How to Say Thank You in Japanese — Traveler’s Phrase Guide

Basic thank you for travelers

• Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): universal polite — use everywhere with everyone.
• Arigato (ありがとう): casual, friendly — only with people you know well or younger.
• Domo arigato (どうもありがとう): “thanks a lot” — slightly more emphatic.
• Domo (どうも): “thanks” — short + casual.
• Sankyu (サンキュー): Japanese pronunciation of English “thank you” — slang only.
• Pronunciation tips: Japanese vowels are clean (ah-ee-uh-eh-oh). Soft ‘r’ (between r/l). Slight vowel devoicing in unstressed syllables.
• Arigato gozaimasu pronunciation: ah-ree-GAH-toh goh-ZAH-ee-mahss (last syllable ‘mahss’ often soft).
• Don\’t confuse: arigatou (more emphatic past form) vs. arigato (present polite).
• Past tense: arigato gozaimashita — for past acts of kindness.

Bow culture + thank you etiquette

• Japanese bow types:
• Eshaku (slight 15° bow): for greetings, friends, casual situations.
• Keirei (formal 30° bow): for business, customers, polite encounters.
• Saikeirei (deepest 45° bow): for apologies, sincere gratitude, high authorities.
• Combine bow with words: bow slightly while saying arigato gozaimasu.
• Don\’t hand-shake: Japanese don\’t typically shake hands unless westernized business.
• Eye contact: brief + lowered. Avoid prolonged direct stare.
• Two-hand bow: hands at sides for men, in front of thighs for women.
• Receiving gifts/business cards: use both hands + bow.
• Polite tone: soft + clear pronunciation matters more than exact translation.
• Smile + bow: non-verbal thank you also works.

Contextual thank yous for travelers

• Hotel reception: “arigato gozaimasu” + small bow.
• Restaurant after meal: “gochisousama deshita” (literally “it was a feast”). Polite + appreciated.
• Restaurant before paying: “arigato gozaimasu” while reviewing bill.
• Taxi driver: “arigato gozaimasu” when getting out.
• Train/subway worker giving info: “arigato gozaimasu” + bow.
• Convenience store cashier: “arigato gozaimasu” — they\’ll bow back.
• Tour guide: “honto ni arigato gozaimashita” (really thank you, past).
• Receiving change: “domo arigato gozaimasu.”
• Helping you on street: “sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu” (excuse me + thank you).
• Compliment received: “arigato gozaimasu” + slight bow.
• Tipping NOT done: saying thank you replaces tip culture.
• Refusing service charge: some upscale places include service — don\’t add tip.

Other essential travel phrases

• Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは) — daytime greeting.
• Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) — before 10am.
• Good evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは).
• Goodbye: Sayonara (さようなら) — final goodbye.
• See you later: Jaa mata (じゃあまた) — casual.
• Yes: Hai (はい) — also “I understand.”
• No: Iie (いいえ) — direct but rare. Often “chotto…” for soft no.
• Please: Onegai shimasu (お願いします) — multipurpose.
• Excuse me / sorry: Sumimasen (すみません) — most useful word.
• Where is…?: …wa doko desu ka? (どこですか?).
• How much?: Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか?).
• Bathroom: Toire wa doko desu ka? (Where is the toilet?).
• Wifi password: Wifi no pasuwaado wa? (Wi-Fi のパスワード?).
• Help: Tasukete (助けて).

Cultural notes

• Politeness is highly valued: Japanese society emphasizes harmony (wa) + respect.
• Use polite forms with strangers: -masu/-gozaimasu endings.
• Service workers’ bows: they bow when you enter store/restaurant + when you leave. Acknowledge with slight bow + “arigato gozaimasu.”
• Convenience store etiquette: staff will bow + greet “irasshaimase” (welcome). Just nod + browse — no need to respond.
• Bowing return: in elevators, hotel lobbies — return bows briefly.
• Quiet voices: Japanese speak softly in public, especially on trains + subways.
• Phone use: no calls on trains — text only.
• Indoor shoe etiquette: remove shoes at homes, traditional restaurants, ryokan inns, some temples. Slippers provided.
• Chopsticks: never stand vertically in rice (funeral symbol). Don\’t pass food directly between chopsticks.
• Eating on the go: generally not done. Eat at table/restaurant.
• Card payment increasing: still many cash-only spots — bring yen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say thank you in Japanese?

Arigato gozaimasu (formal — use everywhere) or arigato (casual — friends only). For travelers, arigato gozaimasu is safe universal choice.

How do you pronounce arigato gozaimasu?

ah-ree-GAH-toh goh-ZAH-ee-mahss. The final ‘mahss’ is often softly pronounced ‘mahs’ with quiet final ‘u’.

Is tipping done in Japan?

No — tipping is NOT expected and can even be confusing or insulting. Saying ‘arigato gozaimasu’ + slight bow replaces tip culture entirely.

Should I bow when saying thank you in Japan?

Yes — combine 15-30° bow with arigato gozaimasu for formal occasions. Casual settings = no bow needed. Service workers will bow first.

Other essential Japanese phrases for travelers?

Konnichiwa (hello), Sumimasen (excuse me/sorry), Onegai shimasu (please), Ikura desu ka (how much?), Toire wa doko desu ka (where is bathroom?).

Should I learn Japanese for Tokyo trip?

Basic phrases help — but English is widely available in major tourist areas. Saying thank you, please, hello in Japanese shows respect.

See also

• ANA Airlines baggage
• Cathay Pacific baggage