Writing your address in Japanese is essential for living in Japan, from completing administrative procedures at the Japanese city hall to using postal services. The first thing you might notice about Japanese addresses is that they start with the largest unit (region/city) and end with the smallest (street name). So, in order to write an address in Japanese, there are a few things you might need to know when it comes to Japanese street systems and wards. 

So, how do you actually write your address, and is it completely different than writing your name in English? Let’s find out everything you need to know!

Japanese Address Converter

So, before we break down how to actually write your address in Japanese, if you’re in a bind, you can use our Japanese address converter below! Simply enter the address you need in English or Romaji, and the converter will provide it in the correct Japanese format.

Whichever address you input will be reordered into proper Japanese format (postal code → prefecture → city/ward → block/house number → building/room), plus a breakdown table. It will also flag anything ambiguous, like a missing postal code.

Wondering how to write your name in Japanese? Check out our blog: What is Your Name? Japanese Name Converter

Are Japanese Addresses Written Differently Compared to English?

When writing addresses in Japanese, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent confusion. Japanese addresses are written starting with the largest area, generally the city, 都 (to), or the prefecture, 県 (ken). At the end, you write the smallest area, usually your apartment name and room number or house name. In other countries, like the United States, this is the opposite: you start with the smallest area and work up to the largest.

Also, keep in mind that addresses rarely use street names (except for major roads in some cases). This is because Japanese cities are generally divided into blocks and sub-areas, so most addresses use block names rather than road names. Here is how a typical Japanese address might look:

〒151-0073 
東京都渋谷区笹塚1-2-3

Now, let’s break down this address piece by piece, starting from the top, so you can learn how it works to write your address as well.

1. Writing Japanese Postal Codes

Postal codes are essentially equivalent to a zip code. However, you usually have to start every address with a postal code, which always starts with the postal symbol, 〒, followed by a 7-digit number separated by a dash after the first 3 digits. Let’s take a look at the example again.

〒151-0073

This is the actual postal code for the Sasazuka district, so every apartment or house in Sasazuka uses it. If you’re unsure what your postal code is, you can simply look up your specific district’s postal code on Google.

To tell people your postal code over the phone, you will need to know Japanese numbers! So, check out our detailed guide: How to Count Numbers in Japanese: 0 – 1,000,000

2. Writing the Prefecture in Japanese Addresses

After entering your postal code, you will need to write the prefecture name, which is similar to entering your state in the United States. If you live in Tokyo, you will need to attach the character 都 (to), as in the earlier example.

東京都
Toukyouto
Tokyo State/Prefecture

都 marks Tokyo specifically; it’s the only place in Japan that uses this character, reflecting its unique status as the capital. Everywhere else, you’ll see one of three other prefecture-level characters instead:

県 (ken) → used for most prefectures, like 熊本県 (Kumamoto-ken)
府 (fu) → used for Osaka and Kyoto, like 大阪府 (Osaka-fu)
道 (dou) → used only for Hokkaido, 北海道 (Hokkaidou). 

So, in total, there are four possible prefecture-level characters: 都, 道, 府, and 県. If you ever move from one prefecture to another, it’s important to check which one applies, since using the wrong kanji character (or leaving it off entirely) can cause confusion on forms and deliveries.

3. Writing the Ward in Japanese Addresses

Now we write the ward or city part of the address, so let’s revisit the example once again:

渋谷区 
Shibuyaku 
Shibuya ward

Shibuya uses the character 区 (ku), meaning “ward.” This is common in Tokyo’s 23 special wards, as well as in other major cities like Osaka, Nagoya, and Yokohama, which are also divided into wards. However, not every city in Japan uses 区. Smaller or less densely populated cities often skip the ward system entirely and use 市 (shi), meaning “city,” on its own instead. Let’s take a look at some examples.

