For easy access, we’ve compiled 38 Japanese cheat sheets. From visiting the hospital to buying over-the-counter drugs in Japan, daily tasks can be daunting if you’re not equipped with the right Japanese vocabulary.
Navigating them might be hard, but it won’t be once you take a look at our extensive Japanese vocabulary directory.
Click on any of the links to find out more about the article and learn useful Japanese vocabulary in this summary.
If you’re wondering what a cheat sheet is and what it does or how does it help, fret not. A cheat sheet is basically where information is categorized and noted down in a concise manner.
The compiled information is easy to absorb and is especially helpful for people learning Japanese.
Anytime you are not confident in a specific topic, a cheat sheet is always there for easy reference to refresh your memory, and also aids in self-quizzes.
Stay tuned for more — we have all the plans to expand our Japanese vocabulary cheat sheet summary and collection for you.
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Ever had any difficulty with identifying different public transportations in Japan? In this cheat sheet, we’ll be expanding our Japanese vehicle vocabulary related to public transportations.
Japan’s excellent and efficient public transportation system caters to different needs, be it for business or leisure. Shinkansen, planes, express trains, highway busses, ferries or city busses are just to name a few. All of them is managed well and reasonably priced compared to renting a private car or taxi.
The shinkansen is of the most popular modes of transportation between cities in Japan. Running at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, the shinkansen is known for its prompt, comfortable and safe traveling.
For more information on the shinkansen or other modes of transport, click here. If you haven’t check it out, head to the first part of our Japanese vehicle vocabulary.
Japanese Vehicles Vocabulary Sentence Examples
Here is how you form basic sentences with the terminology:
Example 1:
しんかんせんでとうきょうからおおさかまでやくにじかんかかります。
shinkansen de tōkyō kara ōsaka made yaku ni-jikan kakarimasu
It takes about 2 hours to go from Tokyo to Osaka by the bullet train.
Example 2 :
とかいからはねだくうこうにいくにはリムジンバスはとてもべんりだ。
tokai kara hanedakūkō ni iku ni wa rimujinbasu wa totemo benrida.
It’s convenient to get to Haneda Airport from the city using the airport shuttle bus.
Japanese Vehicles Vocabulary – Public Transport
Japanese
Pronunciation
Meaning
こうきょうこうつうきかん
koukyoukoutsuukikan
Public Transport
でんしゃ
densha
Train
しんかんせん
shinkansen
Bullet Train
バス
basu
Bus
リムジンバス
rimujun basu
Airport shuttle bus
やこうバス
yakō basu
Overnight Bus
うんちん
unchin
Bus fare
ろせんバス
rosen basu
Public Bus
せいりけん
seriken
Numbered tickets
ろせんず
rosenzu
Route map
こうそくバス
koūsoku basu
Highway bus
かんこうバス
kankō basu
Sightseeing bus
If you wish to have a short-term study in Tokyo, Check out our 3-month intensive Japanese courses. Also, feel free to send us an inquiry if you have any questions!
Start taking Japanese lessons and master these terminology today!
Update as of July 30, 2020 From MOFA
We will be updating this as more information is released – 8/19/2020
This official statement says that currently, certain foreign nationals who hold residency in Japan are eligible to re-enter Japan – as long as they have a “Re-entry Confirmation Letter” (the form can be downloaded here), and can prove they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of landing in Japan.
The official wording also states: “The relaxation is only applied to those who have left Japan with re-entry permit before the day when country/region where such foreign nationals are currently staying was designated as an area subject to denial of permission to entry into Japan.”
In other words, if you left Japan (with a re-entry permit) before the travel ban was enacted, you may be able to get back into Japan.
Who is Eligible to Re-enter?
The MOFA has ruled that from August 5, 2020, (as of writing this article: Aug. 17, 2020) foreign nationals who hold residency in Japan can re-enter if they fulfill the following conditions:
They left Japan before the travel ban on their home country (or country of stay) was first enacted
Certificate of negative test result, conducted within 72 hours of the departure flight
The full list of current border enforcement measures can be viewed here.
