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Learn Japanese Pod is back — with weekly lessons and something big on the horizon

If you’ve been following Learn Japanese Pod for a while, you’ll know that the best Japanese learning happens consistently, a little at a time, over a long period. Ironically, we’ve had a quieter few months than usual — so we’re taking our own advice and getting back to it.

Starting this week, new content drops every single week. And we’re kicking things off with something we’re genuinely excited to share.

The Instant Travel Japanese Course — 30 lessons, one per week

The Instant Travel Japanese Course is a structured 30-lesson course covering the Japanese you actually need when you travel to Japan. Not textbook Japanese. Not polished, formal Japanese that sounds like you’ve been studying grammar charts. The real thing — the kind of language that gets you understood, gets you helped, and occasionally gets you an impressed smile from a local who wasn’t expecting it.

Each weekly lesson covers a real situation:

  • Arriving at the airport and getting to your hotel
  • Ordering food — from ramen shops to kaiseki restaurants
  • Getting around on trains, taxis, and on foot
  • Shopping, bargaining (sort of — this is Japan), and asking for help
  • Handling the unexpected with confidence
  • Connecting with locals beyond just transactions

The Instant Travel Japanese Course is available now for Premium Members, delivered weekly so you can absorb each lesson properly before the next one arrives. If you’re not a member yet, you can join at Learn Japanese Pod – Patreon — your first lesson is waiting.

Something bigger is coming

The weekly lessons are just the start. We’ve been quietly working on something we’ve wanted to build for a long time — a proper home for Learn Japanese Pod. One place for everything: the podcast, the courses, the tools to help you actually retain what you’re learning, and a community of people on the same journey.

We’re not ready to share everything yet. But we will be soon. If you want to be the first to know when it launches, make sure you’re on our mailing list — or better yet, join the Patreon community where we’ll be sharing updates as things come together.

In the meantime: there’s a Japan Travel Course with your name on it. Lesson one is live. Let’s go.

Join as a Premium Member → Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Listen to the free podcast on Apple Podcasts → Learn Japanese Pod on Apple Podcasts

Join the Discord community → Learn Japanese Pod Discord

Click here for all our podcasts!

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Blog Podcasts

Fun Friday 31: Bear attacks in Japan

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Welcome to the Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast — the show where we sit down with cool people doing cool things in Japan. In this episode, I talk with Wes Lang about the recent rise in bear encounters and attacks across Japan: the latest stats, what’s causing them, and what Japan is doing to prevent future incidents.

We also dive into Wes’s long experience as a master hiker. He was the first American to complete the Hyakumeizan, and he shares practical advice on how to prepare for the unlikely event of meeting a bear on the trail — including what to do, what not to do, and some useful bear-related vocabulary in Japanese.

I learned a lot from this interview with Wes, and I now feel slightly more prepared to go hiking — and hopefully avoid any battles with bears!

Wes is the creator of hikinginjapan.com, an authoritative resource with detailed information on hundreds of hikes and mountains across Japan. If you love hiking, Japanese nature, or just a good story, you won’t want to miss this one.

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Blog Vocabulary

Top 10 Izakaya Japanese phrases

Top 10 Izakaya Japanese Phrases – Master Japanese Pub Culture
Traditional Japanese izakaya interior with diners enjoying food and drinks

Top 10 Japanese Izakaya Phrases: Your Complete Guide to Japanese Pub Culture

Master these essential izakaya phrases and navigate Japan’s lively pub scene with confidence

A great way to discover local Japanese cuisine and culture, and try your Japanese out is to visit an Izakaya or Japanese style pub. This guide will teach you the top 10 most useful phrases to help you get the most out of partying at an Izakaya.

What is an Izakaya? Understanding Japan’s Beloved Pub Culture

Traditional Japanese sake bottles and cups

Planning to visit Japan and immerse yourself in authentic local culture? An izakaya (居酒屋) – a traditional Japanese-style pub – offers the perfect opportunity to practice your Japanese while experiencing the country’s vibrant social scene.

