Welcome to the JLPT N4 vocabulary mock test! This test is designed to prepare you for the vocabulary section of the JLPT N4, as well as build the skills necessary to pass the test with confidence.

We offer two versions of the test: there’s the online quiz version, where you’ll get your results instantly, and there’s the full written version, for those who want to learn manually.

Want to prepare for the JLPT with professional instructors? Join Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course!

JLPT N4 Vocabulary Mock Test

1. 来月、田中さんの結婚式に ____ する予定です。

A. しゅっせき
B. けっせき
C. ちこく
D. たいいん

2. 荷物が多すぎて、一人では ____ ません。

A. はこべ
B. もてない
C. おけ
D. おい

3. 電車に乗るとき、先に ____ 人が降りるのを待ちましょう。
A. のっている
B. のる
C. のりかえる
D. のりこす

4. 部屋が暗いので、電気を ____ ください。
A. つけて
B. けして
C. あけて
D. しめて

5. 子どものころから、サッカーが ____ です。
A. とくい
B. にがて
C. すき
D. きらい

6. 昨日、駅の前で財布を ___しまいました。
A. おとして
B. わすれて
C. なくして
D. おいて

7. 毎朝、歯を ___ から朝ごはんを食べます。
A. みがいて
B. あらって
C. ふいて
D. かわかして

8. この映画は ___ があって、とても感動しました。
A. かんどう
B. ないよう
C. いみ
D. ばめん

9. 母は毎朝、近くの ___ へ買い物に行きます。
A. デパート
B. スーパー
C. コンビニ
D. レストラン

10. 熱があるので、今日は学校を ___ します。
A. けっせき
B. しゅっせき
C. ちこく
D. そつぎょう

11. 道が分からなかったので、警察官に ___ もらいました。
A. おしえて
B. つれて
C. みせて
D. つたえて

12. 先生が黒板に書いたことを ____ に書きました。

A. ノート
B. テスト
C. きょうかしょ
D. じしょ

13. このりょうりは ____ がきつくて、食べられません。
A. から
B. あじ
C. におい
D. いろ

14. バスが来なかったので、駅まで ____ で行きました。
A. あるい
B. はしっ
C. およい
D. とん

15. 明日の朝、早く起きるために ____ をセットしました。
A. テレビ
B. ラジオ
C. めざましどけい
D. カレンダー

16. このかばんは ____ がよくて、たくさん入ります。

A. いろ
B. かたち
C. おおきさ
D. おもさ

17. 彼は ____ な人で、いつも正しいことを言います。

A. しょうじき
B. しんせつ
C. ていねい
D. まじめ

18. 試験の前に、ノートを ____ しました。

A. かくにん
B. じゅんび
C. せつめい
D. しょうかい

19. あの店はいつも ____ がよくて、また行きたいです。

A. サービス
B. ねだん
C. りょうり
D. ふんいき

20. 昨日、友達と映画を見た ____、夕ごはんを食べました。
A. あとで
B. まえに
C. あいだに
D. ときに

21. 毎晩、寝る前に日記を ____ 習慣があります。

A. かく
B. よむ
C. みる
D. かんがえる

22. 部長に新しい計画を ____ しました。

A. ていあん
B. せつめい
C. しょうかい
D. かくにん

23. 電車が ____ したので、会社に遅刻してしまいました。

A. おくれ
B. とまり
C. こわれ
D. すぎ

24. 旅行の前に、ホテルを ____ しておきました。

A. よやく
B. じゅんび
C. かくにん
D. れんらく

25. この仕事は ____ があって、毎日楽しいです。

A. やりがい
B. じしん
C. きょうみ
D. いよく

26. 友達に借りた本を、まだ ____ いません。
A. かえして
B. かして
C. よんで
D. もって

27. 子どもが熱を出したので、すぐに病院に ____ 。
A. つれていきました
B. いきました
C. おくりました
D. よびました

28. 彼女はいつも ___ に話すので、みんなに好かれています。
A. ていねい
B. はやく
C. おおきく
D. やさしく

29. 風邪をひいたので、薬を _____ 、早く寝ました。
A. のんで
B. かって
C. もらって
D. つくって

30. この道をまっすぐ行くと、右に _____ があります。
A. こうばん
B. こうえん
C. えき
D. びょういん

Answer key

1. A. しゅっせき

2.A. はこべ

3. A. のっている

4. A. つけて

5. A. とくい

6. A. おとして

7. B. ないよう

8. B. スーパー

9. A. けっせき

10. A. おしえて

11. A. ノート

12. A. から

13. A. あるい

14. C. めざましどけい

15. C. おおきさ

16. A. しょうじき

17. A. かくにん

18. A. サービス

19. A. あとで

20. A. かく

21. A. ていあん

22. A. おくれ

23. A. よやく

24. A. やりがい

25. A. かえして

26. A. ていねい

27. A. つれていきました

28. A. ていねい

29. A. のんで

30. A. こうばん

How Many Words Do You Need to Know for the JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 vocabulary list covers approximately 1,500 words, including the 800 or so words you should already know from N5. That means the net new vocabulary you need to acquire for N4 is closer to 600 to 700 words.

