Many signs, maps, and menus are written in English, and there are English-speaking staff at most hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. You can learn a handful of words to make it a bit easier on yourself. It only takes a minute to sign up. That being said, youll likely not need expert assistance in most parts of Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. But I neednt have bothered looking up the correct onsen etiquettebeforehandit's clearly displayed on two wall charts where little cartoon men show you what to do. Can I converse with Japanese travellers on the Shinkansen or is it rude? But all that changes as soon as you start traveling around the city on the green circle line to places like Nippori in the ancient district of Yanaka. I asked my question in Japanese, he replied but I didn't understand him. How easy is it to get around Japan without speaking Japanese? Or, itadakimasu, as the Japanese would say. I spot a policeman standing in front of a small building with a red light. Getting around Japan with English only - Tokyo Forum A small hint that I don't see in the other answers is that some fraction of the locals will be willing to write English for you but won't try to speak it. Do Japanese People Speak English? Like a shipwrecked sailor, I find myself wading through an ocean of alien symbols. Haneda airport to Hakuba Valley at night? How can negative potential energy cause mass decrease? Web2. Japan Bus Pass is a bus ticket that Willer, a Japanese long distance bus company, sells. Things are much easierin the city centre. Think about an almost deserted railway platform in a small city at 03:15. Required fields are marked *. Can you visit Tokyo without knowing Japanese? So many non-Japanese speakers have traveled in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Statement from SO: June 5, 2023 Moderator Action, Starting the Prompt Design Site: A New Home in our Stack Exchange Neighborhood, June 2023 photo competition: Road and water crossing. I'd like to assure you that you will have no hassle to get around in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The duration and inclination of the bow is proportionate to the elevation of the person youre addressing. However, leaving the most populated parts of the city will make it more challenging for those who dont speak Japanese. I had the exact same 'touristy' experience in 2012-2013, people don't really speak English in Tokyo, and it's even worse in smaller towns, but they still try their best to help you. The manis wearing a dark suit and carrying abriefcase, and was obviously on his way home from work. Otherwise, even the young ladies at the Tourist Information point at a big metro station failed completely. Why spend your vacation looking for hotels when you can easily book in advance (and thereby get the best deals) on the internet? e.g. I'm very uncomfortable trying to speak or understand spoken Japanese. Getting a taxi in Tokyo only makes economic sense for short distances or when in groups of four unless youre stranded during the lull in nightly train operations. Can I use a power adapter designed for USA in Japan? In the end, I decide to take pot-luck. Some cities and areas are very tourist-oriented. In spite of unpredictable traffic patterns, buses tend to be equally punctual and can be useful for short journeys in quieter suburbs. In the bigger cities, at hotels, large department stores, bigger restaurants you may be able to get by just fine with English (though learning some basic Japanese - Hello, Thank You, How Much, How Are You, etc never hurts). 8 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Timer - Day Trips? How do barrel adjusters for v-brakes work. Since its near impossible to find your destination using the address alone, smartphones with navigation apps have been a real boon. Or, can I use English? This article was first published April 2021 and updated September 2022. Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any other organization or entity. Can I travel to Japan if I only speak English? My reading knowledge allowed me to do a few things easier, make my way in train stations (but the big ones have English signs too), fill out a seat reservation form for the Shinkansen with the help of a dictionary, etc. Suicas cost around $18 up front, split into a $4.60 issuing fee and a $13.80 initial charge. I want to walk to the top of Owakudani. Also be sure to pay the extra fee for damage insurance. Getting around in Tokyo - Lonely Planet Being on all the time while in a foreign setting can be tiring. For example, getting directions or a recommendation. But with just a little over two years to go until the Tokyo Olympics, language courses are booming. Also called kaiten sushi or a sushi train, conveyor belt sushi is the premier choice for hungry travelers with limited Japanese. According to the information page I consulted, its just three minutes away. Depending on where you are visiting, it can be quite cold in December. ), A local's tips for getting home after midnight. Since Tokyo is a thriving city with millions of people, its important to know if you need to