Whether you’re just beginning your Japanese studies or already at an advanced level, chances are you will still encounter unfamiliar words that leave you reaching for a dictionary. Whether it’s through an app or a traditional paper dictionary, having the right tool can make all the difference.

As interest in the Japanese language continues to grow, despite its reputation as one of the most challenging languages to learn so does the number of available Japanese dictionaries. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we will be reviewing the most popular Japanese dictionaries across categories, from paper dictionaries to smartphone apps.

What Makes a Good Japanese Dictionary? 

A good Japanese-to-English dictionary is a must-have tool for all learners of the language. These dictionaries helps us learn Japanese faster and more efficiently. It must have 100% accuracy and be up-to-date, meaning that it must be updated every few years. Looking at the learner level the dictionary is at is also very important, as a beginner isn’t going to be using or learning the same words as someone getting ready to take the JLPT N1.

And lastly, having key features in the dictionary to help users retain more of what they are reading will be useful. This could include having some basic grammar worksheet usage. So, depending on what you are looking for, these key distinctions will help you in deciding which dictionary it is that you may need and can get the most use out of.

Looking for apps to learn Japanese? Check out these 30 apps for Japanese learning!

Best Japanese Paper Dictionaries

Traditional paper dictionaries have been used by people for many years. Because they are printed, they are a reliable source of the most accurate and detailed explanations for words and sentences. Here are our recommended paper dictionaries for Japanese learners.

1. Kodansha’s Communicative English-Japanese Dictionary

Widely referenced as the most comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary available. It has an all-inclusive word bank of 22,000 words with the support of 190,000 sample questions. It includes Japanese translations for common words, technical terms, and even slang. Additionally, phrasal verbs, specific expressions, idioms, and related grammar points are also included. Most importantly, there is furigana to ensure users the ease of reading.

Buy Kodansha’s Communicative English-Japanese Dictionary
In conclusion, this is a well-rounded paper dictionary suitable for all levels of Japanese learners.

Buy Kodansha’s Communicative English-Japanese Dictionary on Amazon.

2.Oxford Beginner’s Japanese Dictionary (Multilingual Edition)

This highly rated dictionary was designed to help English-speaking learners have a comprehensive and straightforward introduction to Japanese. It covers vocabulary needed within the first year of study, has notes on grammar, and overall helps guide readers on the culture of Japan. They provide clear examples to show how the language will be used in varying contexts, and is overall well-organized. One of its key features, too, is that the dictionary is split into two sections: The first, where words are organized alphabetically in Japanese, then the second part is organized alphabetically in English.

Buy Oxford’s Beginner Japanese Dictionary on Amazon.

3. Kodansha’s Furigana Dictionary

If you are an absolute beginner and would like a dictionary that matches your beginner level, we recommend you use this. It is a basic English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionary with 30,000 applicable basic Japanese words.
As its name suggests, there is always furigana on top of every kanji in the dictionary to assist the user as they read.
Despite having a smaller word bank, the explanations for each term are precise and comprehensive. For example, words are explained with thousands of examples of sentences. Differences in the usage of similar words are clarified in the dictionary. In conclusion, this is the first Japanese dictionary for beginners.

Buy Kodansha’s Furigana Dictionary on Amazon.

Electronic Japanese Dictionaries

If you feel that it is too troublesome flipping through thousands of pages on a paper dictionary, you may consider getting an electronic one.
Electronic Japanese dictionaries are portable, fast and with useful features such as kanji writing recognition and integrated audio. Some may also have multiple dictionaries stored. This allows you to avoid the trouble of carrying a heavy book around.

Electronic dictionaries have one big weakness – most Japanese electronic dictionaries are built for Japanese English learners. Therefore, the user interface is in Japanese most of the time. If you are a beginner in Japanese, we do not recommend you to get one.

The price of an electronic dictionary depends on its features and the number of dictionaries stored. While older models with basic functions cost less than 40 US dollars, some newer models have more features and bigger word banks are priced up to $500.

Because of the convenient translation websites and apps today, it is almost pointless to spend money on simple electronic dictionaries. As such, we advise you to purchase a newer model with better features. Specific models we recommend is Casio’s ED 9800 Series. It is the comprehensive English-Japanese dictionary series with the latest features. The latest model has the largest word bank supported by 20 English-Japanese dictionaries and 11 Japanese-Japanese dictionaries. Some online dictionaries have audiobooks attached to them, so users are able to double-check what they are saying sounds the same (or similar) to native speakers.

Best Online Japanese Dictionaries and Apps

If you are looking for an easy solution that is also free, we recommend you use an online dictionary and ap dictionary. Online dictionaries and apps only require your phone or laptop and an internet connection (some are even available totally offline). They are extremely convenient, easily accessible, and suitable for most people.
Here are our recommended online dictionaries and apps.

1. Weblio

Weblio is the largest Japanese dictionary website with about 11,370,000 words recorded. You can simply search for the English explanation of a Japanese word or vice versa. Detailed explanations from different dictionaries will be listed with example sentences, phrases, and related words. However, because of the Japanese UI, this website is only recommended to upper beginners and above.

Check out Weblio.

2. Jisho.org

This is a powerful English-Japanese online dictionary with a simple user interface and easy-to-use functions. Advanced search options allow you to search for Japanese translations, Kanji, example sentences, and names.
You can also look for words by their radicals, drawings, and even voice input in both Japanese and English. And what is really great for Japanese learners is that you can identify words based on their JLPT level. The Kanji from the words will also be listed on the right with their pronunciations and meanings. This online dictionary is extremely suitable for self-learners.

