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Japanese phrases for your night out inn Tokyo

Japanese Phrases for Drinking on Your Night Out in Tokyo

Are you planning a night out in Japan? Here are some useful Japanese phrases for drinking on your night out! Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can use these phrases to help you navigate around!

Find out more about the different Japanese drinks, Japanese beers, the special strong zero you can get in Japan and how to prepare for a night out in Tokyo. Want to check out more bar recommendations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Akihabara, Asakusa, Nakano, Shimokitazawa and Koenji.


One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here!

Check out the Flip Japan Games here!

Japanese Phrases for Drinking in Japan

I-za-ka-ya (居酒屋)= Traditional Japanese pub

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo izakaya
Credit: Tokyo Cheapo

An izakaya is a place where you can drink and eat tapas-style snacks. They tend to be pretty cozy, so you will definitely get to know the quirks of the owner and your fellow clientele. A definite must-visit if you’re in Tokyo!

O-tou-shi (お通し) = Appetiser/ Table charge

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo otōshi
Credit: Norioonwine

A lot of Japanese bars and izakayas will charge you an ‘otōshi’ to drink there. Food and drink are traditionally served together, so ‘otōshi’ also means a little bowl of food they’ll serve you with your first drink. Neat!

Su-mi-ma-sen (すみません) = Excuse me!

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo sumimasen
Credit: NY Times

Can’t see the bartender? After another round of Moscow Mules? Just shout ‘sumimasen’ to get their attention. This useful Japanese phrase will come in very handy.

Su-mi-ma-seMou-i-ppai ku-da-sai (もう一杯ください)= Another drink, please! (すみません) = Excuse me!

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Mou ippai kudasai
Credit: jit bag

Use this phrase if you can’t remember the name of that delicious plum wine you’re drinking in the izakaya, but you want another!

O-kai-ke (おかいけ) = The bill

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Okaike
Credit: Japan Info

The bartender will probably understand ‘check’, but why not bust out this word?

Tsu-yo-meh (強め)= a little stronger

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Tsuyomeh
Credit: Boutique Japan

Feel like your mojito isn’t very strong? ‘Tsuyome’ literally means ‘stronger’, so hopefully they’ll give you another shot!

Yo-wa-meh (弱め) = a little weaker

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Yowame
Credit: Japan Guide

Feel like your mojito is way too strong? ‘Yowame’ literally means ‘weaker’ and is a helpful phrase if you’re looking to not get too smashed.

Dai-jou-bu de-su (大丈夫)= it’s okay/I’m fine

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Daijoubu desu
Credit: Diamond Online

If you don’t want another drink or you’re still on your first one, just whip out this bad boy if they ask you if you want another. But be careful — some bars will get annoyed if you stick around too long not drinking!

I-ta-da-ki-masu (いただきます) = a phrase to say before you tuck into your meal

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Itadakimasu
Credit: The Culture Trip

It’s a Japanese phrase used kind of like saying grace anywhere else. If you’re in a group, say this before you tuck in.

Kam-pai (カンパイ)= Cheers!

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Kampai

If you’re getting in a round with some new Japanese pals.

Eh-ki wa, do-ko de-su-ka? (駅はどこですか) = Where’s the station?

Japanese Phrases For Your Night Out in Tokyo Ehki wa, doko desu-ka_
Credit: Japan Coto Academy

End of the night on your night out and ready to head back to the Airbnb? ‘eh-ki’ means station. Hopefully, someone will be able to help you! If you need your drunk food before wrapping your night up, check out these options!

And there you have it — some super easy Japanese phrases to make your night out in Tokyo run a little smoother! Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you don’t have to worry! Have fun!

Find out more about all the different Japanese food, different types of ramen, ramen chains in Japan. For drinks, check out the different Japanese drinks, Japanese beers, the special strong zero you can get in Japan and how to prepare for a night out in Tokyo.

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan, Japan nightlife, Japanese language and more.

We host our own bar tours regularly as well! We take you to all kinds of unique and underground locations around Tokyo, with anywhere between five to fifteen international guests! We’ve also lived in Japan for years and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have, ranging from history, and culture to society and nightlife! Come join us for a great night!

Stay tuned for more information about Japan travel, Japanese culture, moving to Japan, living in Japan and more.

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We’re your local friend in Japan, helping you explore, experience and enjoy the ins and outs of Japan! When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin. During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique underground places. We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

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FLIP GUIDE TEAM

Hey friend!

Just like you, we are foreigners from all around the world.

When we first arrived in Tokyo, we all found this city to be overwhelming, not sure where to begin.

During the years that we have lived here in Japan, we have discovered and visited countless famous tourist attractions as well as unique and underground places.

We are now proud to say that we are experts of Japan and would love to share the knowledge with all of you!

 

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