Lonely Planet is rated as the world's #1 phrasebook publisher. Also, they usually have sample dishes made of plastic which look just like the real dish, so you can point to them as well. just point and smile. If you stay in the big cities and some smaller ones there is gobs of English. Since they didnt speak English, they didnt manage to explain to her the way. If you're going along the main tourist route ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Be prepared that some of these machines will only have Japanese on them but with menus full of photography, its still very doable. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-17099212', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tokyo, and on only very fre occasions could i not make myself understood. 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. From left, crisp nori chips with toasted sesame oil, spring chicken miso soup, and yakitori chicken with ginger . And if you have any language hacking tricks you've picked up during your travels in Japan please share them as well. 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). Sometimes its the fun of a lucky draw when ordering a meal. Book Your FlightFind the best flight by using Skyscanner. No, you think you know what a big train station looks like, but in Japan they can be massive. The cheapest way is to do things yourself and to plan everything you can in advance and in the most detailed way. Especially when you travel to a country like Japan where everything is different from what youre used to. Depending on where you are and how much money you have, you may not need a car in Japan. For directions, help with the language, choosing and finding restaurants, and even knowing what youre ordering, having data on your phone and certain apps is practically a necessity. Most Japanese, especially around Tokyo, can understand some English, but only if you use simple words and speak slowly. via Booking.com, Find a Rental Car worst comes to worst, order what the next person orders. more. These devices usually have unlimited data and can cover up to 10 devices, depending on which one you choose. These are wonderful tips, Especially for the ones who do not know japanese at all. via Viator, Book a Bus/Train/Transfer Can I go to Tokyo if I don't speak Japanese? - Japan Nihon Getting from Haneda Airport to Tokyo is a cinch. Thanks for the feedback. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The one you choose will largely depend on what you look for in a guide. She immediately starts explaining how to get therein Japanese. You can purchase a SIM card at certain kiosks around the airport but if you arrive at an odd time, they might not be open. Answer (1 of 3): It's not as hard as you might expect. Screens on the outside of shinkansen include information in English about service, destination and car class. The Japan Rail Pass is easily the best value way to get around Japan. The large accommodation booking websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc. You can pay with cash, credit card and, sometimes, with a Suica Card. Note: the rear doors of taxis open and close automatically, so you do not need to touch them to enter or exit the car. If you dont have the means to hire a guide or to find one available for free, you have to do the things on your own, but dont worry because there are plenty of tips to help you out. That said, the biggest worry for many English-speaking visitors is figuring out how to travel in Japan without speaking Japanese. RELATED: How To Choose The Best Japan Travel Guide Book, Get the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook. The options are passes running for 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days. And most importantly, he or she can take you to some local restaurants not well-known of tourists which can turn into a rich experience of the Japanese food culture. in general, i found that the japanese people were so helpful, and in many places 9coffee shops etc) the staff really enjoyed the chance to practice their english though this means that orderign etc can take quire a while as they like to ask where you are from etc. A few tips: if you want to get a taxi from your hotel to somewhere, ask the front desk staff to write the destination on a small card for you, to show to the taxi driver (and have a similar card for your return journey); learn a few basic Japanese words (thankyou, good morning, good afternoon, yes, no, etc. Bilingual signs indicate whether a shinkansen car has reserved or non-reserved seating. Suica is a pre-paid e-money card - handy for paying for transportation or shopping. How does the IC card work? Pre-planning key connections and booking accommodation in advance will make life a lot easier. Just remember to keep your tone and gestures modest. it's good to get yourself prepared for public transport. a lot of restaurants have menus with pic or food sample outside. Do you need to learn Japanese? Or maybe you just want to hand over the entire trip planning to me? 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. Use Hostelworld if you're looking for budget-priced options. Some ticket vending machines with bilingual menus (Japanese/English) allow travellers to make seat reservations on shinkansen trains. 5 Neighborhoods to Learn About LGBTQ+ History. Ive been exploring Japan since 2000 and Ive picked up plenty of tips along the way. worst comes to worst, order what the next person orders. This is since a percentage of Japanese people speak some English and, as a result, you may be able to converse with them when necessary. 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. Loud voices and excessive gesticulating can alarm and put off some people. For reservations and more information about all the options, the Japan Rail Pass website has English and everything else you need to know. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its free to subscribers (and can be found in the Resource Library if youre already subscribed). That would include staying in a ryokan (a traditional inn)- the ultimate way to experience 'The Real Japan'. But have to say, in spite of its slick interface, one of the best in the apps market, I've yet to be impressed. You're going to have a much better time getting around because these places are set up for international travel and tourism. 