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Customer Service Operations (Greetings, Posture & Bowing, Keigo, Guiding & Complaint Handling)

Accommodation (Hotel) · 宿泊分野 · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Fundamentals of Greeting, Essential Service Phrases, and Workplace Etiquette

Greeting is the foundation of customer service: greeting guests warmly allows them to enjoy a pleasant stay and helps staff work with a positive mindset. Always greet 'with a bright, cheerful smile', 'with a voice clear enough to reach the other person', 'looking the other person in the eye', and 'putting your heart into it'.

Essential customer greetings include: 'Irasshaimase (Welcome)' when a guest arrives at the hotel, ryokan, or restaurant; 'Arigato gozaimashita (Thank you very much)' when a guest leaves; 'Hai, kashikomarimashita (Certainly)' when responding to a request; and 'Shitsurei shimasu (Excuse me)' when entering or leaving a guest room or restaurant table.

Use 'Osoreirimasu ga... (Pardon me, but...)' when asking a guest for something; 'Shosho omachi kudasai(mase) (Please wait a moment)' when asking a guest to wait; 'Omatase itashimashita (Thank you for waiting)' after making a guest wait; and 'Moshiwake gozaimasen (I am deeply sorry)' when apologizing or receiving a complaint—always apologize first and immediately report to the team leader.

For workplace greetings among staff: say 'Ohayo gozaimasu' when arriving for work, 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' when leaving work, 'Otsukaresama deshita' to colleagues who are leaving, and 'Kyukei ni hairimasu' before taking a break. Address colleagues by their last name followed by '-san' to maintain professionalism.

Key points


  • Greet guests with a bright smile, a clear audible voice, eye contact, and heartfelt sincerity.

  • Use 'Hai, kashikomarimashita' to accept requests, 'Osoreirimasu ga' when asking a favor, and 'Moshiwake gozaimasen' when apologizing.

  • Among staff, use standard workplace greetings for arriving, leaving, and breaks, and address colleagues as 'Last Name + san'.
WordMeaning
Certainly / Understood (Kashikomarimashita)
Excuse me / Pardon me, but... (Osoreirimasu ga)
I am deeply sorry (Moshiwake gozaimasen)
Thank you for waiting (Omatase itashimashita)
workplace greetings when leaving (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu / Otsukaresama deshita)

Three Principles of Grooming and Basic Standing Posture in Customer Service

Hotel and ryokan staff must follow the three principles of grooming (Midashinami) to give guests a sense of security and a good impression: 'Cleanliness (Seiketsu)', 'Neatness (Tansei — wearing the uniform properly)', and 'Functionality & Harmony (Kinoteki / Chowa — easy to move in and suited to the facility)'.

In basic customer service standing posture (Kihon shisei), the key points are first to 'keep your back straight (Sesuji o nobasu)' and 'tighten your stomach muscles while gently pulling in your chin (Onaka o hiki, ago wa karuku hiku)'.

For arm and hand placement: 'relax your shoulders and lightly overlap your hands slightly below the stomach with the right hand underneath (and the left hand on top)'. For male employees, it is also acceptable to lower both hands naturally at the sides.

Keep your heels together with toes slightly open, and always stand ready 'with a natural expression, never forgetting a smile for the customer'. Never lean against walls or counters or cross your arms.

Key points


  • The three principles of grooming are Cleanliness (Seiketsu), Neatness (Tansei), and Functionality/Harmony.

  • Basic standing posture: straighten your back, tighten your stomach, gently tuck your chin, and maintain a natural smile.

  • Relax your shoulders and lightly overlap your hands slightly below the stomach with the right hand underneath (men may lower hands at their sides).
WordMeaning
three principles of grooming (Midashinami)
basic standing posture (Kihon shisei)
straightening the back and gently tucking the chin
natural facial expression and smile

Three Types of Bows (Eshaku 15°, Keirei 30°, Saikeirei 45°) and When to Use Them

Bowing (Ojigi) is a physical expression of respect toward customers. First look at the customer's face (make eye contact) while greeting them, and then bow afterwards. It is important to use the three types of bows appropriately depending on the situation.