The good news is that N4 vocabulary is highly practical. At this level, you are moving beyond basic greetings and survival phrases into everyday conversation, talking about your daily routine, expressing opinions, describing experiences, and navigating common social situations. These are words you will encounter constantly in daily life in Japan, which means immersion and study naturally reinforce each other.

Pass the JLPT with Coto’s JLPT Preparation Course

Want to pass the JLPT with confidence? Why not take Japanese lessons with us? With over 25 years in practical Japanese instruction, we also offer specialized courses, whether it be for JLPT prep or learning business Japanese.

Ready to improve your Japanese? Contact us below and get a free Japanese level check.

FAQ

How much vocabulary do I have to study for the JLPT N4?

You should be able to understand at least 1500 vocabulary terms when studying for the JLPT N4.

Is N4 equivalent to B1?

No, we would say that achieving the N4 is the equivalent of obtaining a CEFR A2 level.

How many study hours does it take to pass the JLPT N4?

It depends on the learner, but usually it will take about 550 hours of study to pass the JLPT N4, with kanji knowledge. For learners without prior kanji knowledge, it might take about 800 to 1000 hours.

Read More:

• Guide to Passing JLPT N4
• JLPT N4 ながら (Nagara): How to say “While…” in Japanese

Spring, or haru (春), has arrived in Japan, and that means a few things! The cherry blossoms are blooming, temperatures are warming, and locals and tourists alike have gathered to enjoy and appreciate them. In Japan, the spring season typically lasts from the beginning of March to the end of May, and you know that the season has reached its peak when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

While spring in Japan is known for its cherry blossoms, there are many more things that are related to this season, such as seasonal ingredients, mild weather, and new beginnings. What could be a better way to learn about springtime in Japan than to learn essential Japanese spring vocabulary? In this post, we’ve gathered our favorite springtime words that you might come across, whether you’re planning to attend a hanami (花見) or try out new springtime foods. 

Let’s get started!

What is Spring in Japanese?

In Japanese, the word for spring is haru (春). This is one of the essential spring-related vocabulary words that you need to learn. 

Note that haru is only the kunyomi reading, or native Japanese reading. The onyomi, or the Sino-Japanese reading derived from Chinese, for haru is シュン (shun). For example, to say spring holiday, you would say haruyasumi (春休み), but spring vernal equinox is called shunbun (春分).

Read More: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall in Japanese

What are Cherry Blossoms in Japanese?

In Japanese, sakura (桜), which means cherry blossoms. They usually signify the beginning of spring in Japan. Cherry blossom flowers in Japanese are called hanazakura (花桜), with the word hana (花) meaning flowers. 

Cherry blossoms bloom in a tree called 桜木 (sakura gi) — sakura tree, where the word gi (木). The reason why it is pronounced as “gi” and not “ki” is that 木 has a nanori reading “gi”. The change from ki to gi usually comes from rendaku (consonant voicing) plus name-specific readings.

Want to learn more Japanese? Join flexible Japanese lessons in Tokyo, Yokohama, or online, at Coto Japanese Academy!

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Japanese Vocabulary Related to Cherry Blossoms

If you live in Japan, chances are you might be going to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom this spring. In this list, we’ve included some of the vocabulary you might need to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms this Spring. We’ve also included some sakura-themed food and drink for you to try as well. 

Japanese	Romaji	English
桜	sakura	Cherry blossom
花見	hanami	Cherry blossom viewing
ピクニック	pikunikku	Picnic
夜桜	yozakura	Night cherry blossoms
花びら	hanabira	Petals
蕾	tsubomi	Bud (of a flower)
花	hana	Flower
桜餅	sakura mochi	Cherry blossom mochi
花見団子	hanami dango	Hanami dango (rice flour balls)
桜まじゅう	sakura manjuu	Sakura manjuu (glutinous rice flour sweet)
桜羊羹	sakura youkan	Sakura jelly
桜たい焼き	sakura taiyaki	Sakura fish-shaped cake
いちご大福	ichigo daifuku	Strawberry rice cakes
咲く	saku	To bloom
開花	kaika	First blossoms
開花予想	kaikayosou	Cherry blossom forecast
満開	mankai	Full bloom (of cherry blossoms)
桜吹雪	sakura fubuki	Cherry blossom blizzard

Hanami literally means “flower viewing.” It usually refers to enjoying cherry blossoms with friends, family, or coworkers during spring. This is different from just coincidentally seeing cherry blossoms in Japan. During hanami, you are specifically going out to look for good cherry blossom spots.

