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Introduction:

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you’ll likely be landing at either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, the two main gateways to Japan’s bustling capital. Of the two of them, Haneda Airport is far more centrally located to Tokyo and is often the preferred choice for many travellers. Narita, on the other hand, is located quite far from central Tokyo, which can make navigating the city far more of a hassle, especially for visitors who are already combating the jet lag and fatigue from their flights.

In this article, we will have an in-depth look at all the transportation options available to reach Tokyo from Haneda Airport, ranging from trains, shuttles, and taxis, so that you can determine which option is best for you and your needs.

Overview of Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is located in the Ota Ward of Tokyo and is situated 15 kilometers from Central Tokyo, making it a far more convenient choice than Narita Airport, which is 66 kilometers away from the center.

The only drawback to choosing Haneda Airport is that airplane tickets tend to be more expensive than those arriving at Narita. However, taking into account transportation costs, the total price of flying into the two airports can be quite comparable. Haneda is also situated almost perfectly in between Tokyo and Yokohama, allowing travellers easy access to both cities.

Haneda Airport Terminals

There are three main terminals in Haneda Airport. Haneda Airport’s first terminal is used for domestic flights within Japan. The second terminal handles predominantly domestic flights with a few international flight exceptions. The third terminal is the main terminal for the vast majority of international flights.

If you are flying to Japan from abroad, chances are you will most likely arrive and depart from Haneda Airport Terminal 3.

If you need to connect to a different terminal, there is a free shuttle bus that connects all three terminals together and runs frequently. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are also directly connected via an underground walkway, making any connections hassle-free.

Travellers can also use the train to reach other terminals (either the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line). The trip takes approximately 4 minutes and is free for travellers who are in the process of transferring planes. All you have to do is show your passport and plane ticket to the information counter to get a free pass.

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport by Train

Image of the Tokyo train departing from a station

Pros	Cons
Affordable fares	Travellers may not want to stress about station navigation immediately upon landing
Fast travel time	Can be difficult for travellers carrying a lot of luggage
Well-designed system that covers all of the Tokyo area	Potential accessibility issues in some locations
Convenient	Crowded during peak hours

To travel from Haneda Airport to the center of Tokyo, many people choose to take the train, which is a fast and convenient option for travellers.

From Haneda Airport, it takes around 20 minutes to reach Tokyo Station, 40 minutes to reach Shinjuku, 38 minutes to reach Shibuya, 26 minutes to reach Akihabara, and a little over an hour to reach Tokyo DisneySea.

Having a Suica card is essential when visiting Tokyo, regardless of whether or not you are entering the city via train from the airport. This card will allow you to navigate the Tokyo train with ease and make paying for train fare smooth and simple. You can choose to purchase a Suica card at their vending machines located at major stations, including Haneda Airport and JR East stations. However, you will see most locals simply use their phones to pay for their train tickets.

Downloading Your IC Card to Your Phone

If you have an iPhone, you can simply go to your Apple Wallet and select the Suica card under the “Express Transit Card” section. This will add your Suica card to Apple Wallet, eliminating the need for a physical card and making travel far more convenient. Additionally, you can add more funds to the card whenever you want and have them be directly deposited onto your card within seconds.

If you are an Android user, the process is a little more complex. Users will have to download the Suica mobile app; however, this app is designed for those already living in Japan and who have a Japanese address and phone number. If you are an Android user, the easiest solution will be to purchase a physical card and periodically add funds to it at a ticket machine, a convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart), or at an ATM that displays a Suica logo.

Going to Different Areas in Tokyo by Train

Once you have successfully obtained your Suica card via one of these methods, the ride into Tokyo will be painless and efficient. However, there are still factors to consider before deciding whether or not using the train to get into Tokyo from Haneda is the right decision for you and your needs.

It is worth noting that many train stations in Tokyo, particularly major hubs such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, are massive in terms of size and can initially be a challenge to navigate for new tourists. There are also many stairs in these stations, and while elevators are often available, they can be cramped, crowded, and not always conveniently located.

For travellers carrying many pieces of luggage, bags, or who are simply fatigued from their long journey, taking the train may not be the best option. On the other hand, the efficiency of Tokyo’s train system is unparalleled, and it is very affordable. Fares from Haneda to major tourist destinations are as follows:

Destination	Fare (¥)
Shibuya	¥730
Shinjuku	¥730
Tokyo Station	¥505
Ueno	¥700
Shinagawa	¥330
Ginza	¥550
Akihabara	¥690
Tokyo DisneySea	¥1,300

As you can see, using the train is a budget-friendly option and will ensure a fast trip to any destination within Tokyo due to the well-organized design of the train and its many lines that reach neighborhoods far and wide.

Want to become a pro at navigating Japan’s vast public transport network before you arrive in the city? Check out our article detailing everything you need to know about Japanese transportation.

Getting to Tokyo from Haneda Airport with Airport Limousine Bus

Image of an airport shuttle bus driving on the road

Pros	Cons
Affordable fares	Potential traffic delays
Guaranteed seating options	Limited seating capacity
Luggage storage and baggage assistance	Less destinations than trains, especially for less touristy areas
Complimentary Wi-Fi	Late-night services are not available
Restrooms available

Another option to travel from Haneda to Tokyo is via an Airport Limousine Bus. This option is great if you wish to avoid the potentially jam-packed trains during peak hours or if you want more personal space for yourself and your luggage.

The bus routes cover many tourist areas in Tokyo, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Asakusa, and Odaiba. Check out the full timetable for different areas here.

Before booking tickets, ensure that your accommodation is within a reasonable distance of the locations covered by the airport limousine bus, as its reach is not as all-encompassing as the Tokyo metro. With that being said, if you are staying in a hot spot that is filled with hotels, it is guaranteed that the bus will make stops there. You can check the list of stops for the Airport Limousine Bus from Haneda Airport here.

Tickets can be purchased at the Airport Limousine Bus counter at the airport. You can even pay them immediately on the bus if you use an IC card. The prices departing from Haneda Airport to popular tourist destinations are as follows:

Destination	Approx. Fare (¥)
Shibuya	¥1,300
Shinjuku	¥1,400
Tokyo Station	¥1,200
Ueno	¥1,050
Shinagawa	¥500–1,000
Ginza	¥1,100
Akihabara	¥1,100
Tokyo DisneySea	¥1,300+

The airport bus limousine is a slightly more expensive option than the train, but the difference is definitely not a huge one. If you are staying at a popular hotel, the bus may very likely have that hotel on its route for an immediate drop-off that places guests directly in front of their accommodation.

There is also more leeway for those with larger luggage or with a greater quantity of baggage, as the storage areas are more accommodating than those on the train. In addition to the space, there is also the option for bus staff to assist you with your luggage, which is a helpful bonus for those lugging around more baggage. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi provided, as well as restrooms and sinks on board the bus.

Keep in mind that the bus is at the mercy of traffic flow, with the travel time it will take to reach your desired location potentially vary drastically depending on the time of day. Additionally, a reservation may be required as spots are limited on these buses.

Image of a taxi cab driving on a road with others.

Pros	Cons
Best option in terms of comfort levels	Much more expensive than the train and bus
Driver handles everything; no need for transfers or self-navigation	Travel time depends heavily on traffic
Most area for legroom and luggage storage	It can take a while to receive one if called during peak times
Several apps to choose from, including set payment options

If comfort is priority above all else, then choosing a taxi or ride share service is your best bet when travelling from Haneda Airport to Tokyo. On average, here are the ride-share costs to reach major destinations in Tokyo from Haneda:

Destination	Approx. Fare (¥)
Shibuya	~¥9,000
Shinjuku	~¥9,500
Tokyo Station	~¥7,200
Ueno	~¥9,700
Shinagawa	~¥6,100
Ginza	~¥8,300
Akihabara	~¥8,200
Tokyo DisneySea	~¥12,000

As you can see, the costs for hiring a ride share service are higher than taking the train or the airport limousine bus. However, the comfort factor is definitely the highest out of all the transport options available.

Travellers have a variety of apps to choose from when calling a chauffeur, including traditional metered taxi cabs such as GO or DiDi, or calling an Uber.

Of the two, GO typically has more availability across Japan, with the service being provided in 45 out of 47 prefectures across the country. GO also has English support and the ability to track a taxi’s live location.

DiDi

DiDi has many of the same features as GO, including English support, a cashless payment system, and even upfront payment options, which resemble Uber’s model. However, DiDi is usually more limited to only major cities and can be less accessible outside of urban hubs.

Uber

Uberworks slightly differently in Japan. The company does not use everyday people’s personal vehicles to transport passengers; rather, these are official taxi services that operate in partnership with the Uber app. There is also an option to choose metered taxis through Uber, which can potentially save a little bit of money. Regardless, all transactions are handled via the Uber app.

Tips for Getting From Haneda to Tokyo

There are a few tips and tricks that will make navigating Tokyo transportation options much easier and help you prepare for your time in Japan.

1. Download your IC Card ahead of time

As mentioned previously in the train section, having a Suica card is a necessity when using Japanese transportation. There is also a PASMO card, which serves the same purpose as a Suica card and is equally effective in its purpose. PASMO can also be used to pay for train and bus fares, as well as in some convenience stores and vending machines for goods. Similar to Suica, it can be purchased at a ticket vending machine in a train station or can be loaded onto your Apple Wallet for iPhone users.

2. Keep in mind of public transportation schedule

Public transportation in Tokyo is not available 24 hours. The Tokyo trains run roughly from 5 am to midnight every day, with most bus services operating within these hours as well. If you plan on staying out late at night, you will either have to rely on a ride share app, walk, or wait until the first train or bus to get back to your destination.

During operating hours, transportation follows a strict schedule that very rarely sees any delays.

3. Respect the cultural norms

It is also beneficial to learn some transportation etiquette when travelling in Japan. Most importantly, do not cut in line. This applies to waiting in line for a train car, the escalator, the elevator, or scanning your IC card. Allow passengers leaving the car to exit first before you make your way into the train. Additionally, speak quietly when using the train, as speaking too loudly is viewed as disrespectful and inconsiderate to fellow passengers. Moreover, do not discard trash on the train or in train stations.

There are not many public trash cans in Japan, so be prepared to carry around your trash until you get back to your accommodation by either carrying a bag or ensuring you have enough space to put it on your person. Check out our article here at Coto detailing Japanese etiquette and cultural norms for an even deeper dive into this subject.

4. Use luggage delivery service

For those who do not want to carry around heavy luggage, take advantage of takkyubin, a luggage delivery service. This service can transport your bags to your hotel or from the hotel to the airport.

In order to do the prior, there are counters for Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express, two couriers which offer this service, in all three terminals at Haneda. If you want to send luggage to the airport, you can let your hotel know at least 2 days in advance and they can assist you in filling out the necessary form.

There are also options to fill out this form and drop off luggage at convenience stores, and your luggage can be picked up from there. Similarly, this should be completed at least a few days before your flight to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Which One Should I Choose to Get from Haneda to Tokyo?

Now that we have covered each transportation option to get to Tokyo, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. The answer ultimately comes down to what you prioritize.

If affordability is what is most important, then the train is the winner. With its unbeatable fare prices and stations around almost every corner, it is not only affordable but incredibly efficient.

If you are staying somewhere centrally-located and are willing to spend a little bit more and enjoy some of the amenities, then choosing the airport limousine bus is the right option for you.

If comfort and convenience are at the top of your priorities, then opting for a taxi or ride share service is the way to go. Nothing beats sitting in a private, peaceful vehicle and having your baggage taken care of after a long flight; but of course, this is the most expensive option out of all of these.

Ever wondered what all the road signs in Japan mean as you ride around in Tokyo? Feel free to check out our article about road signs in Japan to get a feel for what the driving scene here is like.

Travel Easily Around Japan by Learning Japanese!

There are many options for getting into Tokyo from Haneda Airport, so choosing the one that best fits your needs is important when traveling around the city. At Coto Academy, we understand that navigating a new city can be daunting, especially when you don’t speak the language.

To make travel in Japan easier and more productive, study Japanese at Coto Academy in Tokyo and Yokohama. With our Japanese courses, you’ll be able to get around Tokyo with ease and communicate confidently!

As a conversation-focused language school, Coto helps you build practical Japanese skills for real-life situations. Our friendly native teachers offer lessons that enable you to speak naturally and confidently while managing travel arrangements, sightseeing, and daily interactions.

Why join Coto Academy?

Small classrooms with only up to 8 students for personalized support
Professional native Japanese teachers, all trained to help you succeed
Over 60 different Japanese classes across 18 levels, tailored to your needs
School locations in Shibuya, Minato, Iidabashi, and Yokohama, plus a fully online Japanese language school, so that you can learn anywhere, anytime!

Ready to join? Contact us below, and our friendly staff will get back to you to help you get started!

FAQ:

How do I get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?

There are several options people can choose from to reach Tokyo from Haneda. There is the metro option, which provides a quick and affordable way into nearly every part of the city. Another is the airport limousine bus, which allows for a more comfortable and stress-free experience that costs just a little bit more than the metro. You can also take a taxi or ride share service, which is by far the most relaxing and convenient option, but also the most expensive.

Is there a free shuttle at Haneda Airport?

Yes, there are free shuttles taking travellers between the three terminals at Haneda Airport. Additionally, hotels that are located nearby the airport usually offer complimentary shuttles for guests to reach the airport.

How much is the train from Haneda to Tokyo?

How much a train will cost to reach Tokyo from Haneda depends on where in Tokyo you will be staying. On average, the price usually falls in the ballpark of ¥300 to ¥1,500 depending on distance.

What metro line is Haneda Airport on?

Haneda Airport is on the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail Line.

Is it better to go to Narita or Haneda?

It is better to go to Haneda Airport due to the location being much closer to central Tokyo than Haneda. While tickets into Haneda are typically more expensive, the transportation costs from Narita can potentially even out the playing field. In general, most travellers find Haneda to be far more desirable to fly into than Narita.

How do you say “cabin” in Japanese? In this cheat sheet, we have a list of the most common Japanese vocabulary about airports to help you be ready to take off.

When travelling in airlines such as ANA or Japan airlines, it can be useful to know the Japanese terms for the various cabin-related terminology.

Flight travels might come to a halt because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to prepare yourself for the next time you’re traveling to and from Japan.

For example, knowing the Japanese term for “overhead storage compartment” (キャビン) can help you communicate with the person seating next to you if they’re Japanese.

Importantly, we want to make sure your journey goes smoothly by learning a few useful Japanese words before you depart!

In case you miss them, check out the first and second part of our Japanese airplane vocabulary series.

Japanese Airport Vocabulary –

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
キャビン	Kyabin	Cabin
にもつだな	nimotsudana	Overhead storage compartment
まど	mado	Window
ざせき	zaseki	Seat
つうろ	tsūro	Aisle
シートベルト	shītoberuto	Seat Belt
テーブル	tēburu	Table
ひじょうぐち	hijōguchi	Emergency exit
ちゃくりく	chakuriku	Landing
のりつぎ	noritsugi	Transit
にゅうこくしんさ	nyūkoku shinsa	Immigration
にゅうこくード	nyūkoku kādo	Immigration card
ぜいかんしんこくしょ	zeikan shinkokusho	Customs declaration
けんえき	ken’eki	Quarantine
てにもつうけとりしょ	tenimotsu uketorisho	Baggage Claim
ぜいかん	zeikan	Customs
とうちゃくロビー	tōchaku robī	Arrival Lobby

If you wish to have a short-term study in Tokyo, Check out our 3-month intensive Japanese courses. And, feel free to send us an inquiry if you have any questions!

