Navigate Sapporo Confidently: Useful Japanese Words & Phrases for Travelers

Hey there, welcome to Sapporo! I’m a local who’s been living in this city for 40 years, and I want to share some genuinely useful Japanese phrases to make your trip smoother and way more fun. I’ve put together a solid list of about 30 phrases this time.

Forget the stiff, textbook stuff you might find in guidebooks. These are words we locals actually use, and the kind I honestly think will be super helpful for visitors like you. Don’t overthink it – just give these a try!

1. こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – The Versatile, Anytime Greeting

• Nuance: Hello / Good afternoon
• When to use: It’s the most basic greeting for when you meet someone during the day, enter a shop, etc. While we use “おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)” in the morning and “こんばんは (Konbanwa)” in the evening, knowing “Konnichiwa” covers most situations, which is really handy.

2. ありがとう (Arigatou) / ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – The Magic Words for Gratitude

• Nuance: Thank you / Thank you very much
• When to use: Use this anytime you want to express thanks – when someone does something for you, shows you kindness, when leaving a store, etc. Adding “gozaimasu” makes it sound more polite. Using the “-gozaimasu” version with restaurant staff or hotel employees is probably a good idea.

3. すみません (Sumimasen) – Super Versatile! Apology, Thanks, Getting Attention

• Nuance: Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you
• When to use: This word is incredibly useful.
  • When you bump into someone or cause inconvenience: Means “Sorry.”
  • When you want to call a waiter or ask for directions: Means “Excuse me.”
  • For small acts of kindness: Can also mean “Thank you.” Like when someone holds a door open for you.

【A Local’s Honest Take】 Japanese people use “Sumimasen” a lot. Sometimes even instead of “Arigatou.” Maybe we overuse it a bit? (Haha) But it just goes to show how handy it is for showing consideration for others. Mastering this one word will make your interactions much smoother.

4. もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu) – When You Didn’t Catch That

• Nuance: One more time, please. / Could you say that again?
• When to use: Perfect for when someone speaks too quickly or you just didn’t understand. People will often repeat themselves more slowly if you ask, so don’t hesitate to use it.

5. わかりません (Wakarimasen) – Honestly Saying “I Don’t Understand”

• Nuance: I don’t understand.
• When to use: If you still don’t get it after hearing it again, just say this honestly. They might try explaining differently or using gestures. It’s much better than pretending you understood.

6. いいですね (Ii desu ne) – A Handy Phrase for Agreement or Approval

• Nuance: That’s nice! / Sounds good! / I agree.
• When to use: This is a super useful phrase for when you hear something you like or agree with a suggestion. Using it naturally in conversation makes things flow better. It’s also natural to say “Ah, ii desu ne!” when someone recommends something at a shop.

7. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) – Politely Declining / Saying It’s Okay

• Nuance: It’s okay. / I’m fine. / No, thank you.
• When to use: A useful way to decline when something is offered, or if someone offers help you don’t need. “結構です (Kekkou desu)” means the same, but “Daijoubu desu” sounds a bit softer. You can also use it to mean “It’s not a problem” when asked.

8. 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – Asking for Help in Emergencies

• Nuance: Please help (me).
• When to use: Use this if you’re truly lost and stuck, or in case of an accident or sudden illness – basically, any emergency where you need assistance. Say it loudly and clearly. Might also be useful when looking for a police box (Kōban).

9. 気分が悪いです (Kibun ga warui desu) – Expressing You Feel Unwell

• Nuance: I feel sick. / I don’t feel well.
• When to use: A phrase to let hotel staff or people around you know if you start feeling unwell during your trip. It’s important to communicate this early rather than trying to tough it out.

Useful at Restaurants! Enjoy Sapporo’s Delicious Gourmet Scene

When you think of Sapporo, you think of food! Ramen, soup curry, Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ), fresh seafood… just thinking about it makes me hungry. Master these phrases for ordering at restaurants and savor all the tasty treats!

10. これください (Kore kudasai) – Easy Ordering with Pointing!

• Nuance: This one, please.
• When to use: The ultimate easy phrase – just point at the menu item or product and say this to order. Many menus have pictures, so you can pretty much get by with this even if you don’t understand the words.