Check out Jisho.org.

3. Japanese Dictionary Takoboto (Android)

Rated the highest on Google Play, this is one of the best free offline Japanese dictionaries for Android. You can search for words using romaji, kana, kanji or alphabets. Additionally, you can also search for the translation of complete sentences – just like jisho.org, you can search for kanji by their radicals. Other useful features, such as flashcards and custom word lists, make it even more convenient for use by learners.  If you are using an Android device, we highly recommend this app.

Check out Takaboto on Android.

4. Imiwa? (iOS)

A wordplay on the Japanese phrase “What’s the meaning?”, Imiwa is a popular free offline multilingual Japanese dictionary for iPhone. Like the one introduced above, this app also has a strong search engine that allows you to search by meaning, romaji, kanji or alphabet. Of course, you can also search for a Kanji by radicals or by drawing it out. Animated stroke order diagrams, pronunciations, and definitions of the kanji are shown in many languages.
For revision, you can review the words in your search history and create your vocabulary lists. Many users rate this dictionary highly and recommend it online.

Check out Imiwa on iOS.

5. Japanese(iOS/Android)

“Japanese” is a comprehensive offline Japanese dictionary for both Android and iPhone. It compiles every useful feature you can find in other Japanese dictionary apps. There are over 175,000 entries and 58,000 example sentences in this app, covering every word you would see. Moreover, it is more than just a dictionary. For users sitting for the JLPT or the Kanji Kentei, it has ready-built study lists for each level to properly prepare.

Check out Japanese in iOS.

6. ALC

ALC is a well-established name in Japan’s language-learning world, known for its dependable and comprehensive resources. Its flagship online dictionary, Eijirou (英辞郎), is especially popular among professionals, including translators, thanks to its extensive database of example sentences, collocations, idiomatic phrases, and technical terms that are often missing from other dictionaries.

This dictionary helps learners understand specialized vocabulary and how people use it in different contexts.

Check out ALC.

7. Nihongo

If you’re learning Japanese and use a phone or iPad, Nihongo is one of the best dictionary apps you can get your hands on. The app was developed by Japanese learner Chris Vasselli and is designed for students and fellow learners.

What makes Nihongo stand out is its seamless mix of dictionary and study tools. It automatically creates flashcards from words you look up, lets you add photos to help with memory, and shows whether a word is common, uncommon, or rare. 

There are also some clever features that make learning smoother. The app includes a Safari extension that adds furigana to kanji on websites, a handwriting tool for when you don’t know a Kanji’s reading, and a “Clippings” feature that lets you save real Japanese text and study it later. You can even trace words you’ve saved back to the original content they came from. 

Check out Nihongo.

8. Kotobank

Kotobank is a Japanese-language online encyclopedia that lets you search across a wide range of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and databases.

It’s a go-to tool when you want quick, reliable definitions or need to better understand the deeper meaning of a Japanese term. The definitions often provide more nuance and cultural context than you’d get from a simple translation. 

Check out Kotobank.

9. Linguee

Linguee is a free online dictionary that supports multiple language pairs, including Japanese, German, Spanish, and more, translated from English. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require an account or login, which makes it a convenient tool for quick lookups.

What really sets Linguee apart is its vast number of example sentences. In addition to basic, tool-generated examples, it pulls real-world sentences from external sources like multilingual websites. These examples provide richer context and help you see words or phrase in natural writing. While not every translation is perfect due to the lack of manual review, this dictionary is still an excellent resource for learners. 

Check out Linguee.

10. Tagaini Jisho

Tagaini Jisho is a free Japanese-English dictionary app available for both Mac and Windows. While the interface may look dated, the platform offers a wide range of features that are useful for serious learners. You can filter vocabulary by JLPT level, parts of speech, or kanji elements, making it great for targeted study. It even includes Kanji stroke order animations to help with writing practice.

Other standout features include the ability to add custom tags and notes to entries, create flashcards, and even print out study booklets using foldable templates. These print-friendly sheets are perfect if you prefer offline learning or want something to carry around in your pocket.

Check out Tagaini Jisho.

11. Shirabe Jisho (iOS)  

“Shirabe Jisho” is owned by the same users who made Jisho.org, so now having a mobile interface that can be used in both Japanese-English or English-Japanese makes it all the better in our books. Its reliability stands out for users as well, with it having 4.9 stars out of 5 with over 7,500 ratings. 

Check out Shirabe Jisho.

Ready to Learn Japanese? Join Coto Academy!

There are many ways to go about learning Japanese, let alone many options for dictionaries. Take time for yourself and think about what will work best for you and your learning needs before you purchase your next dictionary. What are some features that you think will help you better comprehend Japanese? You could maybe trial a few to see what works best for you before totally submitting to one! 

If you’re looking for in-person practice or one-on-one help from a native speaker, Coto Academy may be what you need! With in-person classes or private online courses, Coto has a variety of options based on your needs to help you learn Japanese culture and language with ease!

If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below. Courses can be found here.

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Let’s face it: Japanese YouTube channels redefine what it means to go above and beyond for online entertainment.

Content creators in Japan wear a lot of faces — both literally and figuratively. They’re propelled by outlandish challenges, mukbangs and squeamish close-ups of fish cutting. We’re talking about consuming ten packs of fire noodles in one seating and cracking open sea cucumbers and poisonous starfish.

But behind the questionably thick veil of Japanese Youtubers, a lot of Japanese Youtube channels have dedicated themselves to helping their international audience learn the Japanese language and culture, proving that YouTube can be an educational platform, too.