大阪市 (Osaka shi) → Osaka City, with no ward attached, if you’re referring to the city as a whole rather than a specific ward within it
箱根町 (Hakone-machi) → Hakone Town, using 町 (machi), meaning “town”
白川村 (Shirakawa-mura) → Shirakawa Village, using 村 (mura), meaning “village”

So, depending on where you live, your address might use 区, 市, 町, or 村 at this point in the address, and it’s worth double-checking which one applies to you rather than assuming. A good rule of thumb is that the more urban and populous the area, the more likely it is to use 区; smaller cities, towns, and villages generally stick with 市, 町, or 村 instead.

4. Writing the District Town and City Block in Japanese

Finally, we get to the last part of the address: 

笹塚1-2-3 
Sasazuka ichi no ni no san
Sasazuka 1-2-3

Note: sometimes the address could be written like this:

笹塚1丁目2番3号
Sasazuka ichhoume ni ban san gou
Sasazuka 1-2-3

This part starts with the district or neighborhood name, 笹塚 (Sasazuka) in this case, followed by a set of numbers separated by hyphens. As the second example demonstrates, those numbers aren’t random; they’re shorthand for three separate units:

• 丁目 (choume/chome) → a sub-district or block area
• 番地 (banchi) → a specific block number within that chome
• 号 (gou) → the building or house number within that block

So 笹塚1-2-3 is technically shorthand for 笹塚1丁目2番3号 (Sasazuka Icchoume, 2 banchi, 3 gou). In everyday use, especially on envelopes, forms, and business cards, almost everyone writes it in the shortened hyphenated format rather than spelling out 丁目, 番地, and 号 in full, but it’s useful to know what each number actually represents.

One more regional variation to keep in mind: some older or more rural addresses use 大字 (Ooaza) or 字 (aza) instead of the choume system. These are older land divisions that predate the modern block-numbering system, and you’ll still come across them in more traditional or countryside areas. If your address includes 大字 or 字, the same overall logic applies, largest unit to smallest, but the internal numbering may look a little different from the standard choume-banchi-gou format. Ward name using the 区 character meaning “ward.”

5. Writing Your Apartment/House Name and Room Number

At the very end of the address, you write your apartment building name (or house name, if applicable) followed by your room number. This part comes last because it’s the smallest, most specific unit in the address, narrowing everything down to your exact door.

Example:

笹塚コーポ101
Sasazuka Koopo 101
Sasazuka Corp, Room 101

Here, 笹塚コーポ (Sasazuka Koopo) is the building name, and 101 is the room number. Building names in Japan often borrow English- or French-sounding words like コーポ (koopo, from “corporate/corp”), ハイツ (haitsu, from “heights”), or メゾン (mezon, from the French “maison”), so don’t be surprised if your building name doesn’t look like standard Japanese vocabulary at all.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind for this part of the address. If you live in a house rather than an apartment, you typically won’t have a building name or room number at all. In that case, the address simply ends after the block and house number from the previous section (笹塚1-2-3), with no additional line needed.

If you live in an apartment or mansion (マンション), you’ll almost always need to include both the building name and room number, since multiple households share the same block/house number.

Room numbers often loosely correspond to the floor: for example, 101 usually means “1st floor, room 01,” and 305 would mean “3rd floor, room 05,” though this isn’t a strict rule and can vary by building.

Some older or smaller buildings don’t have an official building name at all. In these cases, you may only need to write the room number, or the block number itself may already be specific enough to identify the address.

Conclusion: Knowing How to Write Addresses in Japanese is Essential!

To live in Japan, being able to write and say your address in Japanese will make your life a whole lot easier! All the Japanese ward, city, and block names might be overwhelming at first, but as you understand how Japanese cities work, you will start remembering your address in no time. But if your address just completely wanders out of your mind, you can always show your address from your residence card or phone! Of course, feel free to use our Japanese Address converter above if you only know the address in English! 

Learn How to Write and Say Your Address at Coto Academy!