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. Shopping and eating out may . Of course not! Found this post helpful? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Book Your AccommodationI frequently use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates and most flexible cancellation options for hotels and guesthouses. The first thing is to make sure you have enough cash on you. (You will need an internet connection to install the app). There are different types of planning, it all depends on your needs, your budget and your level of adventure. so food is probably no problem. The easiest way to travel without speaking the language is to hire a guide or use a travel agency to get things done for you, but there are also some free options you can use too. ("Excuse me, please can you tell me the way?"). a)when you wear the yukata (the japanese robe they give you), make sure the left side wrap over the right side (the other way around only goes for the corpse in funerals!!). For instance, visiting Tokyo without speaking Japanese is way easier than visiting somewhere like the remote island of Iriomote. Youve reserved a pocket wifi and have downloaded all the necessary apps. How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese | Tozome The same ticket number also appears on an illuminated board at the front of the bus, above and to the left of where the driver sits. This article provides an overview of Japan's transportation system and offers tips on how to navigate the country without speaking Japanese. No need to know the Japanese train system in advance, how to use the subway, where to buy the tickets and the different prices. Thanks Chris glad you liked it. Many tourist attractions and English-friendly cities have staff who can help visitors understand what they are seeing. Re: First time to Japan and don't speak Japanese. Some examples on the app are: There are also other features you can filter through that might be very helpful for you: Speaking of cuisine, you might be visiting Japan just for the fresh and delicious sushi. Sure you can. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I find theyre often some of the most memorable experiences from trips. You can buy an IC card online at Klook.com before your trip to get all your things ready, but if you forgot to buy it, you can also get one in Japan. The easiest way of travelling without problems is to have a travel agency taking care of everything for you. It is possible to visit Japan without speaking Japanese, though it may be difficult at times. Any thoughts are appreciated. Especially when meeting Japanese friends, it helps to be punctual if not early. I try to memorize the sequence of her gestures. You may want to consider subscribing to The Real Japan, to get access to my free (and growing) Resource Library. Communicating in Tokyo without Japanese It will be simple and very manageable to navigate around Tokyo with only English-speaking people because most of . you might have taken a shower in the room or in another public bath (some larger onsen resorts have numeral public baths), doesn't matter, take a shower again (i usually wash my hair too). It's also astounding that for such a large city (about 12 million people in Tokyo proper), it's so easy to navigate, clean, and super safe. They really care about the others well-being. Travel insurance is not mandatory for all travels, but if you dont speak the language of the country youre visiting, it is highly recommended getting a travel insurance to protect you. i did the usual trail, Kyoto, Hakone, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Google Maps app is available on IOS and Android, and you can even use the web version on your favorite browser. a lot of restaurants have menus with pic or food sample outside. 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. ); if speaking in English to a . In Japan, youll find lots of different foods, but if you really want to taste the best and avoid some surprises in certain recipes, only a guide that knows the country can help you. Say yes ("hai"), and they will microwave your dinner for you! How to Pretend You're in Tokyo - The New York Times You never know what can happen to you during your trip. I have detailed post about the Japan Rail Pass that covers all you'll need to know in advance. Can you go to Tokyo if you don't speak Japanese? - Japan Nihon Four main means of transportation connect Haneda Airport's international terminals (Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 . Sucia/ Pasmo card when taking romance car to Hakone? Toilet: Toire While you don't need to know all of these phrases, they will make you feel much more comfortable in a foreign location. Here I share quick wins and hacks based on decades of experience travelling in Japan. Although most of the signs are in Japanese, there are enough in English to be able to make your way around easily. . If you want to be sure of what youre ordering, the Sushi Dictionary app might be perfect for you. Im excited for your first trip to Japan Im sure you will LOVE it! One general tip that applies particularly in the countryside is never be afraid to ask people you see on the street for help. You can order them in advance online for easy pick-up at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda airports or in downtown Tokyo. 1) order food is probably no problem. There are small police boxes throughout Japan called koban () where youll find a few policemen always willing to help. 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. Heres the link if youre interested: https://www.therealjapan.com/subscribe. Japan Without Japanese: How To Travel In Japan When You Dont Speak Japanese, If you want help planning your Japan trip. Is it hard to visit Japan if you don't speak Japanese? But no matter the country or the peoples language ability, it is always respectful and helpful to attempt their language. Where to see cherry blossoms around the worldTokyo, Washington D.C., Paris, and more. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Also, many restaurants (especially in smaller cities that expect tourists) have plastic examples of the dishes they offer. You want to find the best restaurants to truly experience Japanese cuisine. Non-smoking (sometimes hard to find in Japan). Do You Need To Know Japanese To Travel To Japan? - Matador Network

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