One of the highlights of traveling in Japan is definitely shopping! From department stores and supermarkets to convenience stores and souvenir shops, you’ll find endless opportunities to browse and buy.
Here, we’ve handpicked 20 Japan shopping phrases that travelers can actually use. Each phrase comes with Japanese, English, and romaji, so save this guide and use it on your next trip!
🛍 When Looking for Products
Even if you find something you want to buy, sometimes the size, color, or price isn’t clear. These phrases will help you ask politely and get what you need.
- これはいくらですか？ → How much is this? → Kore wa ikura desu ka?
(Use this most common phrase when no price tag is visible.) - 試着してもいいですか？ → Can I try this on? → Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
(A must when buying clothes or shoes.) - ほかのサイズはありますか？ → Do you have another size? → Hoka no saizu wa arimasu ka?
(Useful when the size doesn’t fit.) - 色違いはありますか？ → Do you have this in another color? → Iro chigai wa arimasu ka?
(Perfect for checking if your favorite color is available.) - 試着室はどこですか？ → Where is the fitting room? → Shichakushitsu wa doko desu ka?
(Helps you head straight to the fitting room without confusion.)
💳 When Paying
At checkout, you’ll often need to confirm whether cards are accepted or if tax-free options apply. Knowing these will make your payment smooth and stress-free.
- カードは使えますか？ → Can I use a credit card? → Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
(Always check if the store accepts cards.) - 現金で払います → I’ll pay in cash → Genkin de haraimasu
(Remember this for cash-only shops.) - 領収書をください → Please give me a receipt → Ryōshūsho o kudasai
(Helpful for expense reports or business trips.) - 免税できますか？ → Can I get a tax refund? → Menzei dekimasu ka?
(Common in department stores and airport duty-free shops.) - 取り置きできますか？ → Can you hold this for me? → Torioki dekimasu ka?
(Use this if you plan to come back and pick up the item later.)
🎁 When Buying Souvenirs
Souvenirs are all about thoughtfulness. Whether it’s wrapping, shelf life, or local specialties, these phrases will help you make the perfect choice.
- お土産用に包んでください → Please wrap this as a souvenir → Omiyage-yō ni tsutsunde kudasai
(Useful when buying a gift for someone.) - ひとつずつ分けて包んでください → Please wrap them separately → Hitotsu zutsu wakete tsutsunde kudasai
(Great for gifts you’ll hand out individually.) - 日持ちはどのくらいですか？ → How long does it last? → Himochi wa dono kurai desu ka?
(Essential for food souvenirs.) - この地方の名物はどれですか？ → What is the local specialty? → Kono chihō no meibutsu wa dore desu ka?
(A must-ask to find something unique to the area.) - ホテルへ配送できますか？ → Can you ship this to my hotel? → Hoteru e haisō dekimasu ka?
(Perfect if you bought big or heavy items.)
💡 Not sure what souvenirs to buy? Check out our full guide 👉 [20 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Japan｜Food & Goods].
🏬 At Supermarkets and Drugstores
Daily shopping often comes with its own set of common phrases. Since Japan has unique systems like paid plastic bags and self-checkouts, these will make your experience much smoother.
- レジはどこですか？ → Where is the cashier? → Reji wa doko desu ka?
(Handy in large supermarkets where the checkout isn’t obvious.) - 袋はいりますか？ → Would you like a bag? → Fukuro wa irimasu ka?
(A phrase you’ll almost always hear at checkout.) - いりません → No, thank you → Irimasen
(Use this when you have your own eco-bag.) - ポイントカードはありますか？ → Do you have a point card? → Pointo kādo wa arimasu ka?
(Expect this question in most supermarkets or drugstores.) - 返品・交換できますか？ → Can I return or exchange this? → Henpin / kōkan dekimasu ka?
(Important for wrong sizes or defective items.)
✅ Make Shopping in Japan a Pleasant Experience!
Shopping in Japan becomes much easier and more enjoyable when you know just a few Japan shopping phrases.
Above all, phrases like “How much is this?”, “Can I use a credit card?”, and “Can I get a tax refund?” are absolute essentials. From supermarkets to department stores, use these handy expressions to shop smarter, connect with locals, and make your trip even more memorable!