So where do you go when you’re looking to climb out of the rabbit hole of freaky Japanese content — and into something more, say, digestible?

Of all the many gathered in the digital creative landscape, we’ve collected 50 of our top Japanese YouTube channels you should subscribe to. A lot of them provide free online Japanese learning resources.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, there are Japanese YouTube channels waiting for you.

We’re breaking them down into three categories: Teachers, vloggers and Japanese culture content creators.

Don’t know where to start? Check out Coto’s YouTube account or Coto’s blog section for more helpful Japanese tips and learning materials.

Japanese Youtube Channels: Japanese Teachers

JapanesePod101.com

Recommended for beginners, JapanesePod101 is a channel that covers topics ranging from grammar to vocabulary to reading and many more! It is a verified Japanese Youtube channel with over 2.3 million subscribers. They would host daily YouTube live streams for Japanese listening, speaking and writing. 

Kendra’s Language School

This channel has listening practices. Not only that, the videos give you practice and they have romaji and Japanese words on the screen. It would be easy to follow. Their videos cater to both English and Chinese learners.

Nihonhonomori

This channel has listening practices. Not only that, the videos give you practice and they have romaji and Japanese words on the screen. It would be easy to follow. Their videos cater to both English and Chinese learners.

Minori Education

Minori is perfect for beginners learning N5 and N4 who want to take a challenge. All of their videos are in Japanese to hone your listening skills, but you can always turn on their multilingual subtitles if the lesson goes a bit too hard. The YouTube channel uploads almost daily, and all of the Japanese tutorials are designed for students to map smooth progress. They break down vocabularies, grammar structures and questions. You will also have a practice session at the end.

NihonGoal

There’s an ongoing debate among the Japanese learning community about textbooks: Minna no Nihongo, or Genki? Helmed by Rose, you pick the prior, then NihonGoal is the perfect YouTube channel to walk you through the book. They break down the study into three series: vocabulary, grammar and Kanji. Rose isn’t a native Japanese speaker, though, so if you are focusing on speaking and Japanese pronunciation, head somewhere else.

Tokini Andy

Andy’s presence is unmatched. Combining playful monologues and great presentation skills, Tokini Andy becomes a channel to help Japanese learners nail Japanese conversational fluency — all while having fun. The textbooks he uses are also the Genki books, and his videos are aptly slow and practical. You’ll get sample sentences, extra tips for Japanese grammar and useful vocabulary. He also has his own Patreon.

Dogen

If you hear him blindfolded, you might assume he’s a Japanese — or at the very least, a hafu — but Dogen is one of the few talented international Youtuber who just so happens to nail that spot-on Japanese native-level accent. His YouTube channel primarily consists of comedic skits and quirky storytelling about very relatable Japanese antics that foreigners will understand if they live in Japan long enough. You can head to his Patreon for more thorough (and serious) Japanese phonetic lessons. 

Japanese Ammo with Misa

Japanese Ammo with Misa is flexible for both beginners and advanced learners. She gives lessons on Japanese grammar and vocabulary. There are also videos for useful Japanese phrases as well as topics on Japanese culture. The channel has many playlists that can help you enhance your Japanese learning.

Miku Real Japanese

Miku’s videos are a fun and effective way of learning Japanese. Her playlist has grammar and listening to videos for practice for beginner to intermediate learners. Not only that, you can practice your speaking skill, as well as she has a playlist called “speak with me”. She also does videos on learning Japanese with Terrace House as it would be interesting and fun to take it out of the classroom. You’ll also have access to extra videos if you sign up for her Patreon.

Learning Kanji

This is one of our recommended Japanese Youtube channels that’s perfect if you are considering taking the JLPT exam. The person goes through questions about how to answer and tips on how to answer them. He explains vocabulary to suit everyone’s needs. His videos have a variety of question papers from JLPT, kanji, grammar, hiragana, and katakana. As for JLPT, he has N5 to N2 practice papers which he goes through it. He also does a video on the MEXT scholarship exam.

BondLingo

Learn Japanese Online with BondLingo upload videos about the Japanese language and cultures. Not only are there online lessons, but there are apps on mobile as well. Their playlist consists of the JLPT practice exam – grammar, N5 to N2 but also pronunciation videos as well! They also have live streams for Japanese study sessions, and it’s always good to join the room to make your learning journey less lonely.

Learn Japanese

This Japanese Youtuber gives free videos for JLPT preparations ranging from all levels. His lessons are pretty laidback and chill, and he even has some content dedicated to learning Japanese from anime. He has a dedicated playlist called the Writing Systems for introductions to all aspects of the Japanese writing system: hiragana, katakana and kanji.

Learn Japanese From Zero!

Learn Japanese From Zero is an informative channel that posts videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Every video goes through a respective lesson on the channel’s textbook, and materials are only available online. This makes it easy for anyone to learn Japanese and take notes. He also has his own Japanese textbook. 

Yuko Sensei

Yuko Sensei has been teaching Japanese at the university level for 20 years, so to say that she is a Japanese language expert would be a safe bet. Her videos discard any boring PowerPoint, and instead focuses on interactive color-coded animations to help you understand Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and scripts. For those learners who cannot attend classes or do not know where to start learning, this channel is good for online learning courses. She also offers free trial courses.

PuniPuniJapan

PuniPuniJapan’s videos are well-illustrated and narrated with clear explanations. It is more recommended for beginners who started learning Japanese. They cover topics such as katakana, grammar, vocabulary and more. Besides that, PuniPuniJapan also uploads videos about Japanese culture.