That is why, if you are visiting Japan, you might often come across search terms like “best hanami spots.” These are places known for having some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms, often with hundreds or even thousands of trees.

Every year, the Japanese Meteorological Agency releases a cherry blossom forecast. The blooming period, from kaika (開花), meaning the first blossoms, to mankai (満開), meaning full bloom, is fleeting and often lasts only about two weeks. Because of this, timing your visit is important. Typically, cherry blossom season begins in warmer regions and gradually moves north. Colder areas like Hokkaido usually see cherry blossoms bloom the latest.

If you miss the peak blossom season, don’t worry. When the petals begin to fall, there is still a beautiful, almost anime-like moment known as sakura fubuki, which literally means “cherry blossom blizzard.” During this time, petals drift down from the trees and blanket the ground in pale pink and white.

It is especially breathtaking if you visit places with long rows or large numbers of cherry trees. You may see roads, rivers, and sidewalks covered in fallen petals. When the wind picks up, the petals swirl through the air from both the branches and the ground and create a scene that looks almost like spring snow.

Read More: Guide to Hanami in Tokyo

Different Types of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

In Japan, there are many types of cherry blossoms that you can find, whether on the streets of Tokyo or in the wild. Here we have listed several varieties of cherry blossoms, as well as how to differentiate between each type:

1. Yamazakura (山桜): Mountain Cherry Blossom

This type of cherry blossom can be seen growing in the mountains in Japan. They tend to grow in late March to early April, and can be characterized by having five, slightly pink petals.

2. Shidarezakura (枝垂れ桜): Weeping Cherry Blossom

This is one type of cherry blossom tree that is common throughout Japan. They are characterized as having drooping branches and bloom from late March to early April. The number of petals can vary; some Shidarezakura have five petals, while others have more. 

3. Somei Yoshino (染井吉野): Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossom

This is another type of well-known type of cherry blossom tree, and probably one of the most well-known throughout Japan. Their flowers have five pale pink petals, and bloom around late March to early April.

4. Yaezaukra (八重桜) – Multi-layered Cherry Blossom

Yaezakura is more of an umbrella term that refers to any cherry blossom that has more than five petals in one flower. Some specific types of yaezakura include the Kanzan (関山), the Ichiyou (一葉), and the Chrysanthemum Cherry Blossom, or Kikuzakura (菊桜) in Japanese. They have varying blooming times, but generally you can see them from mid-April onwards, making them one of the late-blooming varieties of cherry blossoms.

5. Kanzakura (寒桜): Winter Cherry Blossoms

These are one of the earliest blooming varieties of cherry blossom, as they start blooming from late February to mid-March. Compared to its most popular counterpart, the Somei Yoshino, Kanzakura flowers have smaller, pink petals.

Read more: 10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo 

Japanese Vocabulary Related to Spring

But spring in Japan isn’t just about the cherry blossoms and hanami viewings. There are other words that you need to know that are related to spring.; some are pleasant, others, not so much.

Japanese	Romaji	English
季節	kisetsu	Season
春	haru	Spring
春休み	haru yasumi	Spring holiday
春風	haru kaze	Spring breeze
春先	harusaki	Beginning of spring
春分	shunbun	Vernal Equinox/Spring Equinox
公園	kouen	Park
散歩（する）	sanpo (suru)	To go on a walk
（自転車に）乗る	(jitensha ni noru)	To ride a bike
果物狩り	kudamono gari	Fruit picking
田植え	taue	Rice planting
入学	nyuugaku	Entry into school
入学式	nyuugaku shiki	School entrance ceremony
卒業	sotsugyou	Graduation
卒業式	sotsugyou shiki	Graduation ceremony
新学期	shingakki	New school term
新年度	shinnendo	New fiscal year
新生活	shinseikatsu	New life
花粉症	kafunshou	Hay fever/pollen allergy
抗ヒスタミン薬	kouhisutaminyaku	Antihistemines

Japanese Vocabulary for Spring Food and Ingredients

Spring isn’t just about the cherry blossoms. It’s also about food, especially the ingredients. We’ve compiled a list of foods that you might see on your table during this season. 