The first type, 'Eshaku (Light Bow)', involves tilting the upper body forward about 15 degrees. It is used when passing by a guest in a corridor, or when approaching or leaving the table of a guest who is dining.

The second type, 'Keirei / Futsurei (Normal Bow)', involves tilting the upper body forward about 30 degrees. It is the most commonly used bow across various service situations, especially when welcoming guests ('Irasshaimase').

The third type, 'Saikeirei (Most Respectful Bow)', involves tilting the upper body forward about 45 degrees. It is used when seeing guests off upon departure or when apologizing deeply to a customer.

Three Types of Bows (Eshaku 15°, Keirei 30°, Saikeirei 45°) and When to Use Them

Key points


  • Look at the customer's face (eye contact) first while speaking, then bow from the waist with a straight back.

  • 'Eshaku (about 15° forward tilt)' is used when passing by guests or approaching/leaving a dining table.

  • 'Keirei / Futsurei (about 30°)' is used most often such as when welcoming guests; 'Saikeirei (about 45°)' is used when seeing guests off or apologizing.
WordMeaning
light bow of about 15 degrees (Eshaku)
normal bow of about 30 degrees (Keirei / Futsurei)
deepest bow of about 45 degrees (Saikeirei)
showing respect and making eye contact

Speaking with Customers and the Three Types of Keigo (Honorific, Humble, Polite)

When speaking with customers, look them in the eye, smile, and speak in a bright, clear tone. Even if a guest makes a sudden request, do not refuse immediately; think about how you can fulfill their request, and if you cannot make a judgment on the spot, consult your supervisor.

Japanese polite speech (Keigo) has three categories—'Sonkeigo (Honorific language)', 'Kenjogo (Humble language)', and 'Teineigo (Polite language)'—which must be used properly. 'Sonkeigo' shows respect to superiors or customers by elevating their actions or state (e.g., Irassharu, Meshiagaru, Ossharu).

'Kenjogo' shows respect by humbling oneself and lowering one's own actions to elevate the other person (e.g., Ukagau, Moshiageru, Haiken suru, Itasu). Be careful never to use humble forms to describe a customer's actions.

'Teineigo' makes speech polite by adding 'desu', 'masu', or 'gozaimasu' to the end of sentences, or attaching prefixes 'o-' or 'go-' to nouns such as 'o-ryori (food)' and 'go-shukuhaku (stay)'. Also use cushion phrases like 'Osoreirimasu ga' before requests or refusals.

Key points


  • Do not immediately refuse sudden guest requests; consider how to accommodate them, and consult a supervisor if unsure.

  • 'Sonkeigo (Honorific)' elevates the customer's actions, while 'Kenjogo (Humble)' lowers your own actions to elevate the customer.

  • 'Teineigo (Polite)' adds 'desu / masu / gozaimasu' or prefixes 'o- / go-' to make expressions polite.
WordMeaning
Honorific language (Sonkeigo — elevating the guest)
Humble language (Kenjogo — humbling oneself)
Polite language (Teineigo — desu, masu, gozaimasu)
cushion phrases (Cushion kotoba)

Specific Etiquette for Guiding Guests, Pointing Directions, Passing By, and Elevators

At accommodation facilities, providing heartfelt 'Omotenashi (hospitality)' so guests feel glad they stayed is paramount. If a guest appears to be looking for something in the building, proactively call out, 'Nani ka osagashi desho ka (Are you looking for something?)'.

When guiding a guest through the facility, walk '2 to 3 steps ahead on the left front (Hidarizenpo)', matching the guest's walking pace. When giving directions using a map, point 'with your palm facing up and 4 fingers held neatly together'.

