how to get around tokyo without speaking japanese

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. A cheaper option that can also cover multiple devices is a pocket wifi. If you want to check some guided tours to get some ideas, you can visit Klook.com which has several guided tours not that expensive. Moving in Japan is not that simple, even when you just want to find your hotel. Especially when you travel to a country like Japan where everything is different from what youre used to. Knowing just a few Japanese phrases off the top of your head will show that youre trying and those dealing with you will be very appreciative and maybe even more helpful because of it. Answer 1 of 24: I'm an American considering a trip to Japan this January. japan subway is pretty simple to take and people are quite helpful. Can you live in Japan without knowing Japanese? I ask her tentatively. You can easily buy Shinkansen train tickets from JRPass.com and travel safely and rapidly to your destination in Japan. No knowledge of Japanese is needed to visit tourist areas in Japan and big cities like Tokyo. Excellent customer service. Me? via Discover Cars, Find Cheap Flights If staff can help they will, and sometimes will walk you outside the store to give you your bearings before pointing you in the right direction. Did anyone fly Delta Airlines Singapore - Narita recently. I want to visit Tokyo, see Mt. For people with no restrictions regarding food, not knowing the language isnt really a problem and can be quite fun, but if you cant eat everything you might have some problems passing the message. it doesn't matter if you taken 10 showers that day, because others don't know u did. You could also show them the words on flashcards or your smartphone. Just remember to keep your tone and gestures modest. The only thing you have to do is to tell them what you want, and theyll prepare everything. 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. Sucia/ Pasmo card when taking romance car to Hakone? Can I go to Tokyo if I don't speak Japanese? - Japan Nihon Ive distilled decades of my experience into this ebook for you. Aside from the information published in English by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), local offices will sometimes have information about local sights that you cannot get anywhere else. b)you MUST take a shower in the public area before you enter into a public bath. RELATED: How To Choose The Best Japan Travel Guide Book, Get the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook. Understandably so. You may want to consider subscribing to The Real Japan, to get access to my free (and growing) Resource Library. The English language is not commonly spoken in Japan, but surviving Japan without Japanese is possible. Compared to the rest of Asia, Japans tourist SIMs are fairly expensive. Book Your Hire CarRent a car in Japan without speaking or reading Japanese via Booking.com's Car Rental portal. However, Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use vending machines to make seat reservations. And even when you read lots of things about Japan before going there, the surprise effect will always hit you, as you will feel like travelling to another planet. It has more than 4,4k ratings in the App Store with an average of 4 stars. The same goes for other big cities like Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, etc. The truth is that once you get how it works, you can use it even if you dont speak Japanese. This tip is pretty obvious, but sometimes you get caught in the emotion of discovering a whole different country. Gestures and simple phrases are typically sufficient. Recently, I've been field testing translation apps, including Google Translate (available both for Android and iOS). A seemingly incomprehensible, often kaleidoscopic, barrage of cryptic symbols awaits the foreign traveller who doesnt speak or read the language. Screens on the outside of shinkansen include information in English about service, destination and car class. Japan without Japanese - Quick tips Buy a phrasebook, app or learn a few key Japanese 'survival' phrases suitable for travel Use public transport, many signs, station names, departure boards, etc are also in English May 4, 2015 at 0:51. If you already did some research for your trip to Japan, you probably have heard about the Suica card. Signage in most public places and all stations will include either English or Romanized characters of Japanese names so you should be able to always tell what station, street, or location youre at. Instead, one of them kindly accompanied her to the hotels entrance. Check out my 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Tokyo!. The right amount is taken from the card and thats it. Before you strap on your hiking boots, though . Signs on JR Railways have station names in English. Youll then select a seat and hand your ticket to the waiter. The first thing is to make sure you have enough cash on you. Taxi drivers rarely speak English, so have your destination written down in Japanese if possible. The first decision is knowing how you are going to stay connected. But did you know about the Welcome Suica card? Major train stations in Japan can be very, very, very large. Following these tips prepares you for language or even cultural barriers. 