Staff at most Japanese campsites are friendly to foreign guests, but many do not speak much English. A few simple phrases go a long way. If speaking feels hard, just show this page on your phone.
Booking by phone or email
English Japanese Romaji I’d like to make a reservation. 予約をお願いします。 Yoyaku o onegai shimasu. Is there a site available on 2026/10/13? [日付]は空いていますか？ [Hizuke] wa aite imasu ka? Two adults, one car. 大人2人、車1台です。 Otona futari, kuruma ichi-dai desu. What is the cancellation policy? キャンセルはどうなりますか？ Kyanseru wa dō narimasu ka? I don’t speak Japanese well. 日本語があまり話せません。 Nihongo ga amari hanasemasen.
At check-in
English Japanese Romaji I have a reservation under [name]. [名前]で予約しています。 [Namae] de yoyaku shite imasu. Can I pay by card? カードは使えますか？ Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka? What time is quiet time? 消灯は何時ですか？ Shōtō wa nanji desu ka? What time is checkout? チェックアウトは何時ですか？ Chekku-auto wa nanji desu ka? Could you say that again slowly? もう一度ゆっくりお願いします。 Mō ichido yukkuri onegai shimasu.
Campfires, garbage, firewood
English Japanese Romaji Can we have a campfire today? 今日は焚き火できますか？ Kyō wa takibi dekimasu ka? Where do I throw away ashes? 灰捨て場はどこですか？ Hai-suteba wa doko desu ka? Where do I throw away garbage? ゴミはどこに捨てますか？ Gomi wa doko ni sutemasu ka? Do I need to take garbage home? ゴミは持ち帰りですか？ Gomi wa mochikaeri desu ka? Do you sell firewood? 薪は売っていますか？ Maki wa utte imasu ka?
Facilities
English Japanese Romaji Where is the shower? シャワーはどこですか？ Shawā wa doko desu ka? Is there a hot spring nearby? 近くに温泉はありますか？ Chikaku ni onsen wa arimasu ka? Can I rent this? これはレンタルできますか？ Kore wa rentaru dekimasu ka?
Words to recognize on signs
Japanese Romaji Meaning 管理棟 kanri-tō Reception building 炊事場 suijiba Kitchen sink area 直火禁止 jikabi kinshi No fires on the ground 灰捨て場 hai-suteba Ash disposal 燃えるゴミ moeru gomi Burnable garbage 燃えないゴミ moenai gomi Non-burnable garbage 消灯 shōtō Lights out / quiet time 温泉 onsen Hot spring
Tips
Staff usually explain the house rules at check-in. If you miss something, use “Could you say that again slowly?”
On windy days, staff may tell you campfires are not allowed. “Can we have a campfire today?” is a good question to ask on arrival.
Payment methods differ by campsite, so “Can I pay by card?” is worth asking before you arrive.
More for your trip
→ How to book a campsite in Japan → Campsite rules in Japan
These phrases come from the last chapter of my book for first-time campers in Japan. → Camping in Japan: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers (Amazon)
