From phrasebooks dedicated to business travel to phrasebooks oriented to help you with your vacations, without forgetting those adapted for the daily life, you wont lack of choice. Is it Possible to Reside in Japan Without Knowing Japanese? Pop your head around the door and try saying: "Sumimasen, michi o oshiete kudasai?" For more on cultural etiquette in Japan check out this post: https://www.therealjapan.com/top-7-etiquette-tips-for-travel-in-japan/. UPDATED! Board buses without coins, enter stations without tickets; use Suica to pay for goods at stores, kiosks, or vending machines, or for services like lockers, parking, or taxis. How To Plan A Trip To Japan In Just 4 Steps! JR East has an English language website allowing regular ticket users and JR Pass holders to book tickets and make seat reservations for selected trains in Eastern Japan and Hokkaido. It will help if you have a local street map to hand (which you picked up from the local tourist office as I suggested, didn't you? ) No knowledge of Japanese is needed to visit tourist areas in Japan and big cities like Tokyo. The short answer is yes, you can travel to Japan without speaking Japanese. It is possible to book activities and tours where you are guided by a local. There are announcements and scrolling screens in English in every car telling you which station is up next. It is very cost-effective. By Allison Hope. How Much Japanese Should I Know to Go to Japan? Its not rare to get sick during holidays because the virus dont take vacation. Japanese receptions are helpful and organized. How difficult is travelling Japan without Japanese? I'm not joking. This practical Guide and Travel Planner covers all the essential basics you need to ensure your first (or next) trip to Japan is as amazing as you deserve it to be. Have you ever tried to explain to a pharmacist what kind of medicine you need using only gestures? {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Search for a destination, topic or article, Tozome 2020 - 2023, How to Plan a Holiday: 7 Easy Tips For Your Perfect Getaway. In addition to my well-thumbed Berlitz Japanese Phrase Book, I have ones in the same series for German, Italian, French, Croatian, Portuguese, and Czech. For me, these are some of the best phrasebooks that I found really useful for the trip: These are my favorite Japanese phrasebooks that I found clear and easy to use. But no matter the country or the peoples language ability, it is always respectful and helpful to attempt their language. How To Enjoy Japan Without Knowing Japanese - Visit Nagasaki I find theyre often some of the most memorable experiences from trips. Suicas cost around $18 up front, split into a $4.60 issuing fee and a $13.80 initial charge. Not all signs written in Japanese are difficult to understand. Signage is often bilingual, and most Japanese people do know basic English words. This card has huge advantages that make your life so much easier. Found this post helpful? They also have a bit more set-up than the usual process. Although you'll have to pay tolls to travel on the expressways (reckon . This rechargeable card can be purchased at any major JR East station, either at the ticket office or the Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines. . Answer 1 of 24: I'm an American considering a trip to Japan this January. As a general rule, guides are extremely professional and you wont regret the quality of their services, but sometimes you dont have the money to invest in a guide. Making reservations is easy to do without Japanese (again everything is available in English). The subways in Japan work pretty much like the trains, but if you really want to have some extra information, theres a good page from Tokyo Metro website that explains it very well (in English). After figuring out which subway/train you need to be on, just tap the card onto the reader and it will automatically deduct the amount of the ride once you get off at your destination station. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ferries are also available for traveling between islands or across bodies of water such as Tokyo Bay or Osaka Bay. Shinkansen departure screens include information in English so it's easy to find your service and platform. Youll then select a seat and hand your ticket to the waiter. If you are simply headed to a well-known local landmark, using a taxi should be straightforward enough. Can You Live, Work Or Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese? I hope you learned some useful information and that you can apply it to your next travel. Let them plan your itinerary, your accommodation, the activities you want to do, the places to visit, the transportation, etc. Google Maps app is available on IOS and Android, and you can even use the web version on your favorite browser. Follow these 5 easy steps to speak fluent 'Japanese' and impress your friends and the ladies! No.4 - Travel Insurance. I can imagine moving around Tokyo, or any other city by the way, without it. Since