If you want to learn how to write your address properly, then we highly recommend joining us at Coto Academy! We have courses that will get you reading and writing not only hiragana and katakana but also kanji. But if you’re looking to get real practice speaking Japanese in practical settings, not just from a textbook, our conversation courses also have you covered!

Drop by our campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, or join us online from anywhere in the world! Simply fill out the form if you’re ready to sign up or if you just want a casual chat for more details!

FAQ:

How do you say Monday to Sunday in Japan? Knowing the days of the week in Japanese is one of the essential skills you need to have for everyday communication. Once you know them, along with days and months, you’ll find it much easier to make plans with your friends.

In this guide, we’ll introduce each day of the week with its Japanese name, pronunciation, and useful tips to help you remember them quickly. Let’s get started!

Basics of Days in Japanese: 曜日 (Youbi) 

Just like how each day of the week from Monday to Sunday ends with “day” in English, it is essentially the same in Japanese. Each day of the week ends with the word 曜日(youbi), which roughly means “day” but is specifically used for the weekdays. 

Note that although it’s spelled youbi, the first syllable isn’t pronounced like the English word “you.” In Japanese, it’s pronounced yo (as in “yo-yo”), followed by u (as in “oops”) and bi (like “bee”). This follows Japanese pronunciation rules and the concept of long vowels, not English phonetics.

Breaking down the characters, 曜 (you) means a celestial body, such as a planet, moon, or star, and 日 (bi) simply means “day”. The terms for the days of the week have their origins in ancient China, which associated each weekday with mythological beliefs in the celestial bodies. 

According to ancient Chinese astrology and mythology, there are five celestial bodies: fire, water, tree, gold/metal, and earth. Additionally, there is the moon and the sun. These concepts were brought to Japan, where they merged with local mythology to form the weekday names still used today. See how each day’s name relates to specific stars and planets.

Days of the Week in Japanese

The days of the week are quite simple. All you have to do is add one of the names of the weekday before 曜日 (youbi). Below is an infographic showing each day of the week along with the literal meaning of weekday to help make it easier to remember.

Here is each weekday in a table as well, showing each word in English, kanji, hiragana, and romaji for your convenience:

Breaking Down Each Japanese Weekdays

So, let’s take a look at each name of the weekday in Japanese, breaking down the literal translation as well as the actual name of the weekday. We will explore the traditional meanings of each weekday and their origins in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember each day of the week, but it will also give you a peek into Japan’s rich history with ancient China. 

Let’s look at each Japanese weekday name, breaking down both the literal meaning and the modern-day term. We’ll also explore the traditional origins of these names in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember the days of the week more easily but also give you a glimpse into Japan’s deep historical ties with ancient China

1. Monday: 月曜日(Getsuyoubi)

月曜日 (getsuyoubi) literally means ‘moon day’ since the character 月 (getsu) translates to moon. Somehow, like in many countries halfway across the world, ancient China, Japan, and Korea associated Monday with the moon.

2. Tuesday: 火曜日(Kayoubi) 

火曜日 (kayoubi) means ‘fire day’ as the character 火 (ka or hi) literally means fire. However, the word kayoubi actually refers to Mars, which was called the fire star in ancient China due to its red color. 

3. Wednesday: 水曜日(Suiyoubi) 

水曜日 (sui youbi) means ‘water day’ with the character 水 (sui or mizu) meaning water. But in the context of weekdays, suiyoubi refers to Mercury, or the water star in ancient Chinese.

4. Thursday: 木曜日 (Mokuyoubi) 

木曜日 (moku youbi) means ‘tree day’ with the character 木 (moku or ki) meaning tree. However, mokuyoubi refers to Jupiter, which was called the wood star in ancient Chinese since the color resembled wood. 

5. Friday: 金曜日 (Kinyoubi) 

金曜日 (kinyoubi) literally translates to ‘gold day’, referring to Venus, which was thought to resemble metal. The character 金 (kin) can translate to gold, metal, or even money.