speak Japanese or if you will pass with English. (as @paul mentioned in his answer), Thank for asking this! Tokyo is making steps to improve universal access or bariafur (barrier free; ) in Japanese. Itsestimated that at least 95% of Tokyos approximately 700 train stations have non-step facilities and accessible toilets, while 94% of buses were also wheelchair accessible. I want to walk to the top of Owakudani. Do I go for the cube on legs or the interlocking boomerangs? Finding restaurants and attractions without speaking any Japanese may seem like an impossible task but luckily there are plenty of resources available to help travelers out! Similar quotes to "Eat the fish, spit the bones". Each night a different girl, as they were there for short visits. An app-generated QR code or username is all you need, which allows for greater privacy and quicker connection to others. Without WebIf you plan on visiting Japan without knowing any Japanese at all, there are a few tips that can make your experience much easier: Bring a phrasebook or dictionary with you so This includes casual situations like arriving at a Tokyo Airbnb as well as formal encounters. Click here to download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide. But as the evening became night, they all did better. One of the most famous observation decks in the entire world. Tokyo Transportation | U.S. News Travel Keep a writing pad and pen handy, often locals will be able to read simple English, even if they can't speak/understand it. He bows and apologisesas if he were personally responsible for the delay. For rentals, you will need an International Driving Permit, which must be arranged in your own country before you leave; certain conditions must be met (see the Japan Automobile Federation website for further information). At a museum, I asked a young couple if they would take my picture with my camera in Japanese. My eyes desperately search for one of the paltry 26 letters that theyre familiar with. But instead of continuing on his way, he takes the time to show a foreign woman to the Hachimangu shrine, which must be at least half a mile away. There are 3 day, 5 day, and 7 day passes for you to select from where you can ride buses all you want. On the mountain of 117 temples, at least, my enforced silence is a wonderful thing. Thinness is definitely important in Japanese culture. Many signs, menus, and conversations are written or spoken exclusively in Japanese, making it difficult for non-speakers to understand whats going on around them. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Tokyo is one of my favorite cities. I find a cosy seat at the counter in one of the narrow wooden houses and watch the cook as he fries my food. For more information read our privacy policy. So can you travel in Japan without speaking Japanese? Tokyo is one of the best cities for English speakers because many of Getting Around Tokyo - Truly Tokyo I was in Tokyo for 10 days in 2007, used the public transportation to go around, I went for one day to the Fuji and one day for Kamakura. At a restaurant where we were befuddled by the buy-a-ticket from the machine and give to the cook system, one high school student with perfect English, which, typically I guess, he insisted was not very good. @Carolyn still looking. Same with restaurants. I'm going to Japan soon. Make sure you can. Or if it only has pictures on a sign in front of the shop and not on the menu, you'll need to remember the characters well enough to find it again on the menu. Everybody else: no English at all. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-8270921', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Japan, how did you find communicating with the locals and was getting about a hassle? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. It's probabl xpen$ive.). Tourists boost the economy by quite a bit, so local shops, restaurants, and other places you spend money will want to speak your language. Without Speaking Once I arrive at Kyoto station, my next challenge is to find the bicycle hire. Required fields are marked *. Can you go to Tokyo if you don't speak Japanese? - Japan Nihon I smile back, as I look forward to my fish or whatever it is Ive ordered. However, just using the text translation and showing it to the person would work much better than have the app pronounce it. How do precise garbage collectors find roots in the stack? We do this to improve browsing experience and to show personalized ads. Can I go to Tokyo if I don't speak Japanese? - Japan Nihon We went to a lot of different restaurants and had little trouble ordering the food we wanted, knowing only rudimentary Japanese. Train-station staff will also help wheelchair-using passengers on and off trains with a temporary slope. Fortunately you dont need to be able to read and write Japanese to enjoy Japan. Onegaishimasu can also be thought of as thanks for helping me or thank you for your kindness.. Youll likely encounter other travellers who speak your language. Excellent reminder from comments: Almost all restaurants have either accurate pictures in the menu or plastic food on display in the window. Explore Japan's Kansai region and beyond with these amazing day trips by train from Kyoto. Read our Privacy Policy. Can you leave Tokyo airport on a layover in Japan? Im learning that the Japanese are incredibly polite and friendly, but dont necessarily express what they want to say very clearly. 