Start taking Japanese lessons and master these terminology today!

Want to learn more about Japanese vocabulary about airports? Find out more in this cheat sheet, where we cover the takeoff and in-flight procedures!

Pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences are all provided to help boost your spoken and written Japanese levels. Do check out the first part of our Japanese airport vocabulary cheat sheet if you have yet to do so!

As the airport follows a tight schedule to prevent delay, you need to always arrive at the boarding gate 搭乗口(とうじょうぐち tōjō guchi) early before the flight takes off!

If there is a long waiting time before your boarding time, feel free to shop around in the duty-free stores 免税店 (めんぜいてん menzeiten), which can be found all over the airport.

Head to part three if you’re curious to learn more Japanese airport vocabulary!

Take off 離陸 (りりく ririku)

Here are some take-off related vocabularies:

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
出発ロビー	しゅっぱつ shuppatsu robī	departure lobby
出国審査	しゅっこくしんさ shukkoku shinsa	immigration (departure from a country)
外貨両替	がいかりょうがえ gaika ryōgae	currency exchange
免税店	めんぜいてん menzeiten	duty-free store
待合室	まちあいしつ machiai shitsu	waiting room
搭乗口	とうじょうぐち tōjō guchi	boarding gate
優先搭乗	ゆうせんとうじょう yūsen tōjō	priority boarding
離陸	りりく ririku	taking off

In flight 飛行中 (ひこうちゅう hikō chū)

Here are some in flight related vocabulary:

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
客室乗務員	きゃくしつじょうむいん kyakushitsu jōmuin	flight attendant
機長（キャプテン）	きちょう kichō (kyaputen)	captain
機内食	きないしょく kinaishoku	in-flight meal
機内免税品販売	きないめんぜいひんはんばい kinai menzeihin hanbai	duty free sales

Example Sentences

Here is how you apply the terms in sentences:

Example 1:

By saying: ‘搭乗口へは出発時刻の10分前までにお越しください。’

Pronunciation: tōjō guchi he wa shuppatsu jikoku no 10-bu mae made ni okoshi kudasai.

It means: ‘Please arrive at the boarding gate at least 10 minutes before departure time.’

Example 2:

By saying: ‘出発ロビーに行く前に免税店で家族のお土産を買いました。’

Pronunciation: shuppatsu robī ni iku mae ni menzei ten de kazoku no omiyage wo kaimashita.

It means: ‘I bought souvenirs at the duty-free store for my family before heading to the departure lobby.’

Visiting or traveling in Japan? Check out this cheat sheet of Japanese vocabulary about airports and the departure process!

Airports can become a stressful environment if you are not fully prepared with necessary items. Always make sure that you have your Passport (パスポート) and other documents before leaving for the airport!

In this cheat sheet we have included helpful vocabulary related to the airport with pronunciation, meaning and example sentences provided for you to successfully navigate your way through departure.

Japan has a total of 29 airports located all across the four main islands and other smaller islands, with 5 international airports and the rest being local airports that fly domestically.

The main international airports in Japan are the Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport.

When flying in Japan, it is important to check the geographical location of the airport, and whether you are flying a domestic or international flight.

Departure 出発 (しゅっぱつ shuppatsu)

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning
空港	くうこう kūkou	airport
飛行機	ひこうき hikōki	airplane
国内線	こくないせん kokunaisen	domestic flights
国際線	こくさいせん kokusaisen	international flights
パスポート	パスポート Pasu pōto	passport
航空券	こうくうけん koukūken	plane tickets
カウンター	kauntā	counter
搭乗手続き	とうじょうてつづ toujõ tetsuzuki	check in
自動チェックイン機	じどうき jidō chekkuin ki	self check-in machine
ターミナル	tāminaru	terminal
荷物	にもつ ni motsu	luggage/belongings
手荷物検査	てにもつけんさ tenimotsu kensa	security check

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences utilising the vocabulary you just learnt:

Example 1:

By saying: ‘パスポートと航空券は一緒にお持ちでしょうか?’

Pronunciation: pasupo-to to koukūken wa issho ni omochi deshouka

It means: ‘Do you have your passport and plane ticket with you?’

Example 2:

By saying: ‘羽田国際線ターミナルに行って、荷物をチェックインしました。’

Pronunciation: haneda kokusaisen tāminaru ni itte, nimotsu wo chekkuin shimashita.

It means: ‘I went to Haneda International Terminal and checked in my luggage.’

Travelers planning to visit Japan in the future may face a few changes: starting in 2026, Japan is set to increase its visa fees and departure tax, and will also introduce JESTA pre-screening.

Japan has quickly earned a reputation amongst travellers and expats as an affordable country to travel to, with daily costs being considerably lower than in many other tourist hot spots. Among these costs, the price for a visa and the departure tax is also noticeably lower than in other comparable nations. In fact, the country has not updated its visa prices for more than 40 years, since 1978. However, Japan is now en route to increasing the costs for visas and its departure tax to more closely resemble those of other G7 countries, which are, on average, higher than those of Japan and generate significantly more revenue as a result.

What are the new visa fees? What is the departure tax? Who will be affected? Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s increased visa fees and departure tax coming in 2026.

Current Visa Fees and Departure Tax in Japan

At present, a single-entry short-stay visa costs ¥3,000 (around $20 USD), a double or multiple-entry visa is ¥6,000, and a transit visa costs ¥700. These fees have remained unchanged since 1978, making them quite low compared to many other countries. The Japanese government has announced plans to increase these fees, with the additional revenue expected to fund infrastructure, security, and social programs, such as free high-school tuition, without placing a burden on domestic taxpayers.

In addition to visa costs, Japan imposes a departure tax of ¥1,000 per person on all travellers leaving the country by air or other applicable transport, including Japanese nationals. Introduced on January 7, 2019, this tax is typically included in the airfare or transport ticket.

Current Visa Fee and Departure Tax in Japan

Type of Fee	Amount (¥)	Approx. USD
Single-Entry Visa	3,000	~$20
Double/Multi-Entry Visa	6,000	~$45
Transit Visa	700	~$5
Departure Tax	1,000	~$7

What is Changing in 2026 in Japan?

2026 will see changes to both visa fees and departure tax costs for those looking to visit Japan. Let’s break it down by each category so that we can understand these new policy changes together.

1. Visa Fee Increase

As stated above, the current visa fee is ¥3,000 for a single-entry and ¥6,000 for a multi-entry, while a transit visa is ¥700. These amounts will change in 2026; however, the exact costs for the updated price have yet to be determined by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Immigration.

What we do know is that these price increases are set to mirror the visa costs of other G7 countries more closely, of which Japan is the outlier with its comparatively low visa costs when stacked up against other G7 countries:

Country	Short-Term Visa	Long-Term Visa
Japan	¥ 3,000	¥ 6,000
United States	$185 (~ $28,324)	$205-1000+ (~ ¥31,379 – ¥153,072)
United Kingdom	£127 (~ ¥22,432)	£475 (2 years)£848 (5 years)£1,059 (10 years) (~ ¥95,394 – ¥218,863)
Germany	€90 (~ ¥15,896)	€ 99 (~ ¥17,481)
France	€90 (~ ¥15,896)	€ 75 (~ ¥13,243)
Italy	€90 (~ ¥15,896)	€ 116 (~ ¥20,483)
Canada	(CAD) $100 (~ ¥10,837)	(CAD) $ ~150 (~ ¥16,256)

For more up-to-date information on visa fees, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. As you can see, the Japanese visa costs for both short and long-term stays are significantly lower than those of other countries. This has remained the case for 40 years, which is why the Japanese government has proposed a more up-to-date price that more closely resembles that of other countries.

2. Departure Tax Increase

The current departure tax of ¥1000 is also set to increase in 2026. The exact cost of the revised tax policy has also yet to be officially determined. However, the cost will likely follow trends that have already been established by the other G7 countries.

As of current, the United States has a departure tax of $22.90 (¥3,513) for flights departing the country. The U.K. has a departure tax that can range anywhere from £14 to £224, depending on the ticket class and destination. France’s departure tax ranges from €7.40 for domestic flights in economy class all the way to €2,100 for long-distance flights on private jets, and so on.

Moreover, unlike the U.K. and France, Japan’s departure tax of ¥1,000 is applied uniformly to each passenger, regardless of seat class, destination, and carrier type. This significantly reduces the revenue generated from these types of taxes and makes the revenue comparatively lower when stacked up against other G7 countries.

What is the Departure Tax?

Departure taxes are a common form of taxation in which the country of departure charges a certain amount, often included in the cost of a flight ticket, upon leaving its borders. Domestic flight taxes are also accounted for in many countries, be it by an exact rate or an accumulation of fees, such as the case in the other G7 countries. Unlike other countries, Japan does not currently impose any domestic departure taxes.

3. JESTA: Digital Screening for Visa-Free Travelers

Japan is set to introduce a new system called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), similar to the U.S. ESTA program. This system will pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter Japan to prevent illegal immigration by identifying potential risks in advance.

Under JESTA, travelers from the 71 visa-exempt countries will need to submit their travel information online before departure, including their purpose of visit and intended place of stay. The Immigration Services Agency will review the submissions, and if any concerns arise, the traveler may be denied electronic travel authorization and advised to apply for a regular visa at a Japanese embassy.

Currently, JESTA is expected to be implemented in 2028. Nationals from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, will be required to register online with their passport and trip details before entering Japan. A small processing fee is expected, likely around ¥600.

Why is Japan Raising its Visa Fees and Departure Tax?

The Japanese government is raising visa fees and the departure tax for several different reasons. Firstly, the growing need to address overtourism and generate funds to accommodate the massive number of tourists visiting the country every year, without financially burdening Japanese citizens. As a result, these increased costs are passed on to and paid for by tourists so that the Japanese people do not see their tax rates increase to cover these costs.

Additionally, the funds generated from increased visa costs and departure taxes, which is speculated to bring in approximately ¥300 billion worth of revenue, will be redistributed across a variety of different sectors. In 2024, the amount of money generated from these same fees and taxes was around ¥48.1 billion, making the updated revenue around six times greater than before.

These newly acquired funds would go back into a diverse range of projects and goals, including maintaining free high-school education for Japanese students, lowering passport renewal fees for Japanese citizens, and modernizing airports with more advanced operating systems and necessary expansions.

Who is Affected by the Price Hike?

Category of Traveller	Visa Fee	Departure Tax	JESTA Fee
Visa-waiver countries	Not required	Applies	Will apply (from 2028)
Non-visa-waiver countries	Applies (will increase in 2026)	Applies	Will apply (from 2028)
Japanese nationals	Not required	Not required	Not required
Diplomatic/official passport holders	Usually exempt	Usually exempt	Will apply (from 2028)

Fortunately, travellers from the 71 visa-waiver countries will not need to pay visa fees, as they are already exempt. Common countries in this group include the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, most EU nations, and several Asian countries.

On the other hand, travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt will notice a price hike during their application. The most common nationalities from non-exempt countries are tourists from China, South Korea, and Taiwan, so this price increase could potentially see a decrease in the number of visitors from these countries.

However, even visa-exempt countries will also see an increase in their costs due to the newly suggested JESTA fee. While this is not set to be implemented until 2028, this extra step before entering Japan will require visitors to document their passports and itineraries before arriving in the country. The estimated fee for JESTA is likely to be around ¥6,000. This new policy is designed to increase security, make the entrance process into Japan smoother, and generate revenue to accommodate tourism and travel infrastructure for the country.

There are also talks of eliminating Japan’s tax-free policy for foreign visitors, in which certain stores provide the opportunity for travellers to show their passports in exchange for being exempt from the 10% consumption tax. To learn more, check out our article covering the consumption tax in Japan.

As for the departure tax, this will affect every visitor coming to Japan, regardless of visa-exemption status. Each traveller will inevitably be required to pay the decided amount upon departure from the country.

What Other Measures Has Japan Taken to Address Over-tourism?

1. Blocking landmarks

Recently, Japan has taken quite a few measures in order to address the record-high number of visitors to the country. For example, some areas and landmarks that were once frequented by tourists no longer allow or have discouraged visitors from coming. The popular photo-op of the Lawson convenience store with Mt. Fuji in the background, which attracted large numbers of visitors yearning to get the iconic shot, now has a barrier aimed at keeping tourists off the road for their shoot.

The decision to install a barrier was not only for the safety of visitors, but was an attempt to decrease the amount of overall tourist traffic from visiting the site in order to appease locals. As it had become a viral photoshoot location, there were unfortunately negative impacts on traffic congestion and littering in the area.

2. Limiting visitors

Japan has also put into place limits on the number of allowed visitors in certain popular areas. The Yoshida Trail, the most frequented climbing route for Mt. Fuji, now has a daily cap for the number of visitors allowed to embark on the climb each day, which is currently set at 4,000. In addition to the visitor cap, climbers cannot simply decide to partake in a spontaneous visit to the mountain, as reservations must be made in advance, alongside a ¥4,000 hiking fee per person.

Planning a trip to Mt. Fuji during your visit to Japan? Read our guide to climbing Mt. Fuji, which covers everything that you will need to know!

Similarly, the popular Iriomote Island near Okinawa has limited the number of visitors to 1,200 per day to protect the island’s natural beauty and make certain parts of the island inaccessible.

3. “Tourist” Price Gauge

One of the most well-known examples of a Japanese city combating overtourism can be seen in Kyoto. This historic city, known for its many temples, shrines, and nature, has seen an influx of tourists as the city gains more notoriety, especially in the online sphere. The quaint city’s infrastructure has struggled to accommodate the millions of tourists visiting per year, which has made daily life for locals quite difficult.

Moreover, there have been many reports of tourists acting inappropriately and disrespectfully, such as harassing geisha in the Gion district or carving their initials into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, to name a few.

In order to combat the effects of overtourism, the city of Kyoto has implemented several measures. For one, the city has the highest tax rates for hotel rooms across all of Japan, utilizing a tiered system based on room cost. Additionally, parts of the Gion district are now blocked off to tourists due to unruly behavior towards the buildings and the geisha. There have also been pricing changes in terms of residents vs. tourists, with tourists paying more for certain attractions and facilities than Kyoto residents.

To understand this issue more deeply, feel free to check out our coverage of overtourism in Japan and its effects.

Conclusion

Japan’s upcoming changes to visa fees, departure taxes, and the introduction of JESTA reflect multiple objectives: managing overtourism, generating revenue to support tourism infrastructure, and easing the financial burden on households.

FAQ:

Is there a departure tax from Japan?

Yes, the current departure tax from Japan is ¥1,000 and is paid by every person departing from the country.

Is Japan increasing the tourist tax?

Yes, Japan is set to increase departure taxes from the current cost of ¥1,000 to around ¥3,000, making the updated tax mirror the departure taxes of other G7 countries more closely.

What is departure tax?

