How to make phone reservations at restaurants and hotels in Japanese! Frequently used phrases and example sentences.
Making restaurant and hotel reservations in Japan can be a particularly big challenge for foreigners. Facing a language barrier can cause anxiety and confusion, but such worries are no longer necessary.
In this article, we will show you how to make reservations over the phone at restaurants and hotels using basic Japanese, with practical conversational examples. By learning the basic phrases necessary for making reservations and commonly used expressions, you too will be able to make reservations smoothly in Japanese. Through this article, make your stay in Japan richer and more comfortable.
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How to make a restaurant reservation by phone in Japanese and sample conversation
When making a reservation at a restaurant in Japan by phone, it is important to clearly state the date, time, and number of people for the reservation. Reservations in Japanese are easier than you might think, and you can use the following conversation examples as a guide.
The phrase "I would like to ~" conveys the nuance of a polite question, "I would like to ~, but is it possible?" This conveys the nuance of a polite question, "I would like to make a reservation. This allows you to smoothly convey your intention to make a reservation while showing respect to the other party.
Staff:Yes, this is 00 Restaurant."
Roman alphabet:"Hai, 00 resutoran de gozaimasu."
English:"Hello, this is 00 Restaurant."
Customer:I would like to make an appointment."
Roman alphabet:"Yoyaku wo shitai no desu ga."
English:"I would like to make a reservation."
Staff:I'll be right with you. When is your preferred date and time?"
Roman alphabet:"Kashikomarimashita. gokibou no nichiji wa itsu desu ka?"
English:"Certainly. when is your preferred date and time?"
Customer:Is it okay for you to be there at 00:00 on the 00th?"
Roman alphabet:"00 gatsu 00 nichi no 00 ji wa daijoubu desu ka?"
English:"Is it possible to reserve for 00 o'clock on the 00th of the (month)?"
Staff:How many people are there? How many people are there?"
Roman alphabet:"Daijoubu desu. Nanmei sama deshou ka?"
English:"That's fine. For how many people?"
Customer:Zero, please."
Roman alphabet:"0 nin de onegai shimasu."
English:"For 0 people, please."
Staff:I will be waiting for you. We are waiting for you.
Roman alphabet:"Kashikomarimashita. omachi shite orimasu."
English:"Understood. we look forward to welcoming you."
How to make a hotel reservation by phone in Japanese and sample conversation
When making a hotel reservation in Japan over the phone, the conversation proceeds in the same way as with a restaurant reservation, but the expression "0 nights" is used to indicate the number of days to stay. This point requires special attention. For example, "2 nights (nihaku)" means a stay of 2 days.
Below is an example of a typical conversation when making a hotel reservation. Use this example to help you make a hotel reservation in Japanese. Learn how to ask questions and phrases that you can actually use, so that you can call to make a reservation with confidence.
Front:Thank you for calling, this is the 00 Hotel."
Roman alphabet:"Odenwa arigatou gozaimasu, 00 hoteru de gozaimasu."
English:"Thank you for calling, this is 00 Hotel."
Customer:I would like to make an appointment."
Roman alphabet:"Yoyaku wo onegai shitai no desu ga."
English:"I'd like to make a reservation, please."
Front:Yes, may I ask when you would like to stay?"
Roman alphabet:"Hai, goshukuhaku kiboubi wo ukagai shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?"
English:"Certainly, may I ask for the dates you wish to stay?"
Customer:We plan to stay there for 0 nights starting on the zeroth day of the month."
Roman alphabet:"00 gatsu 00 nichi kara 00 haku yotei desu."
English:"I'm planning to stay from the 00th of the 00(month) for 0 nights."
Front:"Yes, sir. How many people are coming?"
Roman alphabet:"Ryoukai shimashita. Nanmei sama de irasshaimasu ka?"
English:"Understood. how many guests will there be?"
Customer:Two."
Roman alphabet:"Futari desu."
English:"Two people."
Front:Do you have a check-in time in mind?"
Roman alphabet:"Chekku in no jikan wa okimari desu ka?"
English:"Do you have a specific check-in time in mind?"
Customer:We're planning for around 6 p.m."