The wording here is rather vague. In order to re-enter Japan, you must be found to be in “special exceptional circumstances.” However, given the unclear language used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these “circumstances” seem to be decided on a case-by-case basis – by the discretion of the immigration services.
Restrictions Upon Re-entry
There are also heavy restrictions placed upon re-entrants even if they are able to make it through.
Upon arriving at the airport, all foreign nationals are subject to a PCR test until further notice (as of August 13, 2020, officially until the end of August but likely to be renewed).
Additionally, regardless of the PCR test results, all foreign nationals must wait for 14 days at a location designated by the quarantine station chief – and are barred from any use of public transportation following their re-entry during this 2 week period.
More information can be found on section “2. Quarantine Measures” here.
Can Non-residents Enter the Country?
As of writing this article (August 17, 2020), entry is still barred to anyone who do not hold residency in Japan or Japanese citizenship.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to provide information regarding non-residents entering Japan (such as on short term-tourist visas).
Many of our prospective students are confused about whether or not it requires a student visa to study Japanese language in Japan.
This blog will answer several questions related to whether or not you need a Visa to study Japanese in Tokyo.
Q: I want to take a two month intensive Japanese course in Tokyo – Do I need to apply for a student visa?
A: For some countries – Japan allows visa free travel for varying periods of time for the purposes of tourism, conferences, and cultural exchange.
This temporary stay permission is granted at the airport upon arrival and there is no need to apply for this before hand.
This type of “Visa” will allow you to travel in Japan, take classes, hold business meetings, attend conferences, and act as a representative for an organiztion.
The one restriction for this visa status is that you cannot participate in “income generating” activities. So you may not work in Japan as part of a part-time job or be paid for exchanging goods or services inside of Japan.
This means that if you are coming as a student and you can provide for your financial needs – you are able to study at a Japanese language school as long as the period of your classes do not pass the amount of time you are allowed to stay in Japan.
(This is true as of this writing on 7/6/2020 – Immigration law is subject to frequent changes – please consult the Japanese version of the immigration website for the latest updates and changes to the immigration law)
Immigration bureau of Japan website – https://www.immi-moj.go.jp/ (Best to use google chrome and the google translate feature when looking for up to date information)
Having everything set before you come will help to make things more relaxed and efficient – allowing you to really take in Japanese culture and retain your language.
Students learn best when they are relaxed and truly enjoying studying. It’s hard to be present in class if you are searching for an apartment during night time. 😀
Learn Japanese Vocabulary From Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a great and fun resource for anyone looking to learn Japanese from Video Games. In the video above, Akiko-sensei shows us some key words and characters in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
This article includes a written guide to the video above to help you learn Japanese from Animal Crossing!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Characters
Tom Nook – たぬきち (Tanukichi)
Tom Nook/たぬきち is the founder and owner of Nook Inc. (ヌーク株式会社).
He acts as a leader figure on the island, and is the one who gives you the (outrageous) loans you need to start the game! He is also the one to speak to regarding real estate related things in the game.
Isabelle – しずえ (Shizue)
Isabelle/しずえ works with Tom Nook on the island. She helps support the players on the island in various ways, especially when they first get started.
Timmy and Tommy – まめきち (Mamekichi) とつぶきち (Tsubukichi)
Timmy/まめきち and Tommy/つぶきち are the nephew’s of Tom Nook. They help out in various ways in the game, such as working in Nook’s Cranny.
They are helpful when it comes to buying or selling items on the island – such as fishing poles and other tools.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Vocabulary
This list includes the vocabulary Akiko-sensei taught us in the video above, but we will be updating it so that it grows into a more developed and catagorized translation guide!
If you are learning to speak Japanese – you will want to visit Japan to practice.
There are not many places in the world that have a high concentration of Japanese native speakers aside from Japan.