6. Saturday: 土曜日 (Doyoubi) 

土曜日 (do youbi) just means ‘earth day’ with the character 土 (do or tsuchi) meaning earth or soil. However, in ancient Chinese, the word doyoubi is interpreted as earth star. This is associated with Saturn, which has a color resembling soil. 

7. Sunday: 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi) 

日曜日 (nichiyoubi) means the same as its English name, ‘sun day’. The character, 日 (nichi, hi, or bi), means‘sun’. In Japan, nichiyoubi actually has roots with the sun goddess, Amataresu, from the Japanese folk religion Shinto.

Key Vocabulary Related to Days of the Week in Japanese

Now that we know how to say the weekdays, how do we express week durations and sequences of events? There will be times when you will need to specify a certain time in week durations such as “this week”, “a week ago”, or “in two weeks”. What are they?

The word for week in Japanese is 週 (shuu), which is hardly used alone and often attached to other words to express week durations or sequences in different situations. 

Before we dive into some key vocabulary, let’s discuss the grammar you need to know.

1. Saying week durations in Japanese 

If you understand numbers and counting in Japanese, counting weeks will be relatively straightforward, since it works the same way. You just need to add a number to 週 (shuu) and 間 (kan) to transform the expression for counting the number of weeks, such as one week or two weeks.

The structure for counting week durations is as follows: 

Number + 週間 (shuukan)

Here is a table for counting the durations of weeks from 1 to 10:

Note that ichi (1) conjugates into isshuu kan and not ichishuu kan. You might also notice that 7 weeks is pronounced nanashuukan. This is called rendaku (sequential voicing) or consonant changes due to euphonic reasons.

2. Expressing weekdays and weekends

Most Japanese public services and businesses will have different hours depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. When asking the staff, on a bus timetable, or board with operating hours, these are the terms that are generally used:

3. Key vocabulary for day-related timeframes and frequencies

How can you express weeks in relative time sequences (past, present, and future)? There will be times when you will need to specify this week or next week when scheduling. Here is some key vocabulary to remember:

Tie everything together to schedule or make a reservation by not only specifying the week but also the time with our guide on how to tell time in Japanese.

How to Use Japanese Days Sentences

We’ve learned the basic days of the week in Japanese, from Monday to Sunday, along with related vocabulary. But in real life, you won’t just say the day names alone—you’ll need to use them in sentences, such as when asking questions, making plans, or giving answers.

Let’s take a look at some common phrases using the days of the week.

Talking about the days or week in Japanese

今日は火曜日です。
Kyou wa kayoubi desu.
Today is Tuesday.

明日は水曜日です。
Ashita wa suiyoubi desu.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. 

来週の月曜日は祝日です。
Raishuu no nichiyoubi wa shukujitsu desu.

平日は仕事がある。
Heijitsu wa shigoto ga aru.
I have work on the weekdays.

Asking about the day or week in Japanese

週末、予定がありますか。
Shuumatsu, yotei ga arimasu ka.
Do you have plans on the weekend?

明日は何曜日ですか。
Ashita wa nanyoubi desu ka.
What day is tomorrow?

昨日、何をしていましたか。
Kinou, nani o shite imashita ka.
What were you doing yesterday?

Conclusion: Wrapping Up The Week

Mastering the days of the week in Japanese is more than just memorizing vocabulary. It’s a key skill for daily communication, planning, and understanding Japanese culture. 

Of course, being able to schedule and make reservations in Japan takes practice. If you want to speak Japanese fluently, consider starting at a top language school like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.

You can choose from part-time or intensive courses across our four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, or join our interactive online lessons to learn from anywhere. Our small classes (only 8 students) ensure plenty of speaking practice and personalized attention.

Ready to start? Fill out the form below for a free level check or consultation to find the best learning path for you!