Departure tax is the tax that people pay when departing from an area or country. Departure taxes can be solely for those travelling internationally, or also for domestic travel in many countries as well. Each country has its own policies regarding its departure tax costs and how they will be applied to each traveller.

What is the new tourist tax in Japan in 2026?

In 2026, the departure tax is set to increase to around ¥3,000 yen and visa costs for entering the country are also in the process of increasing. Japan has had comparatively low “tourist taxes” when stacked up against other G7 countries, and the updated costs will more closely reflect those of other countries.

How much is the visa fee for Japan?

The current visa fee for Japan is ¥3,000 for a short-term visa and ¥6,000 yen for a long-term visa. However, these costs will be increasing in 2026, although the exact updated amount has yet to be announced by the Japanese government.

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Have you ever wondered what the term “omiyage” in Japan actually means? Most of you would know the term “souvenir” in English. It’s usually a physical item you buy from overseas to be kept as a memory of a particular place or event. Souvenirs bought are typically kept for you or given to others as a gift.

However, did you know that “omiyage” (おみやげ) in Japanese is a somewhat different thing? Although it translates to souvenirs, it does not actually refer to things you buy for yourself as mementos from overseas. In this case, omiyage refers to the act of giving gifts that you buy to your friends, families, relatives, and coworkers. These gifts are often snack-related, such as cookies, biscuits, sweets, cake, or mochi.

Omiyage shops are widely available in most tourist places of every country. This is where you’ll find a large variety of local items such as snacks, ornaments, and toys. Wondering what to buy for your friends and family after your trip to Japan? Here are some of the best Japanese souvenirs you need to get before you leave Japan!

Origin of Omiyage in Japan

Although the origin of the term “Omiyage” is unclear, it is said that the beginning of the custom began in association with the long pilgrimages on foot to the Shinto shrine. Whenever the pilgrims traveled, they would bring back evidence of their pilgrimage to their families. This usually came in the form of charms, rice wine cups, or other religiously significant items.

It was thought back then that bringing back gifts would grant them protection. The protection would also be transferred to whoever received the items that were brought back from the sacred trip. This was the beginning of the culture of “omiyage”.

Today, in Japan, as a way to thank your colleagues for supporting your work during your paid leave, you’d bring an omiyage to the office. It is an important and widely practiced tradition for people who visit overseas to return with omiyage from that particular place of visit. For example, if you visit London as a Japanese person, more likely you bring back a gift related to London, such as locally produced chocolate, chips, or biscuits.

Omiyage shops are widely available in most tourist places of every country. This is where you’ll find a large variety of local items such as snacks, ornaments, and toys.

Meaning of omiyage

Omiyage (お土産) means “souvenir” or “gift,” especially one brought back from a trip for family, friends, or coworkers.

お土産 is made up of:

土 – “earth” or “local” (pronounced tsuchi つち )
産 – “product” or “delivery” (pronounced san さん)
お – Polite & honorific, a prefix used in formal Japanese.

So literally, 土産 (miyage) means “local product of the land.” It refers to something from a specific place — a product of the area you visited.

Best omiyage for Japanese snacks

Japanese omiyage can be found almost everywhere, although it is more of what you want to present as gifts. You will be easily able to find omiyage in department stores, 100-yen stores, train stations, and tourist attractions. Picking out an omiyage often has its own rules as well.

For example, you would purchase something that is nicely wrapped and represents the region you visited, and is usually food-related. Remember the thing we said about giving omiyage to your colleagues? This is the reason why you’ll see a lot of omiyage individually wrapped. Each region — or prefecture in Japan — has its specialty. In Tokyo, for example, there’s the iconic Tokyo Banana. In Hokkaido, you’ll find a lot of sweet snacks with Yubari melon flavor and Shiroi Koibito.

Want to know more about the prefectures? We’ve made individual blog posts about prefectures in Japan, including features on Kanagawa, Osaka and Tochigi.

1. Tokyo Banana

Tokyo Banana is the ultimate Japanese confectionery that you can gift as an omiyage. Known for its delicious cream-filled sponge cakes and cute banana-looking design, it is easily available in all airports and major cities in Japan. It has a wide range of flavors, from its original banana flavor to coffee milk flavor. Some flavors are only available in certain cities. It is also beautifully wrapped in an eye-catching yellow gift box that features Tokyo Banana’s familiar logo.

2. Kit Kat

The world of Kit Kat in Japan is never-ending. From original flavors to rare region-specific flavors (who knew sake Kit Kat is a thing?), Kit Kat is one of the most common gifts to give as an omiyage. With over 300 flavors, the most popular Japanese-flavored Kit Kat flavors are probably matcha and strawberry cheesecake. They are very easily found around Japan, with shops like Don Quijote having a wide variety of flavors ready for you and your colleagues to enjoy!

3. Pocky

This delicious snack is long sticks of biscuits usually covered in different flavors of chocolate, and is one of the most popular Japanese childhood snacks in Asia. Their convenience and delicious taste make them an easy choice when it comes to deciding on an omiyage. There is even a Pocky Factory located in Saitama, Kitamoto city, that offers a free factory tour.

Pocky sticks are so well loved, there is even a day made out for them! Falling on November 11 every year, “Pocky Day” is well known by kids all around Japan. This is because the long sticks of Pocky look like the number 1. 11/11 also signifies 4 Pocky sticks.

4. Mochi

Mochi is an old traditional Japanese confectionery that features a soft, sticky dough pounded from sweet rice and often filled with different types of fillings. The original mochi usually has red bean paste fillings. The style and flavor of mochi vary greatly among the different cities of Japan. Specially flavored mochi are also made to match the particular season. Mochi of all types can be easily found in most major train stations, department stores, and tourist attractions.

5. Shiroi Koibito

Hokkaido is well known for its Shiroi Koibito cookies. The “white lover” cookies have white chocolate sandwiched between two slices of its signature vanilla-flavored biscuits that simply melt in your mouth. Each cookie is individually wrapped in an attractive presentation wrapper featuring an image of Mount Rishiri, one of Japan’s most beautiful mountains. Hence, making it one of the best gifts you can give to someone.

6. Royce

Royce’ is a premium chocolate maker from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, known for its rich dairy products and cold climate. This melt-in-your-mouth ganache-style chocolate, called Nama Chocolate, is made with fresh Hokkaido cream and dusted with cocoa powder. It’s rich, smooth, and slightly boozy in some flavors (like Champagne or Cognac).

Royce’ Nama Chocolate needs to be kept cool, so it’s not ideal for long trips. Instead, try their chocolate-covered potato chips — an unexpected but delicious mix of salty and sweet that’s perfect for travel.

7. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory makes these amazing cookies that mix creamy cheese and rich milk with just the right touch of salt. Their Salt & Camembert cookie is a fan favorite — it’s buttery and sweet, with a little salty kick that keeps you coming back for more. Get the buttery langue de chat-style cookie sandwiching creamy camembert cheese-flavored white chocolate. The balance of salty and sweet is incredibly addictive.

8. Ichiran ramen

Yes, you can actually bring home the uber-famous Ichiran ramen! They sell instant version, either in cups or packs, with their signature rich pork bone broth and spicy red sauce. Sometimes these instant noodles aren’t available inside the restaurants themselves, so if you want to grab some, check out Don Quijote stores instead.

Japanese gift ideas besides confectionery

Although Japanese omiyage gifts are usually confectionery-related products, omiyage can also be just about anything. As long as the gift is special and represents the place visited, there are a lot of gift ideas to choose from. If you are not familiar with what to buy, you can ask the locals what the best omiyage item is.

9. Japanese traditional crafts

Japanese traditional crafts are one of the best omiyage gift ideas you can decide on. Known for its beauty and well-respected culture, Japanese traditional crafts are rich in history and of good quality. There is a wide range of Japanese traditional crafts you can choose from as gifts, such as origami paper, ceramics, traditional dolls, yukata, Japanese fans, and lanterns!

One typical traditional Japanese gift most tourists get is the “omamori”. It is a beautiful amulet that is meant for protection from all kinds of harm and is easily available for purchase at temples across Japan. They are used to wishing for health, longevity, relationships and love, safe birth, and more. This charm often makes great lucky gifts for those back home.

10. Cosmetics

With Japan being known for its advances in technology, Japanese cosmetics have been gaining much popularity all around the world. Popular cosmetics options that you can purchase as omiyage are eye shadow, lipsticks, lip tints, foundation, and skincare. Many inexpensive cosmetic brands like CANMAKE, Kate, and CEZANNE offer trendy and useful makeup and skincare items. Drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or discount chain stores Don Quijote are usually the best places to buy affordable cosmetics.

11. Accessories

These can make one of the greatest gifts to give. Items such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and hairpieces have been becoming increasingly popular lately and Japan is also well-known for its beautiful accessories. These accessories need not be expensive, but rather nicely wrapped as a gift is more than enough.

12. Stationery

Known as the “world of stationery”, stationery shopping in Japan can often take up a whole day. There are multistory shops and shopping centers dedicated to selling all kinds of stationery. These are the types of gifts that you never knew you or your friend needed. If you are looking for more mature stationery options, you can try Itoya, Loft, and Tokyu Hands, where they have countless leather-bound diaries, planners, and notebooks that are stocked on their shelves.
Muji is well known for its quality (albeit minimalistic) stationery. For child-friendly options, you can visit the Disney Store in Tokyo. The Pokémon Store is also another themed store that you can consider visiting with large collections of Pikachu-themed pens, notebooks, or bags.

13. Matcha

Have you really been to Japan if you don’t get some Matcha powder to bring back home? Japan is well known for its variety of tea flavors, and many souvenir shops provide shoppers with the opportunity to either ship it home or have a sealed container to bring it back to loved ones. Even if matcha is not necessarily up your alley, bringing home sencha or hojicha for others to try would be a fun activity to indulge in when you go back! They can be found at tea counters in department stores, or head to the Ginza area for the most infamous matcha/tea shops!

14. Character merchandise

Japan is known for its plethora of anime shows that are loved by many. In many shops, especially in areas like Akihabara or Ikebukuro, you’ll be able to find miniature versions of all of your favorite characters for relatively cheap prices. Bringing back your friend’s favorite Pokémon on a key chain would make them look that much cooler, while also being a special gift!

Japanese souvenirs to avoid

While Japan offers countless unique and memorable souvenirs, not all of them are practical—or appropriate—to bring home. Here are a few items you may want to avoid when shopping for gifts.

Anything in a set of four: In Japanese, giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. This is because Four (四) and death (死) are both pronounced as shi while the number nine in Japanese is read as ku (九). Ku can be written as 苦, which means suffering and pain.
Personal items: Opt for something more general that everyone can enjoy. Avoid clothing, jewelry, or anything too personalized, as it might not be to the recipient’s taste.
Perishable items: Unless you know the recipient will consume them immediately, avoid fresh food or items with a short shelf life.
Anything offensive: Avoid culturally insensitive items, religious symbols, or anything that could be misconstrued as offensive.
Sharp objects: Scissors, knives, and other sharp objects are considered unlucky and should be avoided as omiyage.
Items with regional limitations: If you’re traveling within Japan, be mindful of regional specialties and avoid giving something they can easily find in their hometown.
Anything too bulky or heavy: Consider the recipient’s ability to carry the omiyage home. Choose something that’s manageable and won’t be a burden.
Expensive gifts: They are inappropriate as they create an uncomfortable obligation for the recipient.
Fake katanas or weapons: Replica katanas and other traditional weapons might seem like cool souvenirs, but they can cause serious trouble at airport security or customs. Even decorative versions may be classified as prohibited items in some countries. Instead, consider safer alternatives like mini katana letter openers or samurai-themed keychains.
Combs: Combs are considered inauspicious due to their pronunciation resembling “suffering and death.”

Remember, the most important thing is to choose something that shows you were thinking of them and that represents your trip in a meaningful way.

Where to get Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo

where to buy japanese souvenirs in japan

With Tokyo being the heart of Japan and welcoming over hundreds of millions of tourists each year, here is a list of the best places in Tokyo where you can find omiyage that will make the perfect gifts as a little taste of your Japan experience.

1. Tokyo Station

Besides airports, Train Stations are usually a jackpot to purchase omiyage. Being the largest train station in Tokyo and serving over 450,000 passengers a day across its 28 platforms, Tokyo Train Station itself is home to many shops that sell different kinds of omiyage. Just like any other major train station in Japan, Tokyo Train Station is linked by underground networks that merge with the next-door shopping centers and commercial spaces.

Click here to download the e-map of Tokyo Train Station so you can plan your visit in advance.

People often spend a considerable amount of time choosing what omiyage to purchase, so you can shop in the train station while waiting for your train to come. In fact, there is a new specialty store that sells cheese confectionery in Tokyo Station, called “Now On Cheese,” that might interest you.

2. Harajuku

Harajuku is possibly the most visited area in Tokyo by tourists, where it is known for its bright colors and trendy shops, making it the perfect place to purchase omiyage in Tokyo. It is also home to many popular tourist attractions such as the iconic Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and the Ota Memorial Museum of Art. All these places offer shops that sell a wide variety of Japanese omiyage that you can bring home.

You can check out the Oriental Bazaar on your visit to Harajuku. The Oriental Bazaar is a huge shopping center dedicated to selling all kinds of Japanese omiyage related to authentic Japanese culture. You can easily find kimonos, ceramics, fans or accessories to purchase as gifts.

3. Nakamise Street, Asakusa

If you have already visited the Sensoji Temple, then visiting Nakamise Street should be your next itinerary. Located just next to Sensoji Temple, which is one of the most visited temples in Japan, Nakamise Street is filled with lots of Japanese omiyage gift shops. You will easily see many different shops selling Japanese snacks, traditional gifts, and accessories. All are perfect Japanese omiyage gifts. You can also venture into any of the covered shopping streets branching out from the main Nakamise street for more shopping options.

4. 100-yen shops

100-yen shops like DAISO, CanDo, and Seria should definitely be on the list for those looking to buy omiyage in Japan. These places are stocked with all kinds of omiyage at affordable prices and decent quality. They have items like fans, chopsticks, stationery, stickers, children’s toys, and cute ceramic pottery that would make good omiyage gifts.

DAISO is the most popular 100 yen shop in Japan for both Japanese and tourists alike. The shop has tons of authentic and unique Japanese-themed products, which are perfect for souvenirs.

Gift-giving etiquette in Japan

Omiyage in Japan is not just as simple as giving souvenirs. In fact, there are some basic rules you should learn and follow when wanting to give omiyage to your friends and family. Here are a couple of tips you can follow :

1. Make sure your gifts are nicely wrapped

In Japan, wrapping is often as important as the gift itself. This is because the wrapping you use showcases your sincerity for the gift. You want the wrapping to be attractive and presentable, such as being placed in a special paper bag from the store where you bought it. Often when you are buying your omiyage in a Japanese shop, the retail workers will wrap your gifts for free.

It is also important to keep in mind the colors that you should use for wrapping. You should avoid colors like red and black as they mean bad luck. Colors like green and purple are good choices to use as wrapping paper.

2. Do not offer individual gifts

You should avoid giving individual gifts at the office so as not to offend anyone. Individual gifts should be given privately instead. If you are giving gifts that have already been individually wrapped, you should instead place all the gifts on the communal table to allow everyone to see and choose from.