This article will give you several ideas of activities to jump-start your Japanese practice while you are visiting Japan.
Ideas for Studying Japanese on a short-term holiday
1) Practice Japanese at the onsen (Japanese Hot Spring)
Chances are – visiting a Japanese hotspring is something that you have been looking forward to. If you are flying from Narita – there is an easy way to cross this off of your list – while at the same time – relaxing from your long haul flight.
Narita airport is named after the smaller city of Narita in Chiba Prefecture and it happens to have one of the best tattoo-friendly onsen in the Tokyo area.
Getting to Narita is simple – there are two train lines that can take you from the airport terminal to “Narita” city center.
Many passports will allow up to a 90-180 day stay in Japan without a visa as part of being a tourist. Did you know that there are many Japanese farms that will host guests with free room and board for volunteering? This is a fantastic option for anyone looking to boost their Japanese learning. Midori Farm is a Japanese Not-For-Profit dedicated to the rural renewal of Japanese farming. You can volunteer as well as apply for a “farm experience” as a tourist. They offer short term programs for international visitors.
You can learn more here: https://www.workaway.info/en/host/276966154896
3) Go for a run in Tokyo with Japanese runners
Did you know that Japan has a huge running culture? The Hakone Eki-den(An annual collegiate footrace relay from Tokyo to Hakone and Back) is basically the Japanese version of the Superbowl (An annual collegiate footrace).
Japan has the most # of amateur marathon finishers globally out of every country in the world.
There are many meetups – running clubs – and language exchanges that involve running in and around Tokyo.
If you would like to enter a Japanese race – there are several sites that will allow you to register for Marathons in Japan.
Are you interested in short-term Japanese lessons in Tokyo? Click the link below to learn more
In this article, we will share with you several options for tattoo friendly onsen close to and within Tokyo. Much more than simple traditional local sento baths!
This article includes our recommendations for the best onsen and sento in Tokyo and Yokohama available to tattooed guests. We will also teach you what you can search for in google to tell if an onsen accepts Tattoo’d guests – or if they have a “cover” policy.
So without further ado – here are the Top Tattoo Friendly – “Super Sento” or “Large Onsen” in Tokyo and Yokohama
Tokyo Onsens / Sento that Accept Tattoos with no covering
A minimalist bathhouse in Nerima wins our pick for the best 100% tattoo-friendly onsen/sento in Tokyo.
On top of its clean and high-tech design, its friendly staff – it is unique for having ground sourced on-site water, qualifying it as a “site sourced natural hot spring”. Google Maps Link
Mannen Yu is a refurbished public sento that is very conveniently located just 2 minutes walk from Shin Okubo station in Tokyo’s Korea Town area.
The owners refurbished the location in 2016 and have a mission to provide a high quality and friendly bathing experience for foreign guests – this allows for a very liberal tattoo policy. 🙂
Although not technically in Tokyo – it is located in Narita, Chiba, which is a short day-trip from Tokyo.
This onsen – due to proximity to the airport has totally loosened any tattoo restrictions – taking into account the large # of foreign tourists that are able to frequent it during a layover.
With an onsite restaurant and fitness center/spa area – this is a great place to come relax during a short layover at Narita – transit time from Narita airport to the front door is around 45 minutes in Total. Google Maps Link – Yamato no Yu
Tokyo – Yokohama Onsen / Super Sento that Accept Guests with Tattoo Coverings
Super sento can be compared to onsen like a one screen cinema to a movieplex. They normally have a larger selection of baths available – as well as cafes, relaxation lounges, and other amenities.
What’s great about Thermae no Yu is that everything that you purchase from the restaurant to the drink bar is calculated on your wrist bands – so you can enjoy multiple trips in between the relaxation areas and the baths as well as the restaurant without having to worry about carrying your cash or a wallet. Everything becomes settled once you leave.