FAQ

Want to learn more basic Japanese? Read our guide on:

• 100 Basic Japanese Words to Know
• Complete Basic Japanese Phrases to Know
• Guide to Japanese Writing System: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji
• Western to Japanese Year Converter
• Guide to Dates in Japanese

Ramen is almost a ubiquitous symbol of Japan, and now that you have the chance to finally try the iconic dish in its home country, how do you actually order a bowl in Japanese? When you enter a Japanese ramen shop for the first time, you will be showered with options and customizability to match your preferences, from how firm you like your noodles to how thick you want your soup.

What should you say, and how do you want to customize your ramen toppings? Let’s find out everything you need to know to get the best bowl of noodles you may ever have!

What is Japanese Ramen? Is It The Same As Chinese Noodles?

Ramen likely needs no introduction; you can find it everywhere with famous instant brands like Maruchan, but with all the regional variations, actually defining what ramen is and how it’s distinguished from other noodle-based dishes isn’t as easy as you might think. So, ramen generally refers to a dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles in a savory broth. What really differentiates ramen from other noodle dishes is the inclusion of kansui, an alkaline solution that gives ramen noodles their characteristic bouncy, firm texture that doesn’t fall apart easily in broth.

However, this style of noodle soup originated in China, and it was one of many noodle soups brought over by Chinese immigrants. Eventually, they were collectively called 南京そば (nankin soba), based on how Chinatowns were referred to in Japanese as 南京町 (nankin machi), or “nankin towns.” Later, 中華そば (chuuka soba), meaning “Chinese noodles,” was adopted and is actually still used today. The actual name “ramen” is relatively new and wasn’t widely adopted until 1958. It’s likely the term also originates in China, but it was actually a name for another noodle dish, far removed from the one Japanese ramen actually came from. 

Since ramen is a relatively new term, even to this day, when walking the bustling food streets of Japan, you will still come across shops using the word 中華そば (chuukasoba) instead of “ramen.” They both generally refer to the same thing, but generally shops making a more “classical” style of ramen will opt to use 中華そば. 

So, over the years, ramen became the most popular term for this iconic noodle dish and has evolved into something unique to Japan, distinct from the Chinese version it originated from.

How Many Different Types of Japanese Ramen Can you Order?

As we mentioned, there is a variety of ramen, and different regions have developed their own unique takes on the iconic dish. If we dive into every variation of ramen that exists, this blog would never end! So, generally, ramen falls into broad categories based on the soup base. You’ve probably heard of 醤油ラーメン (shouyu ramen), a ramen with a soy sauce-based broth, which is one of several common types of ramen.

Most shops you will go to in Japan will specialize in one or two types of ramen rather than offering every variety you can think of. So, here are some broad categories of ramen to look for and try in Japan:

1. 醬油ラーメン (Shouyu Raamen): Shoyu Ramen

A soy sauce-based broth that brings a light, balanced savory flavor to the table, especially when paired with other ingredients such as meats like pork or chicken. The ramen is also characterized by its deep umami flavor that is known to be both comforting and nostalgic. It’s one of the oldest and most classic styles of ramen and is seen as the foundation of Japanese ramen culture.

2. 豚骨ラーメン (Tonkotsu Raamen): Pork Broth Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is one of the most popular types of ramen, known for its bold, flavorful broth and rich, creamy texture. The deep umami and meaty flavor comes from the pork bones, which are boiled for hours, or even days, to release all the flavors that pork has to offer. 

The island of Kyushu, particularly the Fukuoka and Kumamoto regions, is famous for its Tonkotsu ramen. The famous chain 一覧 (ichi-ran) comes from Fukuoka.

3. 煮干しラーメン (Niboshi Raamen): Dried Sardine Ramen

Niboshi Ramen consists of a broth made by boiling dried baby sardines, bringing out a dominant umami flavor that can range from light to intensely rich, salty, and slightly bitter.

