文化の寄り道
Japanese language & culture
Explore 26 beginner guides to the words, gestures and everyday moments you meet along the journey. Start with a question, try the examples, then put what you learn into practice.
Language basics
Hiragana vs Katakana: Which Should You Learn First?
Understand the difference between hiragana and katakana, see how both appear in real Japanese words, and choose a manageable order for learning them.
How to Read Katakana Words on Japanese Menus
Read katakana words such as coffee, ice cream and cake by noticing long vowels, small tsu and sound changes instead of guessing from English spelling.
Japanese Nature Words: Mountains, Rivers and the Sky
Learn Japanese nature vocabulary such as yama, kawa, sora and umi, with kana readings, short sentences and a simple picture-based practice routine.
Small Tsu: How to Read っ and ッ in Japanese
Learn what small tsu does in words such as kitte and kippu, how it differs from full-size tsu, and how to practice the extra consonant beat.
Japanese Animal Words: Deer, Foxes, Cats and More
Learn Japanese animal names with kana and romaji, then use neko, inu, shika and kitsune in short sentences about pictures and things you like.
Japanese Counters: Hitotsu, Futatsu and Counting Things
Learn the general Japanese counting forms from hitotsu to too, use them in simple requests, and understand when a more specific counter is needed.
Koko, Soko, Asoko and Doko: Places in Japanese
Learn here, there, over there and where in Japanese. Compare koko with kore and practice asking where the station, entrance or restroom is.
Japanese Colors: Aka, Ao and How to Describe Things
Learn basic Japanese color words and the difference between akai and aka no. Practice describing red, blue, green, white and black objects.
Everyday Japanese
Japanese Greetings: What to Say and When
Learn when to use ohayou gozaimasu, konnichiwa and konbanwa, with simple Japanese greetings, pronunciation notes and a short practice conversation.
How to Say Thank You in Japanese: Arigatou and More
Choose between arigatou, arigatou gozaimasu and arigatou gozaimashita. Learn natural thank-you phrases with examples and common beginner mistakes.
Japanese Weather Phrases: Sunny, Rainy, Hot and Cold
Talk about everyday weather in Japanese with hare, ame, atsui and samui. Learn the difference between weather nouns and temperature adjectives.
Kudasai vs Onegaishimasu: Two Ways to Make a Request
Compare kudasai and onegaishimasu with restaurant and everyday examples. Learn where both work and why they cannot always replace each other.
How to Ask the Price in Japanese: Ikura Desu Ka?
Ask how much something costs with ikura desu ka, recognize basic yen amounts, and distinguish asking a price from asking how many items there are.
Food and drink
Itadakimasu and Gochisousama: Before and After a Meal
Learn what itadakimasu and gochisousama mean, when to say each expression, and how they differ from ordering food or complimenting the cook.
How to Order Food in Japanese: A Beginner Conversation
Order a dish, ask for water and request the bill in Japanese. Practice a short restaurant conversation with kana, romaji and English meanings.
Oishii vs Umai: How to Say Delicious in Japanese
Learn when to use oishii and umai, how to say a meal was delicious, and how oishisou describes food that looks good before you taste it.
Culture and customs
The Many Meanings of a Bow
In Japan, a bow can say hello, thank you, or sorry — how deep it is and how long it's held changes the message.
One Word for Sorry, Excuse Me, and Thanks
すみません (sumimasen) is one of the first words visitors learn, because it covers "excuse me," "sorry," and even a soft "thanks for the trouble" all at once.
Onsen Etiquette: A First Visit and Useful Japanese Words
Understand the basic onsen bathing routine and learn words for the entrance, changing room and bath, plus a simple way to ask staff for help.
Yukata vs Kimono: The Difference and Useful Clothing Words
Learn how yukata and kimono relate, where you may encounter a yukata, and simple Japanese phrases for asking about clothing size and fit.
Ninja vs Shinobi: Meaning, History and Japanese Vocabulary
Understand how ninja and shinobi relate, separate historical information gathering from fictional powers, and learn a few Japanese words from the topic.
Shrine vs Temple in Japan: How to Tell the Difference
Learn the difference between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, recognize torii and common Japanese names, and understand basic visiting etiquette.
Why Do Inari Shrines Have Foxes? Kitsune Explained
Understand the fox statues at Inari shrines, the difference between Inari and a fox messenger, and Japanese words for foxes, statues and torii gates.
Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Beginner’s Guide to the Words
Learn tea ceremony terms such as matcha, chawan and chasen, understand the role of the host, and practice polite Japanese for a first experience.
Japanese Castle Vocabulary: Shiro, Tenshu and Castle Gates
Learn Japanese words for a castle, main keep, gate and stone wall, with reading notes and simple sentences for understanding a castle map.
Japanese Festival Words: Matsuri, Hanabi and Yatai
Learn Japanese festival vocabulary for fireworks, stalls, lanterns and dancing, then use a short phrase to order one item at a festival food stall.