3. Presenting the gift well

You should present the gift using two hands (Not one!) to show respect. When presenting your gift, you should also not talk about how much the recipient is going to love it. In fact, people in Japan actually do the opposite by apologizing for the omiyage they are about to give. Just remember that giving of omiyage is a show of respect, appreciation, and good intentions to your friends and family when presenting the gift.

Here are some things you can say when giving omiyage so that you do not sound arrogant or disrespectful.

気に入っていただけると嬉しいです。
Ki ni itte itadakeru to ureshii desu.
“I hope you like it.”

その地域でとても人気のあるお土産だそうです。
Sono chiiki de totemo ninki no aru omiyage da sou desu.
“It was said that it was a very popular gift in the area.”

ほんの気持ちですが…
Hon no kimochi desu ga…
“It isn’t much, but…”

Be Ready for Japan Before You Arrive!

Are you getting ready to head out on your trip to Japan? Why not learn more to make the most of your visit? Or learn Japanese beforehand so you are ready to tackle Tokyo with your speaking skills? Coto Academy offers online classes or part-time classes based on what your schedule permits. Get ready to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and the language together!

Fill out the form below for a free level check and consultation!

Japanese Omiyage FAQs

What is Japanese omiyage?

“Omiyage” (おみやげ) in Japanese is somewhat different thing than just souvenirs. Although it translates to souvenirs, it does not actually refer to things you buy for yourself as mementos from overseas. In this case, omiyage actually refers to the act of giving gifts that you buy to your friends, families, relatives, and coworkers. These gifts are often snack-related, such as cookies, biscuits, sweets, cake, or mochi.

What omiyage should you give in Japan?

How do you give omiyage?

What is omiyage etiquette?

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For many of us, our love for Japan began with manga, whether it was action-packed cult classics like One Piece or something more niche in the shoujo (genre for young women) comics. So why not turn that passion into a way to learn Japanese? We get it—you might be thinking: Is that even possible? Don’t I need to know a ton of kanji to be able to read manga?

Similar to using anime to learn Japanese, reading untranslated Japanese manga can be a great tool to aid your study. Like anime, it is packed with conversational Japanese while also providing visual aid. The visual artwork helps you understand the context without needing to know every word being said. But the best part about manga is you don’t have to worry about pausing when you miss something.

Whether you’re a fan of manga or looking for a place to start, we will provide recommendations of stories that you can sink into while learning Japanese. We will separate the categories from beginner, intermediate, to advanced. Two birds with one stone, right?

Getting Started with Japanese Manga

Different from Western comic books, manga (漫画) refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels. It’s a hugely popular form of entertainment in Japan and around the world, covering a wide range of genres, from action, romance, and fantasy to slice-of-life, horror, and even business or cooking.

Can I Learn Japanese with Manga?

Absolutely! Manga can be a fun and surprisingly effective way to learn Japanese, especially if you’re already a fan.

One of the biggest advantages is that many manga include furigana: small hiragana characters written alongside kanji. This helps readers understand the pronunciation without constantly reaching for a dictionary, making it ideal for learners still building their kanji skills.

Since most manga are driven by dialogue, the sentences are usually short and conversational. That means you’ll get exposed to natural Japanese in bite-sized, manageable chunks, unlike dense textbook passages. And unlike anime, there’s no need to pause and rewind. You can take your time, reread tricky lines, and even jot down new vocabulary as you go.

Of course, manga is best used as a complement to your studies. It won’t replace structured learning, but it’s a great way to reinforce grammar, grow your vocabulary, and make studying feel more enjoyable.

Here are a few ways you can learn and read manga:

1. Start off with easier manga, such as slice of life manga

This part is very important and is skipped more often than not. If you are starting from scratch, perhaps Naruto might not be the best starting point. It’s very easy to get excited and try to read your favorite titles, but not understanding any of the language will defeat the purpose of reading in Japanese and having fun doing it. But don’t worry! There are plenty of captivating manga you can read that contain more entry-level Japanese.

2. Find manga with furigana

Most manga written for younger audiences will feature furigana or hiragana written above kanji and sometimes katakana. Since children still can’t read many kanji, manga written for them will have hiragana to help them read through the whole manga.

3. Use the artwork to understand context

Rather than looking up every word you don’t understand, try seeing if you can understand the text based on the visual artwork.

4. Keep your phone handy to translate

If the visuals aren’t enough to understand specific terms, keep your phone or translator handy while reading. There might be one word or so that you need to know to understand the whole context, so don’t be afraid to translate when needed.

The best manga are ones that are interesting and keep you coming back and reading consistently. So at the end of the day, choose based on your preferences. This is also why we tried to vary the genres on this list.

Where to Buy Japanese Manga

Of course, we’re talking about manga in its untranslated form. If you’re living overseas, the most popular manga are likely already translated into your native language—or at least English!

Don’t worry—the great news is that whether you’re in Japan or abroad, there are plenty of convenient ways to get your hands on manga. In general, if you live overseas, you can probably get manga through online stores like Amazon.

Where to buy manga online

Amazon Japan: Ships internationally for many titles. Some manga also provide a digital version, which you can download on Kindle!
CDJapan: Specializes in Japanese media, including manga.
BookWalker: Official digital manga store, great for ebooks.
Kinokuniya: International bookstore chain with an online shop.

Where to buy manga in Japan

If you’re in Japan, it’s the opposite: most manga are naturally in Japanese, giving you the perfect chance to practice the language. Local bookshops and major department stores usually have manga sections.

Book Off: Popular secondhand bookstore chain.
Tsutaya: Large bookstore with a good manga selection.
Kinokuniya: Found in major cities and airports.

Best Manga To Learn Japanese For Beginners

1. Blue Box (アオのハコ)

Genre: Sports, Romance
JLPT Level: N5 – N4
Length: 20 volumes

Blue Box is a beloved romantic-comedy sports manga by Koji Miura, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since April 2021. Blue Box follows Taiki, a high school badminton player, who develops feelings for Chinatsu, a basketball star.

This manga is a blend of innocent romance and gripping sports genres, making a captivating read you can’t put down. The sports aspect of the manga is extremely inspiring and emotionally satisfying as you see the characters progress their skills and, of course, their relationships with each other.

The Japanese texts are easy to understand and do not dive too deep into sports-related terms. So, it makes for a fun, action-packed story that you can fly through while picking up practical Japanese.

Buy Blue Box on Amazon.

2. Shirokuma Cafe (しろくまカフェ)

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
JLPT Level: N4 & above
Length: 5

This light-hearted manga follows a lazy panda who befriends a polar bear running a cafe. Filled with puns and a delightful atmosphere of anthropomorphic animals, this quirky manga is an amazing introduction to how to use Japanese with more humor and figurative speech.

However, the puns do make references that some of us might not understand. So, keep your phone handy to look up certain words or puns that might fly over your head!

Buy Shirokuma Cafe Volume 1 on Amazon

3. Flying Witch (ふらいんぐうぃっち)

Genre: Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
JLPT Level: N4 – N3
Length: 14 volumes

This is a light-hearted, comedic, fantasy manga that follows the daily life of a witch who has just moved to rural Aomori Prefecture. This manga is essentially if Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service meets more comedy. The Japanese language is pretty easy to read while still being quite fun, and will definitely make you giggle.

There’s just one character who might be tricky to understand because of his strong dialect, but don’t worry, even the main character struggles with him! Luckily, another character usually “translates” his lines into standard Japanese, so we can follow along easily.

Buy Flying Witch Volume 1 on Amazon

4. Yotsuba&! (よつばと！)

Genre: Slice of life
JLPT Level: N5 – N4

We couldn’t possibly exclude Yotsuba&! on this list. It’s one of the most popular manga for Japanese learners. The manga follows a 5-year-old girl whose curiosity takes her on different adventures and has her asking about everything. Through the lens of this child, we are able to pick up new vocabulary along with her.

There are a few things to keep in mind: the manga does sometimes have colloquial or even purposely incorrect grammar and words meant to be played for humor. A complete beginner might miss this or mistakenly believe everything written is correct.

Another thing to consider is that since the story follows a young child in her daily life, it won’t have any crazy action, drama or deep plots. It’s a very simple, light-hearted story. This may or may not be your cup of tea.

Buy Yotsuba&! Volume 1 on Amazon

5. Coro Coro Comics (コロコロコミく)

JLPT Level: N4 – N3
Length: Around 750 pages each, the magazine is ongoing

This is not really a manga series but rather a manga magazine releasing new issues monthly. It features stories from popular franchises such as Doraemon, Pokemon, and Detective Conan. This magazine is intended for children mostly below junior high, so the Japanese is at a much easier level. You can find a variety of fun stories from titles you recognize, and they can be great Japanese reading practice.

Buy Coro Coro Comics July 2025 Edition on Amazon

Best Manga To Learn Japanese For Intermediate

If you have a couple of years of Japanese learning experience and can read at around an N3 level, then you are probably ready for something a bit more challenging. The manga in this list still mostly have furigana but have more complex language and vocabulary.

6. Hajime no Ippo (はじめの一歩)

Genre: Sports
JLPT Level: N3 & above
Length: 143 volumes

Hajime no Ippo is about a small high school boy who was often bullied — until he discovered boxing. Even if you’re not a sports fan, this manga (and anime) is incredibly inspiring, with a passion that’s truly contagious. Like Slam Dunk or Haikyu!!, Hajime no Ippo will make you see a sport you knew little about in a whole new light.

The manga is packed with sports and boxing terms, which can be helpful if you want to do combat sports in Japan. Overall, Japanese is not too complicated, and most of the kanji have furigana. It is still ongoing, and there is tons of material for Japanese practice.

Get Hajime no Ippo Volume 1

7. One Piece (ワンピース)

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Action
JLPT Level: N3 & above
Length: 112 volumes

One Piece is a manga about the free-spirited Monkey D. Luffy with powers making him as elastic as rubber or ガムガム (gamu gamu). The series almost needs no introduction since anyone can recognize its unique and quirky art that immediately hooks you in. The series’ simple but character-driven plot allows for a story that connects you to everyone you meet and will keep you reading.

The One Piece anime is one of the longest-running anime ever, but the manga is shorter and reads much faster. You will keep getting new material to immerse yourself in, with the added benefit of practicing your Japanese.

Get One Piece Volume 1

8. Detective Conan (名探偵コナン)

Genre: Crime, Detective, Mystery, Drama

JLPT Level: N3 & above
Length: 107 volumes

Detective Conan is one of the most popular anime and manga series in Japan, and for good reason. The crime cases are riveting. It follows a brilliant high school detective who’s mysteriously turned into a child. As he solves cases in his younger form, he must keep his true identity a secret while chasing the biggest mystery of all.

While manga has a lot of crime and detective-related vocabulary, there is plenty of useful Japanese to pick up for daily life. Even when cases get somewhat complicated, the visuals in the artwork provide enough context to understand what is being described. With the TV show being just as long, learning Japanese with the anime is also great for comprehension practice!

Get Detective Conan Volume 1 on Amazon

Best Manga To Learn Japanese For Advanced Learners

Get ready to jump into stories that don’t hold back in terms of language and kanji. The manga in this list are primarily written for an adult audience, so don’t expect much furigana and expect language that dives into more complex themes.

9. Akira (アキラ)

Genre: Sci-fi, Cyber-punk
Length: 6 volumes
JLPT Level: N2

If you have seen and loved the movie, you should check out the manga since it expands on the world and plot substantially more. Set in a post-apocalyptic, futuristic Tokyo called “Neo-Tokyo”, the story set in the Akira universe plays with motifs of identity, economic inequality, and corruption within the backdrop of cyberpunk aesthetics. Some would argue that Akira is one of the most influential pioneers of the cyberpunk genre!

The story deals with heavy socio-economic, psychological, and philosophical themes, so expect rather high-level Japanese and mature topics. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s all the more reason to read one of the most influential stories to have ever come from Japan.

Get Akira Volume 1 on Amazon

10. Vagabond (バガボンド)

Genre: Period, Samurai, Martial arts

Length: 37 volumes

JLPT Level: N2 – N1

In a fictionalized story about the real-life sword master, Musashi Miyamoto, we are taken along a gifted swordman’s journey of growth and self-realization. The artwork is not only beautiful, drawing you in on every panel, but there is a poetic nature to each page and profound lessons we learn through the lens of our protagonist.

The philosophy is just as intriguing as its action scenes since it doesn’t shy away from themes of life & death, morality, and humanity. With that being said, the Japanese will be more complex, using more figurative language and sometimes more archaic terms due to the period setting. This manga is a must-read if you’re an advanced Japanese learner who loves the samurai genre.

Get Vagabond Volume 1 on Amazon

Bonus Manga: A History of Japan (コミック昭和史 Showa)

Genre: Historical
Length: 8 volumes
JLPT Level: N2

This is one for the history buffs. This manga is an autobiography of the author’s experience living through the Showa period, which spans from 1936 to 1989. The author details the daily life of living through World War II, which he tries to show as normal and yet surreal. He highlights this surreal feeling by drawing the main characters in a very cartoonish style, which contrasts sharply with the hyper-realistic depictions of the environments, battleships, and everything related to the war.

This manga is considered by many as a masterpiece in historical literature. It doesn’t hold back in showing the raw emotions and moods of the Japanese during the war. It does dive into rather heavy themes of military power and its implications. The reading level is not extremely complex, but there will be a lot of military, strategy, and political terminology that might be difficult to read. If you want to learn a ton of history and Japanese, this manga should be on your reading list.

Showa: A History of Japan Volume 1

Closing Thoughts On Manga For Learning Japanese

At the end of the day, the best manga for you to learn Japanese is the one you’re the most interested in. Our list is just some of our top picks based on the language and how much we love these stories (in our humble opinion). However, we do recommend starting off at a reading level that matches your current abilities in Japanese.

To get more practice and perhaps reach the level needed to read your favorite manga, take a look at our Coto Academy’s courses. We offer part-time or intensive Japanese lessons!

Want to study Japanese with us?

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FAQ

Can you learn Japanese with manga?

Yes, it is possible to learn Japanese with manga. It is normal to feel overwhelmed with the Japanese and to not know all of the language even if you’ve been studying for a while. With manga you can use the artwork to better understand the context of the text, which can actually help you ingrain new terminologies.

Which manga is best for learning Japanese as a complete beginner?

Manga that are written or geared towards children are best for total beginners to learn Japanese. For example, Yotsuba&!, Ao no Hako, Shirokuma Cafe, Flying Witch, and Coro Coro Manga magazine are great for beginners to pick up due to the simpler dialogue.

What level of Japanese would be needed to read most manga?

The level of Japanese would depend on the manga since some have more layered plots and complex themes. However, to read some of the most popular manga, such as One Piece, Naruto, or Bleach, being able to read and comprehend at an N3 level is most recommended to actually understand the story without looking up every other word.

Does Manga have a lot of kanji? Do they have furigana?

Many popular manga like One Piece are shonen, aimed at younger readers, so they include furigana: small hiragana that show how to read the kanji. In contrast, seinen manga for adults usually have little or no furigana, making them harder to read.