Japanese	Romaji	English
Japanese	Romaji	English
梅	ume	Plum
梅干し	umeboshi	Pickled plums
若葉	wakaba	Fresh young leaves
筍	takenoko	Bamboo shoots
いちご	ichigo	Strawberry
みかん	mikan	Mikan (Japanese Mandarin)
山菜	sansai	Mountain vegetables
蕗	fuki	Butterbur
屈み	kogomi	Ostrich Fern
わさび菜	wasabina	Wasabi Mustard Greens
山独活	yama udo	Mountain Asparagus
鯛	tai	Sea bream
漁り	asari	Japanese littleneck clams
イカナゴ	ikanago	Japanese sand lance

How to Talk About Japanese Spring

Although we have a separate guide on how to talk about the weather in Japanese, it’s important that you learn some words to describe the spring weather. Spring in Japan enjoys mild weather, with warmer temperatures compared to winter.   

Japanese	Romaji	English
天気	tenki	Weather
気温	kion	Temperature
涼しい	suzushii	Cool
暖かい	atatakai	Warm
晴	hare	Clear
雨	ame	Rain
曇り	kumori	Cloudy
風	kaze	Wind

Describing the Spring Weather in Japanese

Now that you’ve learned the basics and picked up the essential spring vocabulary in Japanese, 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 spring in Japan.

春は暖かいです。
Haru wa atatakai desu.
Spring is warm.

桜が咲き始めて、とてもきれいです。
Sakura ga saki hajimete, totemo kirei desu.
The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and it’s very beautiful.

春の風は強いですね。
Haru no kaze ga tsuyoi desu ne.
The spring winds are strong.

今日は天気がいいから、外で散歩します。
Tenki ga ii kara, soto de sanpo shimasu.
The weather is great today, so I’ll go on a walk.

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

Now that you’ve learned the basics of talking about the spring 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. 

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. 

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

FAQ

When can I see cherry blossoms in 2026?

Always check the cherry blossom forecast, or kaikayosou (開花予想). You can then plan your visit from that forecast, but we recommend that you plan your trip early because it’s considered peak traveling season!

What month do the cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?

Generally, the most common types of cherry blossoms tend to start blooming around late-March to early April, but it can depend on the prefecture.

Which month is spring in Japan?

In Japan, spring lasts from the beginning of March to the end of May. 

If you have Japanese artist friends, plan to study art, or pursue a career in art in Japan, then you might want to know some Japanese vocabulary related to arts — more specifically, visual art. Japan has a rich history in the arts, from the ukiyo-e works of Hokusai to more recent manga and anime. Talking about art in Japanese can be a great way to connect with the Japanese artist community as well!

We’ll start off with some general vocabulary related to colors, art forms, and even historical art styles, but we will also talk about buying art supplies in Japanese, so that next time you want to create art in Japan, you’ll know what to buy. For aspiring manga artists wanting to create their own manga in Japan, stick around for a surprise!

Japanese General Art-Related Vocabulary

This vocabulary list covers basic art terms in Japanese, but we’ve also included the different art forms you might see at an art gallery. 

Japanese (Romaji)	Kanji	English
e	絵	Picture
bijutsusha	美術者	Artist
bijutsu	美術	Art
bijutsukan	美術館	Art gallery
irasuto	イラスト	Illustration
kaiga	絵画	Painting
shouzouka	肖像画	Portrait
fuukeika	風景画	Landscape
seramikku	セラミック	Ceramics
choukoku	彫刻	Sculpture
shishuu	刺繍	Embroidery
gurafikku dezain	グラフィックデザイン	Graphic design
dessan	デッサン	Sketch
sukecchi	スケッチ	Sketch
satsuei	撮影	Photography
shashin	写真	Photograph
eiga	映画	Film, movie
hanga	版画	Art print
kenchiku	建築	Architecture
insutareeshon	インスタレーション	Art installation
dejitaaru aato	デジタルアート	Digital art
mikusu media	ミクスメディア	Mixed media
rakugaki	落書き	Graffiti

Japanese Vocabulary List Related to Historical Art Styles

This vocabulary list covers most of the historical painting styles you might see at an art museum, such as the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. Whether you’re studying art history or just want to talk about specific art periods, these terms might help you to understand.