Picture a lively restaurant filled with groups gathered around tables or traditional tatami mats, celebrating the end of a long workday. These popular watering holes typically cluster near train stations in major business districts, reaching peak energy on Friday nights when overworked salarymen and office workers unwind over beer and sake.

What makes izakayas truly special is their incredibly diverse menu of food and drinks, making them one of the best ways to sample Japan’s exceptional cuisine. Beyond the food, you’ll gain insight into Japanese dining etiquette – from proper seating arrangements to the art of pouring beer and correct chopstick placement. Don’t worry about making mistakes; once the sake flows, Japanese people relax and the evening’s focus shifts to pure enjoyment.

To help you navigate your izakaya adventure, we’ve compiled 10 essential phrases that will help you order food, connect with locals, and sound naturally fluent in Japanese.

Essential Izakaya Phrases for Ordering Drinks and Food

1. “Who’s Having Beer?” in Japanese

ビール飲む人？ (Biiru nomu hito?)

Friends ordering drinks at an izakaya table

After being seated, it’s customary to order drinks before diving into the menu. The most popular choice is ビール (biiru) – beer – or 生 (nama) – draft beer.

Simply ask your group “ビールを飲む人？” (biiru o nomu hito?) meaning “Who’s drinking beer?” and count the raised hands.

Variations for Other Drinks:

  • ワインを飲む人？ (wain o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking wine?
  • お水を飲む人？ (omizu o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking water?
  • 日本酒を飲む人？ (nihonshu o nomu hito?) – Who’s drinking sake?

Pro tip: When sharing bottles of sake or beer, always pour drinks for others, starting with the most senior person in your group. This is an important part of Japanese drinking etiquette.

Bonus phrase: Use お冷 (ohiya) as a polite way to order water at izakayas – this insider term will impress locals!

2. “For Now, We’ll Have Beer” in Japanese

とりあえず生 (Toriaezu nama)

Plates of delicious Japanese izakaya food

Want to sound like a native Japanese speaker? This authentic phrase is rarely found in textbooks but constantly heard in izakayas.

とりあえず (toriaezu) means “well, for now…” while 生 (nama) means draft beer. Call this out to the staff (don’t be shy about volume in a bustling izakaya!) and you’ll be well on your way to earning your black belt in izakaya culture.

Using this phrase will genuinely impress your Japanese friends with your natural, fluent Japanese skills.

3. “Cheers!” in Japanese

乾杯！ (Kanpai!)

When your drinks arrive, raise them high like victorious samurai warriors after battle and enthusiastically shout “Kanpai!” (乾杯) – the Japanese word for “Cheers!”

This celebratory moment marks the official start of your izakaya experience and sets a fun, convivial tone for the evening.

4. “Can I Have the Menu Please?” in Japanese

メニューお願いします (Menyū onegaishimasu)

Requesting the menu – or anything else – is simple with one of Japanese’s most versatile words: お願いします (onegaishimasu).

If you could only learn one Japanese phrase, this would be it. It essentially means “please” or “would you do this for me?” The formula is straightforward: state what you want + onegaishimasu.

5. “What Do You Recommend?” in Japanese

おすすめは？ (Osusume wa?)

Japanese izakaya menu with pictures

While most izakaya menus feature helpful pictures, some present extensive options or complex kanji that can feel overwhelming.

The best strategy? Ask for recommendations with おすすめは？ (osusume wa?) This allows you to quickly order with minimal fuss while discovering off-menu specials or signature dishes the izakaya is famous for.

This phrase is particularly useful when ordering sake, given the vast variety available at most establishments.

6. “I’ll Have This Please” in Japanese

これください (Kore kudasai)

Here’s a foolproof ordering method: これ (kore) means “this” and ください (kudasai) means “please.”

Most izakayas provide photo menus, so simply point at what looks delicious and say “kore kudasai.” If you’re pointing at someone else’s meal, use “それください” (sore kudasai) – “that please.”

Bonus tip: This phrase works perfectly when shopping too – “kore kudasai” means “I’ll take this one please.”