Tae Kim

The channel provides step by step learning. They have different episodes and on the episodes, they teach learners different topics such as negative state, adjectives and sentence ending. This channel has a lot of different variables when it comes to learning Japanese. Their video areas are very classroom-based and it is very easy to follow.

ライト Japanese Library 

ライト Japanese Library features Light, who is a foreigner who speaks Japanese, English, and Afrikaans. On his channel, he has videos teaching Japanese as well as some daily vlogs with his daughter. He also gives many different tips for living in Japan.

WORDPIE

This channel is good to learn Japanese because their videos are in songs. Their videos are appealing and it is easy to follow as they have Japanese words plus English words are well. Not only that, their videos are all about Japanese vocabularies.

Kanji – Link

It is very easy to learn Japanese grammar and kanji on this channel. Their videos have an animation of a teacher teaching. Their video content is also very easy to understand. Their kanji videos are step by step and it teaches you basic kanji and how to write it.

Organic Japanese with Cure Dolly

This channel is very good at making simplifying Japanese and making it easier to understand. Their videos are taught by an “android sensei”. Their explanations are very good and their content is original and engaging. Her methods of teaching Japanese are a little unorthodox, but very effective. Unfortunately, the owner of the channel has passed away, but the channel remains up and is still a very good resource.  

FunNihongo

This channel is good to learn basic Japanese because they make learning videos into songs so it would be easier to learn. The videos are interesting as well. They only have 1 playlist of videos such as day of the week song or the hiragana song. This channel is good for both adults and children.

わさび Japanese Teacher Vtuber

わさび or Wasabi is a Japanese Vtuber teacher that makes videos that are great for Beginner and Intermediate learners. She makes grammar and listening videos as well as a lot of YouTube shorts that go over vocab words. She is a much smaller creator, and is able to respond to a lot of questions in her comments.

Nami Ohara

Nami Ohara is another tJapanese grammar, vocabulary, and listening. Also, there are many videos on Japanese culture. Another feature of this channel is that there are many listening quizzes and tests for you to practice your listening skills. Not only that, they have many videos on learning Japanese through songs.

Masa Sensei

This channel is great for beginners in learning Japanese. Masa Sensei, the creator of this channel, makes weekly videos on Japanese grammar. In every video, she explains what grammar means and how to apply it. She also gives clear illustrations and examples in her videos.

三本塾 -Sambon Juku- 

This channel is very good for Intermediate and Advanced learners.  Sambon Juku has multiple playlists for everything from Phrases to Hiragana. He also has series going over N3, N2 and N1. He has very clear explanations and example sentences. His videos are narrated in Japanese, but he also has English subtitles if needed.

myjapanese

myjapanese is a channel covering levels from beginner to advanced. The topics covered are hiragana, kanji, JLPT, and business Japanese. There are many informative videos and are all well narrated and explained in English. The channel posts a new video every week.

Easy Peasy Japanesey

Watching anime and Japanese TV programs is a great vehicle to accelerate your Japanese skill. Easy Peasy Japanesey disects scenes from iconic anime like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer and breaks down the Japanese vocabularies and grammar structure involved. It’s a great, seemingly effortless away to learn Japanese — just don’t binge watch them all at once if you’re an anime fan who’s avoiding gut-wrenching, tear-inducing spoilers. 

Yumi Ura

Yumi Ura is a channel that is especially good for Japanese students preparing to take the JLPT N2 and N3 level tests. All the videos in this channel are on topics for the N2 and N3-level tests. Their videos allow viewers to practice their listening skills as it is everything is explained Japanese.

Japanization

Japanization is good for learning basic Japanese. Started by a native Japanese, he makes lesson videos on Japanese grammar and vocabulary, as well as on different aspects of Japanese culture. He explains well in English in every video too. Thus, making it easy for non-Japanese listeners to follow.

Clayton MacKnight

Registering for a JLPT exam can be unnerving, let alone preparing for it. Enter Clayton MacKnight, your perfect virtual study buddy. He’s currently residing in Osaka and has recently passed N2. His channel that features a variety of videos to help those taking JLPT. Expect all things Japanese covered in his channels, from grammar and kanji to study guides to Japanese culture. It’s also great to get a learning support from a foreigner. The videos have graphic illustrations to them more engaging. .

Michiyo Wojnovich

Michiyo Wojnovich is a good channel for those learning Japanese with Genki textbooks. All the videos on the channel cover topics from the Genki textbooks. The teacher, Michiyo, narrates and explains each topic in every video in English.

31. Japonin

6 thousand subscribers

Japonin is a channel that can help learners to improve and enhance their Japanese reading skills. There are many videos that feature a text with clear narration. There are also various cultural topics such as ‘imported words’ and ‘origami’ for learners to enhance their Japanese culture knowledge.

Plain Japanese

Plain Japanese’s online lessons are being taught by a native Japanese teacher. Their videos are well-illustrated and explained, covering many different topics on the Japanese language such as grammar and kanji. There are also other informative videos such as ‘Japanese Greetings’ and ‘Counting Numbers in Japanese’.

Top Japanese Youtube Channels: Vloggers

Nihongo Mantappu 

You can leave it up to Jerome Polin to give you a full angle of what it’s like to live in Japan as a university student. As a MEXT scholarship awardee, Jerome is enrolled at Waseda University. His videos started from a humble ground: to help potential Japanese international students learn Japanese and kickstart their life here. It didn’t take long for his channel to skyrocket. After several vlogs, collaborations and fun challenges with his university friends, Jerome quickly grew to be the biggest star in Japan’s creator platform. Now, he has more than 7.5 million subscribers, and the numbers aren’t slowing down. 