Japanese (romaji)	Kana	English
inshouha	印象派	Impressionism
posuto inshouha	ポスト印象派	Post-impressionism
runesansu bijutsu	ルネサンス美術	Renaissance art
chuusei bijutsu	中世美術	Medieval art
barokku	バロック絵画	Baroque painting
rokoko	ロココ美術	Rococo art
kyubisumu	キュビスム	Cubism
chuushou kaiga	抽象絵画	Abstract painting
poppu aato	ポップアート	Pop art
shurureasumu	シュルレアスム	Surrealism

Vocabulary Related to Japanese Traditional Art

This vocabulary list covers most words related to traditional Japanese visual art and sculpture. Note that when we talk about schools of art, we are talking about a style of art, not an actual school. 

Japanese (romaji)	Kana	English
rinpa	琳派	Rimpa (school of art)
kanouha	狩野派	Kano (school of art)
nanga (bujinga)	南画（文人画）	Southern (literati) (school of art)
zenga	禅画	Zen Buddhist (school of art)
shodou	書道	Japanese Calligraphy
doguu	土偶	Earthen figure
haniwa	埴輪	Terracotta clay figures
ukiyo e	浮世絵	Ukiyo-e prints
moku hanga	木版画	Woodblock printing
toujiki	陶磁器	Japanese pottery
nihon shikki	日本漆器	Japanese lacquerware

Colors in Japanese

You might find yourself talking about specific colors when discussing a specific art piece. We’ve compiled most of, if not all basic colors that you might hear often. 

Japanese (Romaji)	Kanji	English
aka iro	赤色	Red
orenji iro	オレンジ色	Orange
ki iro	黄色	Yellow
midori iro	緑色	Green
ao iro	青色	Blue
murasaki iro	紫色	Purple
shiro iro	白色	White
kuro iro	黒色	Black
pinku iro	ピンク色	Pink
cha iro	茶色	Brown

Read More: Colors in Japanese

Japanese Vocabulary for Buying Art Supplies

From buying specific types of paints to procuring other art mediums, this Japanese vocabulary list contains almost all types of art supplies you might see at an art store. If you’re looking to go to an art store such as Sekaido, this list might come in handy.

Japanese (Romaji)	Kanji/Kana	English
akuriru e no gu	アクリル絵具	Acrylic paint
suisai e no gu	水彩絵具	Watercolor paint
abura e no gu	油絵具	Oil paint
gasshu	ガッシュ	Gouache
paretto	パレット	Palette
fude	筆	Brush
suihitsu	水筆	Water brush
shodou fude	書道筆	Calligraphy brush
peintingu naifu	ペインティングナイフ	Painting knife
kureyon	クレヨン	Crayons
oiru pasuteru	オイルパステル	Oil pastel
maakaa	マーカー	Marker
mokutan	木炭	Charcoal
enpitsu	鉛筆	Pencil
iro enpitsu	色鉛筆	Color pencil
shapen	シャペン	Mechanical pencil
pen	ペン	Pen
fude pen	筆ペン	Brush pen
mannen hitsu	万年筆	Fountain pen
garasu pen	ガラスペン	Glass pen
keshigomu	消しゴム	Eraser
kyanbasu	キャンバス	Canvas
iizeru	イーゼル	Easel
sukecchibukku	スケッチブック	Sketchbook
inku	インク	Ink
moderu	モデル	Mannequin
iromi bonchou	色見本帳	Color swatch book
hasami	はさみ	Scissors
kattaa	カッター	Box cutter
tagane	鑽	Chisel
nendo	粘土	Clay
tekisuchaa tsuuru	テクスチャーツール	Texture tools (for modeling with clay)
kami	紙	Paper
pootoforio	ポートフォリオ	Portfolio
aato hon	アート本	Art book

Japanese Vocabulary for Manga Artists

Learning how to create manga in Japanese? This vocabulary list covers all things related to creating manga, as well as essential supplies needed to create your own manga. We’ve also included the different types of nibs manga artists use for their dip pens, as well as some terms used to describe different parts of manga manuscript paper.

Japanese (Romaji)	Kanji	English
e konte	絵コンテ	Storyboard
toon	トーン	Screentone
tsuke pen	つけペン	Dip pen
G pen	Gペン	G nib
saji pen	サジペン	Spoon nib
sukuuru pen	スクールペン	School nib
nihonji pen	日本字ペン	Japanese nib
maru pen	丸ペン	Mapping nib
genkou youshi	原稿用紙	Manuscript paper
purotto	プロット	Plot
neemu	ネーム	Storyboard
shitagaki	下書き	Rough sketch
pen ire	ペン入れ	Inking
toon sagyou	トーン作業	Applying screentones
hyoushi	表紙	Cover
uchiwaku	内枠	Inner frame
tachikiri sen	断ち切り線	Cut-off line
sotowaku	外枠	Outer frame

Conclusion: Talking about art in Japan shouldn’t be intimidating!