11. おすすめは？ (Osusume wa?) – Ask for Local Recommendations

• Nuance: What do you recommend?
• When to use: Use this when you’re unsure what to order. Asking the staff for recommendations increases your chances of discovering the restaurant’s specialty or delicious seasonal items. Especially good at izakayas (Japanese pubs) – they might suggest unique local dishes.

12. おいしい！ (Oishii!) – Expressing “This is Great!”

• Nuance: Delicious! / Tasty!
• When to use: When you eat something truly delicious, definitely say this out loud! The chef or staff will surely be happy to hear it. Saying it with a smile is key!

13. お水ください (O-mizu kudasai) – Basic Request at Restaurants

• Nuance: Water, please.
• When to use: In Japanese restaurants, water (or tea) is often served automatically, but use this if you’d like a refill or if it wasn’t provided. Some people say “Ohiya,” but “O-mizu” is perfectly understood.

14. お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – Paying Smartly

• Nuance: Check, please. / Bill, please.
• When to use: Use this when you’ve finished your meal and want to pay at your table. Many places have you pay at the register, but this phrase is useful for table service.

15. クレジットカード使えますか？ (Kurejitto kādo tsukaemasu ka?) – Confirming Payment Method

• Nuance: Can I use a credit card?
• When to use: It’s good to check before paying at restaurants or shops. Most larger places accept cards, but markets or small independent stores might be cash-only. You can shorten it to “カード使えますか？ (Kādo tsukaemasu ka?)”.

16. 領収書ください (Ryōshūsho kudasai) – If You Need a Formal Receipt

• Nuance: Receipt, please. (Often implies a more formal one for expenses)
• When to use: Use this after shopping or dining if you need a receipt for expense reports, etc. Usually used when you need a proper document with a space for a name, distinct from a simple cash register tape (レシート – Reshīto).

Useful for Transport & Walking Around! Navigate with Ease

Sapporo city center is laid out on a grid around Odori Park, making it easy to walk, but you can still get lost sometimes. Getting around by subway or bus is also common. Here are phrases for those times.

17. 〇〇はどこですか？ (〇〇 wa doko desu ka?) – The Basic Way to Ask for Locations

• Nuance: Where is 〇〇?
• When to use: Put the name of the place you want to find in the 〇〇.
  • 「駅はどこですか？ (Eki wa doko desu ka?)」 – Where is the station?
  • 「バス停はどこですか？ (Basutei wa doko desu ka?)」 – Where is the bus stop?
  • 「トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)」 – Where is the restroom? (“Otearai” is slightly more polite)
  • 「ホテルはどこですか？ (Hoteru wa doko desu ka?)」 – Where is the hotel?
  • 「交番はどこですか？ (Kōban wa doko desu ka?)」 – Where is the police box? (Reliable help if you’re really lost or lost something)

18. 〇〇に行きたいです (〇〇 ni ikitai desu) – Stating Your Destination

• Nuance: I want to go to 〇〇.
• When to use: Useful for telling a taxi driver your destination or asking which train to take at the station. Put the place name in 〇〇. For example, “札幌駅に行きたいです (Sapporo Eki ni ikitai desu).”

19. この電車/バスは〇〇に行きますか？ (Kono densha/basu wa 〇〇 ni ikimasu ka?) – Confirming Your Ride

• Nuance: Does this train/bus go to 〇〇?
• When to use: With so many lines, it’s easy to get confused. Checking with the driver, station staff, or someone nearby before boarding provides peace of mind. Put your destination (e.g., Odori Park – Oodori Kōen) in the 〇〇.

20. タクシー乗り場はどこですか？ (Takushī noriba wa doko desu ka?) – Finding a Taxi

• Nuance: Where is the taxi stand?
• When to use: Use this phrase at stations or large commercial facilities when you want to catch a taxi and need to find the designated stand.

21. 駅のロッカーはどこですか？ (Eki no rokkā wa doko desu ka?) – Storing Luggage

• Nuance: Where are the station lockers? / Coin lockers?
• When to use: Coin lockers are convenient for temporarily storing luggage before check-in or after check-out. Most major stations have them, so ask for their location.