Rachel and Jun

This channel is good for learning Japanese because they do vlogs about their daily lives. The channel, started by a Japanese husband and an American wife, who are both living in Japan. Rachel would speak in English while her husband would speak in Japanese. Sometimes both would speak each other’s languages. Their videos have Japanese subtitles so it would be easy to follow and learn about new words. Their videos are very interesting and sometimes funny too. They do not post on their main channel anymore, but still regularly upload on ‘Rachel & Jun’s Adventures!‘

Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japan does vlogs which talk about how his interreaction experience with the Japanese culture and people here. Some of his interesting vlogs are “how to lose weight in Japan” and “Japanese thoughts on London magic man”

Life Where I’m From

Life Where I’m From has a series of Japanese documentaries and life in Japan starring their children. They give interesting and educational insight into their everyday. They also show how is life in Japan through a series of vlogs. 

39. Bilingirl Chika

A Japanese Youtube celebrity with over 1.4 million subscribers. Her channel has videos in both English and Japanese. Having moved to America at a young age, she has many things to learn about Japan and shares about them on her channel. She also shared many vlogs on her daily life.

Tokyo Lens

The name of this Youtuber is pretty self-explanatory. Tokyo Lens offers an interesting, otherwise unseen, angle to Japan. From exploring Japan’s smallest apartment to visiting Japan’s most active volcano, his videos provide a unique take on living in Japan. 

Tokyo Creative

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Japan is one of those countries blessed with not just four seasons, but four amazing ones. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer lights up with fireworks festivals, autumn glows with vibrant momiji, and finally, winter arrives with powder-soft snow in ski destinations like Hokkaido and sparkling winter illuminations in major cities like Tokyo.

But how do you describe the snow on your ski trip, or talk about plunging temperatures in Japanese? Japan has become one of the most sought-after destinations in recent years, and one of the best ways to appreciate the country even more is by learning to describe it in its own language. If you’re spending winter in Japan, this guide will walk you through useful winter vocabulary in Japanese, snow-related expressions, and everyday phrases to help you navigate Japan’s cold season!

Want to learn Japanese during your trip to Japan? Join short-term, flexible, and fun lessons at Coto Academy!

What is Snow in Japanese?

Let’s start with the basics! In Japanese, snow is called yuki, written as 雪. The kanji uses the radical 雨, which means “rain,” hinting at its connection to weather. The word yuki often appears in place names and is also a popular choice for girls’ names, especially those born in, you guessed it, winter.

From this single kanji, you can create all kinds of useful compound words.

The northern regions, especially Hokkaido, are commonly referred to as yukiguni (雪国), meaning “snow country.” These areas are famous for their yukiyama (雪山), or snow-covered mountains. A few handy related words that use the word yuki include 大雪 (ooyuki; heavy snow) and 雪だまる (yukidamaru; snowman).

Different Types of Snow in Japan 

Specific regions in Japan, such as Niseko, are known for the exceptional quality of their snow, thanks to a perfect balance of climate, geography, and temperature. These destinations have become highly coveted among skiers from around the world. And if you’d like to get a little more specific, did you know that Japanese has several unique words to describe different types of snow?

1. Botan yuki (牡丹雪): Peony snow

The word 牡丹 (botan) means peony, a popular flower in Japan that blooms in spring. As its name suggests, botan yuki refers to large, beautiful snowflakes that resemble peony petals. Unlike powder snow, these flakes are large enough that you can clearly see their patterns.

These oversized flakes form because they contain much more moisture than typical snow. Another name for botanyuki is べた雪 (beta yuki), meaning wet, sticky snow.

2. 粉雪（Konayuki): Powder snow

This is the famous light, dry, fluffy snow often called Japow by skiers. It’s common in Hokkaido and high-altitude regions. The kanji consists of 粉, which means powder, and 雪, which means snow. Konayuki falls in fine, dry grains and often blows in the wind. It doesn’t clump or get heavy, which is why skiers and snowboarders love it.

3. Tamayuki (玉雪): Ball of snow

From the word 玉 (tama) meaning “ball,” tamayuki refers to round, pellet-like snowflakes. It’s seen at the beginning or end of winter when temperatures are slightly warmer, causing snow to form into soft, ball-shaped clusters.

4.細雪（Sasameyuki): Fine snow

Sasameyuki consists of delicate, tiny flakes that fall like dust. The term has a poetic nuance and is often used in literature to describe quiet, gentle snowfall. Despite the elegant name, this type of snow contains moisture and can be surprisingly heavy, appearing often in warmer regions with large amounts of precipitation.

5. 灰雪（Haiyuki): Ash-like snow

As the name implies, haiyuki falls in a fluttering motion similar to ash drifting in the wind.

The flakes are relatively thick and cast a faint gray shadow when sunlight hits them, creating a soft, hazy atmosphere.

6. 餅雪 (Mochiyuki): Mochi snow

A charming term that comes from 餅 (mochi), the soft, chewy rice cake. Mochiyuki describes snow that looks like fluffy, stretchy mochi, with a soft, rounded, and slightly sticky structure. 

7. 雪花 (Yukibana): Snow flower

These rare, large snowflakes look like delicate flowers, bigger than botanyuki. They form under specific atmospheric conditions, and spotting them is considered special!

What is Winter in Japanese?

On the other hand, winter itself is called fuyu, written as 冬. It’s a simple, commonly used word you’ll hear often during the colder months: in weather forecasts, seasonal greetings, or everyday conversations about the chill in the air.

Winter-Related Japanese Vocabulary

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to even more winter-related Japanese vocabulary! The table below includes useful words and phrases to describe winter weather and the activities that come with the season.

