If you’re planning to live in Japan, one of the most important real-life skills you’ll need is making appointments in Japanese.
Whether it’s visiting a doctor, booking a city hall appointment, or handling your My Number card, knowing the right phrases will make your life much easier.
This guide gives you practical, real phrases so you can actually use them.
1. Basic Appointment Phrase
This is the most important sentence pattern:
予約（よやく）をしたいです。
Yoyaku o shitai desu.
I would like to make an appointment.
You can use this almost anywhere.
2. Making a Doctor’s Appointment
Key Vocabulary
- 病院（びょういん）– Byōin – Hospital
- クリニック – Kurinikku – Clinic
- 診察（しんさつ）– Shinsatsu – Medical consultation
Example Phrases
予約（よやく）をしたいのですが。
Yoyaku o shitai no desu ga.
I would like to make an appointment.
今日（きょう）、空（あ）いていますか？
Kyō aiteimasu ka?
Do you have availability today?
明日（あした）の午前（ごぜん）は空いていますか？
Ashita no gozen wa aiteimasu ka?
Are you available tomorrow morning?
If You’re Sick (Important!)
熱（ねつ）があります。
Netsu ga arimasu.
I have a fever.
お腹（なか）が痛（いた）いです。
Onaka ga itai desu.
My stomach hurts.
Pair this with your appointment request.
3. Ward Office Appointments
You’ll need appointments for things like:
- My Number card
- Residence registration
- Insurance
Key Vocabulary
- 区役所（くやくしょ）– Kuyakusho – Ward office
- 市役所（しやくしょ）– Shiyakusho – City hall
- マイナンバーカード – My Number Card
Example Phrases
マイナンバーカードの予約（よやく）をしたいです。
Mainanbā kādo no yoyaku o shitai desu.
I would like to make an appointment for my My Number card.
予約（よやく）は必要（ひつよう）ですか？
Yoyaku wa hitsuyō desu ka?
Is a reservation required?
いつ空（あ）いていますか？
Itsu aiteimasu ka?
When are you available?
At the Counter
予約（よやく）があります。
Yoyaku ga arimasu.
I have an appointment.
名前（なまえ）は〇〇です。
Namae wa _ desu. My name is _.
4. Choosing a Date & Time
何時（なんじ）がいいですか？
Nanji ga ii desu ka?
What time is good?
午後（ごご）3時（じ）でお願いします。
Gogo san-ji de onegaishimasu.
3 PM please.
その時間（じかん）で大丈夫（だいじょうぶ）です。
Sono jikan de daijōbu desu.
That time works for me.
5. Cancelling or Changing an Appointment
予約（よやく）を変更（へんこう）したいです。
Yoyaku o henkō shitai desu.
I would like to change my appointment.
予約（よやく）をキャンセルしたいです。
Yoyaku o kyanseru shitai desu.
I would like to cancel my appointment.
6. Pro Tip for Students in Japan
In Japan, many places still prefer phone calls over online booking, especially clinics and ward offices.
If you’re nervous:
- Speak slowly
- Use simple sentences
- Repeat if needed
Even saying just:
予約をしたいです。
is enough to start the conversation.
The difference between tourists and students in Japan is simple:
Students can handle real-life situations in Japanese.
Start with these phrases, practice them, and you’ll quickly feel more confident managing daily life in Japan.
Thinking About Studying in Japan?
At DEOW Japan, we help students not only get into schools but also prepare for real life in Japan.
From language support to settling in, we guide you every step of the way.
Start your journey today