7. “I’ll Have the Yakitori Platter for Now” in Japanese

とりあえず焼き鳥盛り合わせで (Toriaezu yakitori moriawase de)

Beautiful Japanese sushi platter arrangement

Want to sample a variety of Japanese cuisine efficiently? Order a 盛り合わせ (moriawase) – an assortment or sampler platter.

The most popular option is 焼き鳥盛り合わせ (yakitori moriawase) – an assortment of grilled chicken skewers. You’ll find samplers for sushi, sashimi, and even Western items like sausage and cheese.

Sashimi Platter (Highly Recommended)

とりあえず刺身盛り合わせで (Toriaezu sashimi moriawase de)

Sashimi platters are perfect for sharing and provide an authentic taste of Japan’s finest cuisine.

8. “Excuse Me, Where’s the Bathroom?” in Japanese

すみません、お手洗いは？ (Sumimasen, otearai wa?)

This essential phrase will come in handy during your evening. The challenge? Understanding the directions over the noise of a packed Friday night izakaya!

Pro strategy: Walk in the direction the staff points, and don’t hesitate to ask again if you get lost. It happens to everyone!

9. “I’ll Have One More Glass of This Please” in Japanese

もう一杯同じ物ください (Mō ippai onaji mono kudasai)

Japanese sake cups and bottle

This practical phrase lets you quickly reorder drinks. 一杯 (ippai) refers to one glass or cup of something.

Drink Counter Words:

  • 一杯 (ippai) – one glass
  • 二杯 (nihai) – two glasses
  • 三杯 (sambai) – three glasses
  • 四杯 (yonhai) – four glasses
  • 五杯 (gohai) – five glasses

General Counter for Food Items:

  • 一つ (hitotsu) – one
  • 二つ (futatsu) – two
  • 三つ (mittsu) – three
  • 四つ (yottsu) – four
  • 五つ (itsutsu) – five

Simplified Version:

もう一杯同じ物 (Mō ippai onaji mono) – “One more (glass)”

10. “Can I Have the Bill Please?” in Japanese

チェックお願いします (Chekku onegaishimasu)

Japanese beer bottle and glass

When your evening winds down, you’ll need to settle the bill. You can say either チェックお願いします (chekku onegaishimasu) or お会計ください (okaikei kudasai).

Paying Your Bill: Important Notes

The staff may ask: ご一緒ですか？ (goissho desu ka?) – “Would you like to pay together?”

It’s common to pay separately in Japan. Respond with 別々 (betsu betsu) – “separately.”

Many modern izakayas feature electronic menus that automatically split bills among your group, making payment easier.

Important payment tips:

  • While most izakayas accept credit cards, smaller establishments (especially in rural areas) may be cash-only
  • Remember that Japan remains largely a cash-based society
  • Always carry sufficient yen when exploring local izakayas

Your Izakaya Adventure Awaits

Master these 10 essential phrases and you’ll navigate any izakaya experience with confidence. Whether you’re a Japanese language beginner or looking to polish your conversational skills, these expressions will help you connect with locals and fully enjoy Japan’s vibrant pub culture.

Ready to practice? Share your izakaya experiences or questions in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your adventures in Japanese dining!

🇯🇵 Planning a Trip to Japan? Get Our Complete Travel Japanese Guide

Mastering izakaya phrases is just the beginning of your Japanese adventure! Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets, ordering at restaurants, checking into hotels, or making friends with locals, our comprehensive Travel Japanese Guide gives you all the essential phrases you need.

What You’ll Learn:

  • ✈️ Airport and transportation phrases to get around with ease
  • 🏨 Hotel check-in/check-out vocabulary
  • 🍜 Restaurant ordering beyond izakayas (ramen shops, sushi bars, cafes)
  • 🛍️ Shopping and bargaining phrases
  • 🗺️ Asking for directions and getting help
  • 💬 Essential conversation starters to connect with locals
  • 🚨 Emergency phrases (just in case!)

Don’t let the language barrier hold you back from experiencing the real Japan. Our guide includes audio pronunciations, cultural tips, and real-world scenarios to prepare you for every situation.

Get Your Free Travel Japanese Guide →

Join thousands of travelers who’ve used our guide to transform their Japan experience from tourist to insider!