Winter Fashion Vocabulary

Winter in Japan varies a lot depending on where you are, but as a general rule, the further north you go, the colder it gets. In regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku, temperatures can drop to –5°C to –15°C (23°F to 5°F), and some areas get even colder. Central areas such as Tokyo experience a chilly winter.

No matter where you’re headed, it’s a good idea to layer up. Items like Heattech innerwear will keep you warm, and if you’re visiting snow-heavy regions, be sure to bring waterproof boots and a water-resistant coat to protect yourself from sleet and slush.

Winter Japanese Vocabulary on Sports

It’s no surprise that Japan has some of the best snow in the world. The northern regions, particularly Hokkaido and the Japan Alps, receive light, dry, and powdery snow, known as konayuki, which is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Ski resorts like Niseko, Furano, and Hakuba attract visitors from around the world thanks to their deep, fluffy powder, well-maintained slopes, and reliable snowfall.

But what are some popular winter sports in Japan, and what winter sports vocabulary should you know?

Seasonal Things During Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan typically spans December to February. During this time, it’s not just about snow and ice—Japan is filled with unique seasonal activities and celebrations. Here are some key events and words to know:

1. クリスマス (Kurusimasu): Christmas

Yes, Japanese people happen to celebrate Christmas too! Though different from other countries, they typically celebrate it by eating KFC and buying a Christmas cake, typically strawberry shortcake. Don’t forget to learn how to say Merry Christmas in Japanese!

2. 冬至 (Toji): Winter solsitce

Toward the end of December, the North Pole tilts farthest from the sun, making the shortest day and longest night of the year. This is known as the winter solstice. Japan observes traditional customs, such as yuzu baths and eating kabocha (Japanese pumpkin).

3. お正月 (Oshogatsu): New Year

New Year’s is the biggest holiday in Japan, lasting from January 1 – 3. Families gather, enjoy osechi ryori (a set of special dishes with symbolic meanings), and visit shrines or temples. Homes are decorated with kadomatsu (pine decorations) and shimenawa (sacred ropes) to welcome the New Year’s spirits. 

4. 初詣（Hatsumde): First shrine visit

While many countries celebrate the first day of the year quietly at home, in Japan, people often go to shrines or temples for Hatsumode to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year.

6. 成人の日（Seijin no Hi): Coming of Age Day

Held on the second Monday of January, this holiday celebrates young adults who have turned 20, the age of adulthood in Japan. Those coming of age dress in formal attire, often furisode (long-sleeved kimono) for women and suits or hakama for men, and attend ceremonies at city halls.

Describing the Winter Weather in Japanese

Now that you’ve learned the basics and picked up the essential Japanese winter vocabulary, it’s time to put them into practice! Let’s go through some common phrases and questions you’ll often hear, or might want to ask yourself, when talking about winter in Japan.

今日は寒いですね。
Kyou wa samui desu ne.
It’s cold today, isn’t it?

見て、外は雪が降っています。
Mite, soto wa yuki ga futteimasu.
Look, it’s snowing outside.

外、凍えそう！
Soto, kogoesou!
It’s freezing outside!

山の上は風が強いね。
Yama no ue wa kaze ga tsuyoi ne.
It’s windy up on the mountain, huh?

道、滑りやすいから気をつけてね。
Michi, suberiyasui kara ki o tsukete ne.
The road’s slippery, so be careful!

Learn more about how to describe the weather in Japanese!

Conclusion: Learn Beyond Winter Vocabulary and Speak Japanese with Lessons at Coto Academy

Now that you’ve learned the basics of talking about winter in Japanese, why stop there? There are plenty of other essential skills to master, like introducing yourself or discussing a specific topic in conversation.

If you want to build confidence and start speaking Japanese, consider joining conversation-focused Japanese lessons at Coto Academy. As a top-rated school with campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, we offer fun and flexible lessons designed around practical, everyday conversation. You’ll learn Japanese that you can use immediately outside the classroom.

We offer intensive Japanese courses as well as part-time options, so whether you want to immerse yourself fully or fit lessons into a busy schedule, there’s something for you. Start your journey to speaking Japanese confidently today!

Why join Coto Academy?

• Over  60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
• Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
• Professional, native Japanese teachers

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to contact us!

FAQ

Whether you’re living in Japan or visiting short term, getting a haircut here can be an exciting experience to try out new hairstyles popular in this country. However, how do you communicate your haircut preferences in Japanese? Now, you may feel that trying out an exciting new hairstyle can turn out to be your worst hair-related nightmare. 

Don’t stress! Getting a haircut in Japan is quite easy, and it’s not hard to find very skilled barbers and stylists. All you need to remember is a few expressions and some vocabulary, and before you know it, your hair will be expertly styled according to your direction.

Before we start, most of these expressions just require you to say “please…” or お願いします/ください (onegaishimasu / kudasai). So, to learn more about these key phrases, read our blog discussing the Difference Between Kudasai and Onegaishimasu:ください vs おねがいします.

Haircut and Styling Service Basics in Japanese

Where do you actually go to get a haircut in Japan, and what to look for? While you can just look through the window or do a quick Google search to find places that cut hair, some places specialize in certain styles or specific customers (i.e., beauty salons for women or barbers for men). So, below is a list of key terms to know for getting to the right place for your haircut.

Quick note: Don’t confuse biyouin (美容院), beauty salon, with byouin (病院), which means hospital. This is one of the more common mistakes people make when speaking Japanese. 