they didnt speak English, they didnt manage to explain to her the way. You can order them in advance online for easy pick-up at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda airports or in downtown Tokyo. I must have felt this way as a small child. Ive been travelling to Japan since 2014 (4 times in 2016) and mostly travel on my own though lucky to have Japanese work colleagues and several chance encounters to meet some friendly locals. How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? | Travel Tips via 12Go. There is a one-time fee for the pass and will cover either seven, 14, or 21 days. No.5 - A Plan. Finally, they will also know how best to navigate public transportation systems so they can help you get around quickly and easily avoiding any potential confusion or misunderstanding due to language barriers! The Japanese will appreciate your effort anyway. With . Some apps were really good, others not so much, but my final choice goes to Google Maps. Suica is a pre-paid e-money card - handy for paying for transportation or shopping. The reason I love it so much is that it is fully compatible with every device and you are probably already used to using it (at least I use it all the time). The cheapest way is to do things yourself and to plan everything you can in advance and in the most detailed way. Traveling to a foreign country can be both exciting and intimidating. Or maybe you just want to hand over the entire trip planning to me? Here are a few of the most beneficial phrases to memorize: You have your flights booked and itinerary planned. Using the card it's even possible to get extra discounts on some lines. They sprawl underground, sometimes on multiple levels, making navigating your way around them even more challenging. If it is your first time in Japan, you are probably asking yourself if its going to be difficult to travel to Japan without knowing the Japanese language. If you want to book a journey by ferry in Japan, you book the Japan Ferry Pass online. Let me explain why. Dont hesitate to find a koban if needed (in 2019 there were 826 koban in Tokyo alone). via Skyscanner, Get a Travel Insurance Hiring a local guide can be a kind of intermediate option between a trip planned by a travel agency and a trip planned all by yourself. The one you choose will largely depend on what you look for in a guide. via Viator, Book a Bus/Train/Transfer Its free to subscribers (and can be found in the Resource Library if youre already subscribed). There are even some phrasebooks that also include a small dictionary of essential words you might need. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways, and more! link to Can I Use My Debit Card In Japan? Sure you can. How to Get Around Japan - Away From Origin: Origins Redefined The reality for many though is that travel can be a big commitment both in terms of time and money. If youve already done some research, you know that Japanese food can be quite particular, and if you really dont know what Im talking about, you can read my previous article on traditional Japanese food to have an idea of what to expect. Visiting Japan without speaking Japanese can be intimidating, but it is possible. At first sight, this might sound like a crazy adventure, but to tell the truth, it is possible to work around some language barriers and have a great time without knowing practically any Japanese word. Visiting Japan Without Speaking Japanese - The Real Japan But with some careful pre-planning you can anticipate and prepare for most situations in which the Japanese language could be a barrier. Ticket numbers correspond to stops. How easy is it to get around Japan without speaking Japanese? If you already did some research for your trip to Japan, you probably have heard about the Suica card. It's certainly possible to work in Japan without speaking Japanese, though your options will be limited. This is because drivers will usually not know exactly where your destination is, in part due to the surprisingly vague postal address system employed in Japan, and in part as they do not have to learn the street network in their area to qualify as a driver. You can then either continue to your destination exit over ground or try going back into the underworld and use your general sense of navigation to get you there. I love the amount of information available here, I hope to use your services when I have the budget to go to Japan. How To Speak Japanese, Without Knowing How!! - YouTube The Best Way to Get Around Japan Getting Around Japan By Train Japan's infamous bullet trains (called shinkansen) are beautiful, comfortable, convenient, and fast. The essential key for a great trip is planning. In most places, you will be greeted with traffic, parking, and a lot of difficulty, and unless you speak Japanese, you will have a difficult time getting around. How to travel in Japan as an English speaker - The Wandering Suitcase via Safety Wing, Book Tours & Attractions This can mean that they become labyrinths - even to the locals. If the language barrier still worries you, there are two options unique to Japan. If you've found one that works well, is easy to use and doesn't rely on internet access I'd be interested to know. Japan is well-known for its vending machines everywhere so you can probably get something in your stomach when everything else fails. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Do a lot of people speak English in Japan. Particularly if you are travelling on public transport. Copyright 2014 - 2023 The Real Japan / dsomedia Limited, all rights reserved. However, Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use vending machines to make seat reservations. And whats better, they are not expensive (around $6 and $13 USD in general) and therere usually cheaper on Books A Million. Around the start of last year, I discovered the blog West Coast To Far East.. It's run by an interesting guy called Sean who, rather impressively, relocated in 2016 with his family - all the way from Hollywood U.S.A. to the mountains of Hida Takayama, in Japan's rural Gifu . It can be daunting, and many travelers wonder if they can get by without knowing any . For those spending a few days in Tokyo, purchasing a Suica card is a must. As I told you at the beginning, the Japanese train system is not that simple if youre not used to it, and buying single tickets each time you want to ride the train can be really complicated. If you want to make the effort to engage with the locals in their native tongue, take a trusty pocket language guide and/or phone app. There is a one-time fee for the pass and will cover either seven, 14, or 21 days. Other than the advantage of not having to carry great amounts of cash with you, this card is essential for transportation. Shopping malls also have lots of different food, and they usually speak a little English so you shouldnt have problems there. via Safety Wing, Book Tours & Attractions I agree on the cultural aspect too. Take a phrase book or print some phrases you think you'll need and if you get stuck you can show it to who you're trying to speak to. Im excited for your first trip to Japan Im sure you will LOVE it! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. So if you need help while in Japan, dont be afraid to ask for the locals help, but keep in mind to be extremely polite and to talk slowly. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It discusses the challenges of communication and navigating unfamiliar streets, and offers advice such as learning basic phrases before your trip, carrying a phrasebook, using technology such as translation apps and GPS navigation systems, and making friends with locals or other tourists. Screens on the outside of shinkansen include information in English about service, destination and car class. Gestures and simple phrases are typically sufficient. Doing this can save you money and will save time since youre not purchasing single-ride tickets every trip. Heres the link if youre interested: https://www.therealjapan.com/subscribe. These would be the konbini (which are convenience stores). UPDATED! Japan Without Japanese: How To Travel In - The Real Japan If you plan on using the rail system to get around Japan, the most important purchase will be a Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass. via Discover Cars, Find Cheap Flights Some ticket vending machines with bilingual menus (Japanese/English) allow travellers to make seat reservations on shinkansen trains. You will most likely be more at ease if you learn some basic . Everyone learns Japanese in English school so most of them help you.Front desk staff in hotels train station etc. Need help building an itinerary? How To Travel Japan Without Knowing Japanese - Visit Nagasaki At the bare minimum they're likely to have maps of the local area, town/city centre and any significant tourist sights in English (and other major languages). And thats it, you manage to get to the end of this easy guide on how to travel in Japan without speaking Japanese. Note how they are polite and quiet in public transportation. Navigating Japan without speaking Japanese may seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be! via Viator, Book a Bus/Train/Transfer If you want to have a glimpse of what awaits you in Japan, just watch the video below that explains it in a funny way. Find a Rental Car You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Fellow Japanese travellers sympathetic to your plight will frequently come to your aid as well. With this app, you can narrow it down by cuisine. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The cheapest way is to do things yourself and to plan everything you can in advance and in the most detailed way. If you plan on using the rail system to get around Japan, the most important purchase will be a Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass. Just scan through the menu, select the items you want, slip in the cash for payment, and get your ticket. Bus fares are shown on a screen at the front of the bus. Japan Without Japanese: How To Travel In Japan When You Dont Speak Japanese, If you want help planning your Japan trip. I wont recommend being an adventurous explorer in Japan, at least during your first time in the country. Many mid-size casual restaurants and ramen shops have ticketing machines as soon as you walk in. Now you wont just be getting around Japan without knowing Japanese but thriving as a respectful and prepared tourist, ready for any adventure that Japan has to offer. Win-win! These schools actually prefer their teachers don't speak Japanese, as they strive for an authentic, "English-only . One of the major considerations with travelling in Japan is tackling the inscrutable Japanese language. No! Is London the Greatest City in the World? Youre welcome Dean. This article provides tips on how to make the most of a trip to Japan without speaking any Japanese. You can organize in advance your accommodation and some main activities, but you can leave the details to your guide. Picking the right phrasebook for you is probably not easy because we all have our preferences when choosing books. If you try to get to some deep rural areas, you wont be able to find people capable of speaking in English to help you and that can be a problem. Bilingual signs indicate whether a shinkansen car has reserved or non-reserved seating. Some look like simple stick men, others like tangled tree trunks. But when you leave the city foreign languages dry up quickly. These trains run on special tracks, separate from the other trains. But, from the non-Japanese speaker's perspective, it's pretty simple once you know the system. The interconnected rail systems guarantee that you can get practically anywhere in the country. You either take a numbered ticket on entering the bus or tram from an on-board dispenser, or simply board if there is no dispenser. FREE RESOURCE: My 9 Japanese Accommodation Hacks Checklist is well worth downloading. Note: the rear doors of taxis open and close automatically, so you do not need to touch them to enter or exit the car. The large accommodation booking websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc. Unfortunately, there's the small issue of the language barrier that makes things a little difficult! That would include staying in a ryokan (a traditional inn)- the ultimate way to experience 'The Real Japan'. There is no problem if you enter via the main route (Tokyo Osaka/Hara/Kyoto Hiroshima). Make sure you hit the down arrow to download the language into your phone. (See how to install Google Translate for offline use further below). It has more than 4,4k ratings in the App Store with an average of 4 stars. Can you get around japan without knowing japanese? This tip is pretty obvious, but sometimes you get caught in the emotion of discovering a whole different country. A cheaper option that can also cover multiple devices is a pocket wifi. Seriously, they really want us to get lost every single time? They are a wonder of transportation, racing around at speeds up to 320 kilometers (200 miles) per hour. Can you live in Japan only speaking English? A: There are several apps that could be useful while traveling such as Google Maps which provides directions in any language ; Hyperdia which helps plan routes on public transportation ; Jorudan Trains which offers real-time information on train schedules ; Navitime which provides detailed maps ; Pocket Wi-Fi which allows users access internet anywhere ; Line Taxi which helps book taxis ; Uber which allows users order rides through their smartphone ; TripAdvisor etc.. All these apps make it much easier for travelers who dont speak Japanese!. How To Visit Japan When You Don't Know Japanese This is why this card is so important, as it allows to simple tap the card at the gate to automatically calculate the cost of your travel. How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese | Tozome The first choice by newcomers to Japan is typically teaching English at private English language schools, or eikaiwa. Travelling by train and, specifically, on Japans incredibly well-developed high-speed rail network of shinkansen is recommended. FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/SamtimeNews Show more Show more Does this mean that you cant travel to Japan without a travel agency? Well, being sick in Japan and not being prepared for that eventuality can be really difficult. although only around 9per cent say they feel confident using English. via Booking.com, Find a Rental Car Shop keepers are also worth a try. You can find a list of the Tourist Information Offices here with the basic information about each one. There are several apps that can help non-Japanese speakers find their way around Japan including Google Maps which provides directions in any language; Hyperdia which helps plan routes on public transportation; Jorudan Trains which offers real-time information on train schedules; Navitime which provides detailed maps; Pocket Wi-Fi which allows u.