Welcoming Japanese Guests: Japanese for Guesthouse and Airbnb Hosts
If you run a guesthouse, holiday rental or Airbnb and want more Japanese guests, a listing in natural Japanese, clear house rules and a few polite phrases at check-in make the biggest difference. Japanese travellers tend to book carefully, read the details and value cleanliness, quiet and clear instructions. Fast, polite replies to messages, ideally in Japanese, often decide whether they book.
What Japanese guests look for in a listing
- Exact details: check-in times, how to get the key, distance to the station, and photos of the bathroom.
- Bath and shower: whether there’s a bathtub matters to many Japanese guests.
- Slippers, towels and toiletries: say clearly what is provided.
- Rules spelled out: noise, rubbish, smoking and shoes, written politely.
A listing translated word for word often sounds cold or odd. Our guide to translating listings for Japan explains how to adapt the tone.
Phrases for check-in and your stay
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ようこそいらっしゃいました。 | Welcome. |
| チェックアウトは11時です。 | Check-out is at 11. |
| 何かあれば、いつでもご連絡ください。 | If you need anything, contact me any time. |
| Wi-Fiのパスワードはこちらです。 | Here is the Wi-Fi password. |
| ごゆっくりお過ごしください。 | Enjoy your stay. |
| ご宿泊ありがとうございました。 | Thank you for staying with us. |
Writing house rules politely
Japanese rules are usually phrased as requests: 夜10時以降はお静かにお願いいたします (please keep noise down after 10 pm) sounds far better than a list of “Don’t”. A short welcome guide with photos, in Japanese, cuts down on questions. Our guide to Japanese customer service phrases has more polite expressions.
Messages and reviews
- Reply quickly and in full sentences; very short replies can feel abrupt.
- Open and close messages with a polite greeting.
- Thank guests for reviews, including critical ones, and respond calmly. See replying to Japanese customer reviews.
Small touches that guests remember
Indoor slippers, a kettle with green tea, an adaptor and a printed local map with a few Japanese labels are inexpensive and much appreciated. A handwritten welcome note in Japanese, even a short one, is a lovely surprise.
How Hanabuddies can help
We translate and adapt your listing, house rules, welcome guide and message templates into natural Japanese, written by native speakers. A native tutor can also teach you and your staff the phrases you need for check-in and everyday questions.