4. 鳥白湯 ラーメン (Toripaitan Raamen): Chicken Broth Ramen

Similar to Tonkotsu ramen, toripaitan ramen is made by boiling chicken bones to create a chicken-based broth that’s characterized by its white color, creamy texture, and chicken-derived umami. It’s both mellow and rich, but considered a lighter cousin of the Tonkotsu broth.

5. 塩ラーメン (Shio Raamen): Salt Ramen

As the name implies, shio ramen, meaning “salt ramen,” consists of salt-seasoned broth offering a light but delicate flavor. It’s a simple yet balanced ramen that pairs well with the meats and other ingredients inside. The ramen is known for its clear broth that boasts hearty flavors.

6. 味噌ラーメン (Miso Raamen): Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is one of Japan’s quintessential ramen since it employs one of Japan’s most iconic flavors: miso, a fermented bean paste. The miso gives ramen a rich texture, deep umami, and nuttiness. It’s known for its hearty taste and ingredients; it’s easily one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods. Hokkaido is particularly famous for its Miso Ramen, which often incorporates unique ingredients such as corn, butter, and pork.

7. 油そば (Abura Soba): Oil Ramen

Abura soba literally means “oil ramen,” as it’s a brothless style of ramen tossed in soy sauce and lard or oil. The noodles are usually thicker and topped with slices of pork; it’s also common to add vinegar, chili oil, and garlic.

8. つけ麺 (Tsukemen): Dipping Noodles

Tsukemen is defined by the fact that you dip the noodles in a thick broth. Unlike conventional ramen, the noodles and soup are separated. The noodles tend to be thick and chewy, while the broth is more intense, lending the noodles a rich flavor.

This is a very non-exhaustive list of ramen varieties, but these are the quintessential ones that have come to define the Japanese style of ramen. But there are many popular ramen we didn’t go over, such as tantanmen, a spicy, nutty ramen considered more Chinese-style and often served in Chinese restaurants as well as ramen shops.

But whichever ramen you get, you can usually customize it to your liking, so let’s find out what options you have and how you can describe what you like.

Common Options For Customizing Your Ramen Order in Japanese

Most ramen shops and even stalls offer a variety of options to match your preferences. Each restaurant has its own system for taking orders; most commonly, you order the ramen through a vending machine, which distributes a ticket that you give to the staff. Then you have to let staff know your preferences. Oftentimes, you might hear this phrase:

お好みはありますか？
Okonomi wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any preferences?

お好み (okonomi) translates to “preferences,” so this is when you can tell the staff how you like your noodles, soup thickness, and even how oily you want the soup, among other things that the shop can offer. It is similar to how steakhouses will ask how you like your meat cooked. Noodles are pretty similar, where the length of cooking time will give them a firmer or softer texture. 

However, some shops will actually have you fill out a paper form to specify your preferences based on specific options the shop offers. Every restaurant might offer customizations unique to its store, such as adding chili powder. So, how do you discuss your ramen preferences in Japanese, and what are some common customizations you are usually able to do when you visit a ramen shop?

1. Types of Noodles in Japanese

Some ramen shops will offer different types of noodles, from thin to thick. But note that not all shops offer a variety of noodle styles, since they may focus on serving only one type of noodle that pairs best with the broth. But here are the ramen noodle varieties you will find in many ramen shops across Japan.

太麵 (Futomen):
Literally means “fat noodles”; they are thicker (not as thick as udon) and ideal for thicker, heavier broths since they won’t get soggy as quickly. They are a popular choice for miso ramen.

ちじれめん (Chijiremen): 
Chijiremen literally translates to “wavy noodles,” which, as the name implies, are curly and bouncy. This allows the noodles to hold on to the broth and toppings. These noodles are popular with shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and tsukemen, a type of ramen where you dip the noodles in the broth.

細麵 (Hosomen):
Hosomen literally means “thin noodles,” so they are known for being very thin, light, and delicate. They provide a subtle texture that goes well with light broths like shio ramen, since they also cook and absorb flavor more easily.

