I wrote this because a lot of people on the internet ask me for tips on skiing in Hokkaido, Japan. Here is all the stuff we tirelessly combed the Internet for before our trip, or learned the hard way. I promise you none of this is fluff - it is all useful. At least as of 2025.

📱 before you go: Apps You’ll Actually Use

• Papago – A translation app that’s scary good with Japanese menus and signs. Generally more accurate translation for Japanese than Google Translate but functions the same way.

• Google Translate – Handy for longer texts or scanning signs. Use the camera mode for instant translation.
  

English Is More Common Than You Think in tokyo and niseko

• Many signs in airports, trains, and major stores are also in English.

• Hotels, rental car companies, and touristy restaurants usually have English-speaking staff.

• People are usually pretty patient with translators apps in Japan

Body Language & Politeness Go a Long Way

• Pointing at items or writing numbers on paper works fine.

• Bow slightly when thanking someone: a small gesture of respect is appreciated.

• Don’t want to talk? There is plenty of non-verbal body language in Japanese.
  

🗣 A Few Handy Japanese Phrases

Even if you don’t speak Japanese, it’s nice to know a few phrases or general non-verbal communication via body language. Locals will really appreciate the effort.

• Hello / Good day – Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

• Thank you – Arigatō (ありがとう) or more polite: Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

• Excuse me / Sorry – Sumimasen (すみません) - For getting waitstaff attention, or apologizing for bumping into someone

• Excuse me, I don’t speak Japanese – Sumimasen, nihongo ga hanasemasen

• Yes – Hai (はい)

• No – Iie (いいえ)

• Cheers! – Kanpai! (乾杯) – very important for après-ski 🍻

• Daijōbu desu - It’s ok! - You can also use “daijobu” for “Are you ok?” or “I’m OK” etc. etc etc.
  

  Restaurants and bars

  Etiquette: Japanese people tend to STFU when they’re dining in a restaurant. If you’re in a quiet restaurant full of locals, keep it down or preferably don’t speak if you can avoid it.
  

• One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six people - (1)Hitori/(2)Futari/(3)Sannin/(4)Yonin/(5)Gonin/(6)Rokunin desu - for telling a host how many people are in your party

• Excuse me, I’d like to order - Sumimaesen, chūmon o onegaishimasu

• This and this and this… - Kore (this) to (and…) - For pointing to items on a menu you would like to order.

• Water please - Mizu kudasai

• Check please - O kaikei onegai shimasu - you can also make a little x with your pointer fingers at the waiter
  

Worth noting a lot of people aren’t huge fans of the tourists. If you make an effort you will be treated a lot better, let into more places, etc. Less people speak English than you think, or will pretend they don’t at all. Use your translator.

🗣 Japanese Phrases people will say to you

• Ano – Uhh - You’ll hear this one a lot. It’s used as a pause like an “uhh”, or also to indicate something away from the speaker and listener.

• Fukuro wa irimasu ka? – Do you want a bag? (Hai for yes or iie for no)

• Cardo - Are you using credit card?

• Genkin - Cash. If you hear this word when trying to use a card, they are probably telling you it’s cash only