Roman alphabet:"Gogo rokuji goro wo yotei shite imasu."
English:"We're planning on around 6 PM."
Front:I will confirm the reservation for Mr. 00. We look forward to your arrival."
Roman alphabet:"Shouchi itashimashita, 00-sama no goyoyaku wo kakutei sasete itadakimasu. Gotouku wo kokoro yori omachi moushiagete orimasu ."
English:"Your reservation has been confirmed, Mr./Ms. 00. We are eagerly looking forward to your arrival.
Commonly used Japanese for telephone reservations
The following are some useful phrases and words in Japanese that are useful when making reservations over the phone. By remembering these phrases and words, you will be able to communicate smoothly in various situations, such as when making reservations at restaurants and hotels, as well as when communicating allergy information and seat preferences.
The table below lists some basic words and phrases that are useful for inquiring about dining preferences, types of seating, and even price ranges. Using these expressions, you will be able to communicate your needs more specifically and effectively.
| Japanese (language) | romaji | Native language |
| allergy | Arerugii. | Allergy |
| vegan | biigan | Vegan |
| vegetarian | Bejitarian | Vegetarian |
| gluten-free | Guruten furii | Gluten-free |
| non-alcoholic | Non arukōru | Non-alcoholic |
| smoking seat | Kitsuen seki | Smoking seat |
| non-smoking section | Kinen seki | Non-smoking seat |
| one's own room | Koshitsu | Private room |
| Terrace/Outdoor seating | terasu seki/yagai seki | Terrace/outdoor seat |
| Children's chairs | Kodomoyou no isu | Child seat |
| all-you-can-eat | Tabehoudai | All you can eat |
| all you can drink | Nomihoudai | All you can drink |
| budget | Yosan | Price range |
How to say the number of people and date in Japanese
Some expressions in Japanese, such as the number of people and dates, are a little difficult for foreigners to remember. This is because these expressions often do not follow fixed rules and change depending on the situation. However, learning basic expressions for the number of people and dates can be very helpful in making reservations in Japanese smoothly.
Below are examples of basic headcount and date expressions that are frequently used in reservations and everyday conversation. By learning these, you will be able to accurately convey the information you need to give when making a reservation.
If you cannot remember a specific expression, you can still convey your intention even if it is not an exact expression by simply adding "day" or "person" to the number, for example, "ichinichi (一日)" or "1人 (1人)". Such flexibility is also effective in Japanese communication.
| Japanese (language) | romaji | Native language |
| one day | Tsuitachi | 1st (day of a month) |
| two days | Futsuka. | 2nd (day of a month) |
| three days | Mikka | 3rd (day of a month) |
| four days | Yokka | 4th (day of a month) |
| five days | Itsuka | 5th (day of a month) |
| ten days | Tooka | 10th (day of a month) |
| fifteen days | Juugonichi | 15th (day of a month) |
| twentieth day of the month | Hatsuka | 20th (day of a month) |
| thirty-first day of the month | Sanjuuichinichi | 31st (day of a month) |
| 1人（one person） | Hitori | One (person) |
| 2人（two people） | Futari | Two (people) |
| 3人（three people） | San'nin | Three (people) |
| 4人（four people） | Yonin | Four (people) |
| 5人（five people） | Gonin | Five (people) |
| 10人（ten people） | Juunin | Ten (people) |
▼ Please also refer to this article.
Very easy! An easy-to-understand explanation of how to count "persons" in Japan!
Reservation site recommended for those who are not confident about making reservations by phone.
For foreigners who are not yet familiar with the Japanese language, here are some useful online reservation sites for those times when it is difficult to make restaurant or hotel reservations over the phone. These sites are easy to use and offer a wide variety of choices, turning choosing a restaurant or hotel into a more enjoyable experience.
