”. The お is a suffix, making the sentence even more polite. Sometimes, the store staff can also say:
ポイントカードわお持ちしますか. Pointo kaado wa omochi shimasu ka. Do you bring a point card?
How to Reply to ポイントカードはよろしいですか (Pointo Kaado wa Yoroshii Desu Ka)
When you’ve just arrived in Japan as a student or traveling the country short-term, you might not botter to get a point card. If you don’t have a point card, you can just say “ないで” (nai desu) which means “No.” People also often say:
大丈夫です. Daijoubu desu. It’s alright.
いいです. Ii desu. It’s okay.
It can be confusing, as these three are a mix of affirmative and negative replies. However, most staff in Japan are used to hearing these default answers, so they know all of them equal to, “No.”
As you adjust to your life in Japan, you might have a few common point cards in your wallet as it’s a great way to save some money in Japan.
If you have a point card, you can simply say “はい” (hai) and give it to the clerk, who will scan it so you can accumulate your points.
If you want to be more polite, you can also say:
はい、持っています。 Hai, motte imasu. Yes, I bring it.
What is a point card in Japan, anyway?
You might be wondering why point cards are always asked when making a purchase in Japan. That’s because the point card system is a popular culture in Japan. Point cards allow you to earn points every time you buy something from a store at certain amounts.
For example, some stores will add 1 point for every 100 yen purchase you make. Depending on the amount of money spent on shopping, you can accumulate points and use them without needing to reach a certain point.
Some point cards can be used for different stores: bookstores, convenience stores, drugstores and more. Some stores only use one particular chain.
If you are planning to stay in Japan for a while, it might be a good idea to apply for a card, especially if there’s a grocery store in Tokyo or a convenience store that you like to go to.
It might seem like a small thing to gain one point for every ¥100 or ¥200 purchase, but grocery bills and expenses for food can soar depending on how often you eat in and out. If you make a habit of using point cards for these purchases, you can collect hundreds of points! Simply put, you can treat it as a cashback system.
Different Types of Point Cards in Japan
The only problem is that most chain stores almost always have a point-card system. Does this mean you should get all the point cards offered?
The short answer is no. Our advice is to get point cards for a store that you frequently visit. This way, your wallets won’t get fat from all the accumulated cards you don’t use — which might end up being forgotten, too!
Of course, some point cards have an app version where you can simply show your account’s bar code. The staff will scan it, and your points will automatically be accumulated. This is great if you still want to save up some space.
If you are interested in obtaining a point card in Japan or looking to increase your rewards with your current point card, we’ll introduce five popular point card programs.
1. T-Point
The T-point card is used for Family Mart — and so many other stores in Japan. In fact, it’s probably one of the most popular (and used) point cards in Japan. T-Point card can be used (and redeemed) in a massive selection of stores from supermarkets and drug stores to shopping centers and electronic shops — even for travel purposes like Airbnb.
Stores that accept T-Point Card includes the drugstore Welcia, Tsutaya (one of the biggest bookstore chain in Japan), Gusto (a family restaurant), Camera Kitamura (electronic shops) and more.
The design of the T-Point card is pretty iconic: a big, bright “T” on a blue background.
Conversion: ¥200 = 1 point Redemption: 1 point = ¥1 (may vary for other exchange systems with establishments)
2. Nanaco
Saw a rainbow-looking card with a giraffe mascot? That’s probably Nanaco. Nanaco is used at 7-Eleven, but unlike regular point cards, it’s a bit like an electronic cash card or prepaid credit card. This means you will have to charge your Nanaco card and use it to pay at eligible stores to be able to accumulate points.
Of course, this can be a bit of a hassle if you’re not that much of a loyal customer at 7-11. On the brighter side, Nanaco can be used at other places besides the convenience store chain. Basically, any Seven&iHoldings-operated establishments accept Nanaco. This includes Ito-Yokoda (supermarket), and chain restaurants Denny’s, McDonald’s, and Coco Ichibanya.
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
3. Rakuten Point
You’ve probably heard of Rakuten to some degree, from credit cards, and e-commerce to banking. The company also has its own card, the Rakuten Point Card — or Edy. You can use it for shopping, dining, and services at various shops in Japan, and earn points by shopping through the Rakuten website.
Shops and stores that accept the Rakuten Point are almost endless: Sukiya, Mcdonald’s, Family Mart, Mister Donut, and more. You can check the full list of eligible stores here.
Conversion: ¥100 = 1 point Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
4. D-Point
The D-Point Card is a point scheme affiliated with Docomo, the giant mobile phone operator, but you don’t have to be a Docomo user to register. You can earn and use D-points in a variety of ways including in stores and when shopping online.
While D-Points are relatively new in the point card world (they started in December 2015), it’s widely popular due to their benefits that range from coupons to special bonuses. These bonuses are given based on your stage, which is determined by the number of points you earn in 6 months.
You can earn points through this card by shopping at popular stores, which includes the three famous convenience store, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and more.
To pick up a new D-Point card for free, head to the nearest Docomo shop or Lawson convenience store.
Conversion: Typically ¥100 = 1 point (may vary depending on the stores) Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
5. Ponta
The Ponta card from Lawson has an adorable orange raccoon as its mascot and offers various benefits such as accumulating points and saving money. When you use the Ponta card at any Lawson store, you can receive additional discounts by using your accumulated points to purchase items at a lower cost than the standard retail price.
Other accepted stores include Shell, KFC, Japan Airlines, 2nd Street, and more.
Conversion: Typically ¥100 Redemption: 1 point = ¥1
Redeeming Your Points in Japan
Now that you’ve collected your hard-earned points, don’t let it go to waste! Make sure that your points aren’t expired yet.
You can usually check your balance through the point card’s app. You can usually download T-Money, Edy, D-Point and other apps on iOS and Android. For local businesses like your nearby grocery stores that don’t use apps, you can confirm your balance somewhere on the receipt.
Locate the word 現在利用可能ポイント (genzai riyou kanou pointo) near the bottom of the receipt. This phrase means, “Current points available for use”. You can also check how many points you earned for your purchase by looking at the amount that’s labeled under 獲得 (kakutoku).
Points you’ve accumulated can’t be switched to cash. Generally, it’s converted to electronic money called 電子マネ (denshi manee).
Usually, your 1 point is equivalent to 1 yen per point, but be on the lookout for campaigns that give you a greater value for points.
Redeeming the points is easy. If you bring your point card and give it to the clerk, they’re inclined to ask if you would like to redeem your points. They’ll usually say:
ポイントはお使いになりますか？ Pointo wa otsukai ni narimasu ka? Would you like to use your points?
From here, it can go three ways: you’d like to use a certain amount of points, all of the points — or, if you’re a loyal customer, pay for the entire item with just your points.
OO円分のポイントでお願いします。 OO en bun no pointo de onegai shimasu. I’d like to use OO points.
全部でお願いします。 Zenbu de onegai shimasu. Please use all of my points.
ポイントでお願いします。 Pointo de onegai shimasu. (I’d like to pay) with my points, please.
Conclusion
There you have it! Living in Japan can be expensive, but there is a lot of life hacks that people often ignore because of the notion that it’s complicated. Although earning one point for every ¥100 or ¥200 spent may appear insignificant, our suggestion is to develop the practice of using your point cards in Japan every time you go to your favorite store. Although you may lose track of the exact number of points you have accumulated, consider it as a gift to you from you when the time comes to use it!
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