When passing by a guest in a hallway, do not bow while walking; instead, 'come to a complete stop and perform a light bow (Eshaku) until the guest has passed in front of you'. When a guest calls out to stop you, reply 'Oyobi de gozaimasu ka (May I help you?)'.

Carry entrusted guest luggage carefully all the way inside the guest room. When handing over a room key, orient it right-side up from the guest's perspective and hand it over with both hands. Whenever using an in-house elevator, always give priority to guests.

Key points


  • When guiding a guest inside the facility, walk '2 to 3 steps ahead on the left front', matching the guest's pace.

  • Point directions 'with palm up and 4 fingers together'; when passing by a guest, 'stop once and bow (Eshaku) until they pass'.

  • Hand over the room key with both hands facing the guest, and always prioritize guests when using elevators.
WordMeaning
heartfelt Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi)
guiding 2–3 steps ahead on the left front
stopping and bowing when passing a guest
pointing directions with palm up and fingers together

Guiding to Japanese-Style Rooms (Washitsu), Arranging Shoes, and Kamiza / Shimoza

When guiding guests into a Japanese-style tatami room (Washitsu) at a ryokan, ask them to remove their shoes at the entrance step ('Fumikomi'). After the guests step up into the room, turn their shoes so the toes point toward the exit (outside) and line them up neatly.

When opening or closing sliding 'Fusuma' doors or 'Shoji' paper screens, kneel down and use both hands to open and close them quietly rather than yanking them while standing. Also avoid stepping on tatami borders (Heri) or door thresholds (Shikii).

In Japanese rooms, banquet rooms, and elevators, there is a seat of honor ('Kamiza') for the main guest or superior and a lower seat ('Shimoza') near the entrance. In a Washitsu, the seat farthest inside closest to the decorative alcove ('Tokonoma') is the Kamiza, and the seat closest to the entrance is the Shimoza.

Serve wet towels (Oshibori), tea, and sweets starting from the guest seated at the Kamiza. When entering a Washitsu in the evening to lay out futon bedding, confirm a convenient time with the guest in advance and knock to obtain permission before entering.

Guiding to Japanese-Style Rooms (Washitsu), Arranging Shoes, and Kamiza / Shimoza

Key points


  • Arrange guests' removed shoes at the Washitsu entrance step with the toes pointing toward the exit.

  • In a Japanese room, the seat closest to the 'Tokonoma' alcove is the seat of honor (Kamiza), and the seat near the door is the Shimoza.

  • Do not step on tatami borders or thresholds, and serve tea or dishes starting from the guest in the Kamiza.
WordMeaning
entrance step (Fumikomi) and shoe orientation
decorative alcove in a Japanese room (Tokonoma)
seat of honor (Kamiza) and lower seat (Shimoza)
sliding doors (Fusuma / Shoji) and threshold (Shikii)

Assisting Guests with Special Needs (Wheelchairs, Visual Impairment, Canes, Guide Dogs)

For elderly guests, guests with disabilities, pregnant guests, or families with small children, provide attentive barrier-free service tailored to each guest's needs.

When communicating with a 'guest using a wheelchair', do not talk while standing and looking down; instead, kneel or crouch to 'match your eye level with the guest's eye level (Me no takasa o awasete)' while speaking.

When a 'visually impaired guest' arrives at the facility, do not touch them suddenly as it may startle them; instead, call out politely from the front asking 'whether there is anything you can assist them with'. Also, if a guest arrives with a guide dog (Modoken), never refuse them—accommodating assistance dogs is required by law.

When a 'guest using a cane who has difficulty walking' comes to a restaurant, guide them to a 'seat close to the entrance/exit (Deiriguchi ni chikai seki)' if they wish, so they do not have to walk far. For guests with hearing impairments, communicate using written notes (Hitsudan) or sign language.

Assisting Guests with Special Needs (Wheelchairs, Visual Impairment, Canes, Guide Dogs)

Key points


  • When speaking with a guest in a wheelchair, lower yourself to 'match your eye level with the guest'.