Are you planning to live in Tokyo and wondering which area to choose? Finding the perfect apartment can be both exciting and stressful since you have to strike a delicate balance between the cost of rent, convenience, and, last but not least, your personal preferences. Choosing the right neighborhood can be just as challenging.

Tokyo generally ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, but you might be surprised to see how affordable rent actually is here. Compared to the U.S., rent in Tokyo is cheaper than in most cities (not just the biggest cities).

So, let’s outline some key considerations and check out some of the best neighborhoods to live in Tokyo!

Looking to live in Japan and want to learn Japanese for daily life? Join fun, flexible part-time lessons at Coto Academy and learn practical Japanese to get started! Contact us today!

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Tokyo

1. Cost of apartments in Tokyo wards

Tokyo’s 23 wards vary widely in apartment rent prices depending on location, accessibility, and neighborhood atmosphere. Central wards like Chiyoda, Minato, and Shibuya tend to have higher rents due to their proximity to business districts, entertainment, and shopping areas. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Minato might cost between ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 per month or more.

On the other hand, wards further from the city center, such as Edogawa, Adachi, or Nerima, typically offer more affordable rents.

2. Safety & Cleanliness Of Neighborhoods In Tokyo

Safety is a very reasonable concern and is likely one of your top priorities. Even though Japan is generally safe and clean, there are still neighborhoods that might fall short of Japan’s high standards. Areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Roppongi, while convenient, might not be the cleanest or the safest due to the closer proximity to larger crowds, bars, and late-night entertainment. Areas around major stations tend to have more crime (mostly petty, less serious offenses).

Tokyo is mostly safe, but some areas are safer than others. Quieter neighborhoods are often just one more transfer away from the major stations. They are only slightly less convenient but still very accessible to the entertainment hubs of Tokyo.

3. Things To Do in Tokyo

When it comes to things to do, certain areas will tailor to certain preferences. If you like being close to places to shop, you’ll need to find an area closer to shopping centers or malls. Shopping centers or malls are actually pretty common throughout, so you don’t need to go to the city center for shopping.

However, you might have particular tastes and niches that particular areas cater to, such as the youth fashion of Harajuku, the bohemian charm of Shimokitazawa for thrifting, or the Otaku culture of Ikebukuro. Apartment options in these types of districts will have higher rent, but there are plenty of neighborhoods with direct access that are much more affordable.

Want to explore one of Tokyo’s busiest districts? Check out 22 things to do in Shibuya and where else to go besides Shibuya.

What is the Average Rent in Tokyo?

The average monthly rent in Tokyo is around ¥80,000 to ¥150,000 for a one-room apartment. However, prices can rise significantly depending on the ward you live in. Keep in mind that moving into an apartment often comes with several initial fees, which can total two to three times the monthly rent!

For an interactive visualization with the option to toggle between different apartment room categories (1R, 1K/1DK, 1LDK/2K/2DK, etc.), check out: Average Rent Price (JPY) By Tokyo wards.

Initial Fees

While rent is lower in Tokyo, initial fees are usually the biggest burden when finding the perfect apartment in Japan. For an apartment whose rent is ¥70,000, this could be a typical breakdown:

Item	Cost
Security deposit or shikikin (敷金)	1 – 2 months’ rent: ¥70,000 – ¥140,000
Key money or reikin (礼金)	1 – 2 months’ rent: ¥70,000 – ¥140,000
Brokerage fee 仲介手数料 chuukai tesuryo	At most 1 month’s rent: ¥70,000
Advance fee	At most 1 month’s rent: ¥70,000 (depending on what time of the month you move in)
Guarantor fee or hoshounin hiyou (保証人費用)	Around 50% to 120% of rent: ¥35,000 – ¥84,000
Fire insurance or kasai hoken (火災保険)	Around ¥15,000
Key exchange fee or kagikokan hiyou (カギ交換費用)	¥10,000 – ¥20,000
Cleaning fee or hausu kuriiningu hi (ハウスクリーニング費)	¥10,000 – ¥40,000
Total initial cost	¥340,000 – ¥539,000

This is what a typical initial cost breakdown could look like. However, some of the fees may not apply to your apartment. There could also be other fees, such as the anshin hoken (安心保健) or safety insurance. Depending on the room, building features, and the contracting company, the initial fees could be a lot less. Also, keep in mind that the brokerage fee or chukai tesuuryouu (仲介手数料) is the amount you pay to the agency that helped you find the apartment. Most of the time, you would need an agent to help you find available apartments, but foreign-friendly ones tend to charge a higher rate.

Actively finding an apartment? Check out our essential vocabulary for apartment hunting in Japan!

Cost of rent in Tokyo and apartment types

Rent will vary by location, room size, quality, and age of the apartment. Of course, due to the higher demand, rent tends to be higher the closer you are to a train station, especially major ones. However, the cost of rent is largely determined by areas that are in demand. Neighborhoods closer to central Tokyo would be pricier, whereas outer areas such as Nerima, Katsushika, and Adachi are cheaper.

Apartment room sizes are categorized from 1R to 4LDK (anything more than 4LDK is pretty uncommon), with the number representing the number of rooms and the letters representing the following:

R: Studio apartment (1R is the only available option)
K: Rooms with a separate kitchen (i.e. 1K)
D: Rooms with a separate dining and kitchen (i.e. 1DK)
L: Rooms with separate living, dining, and kitchen (i.e. 1LDK)

The more rooms and features you have, such as living, dining rooms, and kitchens, the more expensive the apartment. Also, amenities such as air conditioning, balcony, parking, and lofts could also increase the cost of rent.

Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo

Of course, there’s no single “best” neighborhood that fits all criteria. That said, we’ve compiled some of the top areas in Tokyo favored by foreign residents, based on factors like affordability, popularity, and overall livability.

Most Affordable Neighborhoods In Tokyo

These neighborhoods may be a bit further from the central lines, such as the JR Yamanote, but you might be surprised by what other lines go through central Tokyo. Here are some neighborhoods where you could find the most affordable accommodations in Tokyo.

1. Itabashi

Itabashi is a suburban area that is pretty close to Ikebukuro, which is its main access point to the rest of Tokyo. The average rent in Itabashi for 1K/1DK apartments is around ¥76,000, which is definitely on the lower scale. Even though it’s a very residential neighborhood, the area has decent access to transportation and local shops.

2. Adachi

Boasting some of the lowest average rent prices in Tokyo at around ¥72,000 for 1K/1DK apartments, the area is very popular for budget-friendly accommodations. Specific neighborhoods such as Kita-senju are becoming a trendy spot to live in for their affordability, parks, and boutique shops.

Recently, transportation has been developing, allowing the neighborhoods to be more accessible. Kita-senju is relatively well connected to Tokyo and Ueno Station.

3. Edogawa

Edogawa is also one of the cheapest areas to live in Tokyo, with rent at around ¥71,000 on average for 1K/1DK apartments. The ward borders eastern Tokyo and Chiba, being relatively accessible to Tokyo Station. Edogawa is known for being close to Tokyo Disneyland and multicultural neighborhoods like Nishi-Kasai.

Most Convenient & Entertaining Neighborhoods In Tokyo

These neighborhoods are perfect for those looking for excitement and easy access to everything. They also tend to be more English-friendly, but that usually comes with slightly higher rent.

4. Asakusa (Taito Ward)

Known for its mix of historical Japanese culture and its modern allure, Asakusa is a very convenient neighborhood due to its connections and closer proximity to major Tokyo hubs. Chalk full of well-preserved Edo-style shops, riverside views, and delightful eateries, you won’t be bored in Asakusa either. Additionally, the price of apartments tends to be significantly less than neighborhoods in Central Tokyo, such as Shibuya, Meguro, or Minato.

The one drawback, however, is the rather high number of tourists, which can make the area busier and noisier. stu

5. Daikanyama & Yoyogi (Shibuya Ward)

Daikanyama offers chic boutiques, upscale dining, and shopping right at your doorstep. To top it off, it’s around a 10-minute walking distance from Shibuya Station. You can expect apartments here to reflect Daikanyama’s stylish identity with modern designs and generally higher rental prices. The area is perfect for accessing all your entertainment needs while being quieter than central Shibuya.

Yoyogi, on the other hand, is known for its access to nature, such as Yoyogi Park, international schools, and its collection of quaint residential areas. Rent here is also higher, but not the highest, and is very well connected to Central Tokyo.

6. Nakameguro (Meguro Ward)

Nakameguro is an iconic neighborhood known for its charming atmosphere filled with boutique cafes and chic shops. Nakameguro is also a wonderful residential area that can actually be quite peaceful if away from the more crowded areas.

The apartments tend to be on the higher side for rent and smaller side for size. Of course, the apartments closest to the iconic Meguro River will have higher rents. Meguro River is especially popular during spring, when the cherry blossoms lining the riversides burst into full bloom.

Overall, the blend of modern and traditional Japanese experiences, as well as English services in essentials like healthcare, makes this eclectic neighborhood a very ideal location for foreigners.

7. Jiyugaoka (Meguro Ward)

Populated with pastry shops, cafes, and boutiques, Jiyugaoka offers a calm yet trendy ambience. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, and clean, making it great for families while having direct train lines to Shibuya, Yokohama, and Central Tokyo.

Apartments tend to be more upscale in rent, but the convenience and access to fashion boutiques, artisan bakeries, and picture-esque streets are arguably well worth the price.

8. Neighborhoods in Shinjuku Ward

Shinjuku is an eclectic collection of just about everything you can imagine: businesses, entertainment, and even nice residential areas. A lot of English-speaking services in healthcare, legal matters, and entertainment tend to congregate around Shinjuku.

Visiting the popular areas like Kabukicho doesn’t exactly display the most residential image, neighborhoods such as Takadanobaba, Nishi-Ochiai, Okubo, and Yotsuya are much calmer, greener, and family-friendly. Overall, Shinjuku is the most connected station in Tokyo with access to lines going everywhere you need to go. Keep in mind, some residential areas may be further away from Shinjuku Station.

Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo Overall

Some Tokyo neighborhoods stand out for their unique mix of comfort, accessibility, charm, and community. Below are some of the best places to stay in the city.

9. Ota

Ota sits between Tokyo and Haneda Airport, as well as Kawasaki and Yokohama further south. Ota is strategically placed for accessing a variety of areas while maintaining a balanced cost. Neighborhoods in this area are great for families, especially if you plan to travel overseas often or have family who visit frequently.

There is plenty of entertainment around, especially if you live near Kamata. Most of Ota has nice boutiques, pockets of bars, while offering a quaint atmosphere ideal for families and younger adults alike. Ota walks the fine line between affordability and convenience.

11. Koto

Neighborhoods in Koto enjoy easy access to central Tokyo while being home to plenty of their own attractions. Odaiba is famous for being a high-tech entertainment hub with tons of entertainment, recreational activities (Fuji TV Building), and shopping centers (Diver City Tokyo). The best part is that this area is very well connected to most of Central Tokyo, but still relatively affordable.

Convenience of Living in Tokyo

In terms of convenience, most areas in Tokyo will have access to basic needs, such as supermarkets, hospitals, clinics, convenience stores, and public facilities like parks or police stations. But what makes certain neighborhoods more convenient is their accessibility to major lines and their distance from business centers in Central Tokyo.

1. Access to major lines

The most convenient neighborhoods would be located directly on major lines such as JR Yamanote, JR Saikyo, Metro Yurakucho, and Metro Marunouchi. Neighborhoods with direct access to major lines tend to be in busier areas and are more expensive.

2. Distance from major business and entertainment districts

If you want to find a job in Japan, Tokyo is its economic hub. Many offices are located in Central Tokyo in districts such as Ginza, Shinjuku, Minato, and Shibuya, so living near these areas is in high demand. Living in neighborhoods in the central district will command a higher rent and will likely have smaller rooms. But these areas would be the most convenient for work commutes or access to vast amounts of services, especially English-speaking, you wouldn’t find in further districts.

Best Tokyo Neighborhoods: Trade-Offs? Or Can I Have It All?

You may get lucky and find the perfect apartment in Tokyo that is in an affordable neighborhood, convenient, and full of entertainment. But realistically, you may have to face some trade-offs. So, we have separated the best neighborhoods based on the following criteria: Affordability, convenience, entertainment, and then best overall.

Final Thoughts

Finding your perfect home in Japan has many considerations, and the neighborhood is no exception. Your stomping ground is, in a way, an extension of your home. It’s important that you have what you need nearby, are comfortable, and feel safe in your neighborhood. Different neighborhoods in Tokyo will have their different charms and may bring new discoveries even after years of living in them.

Learn Practical Japanese for Daily Life at Coto Academy

Whatever you do, consider what is most important for you, and you will find your home in Japan! Living in Japan becomes much easier if you can speak Japanese! So check out our intensive Japanese lessons or part-time courses and start learning today!

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FAQ

Which area is cheaper to live in Tokyo?

Cheaper areas tend to be further from central Tokyo. Some budget-friendly neighborhoods include Adachi, Itabashi, Kita, Ota, and Tachikawa.

Which neighborhoods do most expats live in?

Expats often live in convenient, international areas with good English services, such as Minato, Meguro, Shibuya, and Setagaya.

What neighborhoods are the nicest to live in Tokyo?

The nicest neighborhoods to live in Tokyo are places like Kichijoji, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro, known for their charm, livability, and atmosphere.

What are the most expensive areas in Tokyo?

The most expensive areas in Tokyo include Aoyama, Hiroo, and Azabu-Juban, favored for their luxury housing and prestige. Most international residents in those areas are diplomats and expats.

Studying for the JLPT N4 usually means two things: scribbling down flashcards for new kanji and flipping through loads of vocabulary. That is because to pass the N4, you’ll need to put in around 550 to 1,000 study hours and learn about 1,500 vocabulary words, including everything from the N5 level.

But what exactly is the JLPT N4 vocabulary you need to master?

This list features the most common and essential words, thoughtfully organized by topic to help you learn words in context. Each entry includes the word in kanji, its reading in kana, and its English meaning. Let’s dive in!

Before you go: Interested in studying for the JLPT? Take JLPT lessons at Coto Academy, specifically designed to teach the elements required for the test so you can pass with flying colors! Contact us today!

Vocabulary for Noun (名詞)

Did you know that nouns, called meishi (名詞) in Japanese, make up the largest portion of the N4 vocabulary?

These words form the backbone of everyday conversations, covering topics like people, places, objects, time, and abstract ideas. For easy reference and learning, the list is organized alphabetically.

