25+ Japanese Airport Vocabulary you MUST learn

You're navigating through check-in, security, or asking for directions? This guide covers essential airport vocabulary, common phrases, and tips to help you move through Japanese airports with confidence.

Essential Japanese Airport Vocabulary

Here are some key terms you'll frequently encounter at the airport in Japan - (– 空港の基本語彙 (くうこうのきほんごい, Kūkō no kihongo)

Example:

1. チェックインカウンターはどこですか？ (Chekkuin kauntā wa doko desu ka?)
   → Where is the check-in counter?
    
2. 手荷物受取所は2階です。 (Tenimotsu uketori jo wa nikai desu.)
   → The baggage claim is on the second floor.
    
3. 税関を通り過ぎると、到着ロビーがあります。 (Zeikan o tōrisugiru to, tōchaku robī ga arimasu.)
   → After passing through customs, there is the arrival lobby.

Useful Japanese Phrases for the Airport

Phrases for the Airport - 空港で使えるフレーズ (くうこうでつかえるふれーず, Kūkō de tsukaeru furēzu). Here are some common phrases you might need when communicating with airport staff or asking for help at the airport:

Asking for Directions:

• 搭乗口はどこですか？ (Tōjōguchi wa doko desu ka?)
  → Where is the boarding gate?

• 免税店はどこですか？ (Menzaiten wa doko desu ka?)
  → Where is the duty-free shop?
   
• トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)
  → Where is the bathroom?

Common Travel Questions:

• この飛行機は東京行きですか？ (Kono hikōki wa Tōkyō yuki desu ka?)
  → Is this flight to Tokyo?

• 遅延していますか？ (Chien shiteimasu ka?)
  → Is there a delay?
   
• 搭乗券を見せてください。 (Tōjōken o misete kudasai.)
  → Please show your boarding pass.

Immigration Interview

• Question: どちらからいらっしゃいましたか？ (Dochira kara irasshaimashita ka?)
  – Where did you come from?

Answer: [name of your country] + から来ました (kara kimashita)
– I came from [country].

• Question: 滞在期間はどの位ですか？ (Taizai kikan wa donoguraidesu ka?)
  – How long are you going to stay here?

Answer: [number of days] + 日間です (kan desu)
– For [number of days] days.

Customs and Immigration

When you arrive at the Japanese airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs – 税関と入国審査 (ぜいかんとにゅうこくしんさ, Zeikan to Nyūkoku shinsa). Here are some terms to help with the process:

Example Sentences:

1. パスポートを見せてください。 (Pasupōto o misete kudasai.)
   → Please show your passport.
    
2. 税関申告が必要ですか？ (Zeikan shinkoku ga hitsuyō desu ka?)
   → Do I need to declare anything at customs?

Navigating through a Japanese airport is much easier when you're familiar with the key airport vocabulary and useful phrases. Whether you're asking for directions, understanding announcements, or going through customs and immigration, knowing these terms will help you have a smoother travel experience.

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