Got a car? You are going to need gas! This is a basic guide to buying gas in Japan. Most stations around Japan are “full-service,” so the staff will come to you and fill your tank, but you can also find “self-service” stations where you do it all yourself.
Buying gasoline in Japan is surprisingly easy. You will find both “full-service” and “self-service” stations available, but at either it will be helpful to know a little vocabulary when you go. There are three types of automotive fuel available, and you can also buy kerosene for heaters and other devices at many stations.
|
English |
Romaji | Japanese Characters |
|
Regular |
Re-gyu-raa |
レギュラー |
|
High Octane |
Hai-oku | ハイオク |
|
Diesel |
Kei-yu |
軽油 |
|
Kerosene |
Tou-yu |
灯油 |
Useful Vocabulary
|
English |
Romaji | Japanese Characters |
|
Gas/petrol station |
Ga-so-rin su-tan-do |
ガソリンスタンド |
|
Full tank |
Man-tan |
満タン |
|
1000 yen |
Sen-en | 千円 |
|
2000 yen |
Ni-sen-en |
二千円（２千円） |
|
3000 yen |
San-zen-en | 三千円（３千円） |
|
4000 yen |
Yon-sen-en |
四千円（４千円） |
|
5000 yen |
Go-sen-en |
五千円（５千円） |
|
Cash |
Gen-kin | 現金 |
|
Credit Cards |
Ku-re-jitto kaado | クレジット・カード |
|
Liters |
Rittoru |
リットル |
|
Ash tray |
Hai-zara |
灰皿 |
|
Windows |
Mado garasu |
窓ガラス |
|
Please |
Onegai shimasu |
お願いします |
Sample Sentences
- Re-gyu-raa wo, mantan de onegai shimasu Fill it up with regular gasoline please
- Hai-oku wo, ni-sen-en-bun onegai shimasu Give me 2000 yen’s worth of high octane please
- Genkin de onegai shimasu Let me pay in cash please
- Mado garasu wo fuite kudasai Please wipe/clean the windows
Other Notes About Using Gasoline Stations. You may be…
- Asked if you would like your ashtray dumped and cleaned
- Asked if you would like your oil/tire pressure checked
- Given a cloth so you can wipe your car interior while you wait
If you do not have a car, but want one, navigate over to www.LeaseJapan.com and check out our selection of new and used vehicles for sale or lease. Need a driver’s license first? www.JapanDriversLicense.com has tools, tips, and guides to help you navigate the system. Happy motoring!