Most of the time, when ramen shops offer different noodle options, they will ask you to choose between futomen (thick noodles) and hosomen (thin noodles). Often, chijiremen is just the default option for ramen shops that use them. But how do you actually let the staff know which noodles you want? Generally, you can just say the noodles you prefer, followed by お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai), a respectful way of saying “please.”

Example:

細麺お願いします。
Hosomen onegaishimasu.
Thin noodles, please.

2. 面の硬さ(Men no Katasa): Noodle Firmness

麺の硬さ refers to how firm or soft you would prefer your noodle texture. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

1. かため (Katame)
Firm or hard noodles, cooked for less time, have a firmer, less moist texture.

2. 普通 (Futsuu): 
Normal or standard noodle firmness, best for those who don’t want their noodles too firm nor too soft.

3. 軟らかめ (Yawarakame): 
Soft noodles, cooked for longer, have a softer texture that’s easy to bite and chew.

Many ramen shops will just have you fill out a paper to specify how firm you want your noodles, but it’s also really common for shops to ask you how you like your noodles directly. It might be one of the most common follow-up questions after you order the ramen and specify the size. 

Example:

スタッフ：麺の硬さはどうされますか？
Sutaffu: Men no katasa wa dousaremasuka?
Staff: How firm would you like your noodles?

あなた: めんをかためでお願いします
Anata: Men o katame de onegaishimasu.
You: I would like my noodles firm, please.

Like the previous example, you can use onegaishimasu to make a polite request. However, when specifying how firm or soft you want your noodles, you have to attach the particle で to the adjective. In this case, if you want hard noodles, you have to say かためで (katame de).

3. 味の濃さ (ji no Kosa): Soup Thickness

味の濃さ refers to how rich or light you would prefer the flavor of your soup to be. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• こってり／濃いめ (Kotteri / Koime): Thick or rich flavor, with a heavier, more concentrated taste.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard richness, a balanced choice for those who don’t want their soup too heavy nor too light.
• あっさり／薄め (Assari / Usume): Light flavor, with a more delicate, subtle taste.

Just like with noodle firmness, you can use the same sentence structure to request your preferred soup thickness, simply by replacing 麺 (men) with スープ (suupu):

Example:

スープをこってりでお願いします。
Suupu o kotteri de onegaishimasu.
I would like my soup rich, please.

4. 脂の量 (Abura no Ryou): Soup Oiliness

脂の量 refers to how much oil you would prefer in your soup. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• 多め (Oome): More oil, for a richer, heavier mouthfeel.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard amount of oil.
• 少なめ (Sukuname): Less oil, for a lighter, cleaner finish.

Again, the same sentence structure applies here, simply replace 麺 (men) with 脂 (abura) to specify how oily you would like your soup:

Example:

脂を少なめでお願いします。
Abura o sukuname de onegaishimasu.
I would like less oil, please.

5. Serving Sizes

Of course, you can choose your preferred serving size based on how much you can eat and your appetite. Note that Japanese portion sizes tend to be smaller, so the regular portion might not be enough if you’re used to Western servings. However, there are ramen shops known for their monumental portions, so try to see how big the sizes actually are before you bite more than you can chew. 

Here are the general portion size categories you can expect to find at a Japanese ramen shop. 

• 並盛り(Nami Mori): Normal Size
• 中盛り(Naka Mori): Medium Size
• 大盛り(Oo Mori): Large Size
• 特大 (Toku Dai): Extra-large Size
• 特製 (Toku Sei): Special Portion

Usually, you choose the ramen size when you order it from the vending machine, but some shops may only take spoken orders. Generally, when you order the ramen you want, you may have to specify the size as well. Here is how you can do that in one sentence.

Example:

豚骨ラーメンの大盛りでお願いします。
Tonkotsu raamen no oomori de onegaishimasu.
I would like a large tonkotsu ramen, please.