Kanji	Kana	English translation
間	あいだ	a space
	あかちゃん	infant
赤ん坊	あかんぼう	baby
	アクセサリー	accessory
味	あじ	flavour
	アジア	Asia
明日	あす	tomorrow
遊び	あそび	play
	アナウンサー	announcer
	アフリカ	Africa
	アメリカ	America
	アルコール	alcohol
	アルバイト	part-time job
安心	あんしん	relief
安全	あんぜん	safety
以下	いか	less than
以外	いがい	with the exception of
医学	いがく	medical science
意見	いけん	opinion
石	いし	stone
以上	いじょう	more than, this is all
一生懸命	いっしょうけんめい	with utmost effort
	いっぱい	full
糸	いと	thread
以内	いない	within
田舎	いなか	countryside
受付	うけつけ	receipt
	うそ	a lie
	うち	within
腕	うで	arm
裏	うら	reverse side
売り場	うりば	place where things are sold
運転手	うんてんしゅ	driver
	エスカレーター	escalator
枝	えだ	branch, twig
	オートバイ	motorcycle
お祝い	おいわい	congratulation
億	おく	one hundred million
屋上	おくじょう	rooftop
贈り物	おくりもの	gift
押し入れ	おしいれ	closet
お嬢さん	おじょうさん	young lady
夫	おっと	husband
	おつり	change from purchase, balance
音	おと	sound, note
踊り	おどり	a dance
お祭り	おまつり	festival
お見舞い	おみまい	calling on someone who is ill, enquiry
お土産	おみやげ	souvenir
	おもちゃ	toy
表	おもて	the front
親	おや	parents
泳ぎ方	およぎかた	way of swimming
お礼	おれい	expression of gratitude
終わり	おわり	the end
	カーテン	curtain
海岸	かいがん	coast
会議	かいぎ	meeting
会議室	かいぎしつ	meeting room
会場	かいじょう	assembly hall or meeting place
会話	かいわ	conversation
帰り	かえり	return
科学	かがく	science
鏡	かがみ	mirror
火事	かじ	fire
	ガス	petrol
	ガソリン	petrol
	ガソリンスタンド	petrol station
形	かたち	shape
課長	かちょう	section manager
	かっこう	appearance
家内	かない	housewife
お・金持ち	かねもち/おかねもち	rich man
壁	かべ	wall
髪	かみ	hair
	ガラス	a glass pane
代わり	かわり	substitute, alternate
関係	かんけい	relationship
看護婦	かんごふ	female nurse
気	き	spirit, mood
機会	きかい	opportunity
危険	きけん	danger
汽車	きしゃ	steam train
技術	ぎじゅつ	art, technology, skill
季節	きせつ	season
規則	きそく	regulations
絹	きぬ	silk
気分	きぶん	mood
気持ち	きもち	feeling, mood
着物	きもの	kimono
客	きゃく	guest, customer
急行	きゅうこう	speedy, express
教育	きょういく	education
教会	きょうかい	church
競争	きょうそう	competition
興味	きょうみ	an interest
近所	きんじょ	neighbourhood
具合	ぐあい	condition, health
空気	くうき	air, atmosphere
空港	くうこう	airport
草	くさ	grass
首	くび	neck
雲	くも	cloud
毛	け	hair or fur
	ケーキ	cake
経済	けいざい	finance, economy
警察	けいさつ	police
景色	けしき	scene, landscape
消しゴム	けしゴム	eraser
下宿	げしゅく	lodging
決して	けっして	never
原因	げんいん	cause, source
研究	けんきゅう	research
研究室	けんきゅうしつ	study room, laboratory
見物	けんぶつ	sightseeing
子	こ	child
	こう	this way
郊外	こうがい	outskirts
講義	こうぎ	lecture
工業	こうぎょう	the manufacturing industry
高校	こうこう	high school
高校生	こうこうせい	high school student
工場	こうじょう	factory
校長	こうちょう	headmaster
交通	こうつう	traffic, transportation
講堂	こうどう	auditorium
高等学校	こうとうがっこう	high school
公務員	こうむいん	government worker
国際	こくさい	international
心	こころ	core, heart
御主人	ごしゅじん	(honorable) your husband
ご存じ	ごぞんじ	knowing, acquaintance
答	こたえ	response
	ごちそう	a feast
	こと	thing, matter
小鳥	ことり	small bird
	ごみ	rubbish
米	こめ	uncooked rice
	コンサート	concert
今度	こんど	now, next time
	コンピュータ/コンピューター	computer
最近	さいきん	latest, nowadays
最後	さいご	last, end
最初	さいしょ	beginning, first
坂	さか	slope, hill
盛ん	さかん	popularity, prosperous
さ来月	さらいげつ	the month after next
さ来週	さらいしゅう	the week after next
	サラダ	salad
産業	さんぎょう	industry
	サンダル	sandal
	サンドイッチ	sandwich
残念	ざんねん	disappointment
市	し	city
字	じ	character
試合	しあい	match, game
仕方	しかた	method
試験	しけん	examination
事故	じこ	accident
地震	じしん	earthquake
時代	じだい	era
下着	したぎ	underwear
失敗	しっぱい	failure, mistake
辞典	じてん	dictionary
品物	しなもの	goods
島	しま	island
市民	しみん	citizen
事務所	じむしょ	office
社会	しゃかい	society, public
社長	しゃちょう	company president
	じゃま	hindrance, intrusion
	ジャム	jam
自由	じゆう	freedom
習慣	しゅうかん	custom, manners
住所	じゅうしょ	an address, a residence
柔道	じゅうどう	judo
趣味	しゅみ	hobby
紹介	しょうかい	introduction
小学校	しょうがっこう	elementary school
小説	しょうせつ	novel
将来	しょうらい	future, prospects
食料品	しょくりょうひん	groceries
女性	じょせい	woman
人口	じんこう	population
神社	じんじゃ	Shinto shrine
新聞社	しんぶんしゃ	newspaper company
	スーツ	suit
	スーツケース	suitcase
水泳	すいえい	swimming
水道	すいどう	water supply
数学	すうがく	mathematics, arithmetic
	スクリーン	screen
	ステーキ	steak
	ステレオ	stereo
砂	すな	sand
隅	すみ	corner, nook
	すり	pickpocket
政治	せいじ	politics, government
西洋	せいよう	western countries
世界	せかい	the world
席	せき	seat
説明	せつめい	explanation
背中	せなか	back of the body
線	せん	line
戦争	せんそう	war
先輩	せんぱい	senior
卒業	そつぎょう	graduation
祖父	そふ	grandfather
	ソフト	soft, software
祖母	そぼ	grandmother
大学生	だいがくせい	university student
	タイプ	type, style
台風	たいふう	typhoon
畳	たたみ	Japanese straw mat
例えば	たとえば	for example
棚	たな	shelves
楽しみ	たのしみ	joy
男性	だんせい	male
暖房	だんぼう	heating
血	ち	blood
力	ちから	strength, power
注意	ちゅうい	caution
中学校	ちゅうがっこう	junior high school, middle school
注射	ちゅうしゃ	injection
駐車場	ちゅうしゃじょう	parking lot
地理	ちり	geography
	つき	moon
都合	つごう	circumstances, convenience
妻	つま	(humble) wife
	つもり	intention
丁寧	ていねい	polite
	テキスト	text, text book
適当	てきとう	suitability
	テニス	tennis
手袋	てぶくろ	glove
寺	てら	temple
点	てん	point, dot
店員	てんいん	shop assistant
天気予報	てんきよほう	weather forecast
電灯	でんとう	electric light
電報	でんぽう	telegram
展覧会	てんらんかい	exhibition
都	と	metropolitan
道具	どうぐ	tool, means
動物園	どうぶつえん	zoo
	とこや	barber
途中	とちゅう	on the way
特急	とっきゅう	limited express train (faster than an express train)
泥棒	どろぼう	thief
	におい	a smell
二階建て	にかいだて	two storied
日記	にっき	journal
人形	にんぎょう	doll, figure
	ねだん	price
熱	ねつ	fever
	ねっしん	enthusiasm
寝坊	ねぼう	sleeping in late
	のど	throat
乗り物	のりもの	vehicle
葉	は	leaf
	パート	part time
場合	ばあい	situation
倍	ばい	double
歯医者	はいしゃ	dentist
場所	ばしょ	location
	パソコン	personal computer
発音	はつおん	pronunciation
花見	はなみ	cherry-blossom viewing
林	はやし	woods, forester
番組	ばんぐみ	television or radio program
反対	はんたい	opposition
	ハンドバッグ	handbag
火	ひ	fire
日	ひ	day, sun
	ピアノ	piano
光	ひかり	light
引き出し	ひきだし	drawer, drawing out
	ひげ	beard
飛行場	ひこうじょう	airport
久しぶり	ひさしぶり	after a long time
美術館	びじゅつかん	art gallery
	ビル	building or bill
昼間	ひるま	daytime, during the day
昼休み	ひるやすみ	noon break
	ファックス	fax
復習	ふくしゅう	revision
部長	ぶちょう	head of a section
	ぶどう	grapes
布団	ふとん	Japanese bedding, futon
舟	ふね	ship
	プレゼント	present
文化	ぶんか	culture
文学	ぶんがく	literature
文法	ぶんぽう	grammar
	ベル	bell
貿易	ぼうえき	trade
法律	ほうりつ	law
星	ほし	star
	ほど	extent
翻訳	ほんやく	translation
周り	まわり	surroundings
漫画	まんが	comic
真中	まんなか	middle
湖	みずうみ	lake
味噌	みそ	bean paste
皆	みな	everybody
港	みなと	harbour
昔	むかし	olden days, former
虫	むし	insect
息子	むすこ	(humble) son
娘	むすめ	(humble) daughter
木綿	もめん	cotton
森	もり	forest
約束	やくそく	promise
湯	ゆ	hot water
指	ゆび	finger
指輪	ゆびわ	finger ring
夢	ゆめ	dream
用	よう	use
用意	ようい	preparation
用事	ようじ	things to do
予習	よしゅう	preparation for a lesson
予定	よてい	arrangement
予約	よやく	reservation
理由	りゆう	reason
利用	りよう	utilization
両方	りょうほう	both sides
旅館	りょかん	Japanese hotel
留守	るす	absence
冷房	れいぼう	air conditioning
歴史	れきし	history
	レジ	register
	レポート/リポート	report
連絡	れんらく	contact
	ワープロ	word processor
訳	わけ	meaning, reason
忘れ物	わすれもの	lost article
割合	わりあい	rate, ratio, percentage

Tip: The list above is the additional words you need to study.

JLPT N4 Vocabulary for Pronoun (代名詞)

In Japanese, some pronouns like kare (he) and kanojo (she) can also be used as nouns, depending on the context. For example, kanojo can mean “girlfriend, ” not just “she”! Keep an eye out for how they’re used in real sentences!

Kanji	Kana	English translation
彼女	かのじょ	She, girlfriend
彼ら	かれら	they
僕	ぼく	I (used by males)
彼	かれ	He, boyfriend

Need a refresher on Japanese pronouns? Make sure you already know how to refer to yourself in Japanese!

Vocabulary forN4 Suffix (接尾語)

Ever heard of suffixes, called setsubigo in Japanese? These small but mighty elements are attached to the ends of words to add politeness, show relationships, or indicate roles and titles.

Kanji	Kana	English translation
君	くん	suffix for a familiar young male
	ちゃん	suffix for a familiar female person

JLPT N4 Verb (動詞)

Japanese verbs, or doushi, are at the heart of every sentence. To make the most of this section, be sure to check out how to conjugate verbs in Japanese.

Kanji	Kana	English translation
合う	あう	to match
上る	あがる	to rise
空く	あく	to open, to become empty
	あげる	to give
浅い	あさい	shallow, superficial
集る	あつまる	to gather
集める	あつめる	to collect something
謝る	あやまる	to apologize
案内	あんない・する	to guide
生きる	いきる	to live
	いじめる	to tease
急ぐ	いそぐ	to hurry
致す	いたす	(humble) to do
	いただく	(humble) to receive
祈る	いのる	to pray
	いらっしゃる	(respectful) to be, to come or to go
植える	うえる	to plant, to grow
	うかがう	to visit
受ける	うける	to take a lesson or test
動く	うごく	to move
打つ	うつ	to hit
写す	うつす	to copy or photograph
移る	うつる	to move house or transfer
運転	うんてん・する	to drive
運動	うんどう・する	to exercise
選ぶ	えらぶ	to choose
遠慮	えんりょ・する	to be reserved, to be restrained
	おいでになる	(respectful) to be
	おかげ	owing to
送る	おくる	to send
遅れる	おくれる	to be late
起す	おこす	to wake
行う	おこなう	to do
怒る	おこる	to get angry, to be angry
お宅	おたく	(polite) your house
落る	おちる	to fall or drop
	おっしゃる	(respectful) to say
落す	おとす	to drop
踊る	おどる	to dance
驚く	おどろく	to be surprised
思い出す	おもいだす	to remember
思う	おもう	to think, to feel
下りる	おりる	to get off
折る	おる	to break or to fold
折れる	おれる	to break or be folded
変える	かえる	to change
掛ける	かける	to hang something
飾る	かざる	to decorate
片付ける	かたづける	to tidy up
勝つ	かつ	to win
	かまう	to mind
噛む	かむ	to bite, to chew
通う	かよう	to commute
乾く	かわく	to get dry
変わる	かわる	to change
考える	かんがえる	to consider
聞こえる	きこえる	to be heard
決る	きまる	to be decided
君	きみ	(informal) You (used by men towards women)
決める	きめる	to decide
	くださる	(respectful) to give
比べる	くらべる	to compare
暮れる	くれる	to get dark, to come to an end
	くれる	to give
計画	けいかく・する	to plan
経験	けいけん・する	to experience
	けが・する	to injure
	けんか・する	to quarrel
故障	こしょう・する	to break-down
込む	こむ	to be crowded
	ごらんになる	(respectful) to see
壊す	こわす	to break
壊れる	こわれる	to be broken
今夜	こんや	tonight
探す	さがす	to look for
下る	さがる	to get down, to descend
下げる	さげる	to hang, to lower, to move back
差し上げる	さしあげる	(polite) to give
騒ぐ	さわぐ	to make noise, to be excited
触る	さわる	to touch
	しかる	to scold
支度	したく・する	to prepare
出席	しゅっせき・する	to attend
出発	しゅっぱつ・する	to depart
準備	じゅんび・する	to prepare
招待	しょうたい・する	to invite
承知	しょうち・する	to consent
食事	しょくじ・する	to have a meal
知らせる	しらせる	to notify
調べる	しらべる	to investigate
心配	しんぱい・する	to worry
過ぎる	すぎる	to exceed
	すく	to become empty
進む	すすむ	to make progress
捨てる	すてる	to throw away
滑る	すべる	to slide, to slip
済む	すむ	to finish
生活	せいかつ・する	to live
生産	せいさん・する	to produce
世話	せわ・する	to look after
相談	そうだん・する	to discuss
育てる	そだてる	to rear, to bring up
	それほど	to that extent
退院	たいいん・する	to leave hospital
倒れる	たおれる	to break down
足す	たす	to add a number
尋ねる	たずねる	to ask
訪ねる	たずねる	to visit
建てる	たてる	to build
立てる	たてる	to stand something up
楽む	たのしむ	to enjoy oneself
為	ため	in order to
足りる	たりる	to be enough
	チェック・する	to check
捕まえる	つかまえる	to seize
付く	つく	to be attached
漬ける	つける	to soak, to pickle
伝える	つたえる	to report
続く	つづく	to be continued
続ける	つづける	to continue
包む	つつむ	to wrap
釣る	つる	to fish
連れる	つれる	to lead
手伝う	てつだう	to assist
通る	とおる	to go through
届ける	とどける	to reach
泊まる	とまる	to lodge at
止める	とめる	to stop something
取り替える	とりかえる	to exchange
直す	なおす	to fix, to repair
直る	なおる	to be fixed, to be repaired
治る	なおる	to be cured, to heal
泣く	なく	to weep
無くなる	なくなる	to disappear, to get lost
亡くなる	なくなる	to die
投げる	なげる	to throw or cast away
	なさる	(respectful) to do
鳴る	なる	to sound
慣れる	なれる	to grow accustomed to
逃げる	にげる	to escape
入院	にゅういん・する	to hospitalise
入学	にゅうがく・する	to enter school or university
似る	にる	to be similar
盗む	ぬすむ	to steal
塗る	ぬる	to paint, to plaster
	ぬれる	to get wet
眠る	ねむる	to sleep
残る	のこる	to remain
乗り換える	のりかえる	to change between buses or trains
拝見	はいけん・する	(humble) to look at
運ぶ	はこぶ	to transport
始める	はじめる	to begin
払う	はらう	to pay
冷える	ひえる	to grow cold
光る	ひかる	to shine, to glitter
引き出す	ひきだす	to withdraw
	びっくり・する	to be surprised
引っ越す	ひっこす	to move house
開く	ひらく	to open an event
拾う	ひろう	to pick up, to gather
増える	ふえる	to increase
太る	ふとる	to become fat
踏む	ふむ	to step on
降り出す	ふりだす	to start to rain
放送	ほうそう・する	to broadcast
	ほめる	to praise
参る	まいる	(humble) to go, to come
負ける	まける	to lose
間違える	まちがえる	to make a mistake
間に合う	まにあう	to be in time for
回る	まわる	to go around
見える	みえる	to be in sight
見つかる	みつかる	to be discovered
見つける	みつける	to discover
向かう	むかう	to face
迎える	むかえる	to go out to meet
召し上がる	めしあがる	(polite) to eat
申し上げる	もうしあげる	(humble) to say, to tell
申す	もうす	(humble) to be called, to say
戻る	もどる	to turn back
	もらう	to receive
焼く	やく	to bake, to grill
役に立つ	やくにたつ	to be helpful
焼ける	やける	to burn, to be roasted
痩せる	やせる	to become thin
止む	やむ	to stop
止める	やめる	to stop
輸出	ゆしゅつ・する	to export
輸入	ゆにゅう・する	to import
揺れる	ゆれる	to shake, to sway
汚れる	よごれる	to get dirty
寄る	よる	to visit
喜ぶ	よろこぶ	to be delighted
沸かす	わかす	to boil, to heat
別れる	わかれる	to separate
沸く	わく	to boil, to grow hot, to get excited
笑う	わらう	to laugh, to smile
割れる	われる	to break