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). They are not the rule. Tourist information offices are the best places to help you during your travel. Details on the Audiobook & eBook Bundle are available HERE, Top 10 Most Popular Japan Tours and Trips, Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary. Seat reservations can be made from one month before the date of travel until just before departure time. The key thing with buses and trams is to either know the stop you need to get off at or to know what the cost of your journey is and get off the bus/tram when the indicator board at the front gets to your price. Google Translate has a very helpful camera feature where you can point the phone towards what you are trying to read and it will translate in real-time. Thanks Ryan glad you got a lot from it. 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. Depending on where you are and how much money you have, you may not need a car in Japan. Not that the tourists spots are bad or something, but to find some Japanese hidden gems you have to get off the beaten track, and you can do that without knowing Japanese or without a guide. These might be a more affordable option if youre not crossing all of Japan while visiting. How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? | Travel Tips Japan Without Japanese: How To Travel In Japan When You Dont Speak Japanese, If you want help planning your Japan trip. Need help building an itinerary? How did I do this? One general tip that applies particularly in the countryside is never be afraid to ask people you see on the street for help. How easy is it to get around Japan without speaking Japanese? Many thanks Rob for putting together these resources. Fuji, ride the Shikansen (I'm starting a Masters degree studying railroads this Fall, so this is a huge draw for me), see a maritime museum in. 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. c) try to choose the kind of plan that comes with keiseiki dinner instead of buffet dinner. If you are catching a taxi in Japan, your best best is to get the phone number of the place you are heading to. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Thanks for your comments @carolstravels:disqus I totally agree! Aside from their law-enforcement role, police in Japan also serve a community role. Solo travel with Autism and without speaking Japanese? The login page will open in a new tab. Also, verify you have enough free space in your phone to download the needed languages. For how modern Japan is, the economy is still very cash-driven. You never know what can happen to you during your trip. First time to Japan and don't speak Japanese. Advice request Pop your head around the door and try saying: "Sumimasen, michi o oshiete kudasai?" via Safety Wing, Book Tours & Attractions Fellow Japanese travellers sympathetic to your plight will frequently come to your aid as well. But, on the other hand, if you follow a planned touristic itinerary, you will have all the chances of getting along with a trip without major problems. Good to hear of your chance encounters with locals. via Discover Cars, Find Cheap Flights 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. SHARE. Now that you have data as you travel around Japan, there are a few apps we recommend to make your daily interactions as easy as possible: Whether youre walking around a city or trying to navigate the subway system, Google Maps can help make sure you know where youre going. Works every time! It cannot be used on high-speed bullet trains or long-distance buses. If you want help planning your Japan trip click here. However, just using the text translation and showing it to the person would work much better than have the app pronounce it. We print stuff out and have phone numbers handy for hotels or rentals so drivers can speak to folks in their native tongue. The easiest way to manage a taxi ride is to have your address written in Japanese and with some sort of map ideally a print out from an official website of your destination, Google Maps or an equivalent. It explains how technology can be used to help with navigation, introduces helpful apps for non-Japanese speakers visiting Japan, explains the benefits of hiring a guide when traveling in Japan, and answers some frequently asked questions about getting . Depending on where you live in Japan, spring lasts from mid-March to May. Use hand gestures with just a couple keywords and they are more likely to understand you. Some apps were really good, others not so much, but my final choice goes to Google Maps. When I first looked for navigation apps to install on my smartphone, I came across a huge list of possibilities. The cheapest way is to do things yourself and to plan everything you can in advance and in the most detailed way. In this paragraph Ill show you how to install Google Translate in your phone for offline use when you dont have an internet connection in Japan. The driver can enter this into the GPS and find your destination in a matter of seconds. Also, most stations will have their announcements repeated in English. Here are some basic Japanese phrases that can be helpful: Hello: (Konnichiwa) Thank you: (Arigatou) Excuse me: (Sumimasen) Please: (Onegaishimasu) Yes: (Hai) If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Even if you dont know the Japanese language, you can always use some phrases to make your travel easier and nicer. This card has huge advantages that make your life so much easier. (You will need an internet connection to install the app). The rule is, if you want to get ahead, learn to speak at least B1-2 level so that you can interact with Japanese people (the vast majority of whom speak no English). He or she can also find you the best options to move from A to B. Younger people are often good to ask as they are more likely to have a smattering of English (you'd be surprised how far you can get with them only knowing Yes, No and OK!). Noriko Hayashi for The New York Times. You want to find the best restaurants to truly experience Japanese cuisine. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I have started to learn the basics (hello, thank you, yes, no, etc), I guess as the trip gets closer I am starting to worry that it wasn't enough. If there is no ticket dispenser, it likely to mean that the fare is a fixed price. of course keeping the hotel card and destination written in japanese (ask your concierge to write it for you) is important. Also, they usually have sample dishes made of plastic which look just like the real dish, so you can point to them as well. Four main means of transportation connect Haneda Airport's international terminals (Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 . just point and smile. Non-smoking (sometimes hard to find in Japan). Particularly if you dont speak Japanese. This app will give you directions for walking, driving, or using public transit options. From left, crisp nori chips with toasted sesame oil, spring chicken miso soup, and yakitori chicken with ginger . No language struggles, no pointing and waving necessary. This article provides an overview of Japan's transportation system and offers tips on how to navigate the country without speaking Japanese. I also liked survival phrases -- they have a few free podcasts -- you have to pay for the whole set. Front desk staff at hotels, railway stations, etc., usually can help. If switching out your SIM card seems invasive, and mobile carrier options for staying connected while abroad are confusing or expensive, there is a simple answer in pocket WiFi. Google Translate can sometimes help though. via 12Go. Hi everyone, my name is Ana. Or maybe you just want to hand over the entire trip planning to me? just point and smile. There are even some phrasebooks that also include a small dictionary of essential words you might need. The large accommodation booking websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc. This is a fun experience where you can see all the offerings as they go by and order as much as you want of whatever dish. Tokyo Buses Tokyo's buses are extensive and efficient, but they're not ideal for tourists. The same goes for sights. Keep up the good work! In general, you wont have problems to eat in Japan, specially in big cities or tourist places. However, if you still have unanswered questions or niggling doubts about any aspect of travelling in Japan when you don't speak the language, I suggest taking a look at my dedicated guide How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese (there are both eBook and Audiobook editions available). It is easy to use and user-friendly, but if you want to use advanced features like offline translation, voice translation or picture translation, you have to upgrade to the pro version ($39,99 per year). And even if you planned all you could in advance, theres nothing wrong in asking for advice at tourist information offices. There are at least two koban in Tokyo where you will always have an officer with language skills to help foreigners (the Kabukicho Koban in Shinjuku and the Shibuya Ekimae Koban). The peak cherry blossom season lasts from mid-March to mid-April. Next, select the language you want to translate to and do the same thing (dont forget to hit the down arrow!). That would include staying in a ryokan (a traditional inn)- the ultimate way to experience 'The Real Japan'. People often wonder about what it will be like to get around Tokyo if you don't speak Japanese. The Japanese will appreciate your effort anyway. 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. Knowing that there are millions of people using public transportation every day in Tokyo alone, this system is really a time saver and free of complications. But no matter the country or the peoples language ability, it is always respectful and helpful to attempt their language. Or tried to ask for information about near hospitals without speaking or writing what you need? Find Hotels These you usually board at the front by the driver - having purchased your ticket in advance. Please log in again. and they would feel disgusted if someone enter into the public bath without taking a shower, for obvious reasons. Youre absolutely right about just learning a handful of key phrases theyll not only be really handy but will often be well-appreciated by the locals especially in Japan! 