  • For a visually impaired guest, call out to ask how you can help, and never refuse a guide dog (Modoken).

  • When a guest using a cane visits the restaurant, guide them to a 'seat near the entrance/exit' if they wish.
WordMeaning
matching the customer's eye level
visual impairment and guide dogs (Modoken)
guiding to a seat near the entrance/exit
barrier-free support and written communication (Hitsudan)

Four Points of Telephone Etiquette and Three Principles of Complaint Handling

When working at a lodging facility, you will receive many phone calls including booking inquiries. The 4 key points for phone handling are: (1) 'Prepare a memo pad and writing tools before picking up the phone'; and (2) 'When answering the phone, introduce your facility and yourself first'.

(3) 'When transferring a call to another staff member, confirm the caller's name (or company name)'; and (4) 'Especially for calls from customers, make sure the caller has hung up the receiver first before placing your receiver down'.

Even when a facility provides heartfelt service, complaints (Kujo / Claims) can still occur. The 3 key principles for handling complaints are: (1) 'First, apologize for causing discomfort to the guest'; (2) 'Carefully listen and confirm the cause of the complaint'; and (3) 'Report the matter to the supervisor / person in charge'.

Most importantly, 'even if the problem is clearly caused by your own mistake', never try to resolve everything on your own. Trying to handle or hide it alone leads to greater dissatisfaction and further complaints, so always report immediately to your supervisor.

Key points


  • Phone etiquette: Prepare memo & pen -> State your name first -> Confirm caller's name when transferring -> Wait for the caller to hang up first.

  • Complaint handling 3 steps: (1) Apologize first for causing discomfort -> (2) Carefully confirm the cause -> (3) Report to the supervisor.

  • Even when a complaint is clearly caused by your own mistake, never try to solve it alone—always report to your supervisor.
WordMeaning
transferring a phone call (Toritsugi)
telephone receiver (Juwaki)
complaint / grievance handling (Claim taio)
reporting to the supervisor / person in charge

Frequently Tested Points and Memory Tips

The angles and situations for the 3 bows are the most frequently tested items: 'Eshaku = about 15° (passing by a guest, approaching/leaving a dining table)', 'Keirei / Futsurei = about 30° (welcoming guests and general service)', and 'Saikeirei = about 45° (seeing guests off or apologizing)'.

Memorize the exact numbers and directions for guiding: 'Walk 2–3 steps ahead on the left front matching the guest's pace', 'Stop once and bow (Eshaku) until the guest passes when passing by', 'Point on a map with palm up and 4 fingers together', and 'Hand over the room key with both hands facing the guest'.

For guests needing special care: 'Wheelchair user = Match eye level', 'Guest with a cane in a restaurant = Guide to a seat near the entrance/exit if desired', and 'Guide dog (Modoken) = Never refuse'.

For complaints: remember the order 'Apologize first -> Confirm the cause -> Report to supervisor', and watch out for the classic trap: 'Even if the mistake is clearly your own fault, NEVER try to solve it on your own—report it to your supervisor'.

Key points


  • 3 Bows: Eshaku 15° (passing by, table visit); Keirei 30° (welcoming, most common); Saikeirei 45° (seeing off, apologizing).

  • Basic posture: Straight back, chin tucked, hands overlapped below stomach with right hand underneath (men may keep hands at sides).

  • Guiding & gestures: Walk '2–3 steps ahead on the left front'; 'stop and bow' when passing; point with 'palm up and 4 fingers together'.

  • Special support: Wheelchair = Match eye level; Cane user = Seat near entrance/exit; Guide dog = Never refuse.

  • Complaints & Phone: Even for your own mistake, do not solve alone—report to supervisor; wait for customer to hang up phone first.
WordMeaning
Eshaku (15°), Keirei (30°), and Saikeirei (45°)
guiding 2–3 steps ahead on the left front
Honorific (Sonkeigo), Humble (Kenjogo), and Polite (Teineigo)
three steps of complaint handling

Official references

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