1 On my recent trip I used an app (google translate) to get out of situations where I couldn't communicate with a person. Cities vs Rural Areas The amount of English signage in Japan depends a lot on where youre going. I've been told many japanese read english better than they hear it. top 10 best places to go in tokyo in 4 days? This is more true in the larger cities and regions you visit. A beginners errorwhy didnt I just stick to the main road? Where in Tokyo can I sell/give-away US electronics (specifically home appliances)? Is it hard to get around Tokyo without speaking Japanese? Otherwise it was no sense to write "Tourist Information" with Latin letters on these information points in Japan if they only speak Japanese. So many non-Japanese speakers have traveled in Japan without problems. Some look like simple stick men, others like tangled tree trunks. We're afraid of the language barrier, since we both don't know Japanese. Instead, addresses are derived from districts, blocks and building numbers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-8274028', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tokyo. We were amazed at how easy it was to get around without any knowledge of Japanese. Additionally, I brought my laptop for access to tripadvisor and the JNTO website. Toei runs an extensive bus network in Tokyo, though its only more convenient than the subway when youre in the outer suburbs or making short inner city jaunts. In rural Japan you may have difficulty, especially with older Japanese shop owners, innkeepers or restaurant staff. Google Maps, for example, provides detailed directions in English, while the Japan Official Travel App offers useful information and guides in multiple languages. Might want to edit that in ;). The ride-share company has partnered with three local taxi operators to provide rides in Tokyos central business district and other busy areas. Tokyo station yaesu south bus to gotemba premium outlet. from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is the most cost-effective option. At the very least, they should be able to steer you back to the nearest train station from where you can try again. An oldman gesticulates and tries to explain in his broken English. Let others know you dont understand what theyre saying, and they will likely switch to their best efforts in English or leave you alone. Tickets start at 133 ($1.20) and go up depending on how far you travel. There are many online courses available as well as apps that teach basic conversational phrases such as hello thank you where is? etc., which will come in handy when interacting with locals or trying to get directions! just point and smile. Went into a short order restaurant, the cook looked terrified, found the English menu with pictures under a counter somewhere. WebPhiladelphia Level Contributor 72 posts 839 reviews 368 helpful votes First time to Japan - afraid of language barrier 10 years ago Save Hi, my husband and I are planning to go to Tokyo in May. In major cities like Tokyo youre more likely to find Japanese English speakers. My teen-aged son and I (English-only speakers) traveled in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This must be what I felt like when I was a small child. *Delta, Hilton etc. Is it hard to visit Japan if you dont speak Japanese. Additionally, learning how to read hiragana (one of the writing systems used in Japan) will also be helpful when trying to understand signs or menus written entirely in Japanese characters! In the end, I decide to take pot-luck. If you need to communicate with people who do not interact with tourists often I appreciate you will need more Japanese. The Japanese value group needs over individual gain and operate at a more diligent default setting than most around the world to keep a harmonious society. link to What Is The Best Time To Visit Shibuya Sky? Its no great feat, just a hike of a couple of hours or so. Some staff at train reservation counter speak very good English, if not, they can still understand the main meaning of what you say. I have used hostels where I was in a shared dorm with 8 or more females. This pass is only available to foreign travelers on a tourist visa; youll need to determine whether the trains you plan to use will be largely JR or metro to get your moneys worth. Mind you, I got more millage out of the 70-100 words of Japanese I had than I did out of the pad. It is widely regarded as a tourist-friendly city. I said things like, "Soo desu ka? No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. But dont feel obliged to use trains for every journey. Perhaps wandering around aimlessly wasnt such a great idea, when all the while you feel like a child who has lost her mother in a big department store. Once, when I was trying to find a train platform, I geared up to ask