Note about tattoo covering: The policy that they have implemented is that if a tattoo cannot be covered by up to 4x 11cmx11cm stickers – then they will deny entry. Each sticker will be sold to you at a charge of 300 yen/ sticker – so for people with many tattoos or large tattoos – this option becomes less attractive as it can get quite expensive. 🙂
Spadium is the biggest super sento complex in the Tokyo 23 ward area and has a large amount of facilities including bed rock relaxation zones – and a food court. This is a good full day Daytrip destination for a lazy Saturday. They offer shuttle buses from and to the station for convenient access.
Note about the tattoo policy: If your tattoo can be covered by up to 2x of their cover seals you can enter – however they do not publish the cost of the seals on the website.
This luxury spa and wellness facility has literally just changed its tattoo policy as of the end of January 2020.
Their new policy states that if your tattoo can be covered by up to 2x 11x11cm patches (which they sell for 100jpy per patch) you can enter and use the facility.
They have a restaurant on-site and a large outdoor bathing selection with many different types of pools. It has our vote for being the most traditionally styled of the available onsen. It’s also probably the nicest.
How to Search for Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japanese.
In Japanese, there are several keywords that you can search for on a website to determine if an onsen is tattoo-friendly. Combine this with the google search tool option and you can search for recent announcements of onsens that have changed their policy. We found the Yokohama onsen in this article by doing this. 🙂 Key vocabulary to search for in google when looking for Tattoo friendly onsen:
ファッションタトゥー – Fashion Tattoo
デザインタトゥー – Design Tattoo
ご入店いただけます — “Can enter/ may use the facility”
刺青・タトゥ－がある方のご入館に関して – Admission for people with tattoos/ fashion tattoos.
カバーシール – Cover Seal (For tattoos)
カバーシールを付けてのご利用がいただけます – Can enter with a cover seal
Sales tax has changed in Japan! Due to a need to prepare for the Japan’s future (elderly care, pensions) – consumption tax has increased to 10 percent on October 1st, 2019 as part of new legislation.
Thankfully – it is not as straightforward as a simple 10% increase. Some items and services are still taxed at 8%
To alleviate the impact of the increase in consumption tax, the government has implemented a two-tier system. Foods, non-alcoholic beverages, delivery foods and newspapers (subscription newspapers published twice or more a week) remain at an 8% rate.But what about if you are a tourist?
For Tourists:
Foreign visitors staying in Japan for less than 6 months are eligible for tax-free shopping when making purchases of over 5000 yen. Many stores will be able to provide a Tax free shopping receipt verification – and you can claim this directly or at the tax free counter at the airport. Japan’s new consumption tax
Confused about the tax increase?
We have included some useful Japanese vocabulary related to consumption taxes below!
Japanese vocabulary related to Japanese sales taxes
消費税ーShōhizeiーConsumption tax
増税ーZōzei－Tax increase
税込ーZeikomiーTax included
税抜ーZeinukiーTax excluded
飲食料品 – Inshokuryouhin – Food and beverages
テイクアウト- Teikuauto – Take out
新聞 – Shinbun – Newspaper
出前 – Demae – Delivery
宅配 – Takuhai – Delivery
酒類 – Shurui – Alcoholic drinks
ケータリング- Kētaringu – Catering
外食 – Gaishoku- Eating out
店内- Ten’nai – Eat-in / Sitdown
医療品 – Iryōhin – Medical supplies
薬 – Kusuri – Medicine
日用品 – Nichiyōhin – Daily necessities
家電-Kaden – Home appliance
What do you think is the cheapest way to travel in Japan? JR pass? Nope. IC card? Nope. I know you have read tons of “travel tips” articles that introduce you ways to save on transportation cost during your trip to Japan. Honestly speaking, this is a real hidden travel hack that you probably have not heard of.
In this article, we will introduce you the ultimate hidden method that allows you to travel across the WHOLE COUNTRY of Japan by train for 5 days at a total cost of only 11850 yen!