JLPT N4 Adjective (形容詞・形容動詞)

Be sure to check out Nami-sensei’s video on our YouTube channel, where she explains how to use Japanese adjectives clearly and with fun examples!

How do you describe people, things, and situations?. Here you’ll find important JLPT N4 i-adjectives (keiyoushi) and na-adjectives (keiyoudoushi). Before that, make sure you already know the difference between the two Japanese adjectives and how to modify them.

Kanji	Kana	English
美しい	うつくしい	beautiful
	うまい	delicious
	うれしい	glad
	おかしい	strange or funny
堅/硬/固い	かたい	hard
悲しい	かなしい	sad
簡単	かんたん	simple
厳しい	きびしい	strict
細かい	こまかい	small, fine
怖い	こわい	frightening
寂しい	さびしい	lonely
十分	じゅうぶん	enough
親切	しんせつ	kindness
凄い	すごい	terrific
	すばらしい	wonderful
大事	だいじ	important, valuable, serious matter
確か	たしか	definite
正しい	ただしい	correct
遠く	とおく	distant
特別	とくべつ	special
苦い	にがい	bitter
眠い	ねむい	sleepy
恥ずかしい	はずかしい	embarrassed
必要	ひつよう	necessary
	ひどい	awful
深い	ふかい	deep
複雑	ふくざつ	complexity, complication
不便	ふべん	inconvenience
別	べつ	different
変	へん	strange
	まじめ	serious
無理	むり	impossible
珍しい	めずらしい	rare
優しい	やさしい	kind
柔らかい	やわらかい	soft

JLPT N4 Adverb (副詞)

Adverbs, or fukushi, modify verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs! This section introduces the most frequently used JLPT N4 vocabulary for adverbs.

Kanji	Kana	English translation
一度	いちど	once
必ず	かならず	certainly, necessarily
	きっと	surely
急に	きゅうに	suddenly, quickly, adruptly
	このあいだ	the other day, recently
	しっかり	firmly , steadily
	しばらく	little while
	ずいぶん	extremely
	すっかり	completely
	すっと	straight, all of a sudden
	すると	then
	ぜひ	without fail
	ぜんぜん	not entirely (used in a negative sentence)
	そう	really
	そろそろ	gradually, soon
大体	だいたい	generally
	たいてい	usually
大分	だいぶ	greatly
	たまに	occasionally
	ちっとも	not at all (used with a negative verb)
	できるだけ	as much as possible
	とうとう	finally, after all
特に	とくに	particularly, especially
	どんどん	more and more
中々	なかなか	considerably
	なるべく	as much as possible
	なるほど	now I understand
	はっきり	clearly
非常に	ひじょうに	extremely
普通	ふつう	usually, or a train that stops at every station
返事	へんじ	reply
	ほとんど	mostly
	まず	first of all
	もうすぐ	soon
	もし	if
	もちろん	of course
	もっとも	extremely
	やっと	at last
	やはり/やっぱり	as I thought, absolutely

JLPT N4 Expressions, Particles or Conjunctions

Finally, we’ve reached the last section! This list features a mix of common expressions and conjunctions that often pop up in conversations, vocabulary questions, or even casual reading passages.

Kana	English translation
あ	Ah
ああ	like that
あんな	such
うん	(informal) yes
けれど/けれども	however
このごろ	these days, nowadays
これから	after this
さっき	some time ago
それで	because of that
それに	moreover
そんな	that sort of
そんなに	so much, like that
だから	so, therefore
だめ	no good
はず	it should be so
または	or, otherwise
よろしい	(respectful) OK , all right

What’s Next After Learning JLPT N4 Vocabulary?

Of course, studying for the test doesn’t stop at just memorizing JLPT N4 vocabulary. You’ll also need to tackle new N4 grammar points, practice reading, and get comfortable with listening to conversations and announcements in Japanese.

Don’t miss our complete guide on how to study for the JLPT, along with our top picks for the best JLPT N4 textbooks to help you succeed!

While the JLPT N4 is still considered upper-beginner level, many learners take it to gauge their progress and build confidence before moving on to higher levels. Good luck!

Pass JLPT N4 with Coto Academy!

The thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for it? With so many things to learn,it can be scary.

Want to take your JLPT preparation to the next level? Why not take in-person and online JLPT courses at Coto Academy? You’ll be taught by our experienced Japanese instructors to help you ace your next exam! Contact us to discover the best course for you!

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FAQ

What is Coto’s JLPT exam course?

Our JLPT Exam Prep Courses are designed to help people ace their JLPT exams. We offer short and long-term courses that focus on different targets. The short-term courses focus on exam practices, while the long-term courses focus on building grammar and reading foundations.

Do I need to know all the N5 vocabulary for N4?

Yes! The JLPT N4 builds on the N5 level, so it’s important to have a strong foundation in both N5 and N4 vocabulary to do well on the exam.

How many vocabulary words are on the JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 includes approximately 1,500 vocabulary words, including all essential N5-level words.

How many kanji do I needt to learn for JLPT N4?

Yes, you’re expected to recognize and understand about 300 basic kanji for the N4.

Check out our guides for the upcoming JLPT:

Japanese proverbs, or ことわざ (kotowaza), are a great way to spice up and improve your language skills with more figurative speech. Exploring outside the typical methods of memorizing kanji and vocabulary, kotowaza can teach you how to use more nuanced phrases.

Plus, they can help you dive deeper into Japanese culture. Kotowaza paint a picture of different situations and reflect Japanese culture as well as hundreds of years of history. This is what makes them so interesting to read and hear.

Ready to learn more words of wisdom? Here are 35 Inspiring Japanese proverbs that will inspire you to improve your life. We have included example sentences as well so you can understand how to use these sayings!

For more Japanese practice, check our Intensive Japanese Classes at Coto Academy! Sign up for our courses and start practicing right away!

What Does Kotowaza Mean in Japanese?

The Japanese word ことわざ (kotowaza / 諺) means “proverb” or “saying.” It refers to a traditional phrase or expression that conveys a truth, piece of wisdom, or moral lesson.

Kotowaza, given its long history, uses a lot of kanji, so read our blog to find the most effective apps to study them: Learning kanji from apps.

Japanese proverbs can speed up your study process by exposing you to new vocabulary, figurative language, and metaphors — and maybe even gain valuable wisdom.

Types of Japanese Proverbs

Like anywhere else, there’s not one type of proverb in Japan. However, Japanese proverbs are boxed into three types, each heavy in history, culture, and traditional values.

1. Iinarawashi (言い習わし)

Iinarawashi is a short saying derived from the kanji 言 (say, speech) and 習 (learn). So, it basically means words of wisdom or short sayings.

2. Yojijukugo (四字熟語)

True to its name (四字 meaning four letters), yojijukugo idioms consist of four kanji characters. A lot of Japanese proverbs are taken from Chinese proverbs. Because this particular type uses kanji, it can be hard for beginners to remember them.

3. Kanyouku (慣用句 )

You can think of kanyouku as the longest type of Japanese proverb. They are idiomatic words or phrases that are meant to be interpreted figuratively rather than literally.

For instance, 口が軽い (kuchi ga karui) literally means “light mouth”, but the implied meaning is “can’t keep a secret”.

35 Japanese Proverbs and Their Meanings

1. Jigoujitoku 自業自得

Jigoujitoku 自業自得 or One's act, one's profit

Pronunciation: jigoujitoku

Translation: “One’s act, one’s profit”

Meaning: You had it coming, or you reap what you sow.

Example Sentence:

嘘ばっかりついてるから、皆に総すかんを食うんだ。自業自得だよ。

You’re always lying, which is why people don’t take you seriously. You get what you deserve.

2. koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず

koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず or the Japanese proverb saying, "if you do not enter the Tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub"

Pronunciation: koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu

Translation: “If you do not enter the tiger’s cave, you will not catch its cub.”

Meaning: You can’t do anything without risking something / Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Example Sentence:

諺にもある通り虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ずだ。

As the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Don’t forget to learn Japanese to understand more proverbs!

Japanese proverbs aren’t just clever phrases — they reflect the wisdom, values, and humor of Japanese culture. So why not pick one or two that resonate with you and try using them in your next conversation or journal entry? The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel. Practice Japanese with Coto Academy’s fun and flexible part-time Japanese lessons or intensive Japanese course!

3. saru mo ki kara ochiru 猿も木から落ちる

Pronunciation: Saru mo ki kara ochiru

Translation: “Even monkeys fall from trees”

Meaning: Even skilled experts can make a mistake / Nobody’s Perfect

Example Sentence:

諺にも猿も木から落ちるというけど、あんなに頭のいい国語の先生が、字を間違えたなんて信じられない。

As they say, “Even monkeys fall from trees,” but it is hard to believe that such a brilliant Japanese teacher would mess up such a character.

4. Kouin ya no gotoshi 光陰矢の如し

Pronunciation: kouin ya no gotoshi

Translation: “Time flies like an arrow.”

Meaning: Life is short / Time and tide wait for no man

Example Sentence:

人々が光陰矢の如しと言うのをよく耳にする。

We often hear people say that time flies.

5. Fukusui bon ni kaerazu 覆水盆に返らず

The proverb, Fukusui bon ni kaerazu 覆水盆に返らず or "spilt water does not go back into its tray"

Pronunciation: fukusui bon ni kaerazu

Translation: “Spilt water won’t go back into its tray”

Meaning: What’s done is done / It is no use crying over spilled milk

Example Sentence:

諺に、覆水盆に返らずと言う。

The proverb says that what is done cannot be undone.

6. Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku 明日は明日の風が吹く

Pronunciation: ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku

Translation: “The winds of tomorrow will blow tomorrow”

Meaning: Do not be worried about your bad situation because things change over time

Example Sentence:

今日は今日の風が吹き、明日は明日の風が吹く。

Tomorrow is another day.

7. Nana korobi ya oki 七転び八起き

Japanese proverb, "nana kurobi, hachi oki" which means fall down 7 times, get up 8.

Pronunciation: nana korobi ya oki

Translation: “Fall down seven times but get up eight times”

Meaning: If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again / Don’t give up

Example Sentence:

人生は七転び八起き。転んでもまた立ち上がる。くじけずに前を向いて歩いていこう。

Tomorrow is another day. Even if you fall down, you will get up again. Don’t be discouraged, just keep walking forward.

8. kiyomizuno butai kara tobioriru 清水の舞台から飛び降りる

"kiyomizuno butaikara tobioriru" or Taking a leap from the stage of kiyomizu temple

Pronunciation: kiyomizuno butaikara tobioriru

Translation: “Take a leap from the stage of Kiyomizu”

Meaning: Make a resolution/ To take the plunge

Example Sentence:

清水の舞台から飛び降りる気持ちでダイヤの指輪を買った

I am going to take a big chance buying a diamond ring.

9. ame futte ji katamaru 雨降って地固まる

Japanese proverb, "ame futte ji katamaru", meaning "Earth hardens after the storm"

Pronunciation: ame futte ji katamaru

Translation: “After a storm comes a calm”

Meaning: Adversity strengthens the foundations / A relationship often gets closer after a quarrel.

Example Sentence:

いろいろトラブルもあったけど、雨降って地固まるってことになってほしいね。

We’ve been through a rough patch but I hope it will have made us stronger.

10. sannin yoreba monjuno chie 三人寄れば文殊の知恵

"sannin yoreba monju no chie" which means "when 3 people get together, wisdom is exchanged".

Pronunciation: sannin yoreba monju no chie

Translation: “When three people meet, wisdom is exchanged”

Meaning: The more people you have, the more ideas you will get through the discussion (same as “Two heads are better than one”).

Example Sentence:

三人寄れば文殊の知恵って言うだろ。みんなで考えれば、いい案が浮かぶかもしれないよ。

Let’s all think on this together and we might be able to come up with some good ideas. They say two heads are better than one.

11. ingaouhou 因果応報

Japanese proverb, "ingaouhou" which means "cause brings results".

Pronunciation: ingaouhou

Translation: “Cause brings result”

Meaning: What goes around comes around

Example Sentence:

彼は昔ひどいイジメっ子だったので、今は困った時に助けてくれる本当の友達がいない。因果応報だね。

He does not have real friends now to help when he’s in trouble because he was a terrible bully in the past. It is “what goes around comes around.

12. onaji kama no meshi o kuu 同じ釜の飯を食う

”onajikama no meshi o kuu” meaning "eating from the same rice pot"

Pronunciation: onajikama no meshi o kuu

Translation: “Eating from the same rice pot”

Meaning: Strengthening the sense of belonging by eating the same meals

Example Sentence:

たかしとケンタは同じ釜の飯を食った仲だ。

Takashi and Kenta have a very close friendship.

13. neko ni koban 猫に小判

neko ni koban, a Japanese proverb meaning " gold coins to a cat"

Pronunciation: neko ni koban.

