Arimasuka
…ありますか
"Do you have/sell...?"

This phrase literally means "do you have?" but can also mean "do you sell?" Ask for the particular item you are looking for by attaching "arimasuka" to the end of the word. For example, "Do you have umbrellas?" would be "kasa arimasuka?", or "Do you sell black suits?" would be "kuroi suutsu arimasuka?"

Kore wo misete kudasai
これをみせてください
"I would like to see this please."

If you have your eye on something in the shop window, use this phrase to ask to see it close up. Pointing to the item at the same time is also a good idea!

Ikura desuka
いくらですか
"How much is it?"

This is an important phrase for any budget-conscious traveller, so use it to find out the price of a particular item. The sales assistant will tell you the price in yen, or type it on a calculator and show you. Most of the time, the price will be displayed on or near the item anyway.

Kore ni shimasu
これにします
"I'll take this one."

Once you've made up your mind to make a purchase, say "kore ni shimasu" and gesture to the item that you wish to buy.

(de) shiharaimasu
…（で）しはらいます
"I will pay by..."

At the counter, let the sales assistant know which payment method you prefer by using this phrase. The word for cash is "genkin", so "I will pay by cash" would be "Genkin de shiharaimasu". If you want to pay by Visa, say "Visa kaado de shiharaimasu". Keep in mind that cash is still the norm in many places in Japan. If in doubt, look for the credit card logos in the shop window or at the counter.