Traveling around Japan by rental car can be incredibly fun and flexible. 🚗 But sooner or later, you’ll need to stop at a gas station (ガソリンスタンド, gasorin sutando)—and that’s where things can get a little confusing if you don’t speak Japanese. Don’t worry! With just a few key words and phrases, you’ll be filling up like a local in no time. Let’s break it down together!
How Japanese Gas Stations Work
There are two main types of gas stations in Japan:
- Self-service (セルフ, serufu): You pump your own gas. These are often cheaper.
- Full-service (フルサービス, furu saabisu): Staff members do everything for you—just like in the old days.
Most stations display their type clearly, so you’ll see “セルフ” or “フルサービス” on signs near the pumps or entrances.
Essential Vocabulary You Should Know
Before you approach the pump (or a friendly staff member), here are some must-know words:
- Gas station: ガソリンスタンド (gasorin sutando), 給油所 (kyuuyu-sho)
- Regular gasoline: レギュラー (regyuraa)
- Premium gasoline: ハイオク (haioku)
- Diesel: 軽油 (keiyu)
- Fill it up/full tank: 満タン (mantan)
- Cash: 現金 (genkin)
- Card/credit card: カード (kaado)
- Receipt: 領収書 (ryoushuusho)
Key Phrases for Common Situations
| Situation | Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill up with regular gas | レギュラー満タンお願いします | regyuraa mantan onegaishimasu | Fill it up with regular, please |
| Fill up with premium | ハイオク満タンお願いします | haioku mantan onegaishimasu | Fill it up with premium |
| Fill up with diesel | 軽油満タンお願いします | keiyu mantan onegaishimasu | Fill it up with diesel |
| 3,000 yen worth, please | レギュラー3,000円分お願いします | regyuraa sanzen-en bun onegaishimasu | 3,000 yen worth of regular gas |
| Pay by cash | 現金でお願いします | genkin de onegaishimasu | I’ll pay with cash |
| Pay by card | カードでお願いします | kaado de onegaishimasu | I’ll pay with card |
| Is this self-service? | ここはセルフですか？ | koko wa serufu desu ka? | Is this self-service? |
| Is there a gas station nearby? | 近くにガソリンスタンドはありますか？ | chikaku ni gasorin sutando wa arimasu ka? | Is there a gas station nearby? |
Fuel Type Guide: レギュラー, ハイオク, 軽油
Colors on the pump buttons usually indicate fuel types:
- Red: レギュラー (regular gasoline)
- Yellow: ハイオク (premium gasoline)
- Green: 軽油 (diesel)
Make sure you know your rental car’s fuel type before you hit the road—it’s often written on a sticker near the gas cap or in the rental agreement.
Tips for Using Self-Service Pumps
Self-service stations might look intimidating at first, but they’re pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
- Follow the prompts on the touchscreen (some stations have English options).
- Choose your fuel type, amount, and payment method.
- If asked “ポイントカードはありますか？” (Do you have a point card?), just say “ありません” (arimasen) if you don’t.
- When you’re done, you can request a receipt with “領収書をください” (ryoushuusho o kudasai).
Real-Life Phrase Practice
Let’s see some practical examples that you can use right away!
- “Please fill it up with regular, paying by cash.”
現金でレギュラー満タンお願いします。
Genkin de regyuraa mantan onegaishimasu. - “Please put 2,000 yen of premium, using a card.”
カードでハイオク2,000円分お願いします。
Kaado de haioku nisen-en bun onegaishimasu. - “Can I get a receipt, please?”
領収書をください。
Ryoushuusho o kudasai.
Just memorizing these three phrases will make a huge difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay by credit card at gas stations in Japan?
A: Most self-service stations accept クレジットカード (credit cards), but not all. Check for signage or ask:
“カード使えますか？” (Kaado tsukaemasu ka?) – “Can I use a card?”
Q: What if I run into a full-service station?
A: Easy! Just roll down your window and say:
“レギュラー満タンお願いします” (regyuraa mantan onegaishimasu) – “Regular, full tank please.”
They’ll do the rest for you!
Final Thoughts
Gas stations in Japan don’t have to be stressful—even if you don’t speak much Japanese! With just a few essential terms like 給油 (kyuuyu), 満タン (mantan), and ガソリンスタンド (gasorin sutando), you can get back on the road with confidence. Whether you’re road-tripping through Hokkaido or cruising the coast of Kyushu, these tips will keep you fueled and ready for adventure.