Tips When Going to Hair Salons in Japan

1. Book ahead

You might notice that in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo, hair salons are abundant — but a lot of them might not accept walk-ins, especially on weekends and right before holidays. Use apps like Hot Pepper Beauty, a widely used salon booking platform in Japan, where you can browse hairstyles, compare prices, read reviews, and even snag great discounts for first-time visitors or returning customers. Booking online also helps avoid language barriers since everything is written out clearly!

2. Learn Some Japanese

Even if your stylist speaks a bit of English, hair salon conversations often drift into casual small talk or detailed explanations about hair length, texture, or styling preferences. That’s where having some basic Japanese skills can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

Schools like Coto Academy focus on real-life, practical Japanese, helping you handle everyday interactions confidently, including situations like explaining the hairstyle you want, asking about treatments, or chatting naturally during the appointment. Even short-term courses can give you the vocabulary and phrases you need to feel more comfortable and understood. You can learn more about lessons at Coto Academy by inquiring through the link below.

3. Bring Photos or References

Japanese stylists pay great attention to detail — but keep in mind that many of them specialize in Japanese-style hairstyles, which can differ from trends abroad. For example, while curtain bangs and heavily layered cuts are popular in the U.S., they may not be as common in Japan. Your stylist might still be able to do them, but to avoid misunderstandings, it’s always best to show clear reference photos of the exact color, length, or style you want!

Words for Hairstyles in Japanese

Most of us have a specific preference for how we want our hair to look: layers, a bob, a perm, or even a buzzcut. But how do we say these styles in Japanese? Below are some common and basic hair-related vocabulary words in Japanese.

To expand your descriptive vocabulary, check out our blog to learn the 100 Most Common Japanese Adjectives You Need to Know.

Asking for Different Haircuts in Japanese

Right as you enter the hair salon, you can just say a simple greeting along with what service you would like to receive.

Example:

こんにちは。カットをお願いします。
Konnichiwa. Katto o onegaishimasu.
Hello, I would like to have a haircut, please.

Usually, after they sit you down, they will ask you what type of style or cut you would like to do. They might do something like this:

Example:

どんなスタイルにしますか？
Donna sutairu ni shimasu ka? 
What style would you like?

The simplest way to ask for a haircut in Japanese is to have a picture ready and ask them to cut your hair similar to that image. Most barbershops have a catalogue of popular hairstyles to choose from. So, once you find an image reference that works for you, you can say something like this:

Example:

このスタイルが出来ますか？
Kono sutairu ga dekimasuka?
Can you do this style?

However, I’m sure you might be wondering how to really customize your hairstyle or cut. So, going step by step, here is what you can say to request a haircut and make customizations.

1. Asking for a Specific Style

If you know a specific style you like, you can request it directly. A couple of popular styles for men are the “crew cut” and the “buzz cut”, so to specifically ask for one of these styles, you could say:

For a Crew Cut:

クルーカットにしてください
Kuruu katto ni shite kudasai
I want a crew cut.

For a Buzz Cut:

バズカットにしてください。
Bazu katto ni shite kudasai 
I want a buzz cut.

For women, there are many styles and ways to specify them. But here are a couple of examples of how to ask the salon staff to style your hair with layers and how to ask to make the ends natural.

Layering Hair

レイヤーを入れて、動きが出る感じにしてください。前髪は斜めにお願いします。 
Reiyaa o irete, ugoki ga deru kanji ni shite kudasai. Maegami wa naname ni onegaishimasu 
Add layers for movement; side-swept bangs.

For Natural Ends

毛先を揃えて、ナチュラル     にしてください。前髪は眉くらいの長さでお願いします。 
Kesaki o soroete, nachuraru ni shite kudasai. Maegami wa mayu kurai no nagasa de onegaishimasu.
Even out the ends for a natural look; bangs around eyebrow length. 

2. Specifying Length of Haircut

After saying (or showing) your preferred style, they will ask you about the length of the haircut. Usually, they would just use the word 長さ (nagasa), meaning length, with the expression “どうしますか？” or “どうされますか？” meaning “what do you want to do?” So, they would often ask something like this?

長さはどうしますか？（ミリ単位で教えてください）
Nagasa wa dou shimasu ka? 
How long (or short) would you like your hair?

In response, you can customize as much as you want. You can specify that you want the top longer or the sides shorter. Or you can use short-hand expressions, similar to English, where you request shoulder-length hair. So, here are a couple of sample sentences you could use for men and women: 

For men:

横は短めで、上は少し長めにしてください。
Yoko wa mijikame de, ue wa sukoshi nagame ni shite kudasai. 
Short on the sides, a bit longer on top.

For Women:

肩くらいの長さにしたいです。 
Kata kurai no nagasa ni shitai desu.
Around shoulder length.

Asking for Treatments When Getting a Haircut in Japan

Japanese salons are famous for their high-quality treatments, smooth straightening techniques, and long-lasting perms. Whether you want silky, straight hair or soft waves, knowing a few key phrases will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Usually, right after your haircut, the barber or hairstylist will ask if you want to shampoo your hair, which is often included in the haircut service. They would usually ask something like this:

シャンプーもしますか？
Shanpuu mo shimasu ka?
Would you like a shampoo?

You can simply respond with a yes or no, which in Japanese can be stated like the following,

Saying yes:

はい、お願いします。
Hai, onegaishimasu 
Yes, please.

Saying no:

いいえ、大丈夫です。
Iie, daijoubu desu 
No, thank you.