You can also say 大盛りのラーメンお願いします (oomori no raamen onegaishimasu) to say the same thing. The particle の is used to connect the ramen you want, tonkotsu, with your desired size, oomori. You can use の either to say 豚骨ラーメンの大盛り (tonkotsu raamen no oomori) or 大盛りの豚骨ラーメン (oomori no tonkotsu raamen) which both mean large-sized tonkotsu ramen.

Also note that most ramen restaurants serving Yokohama-style ramen offer a free bowl of ご飯 (gohan), or rice. They are usually labeled 横浜家系 (Yokohama Kakei), meaning Yokohama-style. Also, be on the lookout for free size upgrades or extra noodles; the word for “free” is 無料 (Muryou).

6. Typical Toppings, Side Orders, & Condiments

No ramen is complete without the toppings and sides that elevate this iconic dish to one of the world’s most beloved noodle dishes. From the tender pork slices to the green onion that adds subtle flavor and texture, these toppings can really do a lot of heavy lifting to make the ramen even tastier. So, let’s find out the most common Japanese words you need to know for topping your ramen with even more deliciousness!

Here’s the table on its own so you can copy it directly:

Bring it All Together to Order Your Preferred Ramen in Japanese

Since some ramen stores will only take spoken orders and won’t have any order forms to specify your preferences, let’s see how you can actually answer the question “Do you have any preferences?” or お好みはありますか？(okomi wa arimasuka?) in a natural and confident way.

Generally, when you order a ramen, you will need to specify the ramen you want, as well as the size, first:

Example 1:

並盛りの塩ラーメンお願いします。
Nami mori no shio raamen onegaishimasu.
I would like a standard-sized shio ramen, please.

Afterward, the staff will likely ask about preferences, either asking about noodles or preferences specifically, or will ask the general question お好みはありますか？ to which you can answer with this example.

Example 2:

麺は細麺で、硬さは普通で、スープはこってりで、脂は少なめでお願いします。
Men wa hosomen de, katasa wa futsuu de, suupu wa kotteri de, abura wa sukuname de onegaishimasu.
For the noodles, I’d like thin noodles, normal firmness, a rich soup, and less oil, please.

You can simply chain your preferences together using the で particle between each one and finish the whole thing with お願いします at the end. This is a very natural and efficient way to rattle off multiple preferences in one go without pausing between items.

If you only have one or two preferences, you can of course keep it much simpler:

Example 3:

麺は太麺で、硬さはかためでお願いします。
Men wa futomen de, katasa wa katame de onegaishimasu.
I’d like thick noodles and firm, please.

But if you have no preferences, you can simply let them know you’ll use the standard for everything. Here is how you can say that in Japanese:

Example 4:

普通でお願いします。
Futsuu de onegaishimasu.
Regular is fine, thank you.

普通 (futsuu) can translate to “regular” or “standard,” so it’s a convenient go-to phrase when you don’t have preferences or just want the ramen as it normally is. 

Conclusion: Ordering The Best Ramen is About Sharing Your Preferences

Ramen is undeniably one of the best foods to try in Japan; however, ordering it there can be daunting with all the options and customizations. But don’t worry, even in the shops that don’t have any paper form to fill out, just by remembering a few phrases from this blog, you will get the best bowl of ramen tailored to your desired tastes! And if you don’t really have any particularities, just simply say 普通でお願いします (futsuu de onegaishimasu)!

Practice Ordering Ramen in Japanese with Coto Academy!

If you want to get some Japanese practice for ordering ramen or other daily activities, join us at Coto Academy! Our Japanese teachers are not only native speakers but also trained professional educators who can coach you to speak Japanese naturally and fluently. We have conversation-based courses focused on preparing you for daily-life conversations in Japan, JLPT prep courses, or more comprehensive classes to cover all your language needs. Whatever your goals are, we have professional teachers ready to work with you to reach them.

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