Japanese for Shopping — Asking Sizes, Trying On & Returns | Nihongo to Japan

Whether you're buying cosmetics, clothes, souvenirs or electronics in Japan, a few key phrases make shopping go more smoothly. From asking prices and trying things on to paying by card and tax-free procedures, here are the phrases you'll use most in all kinds of Japanese shops.

Asking about items

• これはいくらですか？ (これはいくらですか) — How much is this?
• これを見せてもらえますか？ (これをみせてもらえますか) — Could you show me this one?
• 他の色はありますか？ (ほかのいろはありますか) — Do you have other colors?
• これは日本限定ですか？ (これはにほんげんていですか) — Is this a Japan-exclusive item?
• 在庫はありますか？ (ざいこはありますか) — Do you have this in stock?

Trying on & sizes

• 試着してもいいですか？ (しちゃくしてもいいですか) — May I try this on?
• Mサイズはありますか？ (えむさいずはありますか) — Do you have this in size M?
• もう少し大きいサイズはありますか？ (もうすこしおおきいさいずはありますか) — Do you have a slightly larger size?
• ちょっと小さいです (ちょっとちいさいです) — It's a bit small
• 試着室はどこですか？ (しちゃくしつはどこですか) — Where is the fitting room?

Checkout & tax-free

• これください (これください) — I'll take this one
• カードで払えますか？ (かーどではらえますか) — Can I pay by card?
• 現金で払います (げんきんではらいます) — I'll pay in cash
• 全部でいくらですか？ (ぜんぶでいくらですか) — How much is it all together?
• 免税手続きはできますか？ (めんぜいてつづきはできますか) — Can I do the tax-free procedure?
• 袋は有料ですか？ (ふくろはゆうりょうですか) — Is there a charge for a bag?
• 袋はいりません (ふくろはいりません) — I don't need a bag
• 領収書をください (りょうしゅうしょをください) — A (formal) receipt, please

A 領収書 (ryōshūsho) is a formal receipt you can have addressed to a name (often for expense claims); the slip the register prints automatically is a レシート (reshīto). If you just want an ordinary receipt, ask for a レシート.

Travel tips

• Purchases over ¥5,000 (before tax) can usually go tax-free — just ask the staff at the register
• A department store's basement food floor (depachika) has a rich souvenir selection, and checkout is often tax-free too
• Some shops don't accept foreign credit cards, so keep cash on hand; you can withdraw at convenience-store ATMs

FAQ

What documents do I need for tax-free shopping in Japan?

Show your passport and spend ¥5,000+ in one day at the same store to apply at checkout. There are two categories: "general goods" (clothing, electronics, bags) can be opened and used in Japan with no 30-day limit, while "consumables" (cosmetics, food) are sealed in a special bag and must leave Japan unopened within 30 days. (Note: from November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system switches to a refund-at-departure model and drops this distinction, so the rules will change.)

Where's the best shopping in Japan?

For cosmetics, try Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Welcia; for electronics, Akihabara or Yodobashi Camera; for clothes, UNIQLO, GU or department stores; for souvenirs, browse the in-station shopping arcades (ekinaka).