Creating and appreciating art in Japan shouldn’t feel intimidating. We hope that this list will give you some ideas on how to talk about art in Japanese to your artist friends, and we hope that you are able to navigate through an art store in Japan as well. Good luck and happy creating!

Learn Japanese with Coto Academy!

If you have always wanted to work in Japan as an artist, one of the things you need to do is learn Japanese. Now, you can join flexible Japanese lessons designed for adults at Coto Academy, a top language school with locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yokohama, Iidabashi, and Minato.

Interested in joining intensive or part-time Japanese lessons? Contact us below to get in touch with our friendly staff!

FAQ

Where can I go to see art exhibitions in Japan?

There are plenty of art museums and galleries, such as the National Art Center and the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. There are also modern art museums, such as the Mori Art Museum, as well.

What do you call an artist in Japanese?

When referring to artists in Japanese, most people say “sensei” to show respect, as they are considered to be masters in their craft. For example, a manga artist might be called “sensei” due to their work.

Where can I buy art supplies in Japan?

Try shops like Sekaido, dedicated to art supplies. Some stationery stores, such as Itoya, have dedicated sections or floors related to art supplies.

Read more:

• Japanese Vocabulary for Developers
• How to Get an Artist Visa in Japan
• Best J-Pop Songs to Learn Japanese

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!

Contact Us and Start Learning Japanese!

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.

Japanese	Furigana	Romaji	Meaning
氷	こおり	koori	ice
寒い	さむい	samui	cold
冷たい	つめたい	tsumetai	cold to the touch
霜	しも	shimo	frost
風	かぜ	kaze	wind
吹雪	ふぶき	fubuki	blizzard
氷点下	ひょうてんか	hyōtenka	below freezing
冬休み	ふゆやすみ	fuyuyasumi	winter break
雪だるま	ゆきだるま	yukidaruma	snowman
除雪	じょせつ	josetsu	snow removal
イルミネーション	—	irumineeshon	winter light displays

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.

Japanese	Furigana	Romaji	Meaning
コート	—	kooto	coat
ジャケット	—	jaketto	jacket
マフラー	—	mafuraa	scarf
手袋	てぶくろ	tebukuro	gloves
ニット帽	にっとぼう	nittobou	knit hat / beanie
長靴	ながぐつ	nagagutsu	boots
ブーツ	—	buutsu	winter boots
イヤーマフ	—	iyaamafu	earmuffs
厚手の服	あつでのふく	atsude no fuku	thick/heavy clothing
セーター	—	seetaa	sweater
ホッカイロ	—	hokkairo	disposable body warmer

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?

Japanese	Furigana	Romaji	Meaning
スキー	—	sukii	skiing
スノーボード	—	sunooboodo	snowboarding
ゲレンデ	—	gerende	ski slope
リフト	—	rifuto	ski lift
雪山	ゆきやま	yukiyama	snowy mountain
新雪	しんせつ	shinsetsu	fresh snow / new snow
粉雪	こなゆき	konayuki	powder snow
スキーブーツ	—	sukiibuutsu	ski boots
ボードブーツ	—	boodo buutsu	snowboard boots
ストック	—	sutokku	ski poles
ゴーグル	—	googuru	goggles
ウェア	—	wea	ski/snowboard wear
レンタル	—	rentaru	rental gear

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

What is the word for “winter” in Japanese?

冬（fuyu) is the basic word for winter in Japanese.

How do you say “snow” in Japanese?

Snow in Japanese is 雪 (ゆき, yuki).

What are typical winter foods in Japan?

Typical winter foods include oden, hotpot, sukiyaki, and fugu. Find out about more winter foods in Japan here.

It’s that time of year when the leaves burst into brilliant shades of red, gold, and when it finally feels socially acceptable to sip a satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato) latte: autumn has arrived in Japan! Known as aki (秋), this season typically stretches from September to early December, reaching its peak during momiji season, when locals and travelers flock to parks and temples to admire the breathtaking autumn foliage. (Pro tip: check the nationwide autumn leaves forecast to catch the colors at their best!)

Japan’s crisp autumn is all about scenery, traditions, and flavors. And what better way to truly embrace aki than by learning some quintessential Japanese autumn vocabulary? We’ve gathered our favorite fall words, from the rustling leaves of momiji to the aroma of roasting chestnuts, perfect for anyone looking to savor Japan’s most cozy season.

