When traveling to Japan, passing through airport customs can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language. But don’t worry! By learning a few key Japanese phrases, you’ll be able to smoothly navigate the customs process. This post will cover essential phrases in Japanese (with Romanized pronunciation) that will help you get through customs without stress.
Key Phrases for Customs Declaration
After arriving in Japan and collecting your luggage, the next step is to pass through customs. Whether you need to declare items or answer questions, these phrases will come in handy.
1. Filling Out the Customs Declaration 📄
Filling out a customs declaration form is a required step at most airports. Here’s how to ask about it:
- Do I need to fill out a customs declaration?
Japanese: 税関申告書を記入しなければなりませんか？
Romanized: Zeikan shinkokusho o kinyū shinakereba narimasen ka? - Customs declaration form
Japanese: 税関申告書
Romanized: Zeikan shinkokusho
2. Declaring Goods
If you have items to declare, use these phrases to communicate clearly with customs officials.
- Do I need to declare this item?
Japanese: この品物は申告しなければなりませんか？
Romanized: Kono shinamono wa shinkoku shinakereba narimasen ka? - I have items that exceed the duty-free allowance.
Japanese: 免税範囲を超える品物があります。
Romanized: Menzei han’i o koeru shinamono ga arimasu. - I have cigarettes and alcohol.
Japanese: タバコとお酒があります。
Romanized: Tabako to osake ga arimasu.
3. No Items to Declare
If you don’t have anything to declare, these phrases will be useful to inform the customs officers.
- I have nothing to declare.
Japanese: 申告する品物はありません。
Romanized: Shinkoku suru shinamono wa arimasen. - There are no items to declare in this bag.
Japanese: このカバンには申告する物がありません。
Romanized: Kono kaban ni wa shinkoku suru mono ga arimasen.
Going Through Customs Inspection
Sometimes, customs may request to inspect your bags. These phrases will help you understand and communicate during this process.
1. Bag Inspection
- May I open my bag?
Japanese: カバンを開けてもいいですか？
Romanized: Kaban o akete mo ī desu ka? - Please open your bag.
Japanese: カバンを開けてください。
Romanized: Kaban o akete kudasai.
2. Answering Questions
You may also need to answer questions about your belongings. Here are some simple phrases to explain your situation:
- These are personal items.
Japanese: 個人使用です。
Romanized: Kojin shiyō desu. - These are gifts.
Japanese: お土産です。
Romanized: Omiyage desu. - This is my medication.
Japanese: これは私の薬です。
Romanized: Kore wa watashi no kusuri desu.
Additional Useful Phrases
Finally, here are a few more handy phrases for customs and airport situations.
- Please show your passport.
Japanese: パスポートを見せてください。
Romanized: Pasupōto o misete kudasai. - Here it is.
Japanese: ここにあります。
Romanized: Koko ni arimasu. - Where are you going?
Japanese: どこへ行きますか？
Romanized: Doko e ikimasu ka? - I am here for sightseeing.
Japanese: 観光に来ました。
Romanized: Kankō ni kimashita.
Conclusion
Learning these key Japanese phrases can make your trip through airport customs much smoother and less stressful. It’s always a great idea to be prepared, so you can start your Japanese adventure on a positive note! 😄
Now that you’ve got customs covered, you’re ready for the next step of your journey! Stay tuned for more Japan travel tips, like what to buy at duty-free shops!