Does Seishun 18 Kippu (青春18きっぷ) sound foreign to you? It is a seasonal ticket that allows you to take all JR local and rapid trains in Japan on an unlimited basis for up to 5 days! No matter whether you are a tourist or a Japanese citizen, everyone can purchase the ticket at major JR stations and travel agents.
Groups can also use it! 1 Stamp on the Ticket = 1 Unlimited Ride day.
If a group of 5 people use it – that would use all 5 stamps available on the ticket.
Seishun 18 Kippu
Ticket
Price
The standard price of Seishun 18 Ticket is 11850 yen for all users, unfortunately, there is no student price or children price available.
Number of Users
The ticket can be used by 1 person for 5 days(not necessarily consecutive), it can also be shared by multiple users up to 5 people. (1 additional user uses up 1 day of validity).Group Travelers using this ticket must travel in groups.
When can it be used
However, since it is a seasonal ticket, you can only purchase and use it at certain times of the year.
Spring Season
Release Period：20th February～31st March
Usable Period：1st March～10th April
Summer Season
Release Period：1st July～31st August
Usable Period：20th July～10th Septemeber
Winter Season
Release Period：1st December～31st December
Usable Period：10th December～10th January
Where can it be used?
The ticket can be used for taking all local and rapid trains(普通/各停 and 快速) running on JR lines in Japan.
Valid for taking JR West Japan Miyajima Ferry.
Valid for taking the Aorimori Railway(青い森鉄道線) between Aomori(青森)station, Noheji(野辺地)station and Hachinohe(八戸) station. Alighting at stations other than these 3 along the railway will generate a transportation fee for the parts traveled.
Valid for taking the Ainokaze Toyama Railway (あいの風とやま鉄道線) between Takaoka(高岡)stationand Toyama(富山)station Alighting at other stations other than these 2 will generate a transportation fee for the parts traveled. When taking the (Ainokaze Liner) あいの風ライナー liner ticket is needed.
Valid for taking the IR Ishikawa Railway (I Rいしかわ鉄道線) between Kanazawa(金沢) station and Tsumbata (津幡) Station. Alighting at stations other than these 2 will generate a transportation fee for the parts traveled.
Valid for taking Express(急行 Kyukou) and Limited Express(特急 Tokkyuu) trains on JR Ou Main Line (奥羽本線 Ouuhonsen) between Aomori(青森) station and Shin Aomori(新青森) station. You are not allowed to alight at any stations other than these 2.
Valid for taking Express(急行 Kyukou) and Limited Express(特急 Tokkyuu) trains on JR Ishikatsu Line (石勝線 Ishikatsusen) between Shintoku(新得) station and Shinyuubari (新夕張) station. You are not allowed to alight at any stations other than these 2.
Valid for taking Limited Express(特急 Tokkyuu) trains on JR Miyazaki Airport Line (宮崎空港線 Miyazaki kuukousen) between Miyazaki(宮崎) station and Miyazaki Airport(宮崎空港) station. You are not allowed to alight at any stations other than these 2.
Valid for taking Limited Express(特急 Tokkyuu) on JR Sasebo Line (佐世保線 Sasebosen) between Haiki (早岐 )station and Sasebo(佐世保) station. You are not allowed to alight at any stations other than these 2.
* If you want to travel from Honshu to Hokkaido, you can purchase the Seishun 18 kippu Hokaido Shinkansen Option Ticket for 2300 yen. It will allow you to take the Hokkaido Shinkansen between Okutsugaru-Imabetsu(奥津軽いまべつ) station and Kikonai (木古内) station and also the Donan Isaribi Railway (道南いさりび鉄道線) between Kikonai (木古内) Station and Goryoukaku(五稜郭) station. This is only valid for a one-way trip 1 time on each line.
How does it work?
You can use the ticket to pass through the manned gate at any JR station.
Your ticket will get stamped by the station officer the first time you use it each day.
If you are traveling in a group, each time the ticket will get stamped for the number of times equivalent to the size of your group.