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. Language: Most people in Tokyo speak limited English, but with the 2020 Olympics coming up, more English signs will be popping up around the city.. Internet Access: Free public Wi-Fi isn't common in Tokyo.Save yourself some time and cash by getting a Skyroam device before you go. You can order them in advance online for easy pick-up at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda airports or in downtown Tokyo. Some ticket vending machines with bilingual menus (Japanese/English) allow travellers to make seat reservations on shinkansen trains. Sometimes, translation is a bit more accurate if you use the online mode, but offline mode is not bad and it can really save you when theres no other way. For more on cultural etiquette in Japan check out this post: https://www.therealjapan.com/top-7-etiquette-tips-for-travel-in-japan/. I find the former works more often than the latter. Let them plan your itinerary, your accommodation, the activities you want to do, the places to visit, the transportation, etc. While youre exploring a city, you will of course be ready to eat at some point. A basic one would be to print the names of your destinations in Japanese, so that you can show it to the locals if you ever need help. Welcome Suica card 1) order food is probably no problem. If you dont do that, you will need an internet connection each time you want to use the app. It is better, in my opinion, to use an app that you already know (like Google Maps), which will give you the basic information you need. Well, I just spent 8 nights there. Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Easy Access Guide (Buses, Trains, Taxis) Getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo is a cinch. So, can you travel in Japan without speaking Japanese? Work in Japan Without Speaking Japanese Luckily, navigating around Japan can be easy with a bit of preparation. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. The larger ones often have at least one member of staff who speaks English, and an extensive (if not entirely comprehensive) selection of translated literature. And thats it, you manage to get to the end of this easy guide on how to travel in Japan without speaking Japanese. Small tourist information offices may have a smattering of English literature but no English-speaking staff. Tyson Peveto is an American travel writer living abroad since 2017. You're going to have a much better time getting around because these places are set up for international travel and tourism. Getting around Japan with English only - Tokyo Forum I'm not joking. Just look for the logo when checking out. The lunch crowd at a Tokyo restaurant. Most of the time you can get away with little or no Japanese if you speak English and dont mind living in a bubble of English-speaking kaijin friendly Japanese. Advice request 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. The app will show translations of any sushi option you come across so you can understand the whole menu and order exactly what you want. These kinds of situations are what you want to avoid in Japan at all cost for a great trip. There are other options, if you travel on a budget or if you just dont feel like having the trip of your life prepared by some stranger . Found this post helpful? Required fields are marked *. Photo: Piyawan Charoenlimkul/Shutterstock. 1st time in tokyo where to stay?Ginza Shinjuku or Shibuya. just point and smile. had one bizarre converstaion with a young man in which he asked simple questions in english and i answered in japanese but we made a friend for life. Introduction Traveling to Tokyo without speaking Japanese may seem like an impossible task, but it's actually quite possible with the right preparation and resources. so food is probably no problem. . Suica is a pre-paid e-money card - handy for paying for transportation or shopping. When you bring it to the cashier, they will ask you a question you won't understand. I can imagine moving around Tokyo, or any other city by the way, without it. Manage Settings you wanted to sense how difficult it is to travel in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? but don't worry, i think you will do fine and have a wonderful time in japan. I realized that the first time you travel to a country like Japan, you cant really be sure of what youll find once you get there, and not knowing the language can add an extra degree of fear of the unknown. 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. A seemingly incomprehensible, often kaleidoscopic, barrage of cryptic symbols awaits the foreign traveller who doesn't speak or read the language. Of course, once you get off the beaten path a bit, things will get a little more challenging. Re: First time to Japan and don't speak Japanese. Rob this is an excellent guide. Once in the city, SIM cards are sold at BIC Camera stores and Yodobashi Camera. iTranslate: This is a free app that has a huge success on the App Store with more that 52k ratings with an average of 4,5 stars. I also have an expert guest post about the Regional Japan Rail Passes as possible alternatives to, or in addition to, the Japan Rail Passes themselves. The Japan Rail Pass is easily the best value way to get around Japan. I agree on the cultural aspect too. Doing this can save you money and will save time since youre not purchasing single-ride tickets every trip. via 12Go, Find Hotels I try to memorize the sequence of her gestures. if you forgot, just follow what everyone else does. Surviving Japan without Japanese is possible though, and with our tips below and an adventurous spirit, you can experience and enjoy everything the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer. 