Let’s take a look and learn!

Basic Japanese Fall Words

Spring, with its iconic cherry blossoms, might be the most famous season in Japan, but fall is also the perfect time to visit. While Japan experiences four distinct seasons, autumn has been growing increasingly popular in recent years. Let’s take a look at some basic Japanese autumn vocabulary first!

Japanese	Reading / Pronunciation	Meaning
秋	aki	Autumn
秋風	akikaze	Autumn breeze
ハロウィン	harouin	Halloween
紅葉	momiji	Autumn leaves
紅葉狩り	momijigari	Autumn leaf viewing
月見	tsukimi	Moon viewing festival
七五三	Shichi go san	Shichi-Go-San Festival
ハロウィン	Harowin	Halloween
温泉	Onsen	Hot spring
収穫	Shuukaku	Harvest
新米	Shinmai	New harvest rice
登山	Tozan	Mountain hiking
ハイキング	Haikingu	Hiking
霧	Kiri	Mist/fog
9月	Kugatsu	September
10月	Juugatsu	October
11月	Juuichigatsu	November
12月	Juunigatsu	December

1. Aki (Fall)

The first word you will probably need to learn is, of course, autumn itself. Aki (秋) is the Japanese word for autumn.

日本の秋は美しいです。
Nihon no aki wa utsukushii desu.
Autumn in Japan is beautiful.

2. Harowin (Halloween)

The word ハロウィン (Harouin) is a loanword borrowed directly from English. In Japan, it’s less common for people to decorate their homes with elaborate displays, fog machines, or pumpkin carvings in their front yards. That said, Halloween has become a popular celebration influenced by Western traditions.

Instead of trick-or-treating, which is rare in Japan, the holiday is mostly celebrated with costumes, themed sweets, and citywide events, especially in urban centers like Tokyo. People often gather to dress up as their favorite characters.

In recent years, however, the rise in popularity and overtourism has led to stricter regulations, particularly in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Measures have included banning alcohol sales at nearby convenience stores, setting curfews, and increasing police patrols to maintain order during the Halloween weekend.

3. Momiji (Autumn leaves)

The word momiji (紅葉) literally means “red leaves,” and it is closely tied to autumn in Japan. While it can generally refer to autumn foliage, most of the time it specifically describes the Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) and its vibrant crimson leaves.

4. Momijigari (Autumn leaf viewing)

Momiji is also central to the tradition of momijigari (紅葉狩り), or “autumn leaf hunting,” where people travel to famous spots to admire the seasonal colors, much like hanami in spring.

5. Tsukimi (Moon viewing festival)

Tsukimi (お月見), or “moon viewing,” takes place in mid-September to early October, depending on the lunar calendar. During Tsukimi, people gather to admire the full harvest moon, often decorating their homes with pampas grass (susuki) and offering seasonal foods like round rice dumplings (tsukimi dango), sweet potatoes, and chestnuts. 

6. Shichi-Go-San (Shichi-Go-San Festival)

Another important autumn tradition is Shichi-Go-San (七五三), literally meaning “seven-five-three,” which celebrates the growth and health of children aged three, five, and seven. Held annually on November 15th, this festival sees children dressed in traditional kimono or formal attire visiting Shinto shrines with their families. The children are blessed for good health and longevity, and they often receive chitose-ame, a long, thin candy symbolizing a long and healthy life. S

Autumn Fall Foliage Vocabulary in Japanese

While the word momiji is perhaps most synonymous with autumn in Japan — similar to how sakura is associated with spring — did you know that the very same kanji used for momiji (紅葉) is also used for another autumn phenomenon called kouyou (紅葉)?

So what’s the difference between momiji and kouyou? Kouyou is a general term for autumn foliage in Japan, while momiji specifically refers to the intensely red leaves of the Japanese maple tree. Both words share the same “red leaf” kanji (紅葉) but describe different aspects of the same seasonal phenomenon: koyou encompasses all colorful leaves, including reds, yellows, and oranges, whereas momiji highlights the vibrant crimson hues of maples.

The activity of viewing these autumn leaves is called momijigari, or “red leaf hunting.” Let us take a look at other autumn foliage-related Japanese words!

