Sapporo

General Tips for Communication in Japan

1. Politeness is Key: Always use polite forms of speech when addressing strangers. Adding "すみません (Sumimasen)" or "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" to your sentences shows respect.
2. Body Language: Bowing is a common way to show gratitude or greet someone. A slight bow is sufficient for visitors.
3. Speak Slowly and Clearly: If you’re unsure of your pronunciation, speak slowly. Many Japanese people are patient with visitors.
4. Carry a Translation App: Apps like Google Translate or Papago can help with real-time translation. Offline phrasebooks are also handy.

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Basic Japanese Phrases for Visitors to Sapporo

1. Greetings and Essentials

• Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
• Good morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu)
• Good evening: こんばんは (Konbanwa)
• Goodbye: さようなら (Sayounara)
• Thank you: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
• Excuse me / Sorry: すみません (Sumimasen)
• Yes: はい (Hai)
• No: いいえ (Iie)
• Do you speak English?: 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)
• I don’t understand: わかりません (Wakarimasen)
• Please: お願いします (Onegaishimasu)

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2. Transportation

Sapporo has an efficient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and trains. Here are some useful phrases:

• Where is the subway station?: 地下鉄の駅はどこですか？ (Chikatetsu no eki wa doko desu ka?)
• How much is the fare?: 料金はいくらですか？ (Ryoukin wa ikura desu ka?)
• I want to go to [destination].: [Destination] に行きたいです。 ([Destination] ni ikitai desu.)
  • Example: 札幌駅に行きたいです。 (Sapporo eki ni ikitai desu.) = I want to go to Sapporo Station.
• Does this train go to [destination]?: この電車は[Destination]に行きますか？ (Kono densha wa [Destination] ni ikimasu ka?)
• One ticket, please.: 切符を一枚ください。 (Kippu o ichimai kudasai.)
• Where is the bus stop?: バス停はどこですか？ (Basutei wa doko desu ka?)

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3. Food and Dining

Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, fresh seafood, and dairy products. Use these phrases when dining out:

• A table for one/two, please.: 一人/二人です。 (Hitori/Futari desu.)
• Do you have an English menu?: 英語のメニューはありますか？ (Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?)
• What do you recommend?: おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)
• I have an allergy to [ingredient].: [Ingredient]のアレルギーがあります。 ([Ingredient] no arerugii ga arimasu.)
  • Example: エビのアレルギーがあります。 (Ebi no arerugii ga arimasu.) = I’m allergic to shrimp.
• Can I have this without [ingredient]?: [Ingredient]抜きでお願いします。 ([Ingredient] nuki de onegaishimasu.)
• Check, please.: お会計をお願いします。 (Okaikei o onegaishimasu.)
• Delicious!: おいしいです！ (Oishii desu!)

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4. Sightseeing

Sapporo has many attractions, including Odori Park, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and Mount Moiwa. These phrases will help:

• Where is [landmark]?: [Landmark]はどこですか？ ([Landmark] wa doko desu ka?)
  • Example: 大通公園はどこですか？ (Odori Kouen wa doko desu ka?) = Where is Odori Park?
• What time does it open/close?: 何時に開きますか/閉まりますか？ (Nanji ni akimasu ka / shimarimasu ka?)
• Can I take photos here?: ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?)
• How much is the entrance fee?: 入場料はいくらですか？ (Nyuujou-ryou wa ikura desu ka?)

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5. Emergencies

In case of emergencies, these phrases can be life-saving:

• Help!: 助けて！ (Tasukete!)
• Call the police!: 警察を呼んでください！ (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!)
• Call an ambulance!: 救急車を呼んでください！ (Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai!)
• I’m lost.: 道に迷いました。 (Michi ni mayoimashita.)
• I need a doctor.: 医者が必要です。 (Isha ga hitsuyou desu.)
• Where is the hospital?: 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?)
• I lost my wallet.: 財布をなくしました。 (Saifu o nakushimashita.)

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Local Dialect Considerations

While Sapporo residents primarily speak standard Japanese, you might hear some words from the Hokkaido dialect. These are not essential for visitors but can be fun to know:

• Nageru (投げる): In Hokkaido, this means "to throw away" (e.g., garbage), not just "to throw."
• Shibareru (しばれる): A Hokkaido term meaning "extremely cold."
• Namara (なまら): A slang word meaning "very" or "extremely."

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Cultural Nuances

1. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan, including Sapporo. Instead, show gratitude by saying "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)."
2. Queuing: Always line up in an orderly fashion, whether at train stations, restaurants, or attractions.
3. Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples, or someone’s home.

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Recommended Tools and Resources

1. Google Translate: Offers text, voice, and photo translation. Download Japanese for offline use.
2. Papago: Another excellent translation app, particularly for Asian languages.
3. Learn Japanese Phrasebook App: Provides audio pronunciations and offline access.
4. Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi device to stay connected and use translation apps seamlessly.
5. Japanese-English Dictionary: Apps like Takoboto or Jisho.org are great for looking up words.

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By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Sapporo and enjoy its unique culture and hospitality. Safe travels!