Your first day in Japan — the phrases and small moves you'll actually need

Most first-day-in-Japan guides give you 50 phrases ordered by grammar lesson. That's not how a day actually unfolds. Here are the moments, in the order they'll happen, with what to say and what tiny social move goes with it.

The officer will ask your purpose. The standard answer is 観光で来ました (kankou de kimashita — "I'm here for sightseeing") or 仕事で来ました (shigoto de kimashita — "I'm here for work"). Speak clearly and without joking. Have your arrival card filled out before you reach the booth.

Customs usually waves you through if you have nothing to declare. If asked, 特に申告するものはありません (toku ni shinkoku suru mono wa arimasen — "nothing in particular to declare") is your line.

Small move: bow your head slightly (15°) when handing over your passport and when receiving it back. Don't reach for documents until they're requested.

At a train station ticket window, 新宿まで一枚お願いします (Shinjuku made ichimai onegaishimasu — "one to Shinjuku, please") works for any destination. If you're not sure which train, 新宿に行きたいんですが (...e ikitai n desu ga — "I want to go to Shinjuku, but...") invites them to direct you to the right train.

Taxi drivers respond well to written destinations. Show them your hotel address on your phone, ideally with the Japanese script. ここまでお願いします (koko made onegaishimasu — "to here, please") combined with the address gets you there.

Small move: don't open or close the taxi door yourself — Japanese taxis have automated rear doors. Just stand back and let it open. Drivers find learners reaching for the door amusing but slightly awkward.

Reception will start with いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase — "welcome"). You don't need to respond to it; it's a greeting they say to everyone. Just say チェックインお願いします (check-in onegaishimasu — "check-in please") and hand over your passport when asked.

If something is unclear (room location, breakfast time), すみません、もう一度お願いします (sumimasen, mou ichido onegaishimasu — "sorry, one more time please") is your friend. Don't apologize for not understanding — Japanese hospitality staff are trained to repeat slowly.

Small move: when handed your room key, receive it with both hands (or at least the right hand with the left lightly supporting). It signals you understand the small ritual of giving and receiving.

コンビニ(konbini) is your first Japanese cultural classroom. Walk in, hear いらっしゃいませ, don't respond. Pick up what you want. Bring it to the counter.

If you want your items bagged: 袋お願いします (fukuro onegaishimasu — "bag please"). Most stores now charge ¥3-5 for plastic bags.

If they ask if you need chopsticks for hot food: お願いします (please) or 大丈夫です (no, I'm fine). Don't say "いいえ" — it sounds blunt.

When they hand you change, they place it on a small tray, not directly in your hand. Pick it up from the tray. A small bow as you leave is appreciated but not required.

Many restaurants have menus with photos. Pointing is acceptable: これ、お願いします (kore, onegaishimasu — "this, please"). For the staff member's attention, すみません (sumimasen — "excuse me") is the universal call. Not too loud — restaurant staff are listening.

If you have dietary restrictions, 〇〇は食べられません (~ wa taberaremasen — "I can't eat ~") works. Pork:豚肉(butaniku). Seafood:魚介類(gyokairui). Nuts:ナッツ. Be specific about what.

At the end, お会計お願いします (okaikei onegaishimasu — "check please") summons the bill. Most restaurants want you to pay at the counter, not the table. Cash is still common; bring some.

Tipping: don't. Tipping is not customary in Japan and can confuse or embarrass staff. The service is included in the price.

By the end of day one, you've used maybe 15 distinct phrases. None of them complex. All of them on the phrasebook list. The trick to your second day is to use those same 15 phrases again, more confidently, without rehearsing them in your head as much.