Eating Log (Restaurants)
Eat Log" is Japan's No.1 restaurant listing covering all restaurants in Japan. With real user reviews and rankings based on photos, you can get a sense of the actual dining experience in advance. Many restaurants offer the use of T-points and special offers for online reservations, and searches can be made according to the occasion, from single-person meals to large banquets. There is also extensive take-out information.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ TABELOG
Hot Pepper Gourmet (Restaurant)
Hot Pepper Gourmet" offers a wide variety of discount coupons, allowing you to enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at a discount price. The point program is also attractive, and you can earn points for reservations and save even more. You can easily search for a restaurant that suits your purpose, such as a girls' night out or birthday party. You can also easily find restaurants where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Hot Pepper Gourmet
Retty (Restaurants)
Retty, which provides reliable information with real-name reviews, allows you to find the right restaurant based on real information from gourmet users. It offers a wide range of gourmet information from all over Japan, and allows you to search according to your usage scenario, such as date night or alone. A convenient application is also provided, allowing you to quickly search for nearby restaurants.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ No.1 real name review gourmet service [Retty].
Iryu.com (Restaurants and Hotels)
Ichiyu.com is the place to make reservations for fine restaurants and in-hotel dining for special occasions. Campaigns and time-sales allow you to make reservations at a discount, and you can search for restaurants according to the occasion, such as anniversaries and business entertainment, to make your time with your loved ones special.
Hotels for leisure or business can also be booked through Ikkyu.com, and even non-Japanese can easily make reservations at high-quality restaurants and hotels in Japan. With these services, it is possible to find the right place for special occasions, anniversaries, business or leisure.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Up to 53% off! Restaurant reservations are also available at ichiyu.com!・Up to 60% off at Ikkyu luxury hotels and inns!
OZmall (Restaurants and Hotels)
OZmall, which introduces selected restaurants especially for women, offers special features according to seasons and events. It offers reservation support for large groups, restaurant searches by scene such as dates, girls' night out, and anniversaries, as well as a wealth of information on places to enjoy take-out and afternoon tea.
Furthermore, OZmall also offers hotel reservations, allowing you to find hotels suitable for various occasions, such as special occasions, anniversaries, business, and leisure. By using these services, even foreigners can easily make reservations at high-quality restaurants and hotels in Japan.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Restaurant reservations at a great price! 24-hour web reservations available【OZmall・Ozmall for reservations of hotels and inns carefully selected by our editorial department.
Airtree Domestic Hotel Reservations(Hotel)
Airtori offers a wide range of hotels and inns in Japan. It is also suitable for business use, and reservations for overseas hotels are also available. It is ideal for those looking for cost-effective accommodations, as it offers special offers and discount information.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Cheap domestic hotel reservation site [Airtori].
Tabist(Hotel)
Tabist" provides information on more than 200 accommodations throughout Japan, from sightseeing to business to weekend excursions. The variety of places to stay, from historical ryokans to small and medium-sized hotels, is appealing. We propose trips that can be easily enjoyed on a budget.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Tabist Hotels
Agoda(Hotel)
Agoda, which offers a wide variety of domestic and international accommodations, allows you to book hotels in Japan at great rates with last-minute and app-only discounts. You can choose where to stay through an easy booking process, using real word-of-mouth reviews as a guide.
To make a reservation, please visit ▶︎ Agoda
For those of you who want to further your studies at a Japanese language school
The Japanese language attracts attention from around the world for its rich expressiveness and profound culture. From movies, music, and literature to everyday conversation, learning Japanese is not only a way to acquire a new language, but also a gateway to a deeper cultural understanding and a broader perspective.
For those of you who want to study Japanese more seriously, enter higher education in Japan, or find a job in Japan, taking your Japanese language skills to the next level is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. There are approximately 700 Japanese language schools in Japan with various characteristics, but it is not easy to select the best school for you.
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We will provide you with the best support to meet your Japanese language learning goals. We hope that our support will make your Japanese language study more fulfilling and fruitful.
summary
In this article, we have introduced some basic phrases and conversation examples for foreigners who are not comfortable with Japanese, which are useful when making reservations at restaurants and hotels over the phone. When making reservations at restaurants and hotels in Japanese, it is important to remember how to express dates and times and how to tell the number of people. Knowing the phrase "I would like to make a reservation," you can make reservations in more natural Japanese. For those who are not confident about making reservations over the phone, we recommend using an online reservation site that is easy to use and provides a wealth of information.