22. Wi-Fiありますか？ (Wi-Fi arimasu ka?) – Checking for Internet Access

• Nuance: Do you have Wi-Fi?
• When to use: Ask this at cafes, hotels, or public facilities when you want to use the internet. If a password is required, you can ask, 「パスワードは？ (Pasuwādo wa?)」.

23. 地図ありますか？ (Chizu arimasu ka?) – Getting Local Information

• Nuance: Do you have a map?
• When to use: Ask this at tourist information centers at stations or hotels when you want a map of the surrounding area or a tourist map. Asking if they have an English map (Eigo no chizu) is also a good idea.

24. 写真撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin totte mo ii desu ka?) – Polite Photo Etiquette

• Nuance: May I take a picture?
• When to use: It’s good manners to ask before taking photos inside shrines/temples, of products in shops, or sometimes of people. Always ask permission before photographing people. Taking photos without asking can lead to trouble.

【A Local’s Honest Take】 People from outside Hokkaido sometimes say Sapporo locals seem a bit shy or reserved. So, some folks might freeze up if suddenly addressed in English (Haha). But fundamentally, people here are kind. If you start with a Japanese “Sumimasen,” then ask slowly in simple English, they’ll likely try their best to help. Map apps are useful, but those small interactions with locals can become great travel memories, don’t you think?

Useful for Shopping! Make Souvenir Hunting Smoother

Shopping is one of the joys of travel! Sapporo has everything from department stores to arcades like Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and markets.

25. これはいくらですか？ (Kore wa ikura desu ka?) – Asking the Price

• Nuance: How much is this?
• When to use: Use this at souvenir shops or markets when the price isn’t clear. Just pointing and saying “いくら？ (Ikura?)” often works too.

26. 試着してもいいですか？ (Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?) – When Buying Clothes

• Nuance: May I try this on?
• When to use: A phrase to ask the staff in a clothing store if you want to try on an item you’re interested in. The fitting room is 「試着室 (Shichakushitsu)」.

27. 他の色はありますか？ (Hoka no iro wa arimasu ka?) – Looking for Color Variations

• Nuance: Do you have this in other colors?
• When to use: Use this when you like the design of an item and want to ask if other colors are available.

28. これは免税になりますか？ (Kore wa menzei ni narimasu ka?) – Checking for Tax-Free Status

• Nuance: Is this tax-free? / Can I get a tax refund for this?
• When to use: Use this at tax-free shops to confirm if an item qualifies for tax exemption and if the procedure can be done there. You’ll often need to show your passport.

Useful at the Hotel! For a Comfortable Stay

Your hotel is your home base during the trip. Knowing a few phrases beyond check-in and check-out can be handy for small requests.

29. 荷物を預かってもらえますか？ (Nimotsu o azukatte moraemasu ka?) – Before Check-in / After Check-out

• Nuance: Could you keep my luggage? / Can I leave my baggage here?
• When to use: Ask this when you arrive before check-in time or want to do some sightseeing after checking out and need your luggage stored. Most hotels should accommodate this.

30. 朝食は何時ですか？ (Chōshoku wa nanji desu ka?) – Confirming Breakfast Time

• Nuance: What time is breakfast?
• When to use: If your hotel plan includes breakfast, use this phrase to confirm the start and end times. Asking 「何時から何時までですか？ (Nanji kara nanji made desu ka?)」 (From what time until what time?) will get you the precise hours.

Conclusion: Language is a Bridge for Communication

So, what did you think? All 30 phrases introduced here are genuinely practical. You don’t need to memorize them all perfectly, but just knowing a few should make a big difference in your Sapporo experience.

Perfect pronunciation isn’t necessary at all. What’s important is the desire to communicate. If you take a little leap of faith and try speaking Japanese, I’m sure the people of Sapporo will respond warmly.

【A Local’s Honest Take】 You know, even us locals are really happy when visitors from overseas try their best to speak Japanese. Even if it’s broken, just the effort gets through and makes everyone feel good. So please don’t be afraid of making mistakes – give these phrases a go!

Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and interactions with local people. All of these things should combine to make your Sapporo trip unforgettable. I hope you use the phrases you learned here to create the best memories!

We’re waiting for you!