Japanese	Romaji	Meaning
紅葉	kouyou	Fall foliage
落ち葉	ochiba	Fallen leaves
落葉	rakuyou	Fallen leaves
黄葉	kouyou	Yellow leaves
赤葉	akiba	Red leaves
彩り	irodori	Coloration  or hues of leaves
枯葉	kareha	Withered or dead leaves
錦秋	kinshuu	Gorgeous autumn colors (poetic)
紅葉前線	kouyou zensen	Autumn leaf front (progression of colors across Japan)
楓	kaede	Maple tree
銀杏	ichou	Ginkgo tree or leaves
イチョウ並木	ichou namiki	Ginkgo tree-lined street
山紅葉	yama momiji	Mountain autumn foliage
紅葉狩り	momijigari	Autumn leaf viewing

Autumn Food and Flavors in Japan

As Japan’s weather shifts from the unbearably hot and humid summer to the cooler, crisper days of autumn, the food lineup changes as well. Bright, tangy, and bold summer flavors give way to earthier, heartier, and more mellow tastes that usher the season in.

While pumpkin spice might be the quintessential autumn flavor in the United States, in Japan, autumn is dominated by root vegetables and ingredients like sweet potato, pumpkin, chestnut, and mushrooms, particularly the prized matsutake mushroom.

Let’s take a look at some Japanese autumn food–related vocabulary. We also have a separate guide on autumn flavors in Japan, so be sure to check that out!

Japanese	Romaji	Meaning
栗	kuri	Chestnut
さつまいも	satsumaimo	Sweet potato
かぼちゃ	kabocha	Japanese pumpkin
松茸	matsutake	Matsutake mushroom
きのこ	kinoko	Mushroom
秋刀魚	sanma	Pacific saury
柿	kaki	Persimmon
梨	nashi	Japanese pear
栗ご飯	kurigohan	Chestnut rice
きのこご飯	kinoko-gohan	Mushroom rice
もみじ饅頭	momiji manju	Maple leaf–shaped cake
栗きんとん	kuri kinton	Sweet mashed chestnuts

Describing Fall Weather in Japan

We have a separate guide on how to describe the weather in Japanese, but we can’t create a Japanese autumn vocabulary without mentioning the weather. Autumn in Japan is one of the most pleasantly mild seasons, with temperatures cool enough to wear cozy sweaters, jeans, and boots, yet not so cold as to be uncomfortable.

Japanese	Reading / Pronunciation	Meaning
天気	tenki	Weather
気温	kion	Temperature
涼しい	suzushii	Cool
晴れ	hare	Clear
曇り	kumori	Cloudy
雨	ame	Rain
霧	kiri	Mist / Fog
寒暖差	kandansa	Temperature difference (day vs night)
日が短い	hi ga mijikai	Shorter days
夜	yoru	Night
風	kaze	Wind

Talking About Autumn in Japanese

Now that you’ve learned the basics and picked up the essential Japanese autumn 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 fall in Japan.

今日は秋風が気持ちいいです。
Kyou wa akikaze ga kimochi ii desu.
The autumn breeze feels nice today.

山の木々が赤や黄色に染まっています。
Yama no kigi ga aka ya kiiro ni somatteimasu.

The trees in the mountains are turning red and yellow.

ハロウィンではかぼちゃを飾ります。
Harouin de wa kabocha o kazari masu.
During Halloween, we decorate with pumpkins.

落ち葉の上を歩くのが楽しいです。
Ochiba no ue o aruku no ga tanoshii desu.
It’s fun to walk on fallen leaves.

公園で紅葉を見ました。
Kouen de kouyou o mimashita.
I saw the autumn leaves at the park.

秋は日が短くなります。

Aki wa hi ga mijikaku narimasu.

In autumn, the days become shorter.

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

Now that you’ve learned the basics of talking about the autumn 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

What is the Japanese word for autumn?

The Japanese word for autumn is 秋 (aki). It refers to the season of fall in general.

What is the Japanese word for autumn leaves?

Autumn leaves are called 紅葉 (momiji or kouyou). Momiji often refers to red maple leaves specifically, while kouyou can describe all colorful autumn foliage.

How do you say “autumn leaf viewing” in Japanese?

The activity of viewing autumn leaves is called 紅葉狩り (momijigari), which literally means “hunting red leaves.” It’s a popular seasonal activity similar to cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in spring.

What festivals are celebrated in Japan during autumn?

Popular autumn festivals include:

• ハロウィン (Harouin): Halloween
• お月見 (Tsukimi): Moon viewing festival
• 七五三 (Shichi-Go-San): Celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7

What is the difference between momiji and kouyou?

Both words use the kanji 紅葉. Momiji usually refers specifically to the red leaves of maple trees, while kouyou is a broader term encompassing all autumn foliage colors, including red, yellow, and orange.