Continue Your Japanese Learning Journey

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Podcasts

Podcast 61: Talking about Positive emotions in Japanese :)

Pod Kun and his happy friends

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Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod!

In this episode we talk about how to express positive emotions in Japanese. You’ll learn some vocabulary, grammar and also a little bit about Japanese culture and how people in Japan tend to display their emotions in public.

Premium members can access detailed show notes as well as extra podcast dialogues and audio drills. To find out more, visit out Patreon page here: Learn Japanese Pod Premium Membership.

For more information about the podcast, visit the main site here: Learn Japanese Pod

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Podcasts

Fun Friday 30: Interview with Timothy Reid

Podcast Guest: Timothy Reid – From English Teacher to Award-Winning Musician and Video Game Sound Designer Pro in Japan

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This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Timothy Reid, a multi-talented artist and creator whose journey to success in Japan is nothing short of inspiring.

Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, Timothy moved to Japan in 2011 after graduating from the University of Leeds. Like many foreigners, he started out teaching English just to get by — but everything changed in 2014 when he won a national guitar contest. That moment launched him straight into the Japanese music industry.

Since then, he’s done it all: from touring and recording as a professional guitarist, to demoing gear in-store, teaching at music schools, and more recently, breaking into Japan’s video game industry, contributing to both big-name AAA titles and indie games.

In this episode, we talk about learning Japanese, breaking into the music and gaming industries, and what it really takes to build a life and career in Japan. If you’re interested in living in Japan, pursuing a creative career here, or just want to hear an honest, fascinating story about surviving and thriving abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a successful creative career in Japan, this is an unmissable episode packed with insight, inspiration, and hard-won lessons.

Click on the links below for Timothy’s home page and social media account:

Timothy Reid Official Website

Timothy Reid Instagram

For more Japanese language learning podcasts and interviews with people doing cool stuff in Japan, visit: Learn Japanese Pod

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Podcasts

Podcast 60: Talking about cleaning and household chores in Japanese

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Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod! This time, we’re diving into a topic that’s more than just daily vocabulary—it’s a cultural deep dive into cleanliness, chores, and the Japanese mindset around keeping things tidy.

In this episode, Alex and Ami Sensei explore how to talk about household chores in natural, conversational Japanese. You’ll pick up useful words and phrases for cleaning, washing, tidying up, and more—perfect for everyday situations in Japan.

But that’s just the start.

We also go beyond the grammar and vocab to look at why cleanliness is so important in Japanese culture. From kids cleaning their classrooms to monks scrubbing temple floors, you’ll learn how these everyday actions reflect deeper values like discipline, respect, and mindfulness—ideas that shape how people live, speak, and interact in Japan.

We also compare the Japanese approach to cleanliness with Western attitudes and explore how understanding these cultural differences can help you become not just linguistically fluent, but culturally fluent too.

So if you’ve ever wondered what chores can teach you about Japan—and want to sound more natural when talking about them—this is the episode for you!

Enjoy!

If you would like to get extra dialogues, vocabulary, grammar, PDF show notes and extra audio practice drills, check out our Premium Membership here

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Podcasts

Fun Friday 29: Setting up a business in Japan

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In this episode of Learn Japanese Pod, Andy and I dive into the world of starting a small business in Japan. We share our personal journeys of setting up our own company , the lessons we learned, and the surprises we encountered along the way.

If you’re a foreigner living in Japan—or planning to move here—and you’ve ever thought about launching your own business, this episode is packed with useful insights and real talk.

What We Talked About in This Episode

Here are some of the main topics we covered:

  • Why we decided to set up a company in Japan
    Our motivations, goals, and what pushed us to take the leap from freelance to incorporating.
  • Types of companies you can register in Japan
    We break down common structures like the Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and why we chose what we did.
  • Legal and financial help – Do you need a lawyer or tax accountant?
    How we found help with paperwork, taxes, and navigating the legal landscape.
  • The process of registering a company in Japan
    From choosing a company name to getting all the documents stamped, we share what was smooth—and what wasn’t.
  • Hanko culture and paperwork
    What it was like getting our hankos (personal/company seals) made and how they’re used for official documents.
  • Registering your company name
    Tips and gotchas when reserving a name, and how we made sure ours passed.
  • Our overall experience – Was it easy or hard?
    We compare notes on how bureaucratic (or not) the process was, and how long it took.

