Hokkaido has less English signage and fewer English speakers than Tokyo or Kyoto. In Sapporo and Niseko you can get by with English and pointing. Outside these areas, basic Japanese phrases make a significant difference to your experience.
Where English Works
- Sapporo — train stations, major hotels, tourist attractions, some restaurants near the station and Odori. Menus often have pictures.
- Niseko — the most English-friendly place in Hokkaido due to the international ski community. Many staff are Australian, British, or speak good English.
- New Chitose Airport — fully bilingual signage and staff
Where English is Limited
- Hakodate, Otaru, Asahikawa — major tourist spots have some English, but restaurants and local transport mostly Japanese only
- Eastern Hokkaido, northern Hokkaido — very little English. Google Translate becomes essential.
- Onsen towns — ryokan staff may speak limited English. Etiquette signs are increasingly multilingual.
Essential Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | ありがとう | a-ri-ga-to |
| Excuse me | すみません | su-mi-ma-sen |
| This please | これください | ko-re ku-da-sai |
| How much? | いくらですか | i-ku-ra des-ka |
| Where is…? | …はどこですか | …wa do-ko des-ka |
| Check please | お会計お願いします | o-kai-kei o-ne-gai-shi-mas |
| Delicious | おいしい | oi-shii |
| I don’t understand | わかりません | wa-ka-ri-ma-sen |
Communication Tools
- Google Translate app — the camera mode reads Japanese text in real time. Essential for menus and signs.
- Pointing at menus — most restaurants have picture menus or plastic food displays outside. Point and say “kore kudasai” (this please).
- Google Maps — shows restaurant names in Japanese characters, which you can show to taxi drivers or locals for directions.