Translation: “Gold coins to a cat”

Meaning: Don’t offer things to those who are incapable of appreciating them.

Example Sentence:

宝石に興味のない人にダイヤモンドをあげても、猫に小判だ

For someone who has no interest in precious stones, even giving that person a diamond would be casting pearls before swine.

14. nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu 二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず

"nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu" or "one who chases 2 rabbits will end up catching neither"

Pronunciation: nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu

Translation: “One who chases after 2 rabbits will not even catch one”

Meaning: You cannot do two things successfully at the same time.

Example Sentence:

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずだよ。一つずつ着実にやり遂げよう！

It says, “Those who chase after two rabbits will not even catch one.” Let’s steadily accomplish one thing at a time!

15. hito no furi mite wagafuri naose 人のふり見てわがふり直せ

Japanese proverb, ”hito no furi mite waga furi naose" meaning "one man's mistake is another's lesson"

Pronunciation: hito no furi mite waga furi naose

Translation: “One man’s fault is another’s lesson”

Meaning: See other’s behavior and correct yours.

Example Sentence:

友達の言動を批判する暇があったら、人のふり見てわがふり直せだよ

If you have time to criticize the behavior of your friend, watch his behavior and correct your own behavior.

16. hana yori dango 花より団子

"hana yori dango" or "dumplings over flowers"

Pronunciation: hana yori dango

Translation: “Dumplings over flowers”

Meaning: People are more interested in the practical than the aesthetic

Example Sentence:

我が家は花より団子なので、桜の名所よりおいしい店の方がいいんです

Because our house is a “dumpling over flowers”, it’s more of a delicious restaurant than a place for sakura viewing.

17. kuchi ha wazawai no moto 口は災いの元

"kuchi wa wazawai no moto" which translates to "the mouth is the origin of disaster"

Pronunciation: kuchi wa wazawai no moto

Translation: “The mouth is the origin of disasters.”

Meaning: Careless remarks will invite trouble for yourself, so watch your mouth.

Example Sentence:

人の悪口を言うと良いことないよ。口は災いの元だよ！

There’s nothing good about talking ill of someone. It says, “Out of the mouth comes evil!”

18. shoshin wasuru bekarazu 初心忘るべからず

Japanese kotawaza, "shoshin wasuru bekarazu" which means "Don't forget our original intention"

Pronunciation: shoshin wasuru bekarazu

Translation: “Don’t forget our original intention.”

Meaning: Never forget the original enthusiasm when you try new things

Example Sentence:

一度成功しても、初心忘るべからずで、気を抜かないように

As it says, “Don’t forget beginner’s spirit,” don’t lose focus even if you once succeeded.

19. en no shita no chikaramochi 縁の下の力持ち

"en no shita no chikaramochi" which means "the strong under the veranda" or in other words unsung heroes.

Pronunciation: en no shita no chikaramochi

Translation: “The strong person under the veranda.”

Meaning: Unsung hero / Someone who does a thankless task

Example Sentence:

彼は縁の下の力持ちだ

He is an unsung hero.

20. chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru ちりも積もれば山となる

"chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru" which translates to "even dust when piled up becomes a mountain"

Pronunciation: chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru

Translation: “Even dust, when piled up, can become a mountain.”

Meaning: Many a little makes a mickle / Just small effort does make a difference

Example Sentence:

ちりも積もれば、山となるというからね。

As they say, even dust when piled up becomes a mountain.

21. uogokoro areba mizugokoro 魚心あれば水心

Pronunciation: uogokoroareba mizugokoro

Translation: “If a fish cares for water, the water will care for the fish.”

Meaning: If you do a favor for somebody, you will get a favor in return / You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours

Example Sentence:

魚心あれば水心あると言う通り、陽気な男の人があっと言う間に近所の人と仲良くなった

As it is said, if the fish has a heart, the water will also have a heart. Thus the cheerful man was on good terms with the neighbors in the blink of an eye.

22. toudai moto kurashi 灯台下暗し

Pronunciation: toudai moto kurashi

Translation: “The darkness at the foot of the light fixture.”

Meaning: It’s hard to see what is under your nose.

Example Sentence:

会社の金を盗んだのは社長の秘書だった。まさに灯台下暗しだ。

It was the president’s secretary who stole the company’s money. It’s hard to see what’s under their nose. .

23. kachou fuugetsu 花鳥風月

"kachou fuugetsu" is a Yojijukugo or 4 character Japanese proverb meaning "flower, bird, wind, moon"

Pronunciation: kachou fuugetsu

Translation: “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon.”

Meaning: Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so learn about yourself.

Example Sentence:

花鳥風月を楽しむために都会を離れた

I’m leaving the city to enjoy the wonders of nature.

24. ku areba raku ari 苦あれば楽あり

The Japanese proverb, "ku areba raku ari" meaning "with hardship comes pleasure"

Pronunciation: Ku areba raku ari

Translation: “With hardships comes pleasure and pleasure comes hardships.”

Meaning: No Pain No Gain

Example Sentence:

人生、苦あれば楽あり！若いうちは苦労をたくさんした方がいい。

Life is “no pain, no gain”! You should work hard a lot when you are young.

25. ichigo ichie 一期一会

The proverb "ichigo ichie" meaning "once in a lifetime encounter"

Pronunciation: ichigo ichie

Translation: “Once in a lifetime encounter.”

Meaning: Enjoy every encounter to the fullest

Example Sentence:

旅先での素敵な出会いは、まさ一期一会にだ。

A wonderful encounter on a trip is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime meeting.”

26. senri no michi mo ippo kara 千里の道も一歩から

"senri no michi mo ippo kara", a Japanese proverb meaning "A journey of a thousand steps"

Pronunciation: senri no michi mo ippo kara

Translation: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Meaning: It takes a series of steps to achieve success

Example Sentence:

語学の習得は簡単ではないけれど、千里の道も一歩から。小さな積み重ねが大切です。

Mastering a language is not easy, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The accumulation of small steps is important.

27. warau kado niwa kitaru 笑う門には福来たる

"warau kado niwa fuku kitaru" or "good fortune comes to the house of those who smile/laugh."

Pronunciation: warau kado niwa fuku kitaru

Meaning: Laughter and smiles will bring happiness and fortune

Translation: “Good fortune and happiness will come into the house of those who smile.”

Example Sentence:

日本に笑う門には来たるということわざがあるように、和やかにお正月の食卓を皆で囲むことが一番で、それで十分です。

Remember the saying “Fortune comes to those who smile”; this means that the most important thing is that everyone comes together to the table for the New Year’s holidays.

28. mizu ni nagasu 水に流す

The Japanese proverb, "mizu ni nagasu", or "the water flows"

Pronunciation: mizu-ni-nagasu

Meaning: Forgive and forget

Translation: “The water flows.”

Example Sentence:

スージーは物事を水に流すことができない性分だ。

Susie is so constituted that she cannot forgive and forget things.

29. deru kui wa utareru 出る杭は打たれる

Pronunciation: deru kui wa utareru

Meaning: People who stick out too much get punished

Translation: “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”

Example Sentence:

出る杭が打たれる会社じゃ、大きな成長は望めないね。

A company that stifles innovation can’t hope to grow very much.

30. aita kuchi ga fusagaranai 開いた口が塞がらない

"aita kuchi ga fusagaranai" or "an open mouth does not close"

Pronunciation: aita kuchi ga fusagaranai

Meaning: Someone’s words or behavior are appalling and beyond understanding, and you’re lost for words

Translation: “Open mouth does not close.”

Example Sentence:

彼の失礼な返事には開いた口が塞がらなかった

We were taken aback by his rude reply.

31. I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo shirazu 井の中の蛙大海を知らず

The Japanese proverb: I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo shirazu 井の中の蛙大海を知らず or "a frog in a well, doesn't know the ocean"

Pronunciation: i no naka kawazu, taikai wo shirazu

Meaning: People who don’t expose themselves to a variety of experiences will have a narrow world view.

Translation: “A frog in a well doesn’t know the vast greatness of the ocean.”

Example Sentence:

故郷から出たことがない人は、「井の中の蛙、大海を知らず」と言えるかもしれません。

People who never left their hometown can be described as “frogs in a well who don’t know the vastness of the ocean.

32. Anzuru yori umuga yasushi 案ずるより産むが易し

Anzuru yori umuga yasushi 案ずるより産むが易し or "Giving birth is easier than thinking about it"

Pronunciation: anzuru yori umuga yasushi

Translation: “Giving birth is easier than worrying about it.”

Meaning: Doing the actual task is not as difficult as you might think. Don’t worry or stress about the future.

Example Sentence:

A：ここ最近ずっとテストのことが心配で眠れなかったけど、終わってみれば大したことじゃなかったかも。
B：それは、よかったじゃない！まさに、案ずるより産むが易し、だね！

A: I was so worried about the test that I wasn’t able to sleep, however, when I finished, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

B: That’s good isn’t it!? Doing is easier than worrying about it, right!

33. Minu ga hana 見ぬが花

Minu ga hana 見ぬが花 or "not seeing is a flower"

Pronunciation: minu ga hana

Meaning: Your imagination is often better than reality; ignorance is bliss

Translation: “Not seeing is a flower”

Example Sentence:

A：この前、偶然、芸能人を空港でみかけたんだけど。
B：で、どうだった？かっこよかった？
A：ううん。思ったより普通の人だった。
B：そうか。見ぬが花だね。

A: I saw a famous celebrity at the airport..

B: How was it? Were they cool?

A: Not really, they were more normal than I thought.

B: Is that so? Well nothing is ever as good as we imagine (not seeing is a flower).

34. Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu 馬の耳に念仏

The proverb uma no mimi ni nenbutsu 馬の耳に念仏 means "Preaching to a horse's ears".

Pronunciation: uma no mimi ni nenbutsu

Meaning: Giving advice or convincing someone who doesn’t listen or understand is futile.

Translation: “Preaching to a horse’s ear”

Example Sentence:

私の息子は遊びたい盛りなんだから、いくら勉強しろったって、そんなの馬の耳に念仏だよ。

My son is at an age where he just wants to play, so no matter how much I tell him to study, it’s like preaching to a horse’s ear.

35. Tsuki to suppon 月とすっぽん

The proverb 月とすっぽん tsuki to suppon translates literally to "the moon and the turtle". But its actual meaning is that 2 things can be incomparable despite their similarities.

Pronunciation: tsuki to suppon

Meaning: Despite the roundness of the turtle and moon, they are incomparable in every other way.

Translation: “The moon and the turtle”

Example Sentence:

姉は美人で賢く社交的。それに比べて私は…月とスッポンですよ。

My sister is pretty, intelligent, and sociable. Comparing me to her would be like the moon and the turtle.

Conclusion: Try To Remember The Japanese Proverbs!

Japanese proverbs are a great way to get exposed to traditional Japanese culture and how to use more figurative, dynamic, and even poetic language. Often when we study Japanese, we stick to a very literal way of speaking. So, kotowaza can actually teach you how metaphors, similes,or idioms are used in Japanese which helps you better understand humor and natural conversational Japanese. Challenge yourself by remembering at least 10 from this list of common proverbs and impress people with your wise words!

Want to Learn Japanese?

If you need a place to practice Japanese conversation, look no further than Coto Academy! We offer a wide variety of both in person and online classes that can match your needs and level.

What are the most popular Japanese proverbs?

There are many common proverbs, but some of the most popular include 「猿も木から落ちる」“sarumo ki kara ochiru”, 「二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず」“nito o oumono wa itto mo ezu”, and much more, especially from the list above.

What is a Japanese proverb for luck?

The proverb, 「笑う門には福来たる」“warau kado niwa fuku kitaru” translates to “good fortune comes to the homes of those who laugh”. This saying means that good luck is drawn to people who are happy.

What is a Japanese proverb for inspiration?

There are a lot of proverbs for inspiration, but one of the most popular is 「ちりも積もれば山となる」“Dust accumulated will become a mountain”. The meaning is that small steps will lead to huge progress so in the end it’ll be worth it to not give up!

How do you say proverbs in Japanese?

In Japanese, a proverb is called ことわざ (kotowaza). It’s a short, memorable saying that conveys a message or wisdom, often based on cultural values or experiences.

Are proverbs often used in Japanese?

Yes, proverbs are often said in Japanese. Oftentimes, proverbs are shortened, since saying the whole thing is not always necessary.

For example, the Japanese often say “i no naka kawazu (a frog in a well)” instead of the whole idiom. It’s similar to when we simply say in English, “when in Rome”.

Interested in learning more Japanese phrases? Check out our popular articles on:

Introduction:

Overview of Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport Terminals

How to Get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport by Train

Downloading Your IC Card to Your Phone

Going to Different Areas in Tokyo by Train

Getting to Tokyo from Haneda Airport with Airport Limousine Bus

How to Get to Tokyo: Taxi/Ride Share

Tips for Getting From Haneda to Tokyo

1. Download your IC Card ahead of time

2. Keep in mind of public transportation schedule

3. Respect the cultural norms

4. Use luggage delivery service

Which One Should I Choose to Get from Haneda to Tokyo?

FAQ:

How do I get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?

Is there a free shuttle at Haneda Airport?

How much is the train from Haneda to Tokyo?

What metro line is Haneda Airport on?

Is it better to go to Narita or Haneda?

Japanese Airport Vocabulary –

Start taking Japanese lessons and master these terminology today!

Take off 離陸 (りりく ririku)

In flight 飛行中 (ひこうちゅう hikō chū)

Example Sentences

Departure 出発 (しゅっぱつ shuppatsu)

Example Sentences

Current Visa Fees and Departure Tax in Japan

What is Changing in 2026 in Japan?

1. Visa Fee Increase

2. Departure Tax Increase

What is the Departure Tax?

3. JESTA: Digital Screening for Visa-Free Travelers

Why is Japan Raising its Visa Fees and Departure Tax?

Who is Affected by the Price Hike?

What Other Measures Has Japan Taken to Address Over-tourism?

1. Blocking landmarks

2. Limiting visitors

3. “Tourist” Price Gauge

Conclusion

FAQ:

Is there a departure tax from Japan?

Is Japan increasing the tourist tax?

What is departure tax?

What is the new tourist tax in Japan in 2026?

How much is the visa fee for Japan?

Origin of Omiyage in Japan

Meaning of omiyage

Best omiyage for Japanese snacks

1. Tokyo Banana

2. Kit Kat

3. Pocky

4. Mochi

5. Shiroi Koibito

6. Royce

7. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

8. Ichiran ramen

Japanese gift ideas besides confectionery

9. Japanese traditional crafts

10. Cosmetics

11. Accessories

12. Stationery

13. Matcha

14. Character merchandise

Japanese souvenirs to avoid

Where to get Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo

1. Tokyo Station

2. Harajuku

3. Nakamise Street, Asakusa

4. 100-yen shops

Gift-giving etiquette in Japan

1. Make sure your gifts are nicely wrapped

2. Do not offer individual gifts

3. Presenting the gift well

Be Ready for Japan Before You Arrive!

Japanese Omiyage FAQs

What is Japanese omiyage?

What omiyage should you give in Japan?

How do you give omiyage?

What is omiyage etiquette?