🎧 Listen to the Episode

👉 Click here to listen now or find it on your favorite podcast platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Preparation is key – Research and planning go a long way in making the process smoother.
  • Get help – Hiring a bilingual tax accountant or lawyer can save you time and stress.
  • Japan’s system is unique – Cultural and legal differences (like using hankos) can be surprising, but manageable with guidance.
  • It’s possible! – Setting up a company in Japan as a foreigner is very doable with the right support and mindset.

For more podcasts on learning the Japanese language and discovering more about the culture of Japan, click here!

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Podcasts

Podcast 59: How to understand Japanese in Japanese

In this episode, you’ll learn how to understand Japanese vocabulary — using only Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to ask for the meaning of words in Japanese and try to understand the explanations you hear. Mastering this skill not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of how words are naturally used in context. And remember, this becomes an exponential process – the more words you learn, the more words you can learn. It’s an extremely effective way to improve fluency.

Admittedly, this can be a challenging skill to develop, especially for beginners who may not yet have enough vocabulary to follow explanations in Japanese. However, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to work on at any level. Over time, it will greatly improve your ability to use and understand Japanese more like a native speaker.

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Fun Friday 28: The Sento Mindset with Kathryn Gronauer

Katheryn Gronauer
Katheryn Gronauer

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In this Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katheryn Gronauer, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She shared incredible insights and stories, including her unique experience growing up in a family that managed sento—traditional Japanese public baths.


We talked about what it was like helping her family run the business and how those early experiences shaped her approach to leadership and personal development today. Katheryn has since taken that knowledge and applied it to her coaching practice, The Sento Mindset, which focuses on rethinking life with honesty and courage to achieve your goals and achieve success. 


Beyond that, we discussed life in Tokyo, and plenty of other thought-provoking topics. It was a fantastic conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!

Katheryn Gronauer
Katheryn Gronauer

Click on the links below to access Katheryn’s websites and social media mentioned on the podcast:

Katheryngronauer.com

About The Sento Mindset

Thrive Tokyo

Katheryn’s LinkedIn

Katheryn’s Facebook

Katheryn’s Instagram

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Podcasts

Podcast 58: Using a bank in Japan

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In this podcast, we’ll dive into the process of opening a bank account in Japan, providing you with essential vocabulary and practical phrases that will help you confidently handle your finances. Not only will you learn how to navigate the specific steps of opening an account, but we’ll also cover useful language for managing money in various situations—whether you’re making a deposit, withdrawing cash, transferring funds, or even discussing your account with bank staff. These are practical skills that go beyond the basics covered in many textbooks, ensuring you’re better equipped to manage your money in Japan.

We’ll also explore the cultural context surrounding Japanese banks, shedding light on unique practices and expectations so you can better understand how the system works and avoid potential confusion. By the end of the episode, you’ll be prepared with both the language skills and cultural insights to handle a wide range of financial interactions with ease.

This is the free version of the podcast. If you would like to get access to show notes, an extra premium podcast and audio drills, check out our Patreon page here.

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Blog

Days of the week in Japanese

In this video you will learn the days of the week in Japanese. After watching the video test your knowledge in the quiz below!

[responsive_vid]

Japanese Days of the Week Quiz

Question goes here!




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Podcasts

Podcast 57: Talking about money in Japanese

Japanese money

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In Japan, being courteous and thoughtful to others is a virtue which extends to handling money. In this podcast Ami and I focus on useful phrases for talking about spending cash and the etiquette around handling money in Japan.

You can get extra premium content including audio drills and full PDF show notes by clicking on the link below:

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Podcast 56: Dating in Japan

Dating in Japan
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In this podcast, we focus on phrases related to dating in Japan. We’ll cover phrases to express your feelings about someone as well as describe your current and past relationship status. Finally, we talk about how dating culture in Japan differs from dating in the West.

Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes.

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Fun Friday 27: How to not be an obnoxious tourist in Japan

In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with millions flocking to its stunning temples, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. However, this boom has also brought about a significant issue: overtourism. As more travelers visit, overcrowding and a minority of obnoxious tourists has become increasingly problematic, causing frustration and discomfort among the locals who call these beautiful places home.

Overtourism in Japan is fueled by various factors, including the cheap yen, the boom in post pandemic travel and lack of local planning and infrastructure adequate for the volume of tourists. While the causes are complex and multifaceted, each visitor has the power to make a difference. By being mindful and respectful, you can contribute positively to your experience and the well-being of the local communities.

In this episode, we dive into the do’s and don’ts of tourism etiquette in Japan. From cultural sensitivities to practical tips, we’ll guide you on how to enjoy your trip without becoming an unwelcome guest. Tune in to learn how to be a considerate traveler and ensure your visit leaves a positive impact.

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Podcast 55: Asking for confirmation in Japanese

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In this podcast, we’re focusing on a crucial skill for mastering Japanese fluency and expanding your vocabulary which is confirming information.

When visiting Japan, it is likely you might mishear what is being said or you simply don’t understand the vocabulary being used. So, whether you’re confirming a restaurant reservation or seeking clarity in a conversation, this skill is indispensable for effective communication and deepening your grasp of Japanese.

And the good news is, you only need to learn a couple of phrases to be able to confirm information in Japanese. So, check out the dialogues and vocabulary in this podcast to get a better understanding of this topic.

Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes.

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Podcast 54: Phrases that use 気 in Japanese

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The topic for this lesson is the word 気 Ki.

気 has a lot of meanings depending on context. It up in has various meanings such as spirit, heart or mind. It can also mean mood or air. You probably already know the word 元気 Genkiwhich means well. Another example would be 気分 Kibun which means feeling or mood. And there is also 気圧 Kiatsu which means atmospheric pressure.

However, in this lesson, we’re going to focus more on how 気 is used in conversational phrases related to thinking, your mind and your attitude.

So, if you can remember at least a few of these phrases, your spoken Japanese will definitely sound more natural and fluent.

Check out the podcasts, show notes and extra audio drill to learn more.

Patreon: Podcast 54: Phrase that use 気 in Japanese

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Podcasts

Podcast 53: Natural Disasters in Japan

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic that anyone living in or visiting Japan should know at least a little about, and that is to stay safe during a natural disaster. Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and tsunami.

And as language learners, it’s good to not only master everyday conversational Japanese but also understand the language used in various emergency situations.

So, today we’ll look at some basic vocabulary related to natural disasters and phrases related to disaster preparedness.

You can get extra premium content for this podcast which extra dialogues, detailed show notes and practice audio by joining our Premium Member’s Area here.

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Podcast 52: Dealing with a cold in Japan

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It’s quite common for colds to spread in Japan during the cold winter months. So, in this podcast, Ami Sensei teaches us some natural phrases, vocabulary and dialogues to discuess cold symptoms and also how to recommend remedies.

You can get extra premium content for this podcast which extra dialogues, detailed show notes and practice audio by joining our Premium Member’s Area here.

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Podcast 51: Ōsōji – Year end cleaning

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In Japan, the tradition of “大掃除” (Ōsōji), meaning “big cleaning,” takes place at the end of the year. This cultural practice involves a thorough cleaning of homes, workplaces, and public spaces to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with a fresh start. Families engage in deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing to symbolize leaving behind the past and preparing for a clean slate in the coming year. It is a shared activity that fosters a sense of renewal and harmony within the family, work colleagues and community.

In this podcast, we teach you useful vocabulary and phrases for describing how to clean and tidy your home in Japanese.

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Podcasts

Fun Friday 26: 2023 review with Andy

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As the sun sets on 2023, I decided to hang out with my good friend Andy and review the past year in Japan.

We talked about various topics including the revival of the tourism industry, rising prices and inflation, the kanji of the year and more!

Check out the podcast for more details.