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. Can You Get By With English in Tokyo? 10 Ways to Survive Japan Without Japanese - A Day Of Zen Bus fares are shown on a screen at the front of the bus. With how accommodating Japanese people are and the above tips, you should be able to have a successful adventure traveling in japan without knowing japanese. The Japanese culture is not based on individuality, and thats why you will always find a Japanese ready to help you even if they dont feel like talking to foreigners. How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? Theyll quickly bring your order and once done eating, all you have to do is leave. Of course, if the given information is not enough for you, you can try the other apps, but in general you will be fine with just Google Maps. If you're going along the main tourist route ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If your time in Japan will be spent in one specific region, there are regional versions of the JR Pass. it's good to get yourself prepared for public transport. Pre-planning key connections and booking accommodation in advance will make life a lot easier. In here youll find all sort of food ready to take with you and at the lowest price. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17064105', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tokyo - Osaka/Hara/Kyoto down to Hiroshima) you will have no problem. Smart-EX is an app in English available to users in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia for purchasing tickets for the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. worst comes to worst, order what the next person orders. I still use my old Berlitz phrasebook and dictionary because it is small, well-organised and doesn't require charging or Wi-Fi. The easiest way of travelling without problems is to have a travel agency taking care of everything for you. i usually organize it in excel. That's where guided tours and activities with English speakers or my Japan Travel Planning Services can help. Five climbs around Tokyo to get your Mount Fuji fix For public transit, it will show you the name of your train, the line youre using, the stations between your stops, and even the price. Youll also get an invite to join my Private Facebook Group The Real Japan Pioneers :-). 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. is the ultimate way to travel Japan, with unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train, all JR trains, buses, even the Miyajima ferry and the Tokyo Monorail. Thanks Chris glad you liked it. However, if there's one thing decades of travelling around Japan has taught me, it's not to underestimate what a smile, some strategic hand gestures and speaking English slowly and clearly, but with a Japanese accent, can achieve. Less to think about = more chance to enjoy yourself! Win-win! . September 27, 2022 by Kimota Travelling Japan without Japanese can be difficult as you will not be able to communicate with people as easily, and may not be able to understand signs or menus. 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. Well let me tell you, when I reutned, I still only knew those 3 words, I didnt pickup any other words..and I didnt have any problem at all communicating with everyone cos most people understand english. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. How To Travel Japan Without Knowing Japanese - Visit Nagasaki Koban (police boxes) can be useful for getting directions. Book Your AccommodationI frequently use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates and most flexible cancellation options for hotels and guesthouses. Getting around in Tokyo - Lonely Planet Be aware that you have to purchase the JR Pass before entering the country. The essential key for a great trip is planning. Any thoughts are appreciated. With this app, you can narrow it down by cuisine. The locals do not speak much English but they are very friendly and helpful. None of the other apps I've tried have me converted either yet and I'm a bit of a technology geek so I'm more than keen on the idea. One of the major considerations with travelling in Japan is tackling the inscrutable Japanese language. Another advantage of a guide concerns the food. The cheapest way is to do things yourself and to plan everything you can in advance and in the most detailed way. Walking around and trying to find a specif address can be a real challenge if you dont know any Japanese. Getting Around Tokyo - Truly Tokyo Clear and easy to use website. worst comes to worst, order what the next person orders. How to Pretend You're in Tokyo - The New York Times In Japan the policemen have a role of guiding and serving the community, so if you get lost or need help to find your way, you should definitely ask a policeman for help. How tourist friendly is Tokyo? Of course not! Can I Go To Tokyo Without Speaking Japanese? Lucky you! but prepare yourself would mean that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The JR Pass will give you unlimited entry onto most city-to-city railways, bullet trains, and even some buses and ferry boats.

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