For additional services, such as getting perms and treatments, they are often sold separately, depending on the shop or the service you ask for. But there are places where the staff might ask if you want a perm or treatment after shampooing your hair by asking パーマ・トリートメントされますか？ (Would you like a perm/treatment?) So, below are the most common services you will find in Japanese salons and exactly how to ask for them.

Useful Vocabulary Related to Hair Treatment in Japanese

1. Asking for Hair Straightening

There are two main types of straightening in Japan: soft straightening, which is a temporary heat styling using a straightener, and permanent straightening. To ask for either of these, just simply add お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai), like the following:

For soft Straightening:

ストレートにしてください。
Sutoreeto ni shite kudasai.
“Please straighten my hair.”

Permanent Straightening (Japanese Straight Perm):

縮毛矯正をお願いします。
Shukumou kyousei o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like Japanese straightening, please.”

2. Asking for a Perm

Perms in Japan often focus on natural-looking texture and soft waves. So, to ask for a perm, you can simply say:

パーマをお願いします。
Paama o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a perm, please.”

3. Asking for Treatments

Most salons in Japan offer deep conditioning or repair treatments. So, to ask for hair treatments, here are a couple of very common phrases you could say:

Basic Hair Treatment:

トリートメントをお願いします。
Toriitomento o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a hair treatment, please.”

For damaged or dry hair:

ダメージケアのトリートメントをお願いします。
Dameejikea no toriitomento o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a damage-care treatment.”

How to Ask for Hair Gel, Wax, or Oil in Japan

Japanese salons often finish your haircut with styling products, and staff will usually ask whether you want your hair styled (セットしますか？ Setto shimasu ka?). If you have a preferred look or product type, you can easily request it with a few simple phrases.

Below is a guide on how to ask for gel, wax, oil, and more — plus how to specify the kind of hold or shine you want.

Useful Japanese Vocabulary Related to Hair Products

1. Asking for Hair Gel (ジェル)

Hair gel is less common than wax in Japan, but salons always have it available. If you want to request hair gel, here are a couple of expressions you can use.

Basic Request

ジェルでセットしてください。
Jeru de setto shite kudasai.
“Please style my hair with gel.”

For a strong/firm hold

強めのジェルでお願いします。
Tsuyome no jeru de onegaishimasu.
“Please use a stronger gel.”

2. Asking for Hair Wax (ワックス)

Wax (especially matte wax) is the most commonly used styling product in Japan. Usually, the barber or salon staff might just ask if you want to apply hair wax by saying, ワックスを付けますか？ (wakkusu o tsukemasuka). To reply, you can just say yes or no. However, if they don’t ask, here are some phrases you can say to request it.

Basic Request

ワックスでお願いします。
Wakkusu de onegaishimasu.
“Wax, please.”

Matte / non-shiny style

マットな質感でお願いします。
Matto na shitsukan de onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a matte finish.”

For soft, natural styling

軽めのワックスでナチュラルにしてください。
Karume no wakkusu de nachuraru ni shite kudasai.
“Use a light wax and style it naturally.”

3. Asking for Hair Oil (ヘアオイル)

Hair oil is extremely popular in Japan for smoothness and shine. Especially for female customers, the staff often asks if you want to apply it by asking ヘアオイルを付けますか？ (hea oiru wo tsukemasuka?), which allows for a simple yes or no reply. 

If you need to request hair oil yourself, here are a couple of phrases you can say.

Basic Request

ヘアオイルをつけてください。
Hea oiru o tsukete kudasai.
“Please apply hair oil.”

For a glossy finish

ツヤが出るようにオイルで仕上げてください。
Tsuyaga deru you ni oiru de shiagete kudasai.
“Finish it with oil to add shine.”

Wrapping Up Your Haircut in Japan

Once they finish cutting or styling your hair, they will ask how it looks, usually by saying 仕上がりはいかがですか？ (shiagari wa ikaga desu ka?), which means “how does it look?” So, how do you respond, and how would you be able to say politely that you’re not completely satisfied?

If You’re Satisfied

If you’re completely satisfied with your haircut, you can respond by saying:

とてもいいです、ありがとうございます / 大丈夫です、ありがとうございます！
Totemo ii desu, arigatou gozaimasu / daijoubu desu arigatou gozaimasu!
Looks great, thank you.

If You’re Not Satisfied

If you’re not completely satisfied, you can politely ask the hairstylist to fix whatever is bothering you. For example, if you want your hair to be a little shorter, you can say:

もう少し短くしてください。
Mou sukoshi mijikaku shite kudasai 
Please make it a little shorter.

Please note that often, they ask how your hair is right after cutting it right rather than at the end, after they have already shampooed and styled your hair.

Conclusion: Getting a Haircut in Japan can be an Incredible Experience

Getting a haircut in Japan might seem intimidating at first, with new vocabulary and the stress of miscommunication leading to a very prolonged bad hair day. But once you learn a few key phrases, you can have the chance to try out some of the coolest Japanese hairstyles from stylists who specialize in just that! Whether you’re asking for layers, adjusting the length, or requesting specific styling products, a little Japanese goes a long way in helping you get the look you want.

However, a big part of the hair salon experience is conversing with the staff while they cut and style your hair. Salon conversations include polite expressions, nuanced requests, and everyday Japanese you won’t always find in textbooks. That’s why learning with a professional Japanese teacher can make a huge difference.

At Coto Academy, we specialize in practical, real-world Japanese designed for daily life, including situations exactly like visiting the salon. Our flexible part-time lessons and intensive courses are tailored to your goals, and our instructors support you every step of the way.

If you want to feel fully equipped for real Japanese conversations, from haircuts to shopping to everyday interactions, sign up for a free level check and consultation below!

FAQ:

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