Once your ticket gets stamped 5 times, you cannot use it any longer after that day. For example – a group of five friends uses the ticket to travel from Tokyo to Osaka. They would all be able to journey to Osaka on that day – and travel on the JR train lines during that day – but they would need to purchase a separate ticket for a return journey – if they returned the following day.
How to Plan Your Trip
If you are traveling long-distance, you may have to transfer many times. Therefore, you need to know the lines that you will be taking and their timetable. A good tool that gives you all the information is HyperDia. It allows you to search for routes between any 2 station by designated transportation methods.
Here is an example of a route between Tokyo and Osaka by JR local trains suggested by HyperDia.
Take note before purchasing the ticket
The only disadvantage of using this ticket is that you may spend most of your time on transportation, It takes much more time to travel from one place to another on local trains than more efficient transportation express and bullet trains. It may also be troublesome to transfer from line to line. However, it gives you the privilege to take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Can you understand Japanese?
Being able to speak and understand Japanese is really necessary for traveling freely in Japan. You don’t want to encounter situations where you are asking a Japanese person for directions and he can’t understand you. Don’t know how to start learning Japanese? We got you covered!
Our Japanese Crash Course is designed to teach you the basics of Japanese, starting with Hiragana and Katakana(Japanese alphabets) and moving onto topics or situations that you can use immediately in your daily life. Suitable for Japanese beginners or people with zero Japanese knowledge! Learn more about the course by clicking the button below!
Traveling can be a great experience – but because of the language barrier – it is a great idea to make sure you stay connected in Japan have an internet connection.
In this article, we will be introducing to you 3 recommended ways for your time here.
Depending on your needs, you could choose to buy a data-only prepaid Sim card. You can also buy the type which includes not only data but also voice call or SMS plans.
Before looking up on google, you should first check :
Whether your phone is sim-locked or region locked
Telecommunication companies in some country sell mobile phones that are sim-locked. It means that the phone can only use a sim card from the telecom company.
Moreover, some models are region-locked. Meaning that any sim cards from other regions do not work on that phone. So, make sure to confirm with the telecom company before coming to Japan
What type of sim card does your phone uses
You must also check whether your phone uses a nano, micro or a regular sim card. While most of the prepaid sim cards sold in Japan are compliable for all types, it is still better to double confirm with the seller when purchasing.
Where to buy a prepaid sim card:
Prepaid sim cards are easily available in Japan. You can find vending machines and service counters selling prepaid sim cards in most airports.
Many electronic department stores, namely the Big Camera and the Yodobashi Camera, sell prepaid sim card too.
(Be aware that you will be charged a setup fee of few handstands yen for setting up the APN configuration of your phone.)
Rent a pocket WIFI:
Rent a Pocket Wifi
Pocket WIFI rental is also an easy and affordable option to get connected to the network. It is most suitable for grouped travelers as it allows connections from multiple devices. Or, if you carry many devices with you, getting a pocket WIFI is also a good choice.
Where to Rent a Pocket WIFI
You can rent a Pocket WIFI online and collect at the airport. You can also easily buy it at a service counter on the spot when you arrive.
If you need to make phone calls but your mobile phone is sim-locked, just rent one.
The third way to get connected in Japan is to rent a mobile phone. If you need to use data, you can choose to rent a smartphone such as an iPhone. If you only need to send SMS or make phone calls in or out, rent a simple phone instead.
Usually, rental fees and communication charge are separate expenses. They vary across different plans and service providers. Moreover, there is also an optional insurance fee charged daily
Although it may be more costly to rent a mobile phone, it covers all you need for getting connected in Japan. It saves the trouble to buy/change your sim card or carry a pocket WIFI everywhere you go.
Ｗhere to rent a mobile phone in Japan
Some mobile phone service providers at major airports provide cell phone rental services. You usually need to reserve online prior to your arrival. Refer to the List of mobile phone service provider at Narita Airport for more details.
In conclusion, it is necessary to get yourself connected when traveling in Japan. Hope you have a better idea of these 3 ways now.