an attendant. Your email address will not be published. Thank you Elio & Judith. If there is one piece of wisdom to keep in mind as a foreign visitor, its be mindful. A lot of restaurants have menus with pictures so you just need to point at it. This is our first trip to Japan. When I finally arrive after a tortuous two-hour train journey and cable car ascent, its picturesquely shrouded in mist. don't speak Japanese. Advice request Is it hard to visit Japan if you dont speak Japanese. Is it safe for Americans to travel to Japan? I'm not at all good at communicating in Japanese. Is it safe to travel to Japan now? Either that, or if they are taught up-front that this is just a temporary starting point, they still have no initial exposure, I assume wifey is Japanese? Please support us by disabling these ads blocker. In Japan, its considered impolite to speak loudly or make a lot of noise in public places. If youre really worried about not knowing Japanese on your first trip to Tokyo, you can consult a professional translator. You can make your purchases from the Willer website. WebYou can go to Tokyo without speaking Japanese because many of the main transportation signs are in English. Day trips can easily be done by public transport, though renting a car will expand your options and allow you to explore regions rarely visited by the touring masses. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hotels that have bellhops, a concierge, restaurants that require both reservations and dinner jackets etc. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. I did bring the following books with me: "Time Out Tokyo" and "Tokyo City Atlas - A Bilingual Gude". Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Japan is very safe and therefore there is no need to Can I visit Japan without knowing Japanese? - Japan Nihon Tokyo is the most international and English-friendly city, especially in the common tourist areas. But in which direction? By now many of those people will be used to using their English much more. When the lights turn green at its six zebra crossings, the streets are engulfed by a flood of humanity. When in doubt, rely on an elementary understanding of colors, numbers, letters, and shapes. Here, red and white lanterns sway in the gentle breeze in front of small, halfhidden restaurants that make no effort to attract tourists because there are plenty of other customers passing by. I've ordered at McDonald's in Tokyo where they have a menu in English. Its a slow process, though it received a boost from preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Im hungry, clueless, and, worst of all, completely unable to communicate. ;) It is a metropolis (), which contains the 23 special wards () as well as other cities, towns and villages. I have not been in any shop, restaurant, museum, station booking office, train or underground station where there was not enough English with the staff and in the signs for me to be able to find my way and get my things. I guess advance planning is key. This shows gratitude to the person who prepared the food. Uber arrived in Tokyo in May 2018, though its boutique chauffeur service, Uber Black, dates back to 2015. Use this when pardoning yourself on a busy street or train, calling a waiter over to your table, or when you need to ask for something. How to get around in Japan - Lonely Planet Fish sounds good. The worlds most populous city, Tokyohas ametropolitan area that sprawls over more than 5000 sq miles. "Two toilet doors, two inscrutable symbols. However, with the help of online maps, travel guides, and smartphone apps, its easier than ever to get around Tokyo without speaking Japanese. Youll usually be in big cities and around major landmarks and popular tourist spots. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. Ive read that in Japan this gesture means no good. At that very moment, an American shows up and explains that the path is closed because the sulphur vents are currently spewing out poisonous vapours. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! He bows low, mumbling an apology, and quickly scuttles away. Japan is a global leader in hydrogen energy, one of the worlds cleanest energy sources, which emits only waste water (even if some question the technologys cost-effectiveness). I'll echo the other respondents that a few words in common goes a long way, if they are the right words. The Japanese use their 7-Elevens, Family Marts, and Lawsons in the purest sense of their purpose: as a resting stop to grab a quick drink or meal, pick up a necessary item, and even pay bills or pick up a package. Ask hotel staff or locals for help if you get lost or need directions Aside from a buffet of cute stickers and With a complex writing system and different dialects, the language barrier can seem insurmountable. For texts and calls, consider downloading WiFi-based messaging app LINE, the most widely used social platform in Japan. If your hotel's website doesn't have a map in Japanese, you may be able to find one on http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/.
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