Essential Japanese Shopping Phrases: A Practical Guide for Travellers & Learners 🛍️
Whether you are exploring bustling shopping arcades in Osaka, hunting for unique souvenirs in Kyoto, or browsing stylish boutiques in Tokyo, shopping in Japan is an unforgettable experience.
While shop staff in tourist areas often speak basic English, using simple Japanese phrases makes your shopping trips much smoother—and local shopkeepers always appreciate the effort!
Here is what we will cover in this practical guide:
Part 1: The Essential Japanese Shopping Phrases Cheat Sheet — Simple phrases from entering the store to asking for sizes, tax-free, and checkout.
Part 2: Quick Etiquette Tips for a Smooth Experience — Essential Japanese shopping manners to keep your trip stress-free and pleasant.
Part 1: The Essential Japanese Shopping Phrases Cheat Sheet
Here are the most useful shopping phrases Japanese locals actually use at every stage of their shopping trip!
1. Entering the Store & Getting Help 👋
When you enter a shop, the staff will greet you with Irasshaimase! (Welcome!). You don't need to answer this greeting—a polite head nod is plenty. If you need assistance or want to look at something specific, these phrases will help:
Japanese | Romaji | English |
いらっしゃいませ！ | Irasshaimase! | Welcome! (Greeting from staff) |
すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me |
これを見せていただけますか？ | Kore o misete itadakemasu ka? | Could you show me this? |
〜はありますか？ | ~ wa arimasu ka? | Do you have ~? |
2. Asking for Sizes & Colours
Want to try something on or find a different size? Use these phrases when browsing clothes and shoes:
Japanese | Romaji | English |
試着してもいいですか？ | Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka? | May I try this on? |
Mサイズはありますか？ | Emu saizu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have this in Medium? |
別の色はありますか？ | Betsu no iro wa arimasu ka? | Do you have other colours? |
大きいサイズ / 小さいサイズ | Ookii saizu / Chiisai saizu | Larger size / Smaller size |
3. Prices & Asking for Recommendations 🏷️
Not sure what to buy or need to check the price tag? Ask the staff directly:
Japanese | Romaji | English |
いくらですか？ | Ikura desu ka? | How much is this? |
おすすめはどれですか？ | Osusume wa dore desu ka? | Which do you recommend? |
これをください | Kore o kudasai | I'll take this, please. |
4. Paying at the Register & Tax-Free Shopping 💳
When you head to the register (reji), here are the key phrases for paying and handling receipts:
Japanese | Romaji | English |
免税にできますか？ | Menzei ni dekimasu ka? | Can I get tax-free? |
カードで払えますか？ | Kaado de haraemasu ka? | Can I pay by card? |
袋はいりません | Fukuro wa irimasen | I don't need a bag. |
ポイントカードはお持ちですか？ | Pointo kaado wa o-mochi desu ka? | Do you have a point card? (Staff asks) |
大丈夫です / 結構です | Daijoubu desu / Kekkou desu | No thanks / I'm fine. |
💡 Important Update for Tax-Free Shopping: Starting 1 November 2026, Japan is updating its tax-free shopping rules. Instead of getting tax deducted instantly at the register, you will pay full price (including consumption tax) at the store and receive your tax refund at the airport before departure. You can still ask "Menzei ni dekimasu ka?", but keep in mind that the refund step will now happen at the airport!
Part 2: Quick Etiquette Tips for a Smooth Experience
A few simple manners make shopping in Japan effortless for everyone:
1. Use the Small Money Tray (Cash Tray)
When paying, place cash or cards onto the small tray on the counter rather than handing cash directly to staff.
2. Take Off Shoes in Fitting Rooms
If you see a raised wooden step or carpeted mat outside a fitting room, slip off your shoes before stepping inside.
3. Handle Items with Care
It is polite to treat items on display with care. In clothing shops, staff may hand you a face cover to prevent makeup from smudging clothes while trying them on.
💡 Japanese Shopping Vocabulary Box
Here are essential Japanese words to remember when shopping:
免税 (めんぜい - menzei): Tax-free
レジ (reji): Cash register / Checkout
試着室 (しちゃくしつ - shichakushitsu): Fitting room
おすすめ (osusume): Recommendation
袋 (ふくろ - fukuro): Shopping bag
領収書 (りょうしゅうしょ - ryoushuusho): Receipt
現金 (げんきん - genkin): Cash
クレジットカード (kurejitto kaado): Credit card
サイズ (saizu): Size
🚀 Travel & Shop in Japan with Confidence!
Mastering a few simple phrases makes every shopping trip in Japan so much easier. When you feel comfortable asking questions and paying at the register, every interaction with local shopkeepers becomes a fun, memorable experience!
At Nihongo Journey, our 1-on-1 online lessons teach practical conversation skills for real-world travel—from ordering at local restaurants to shopping and chatting comfortably with native speakers.
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