Would I be able to get around in Japan without knowing Japanese?

Answer 1

♡Well, I have to say YES, you'll be able to get around in Japan without knowing Japanese, BUT not so easily and it may take you a little longer. ☆I always advise people to learn a little Japanese before coming because of course it's useful. Many larger stations have the schedules posted in English, but even then it can still be a bit confusing unless you know exactly which train (Express, semi express, local... which train line) to take, if you have to transfer or take a train, subway or bus, which platforms and so on. Some people manage perfectly well though. ＊SOME (some!) people in Japan speak English but finding one when you need one isn't always the case. Especially during the "rush hours to Tokyo" on the train/subway. That time is not a good time to try and stop someone for directions. They're usually in a rush to get someplace. Most people manage to get around and to their destinations. I usually check the train and bus schedules on line BEFORE I leave so I don't have a problem getting where I have to go and I've lived here almost 9 years now.(*^o^*) Have a great time in Japan and good luck! ☆BTW, I use a "Tokyo City Atlas"- bilingual guide and "Tokyo Metropolitan Area Rail & Road Atlas" English guide too. I commute often though.♡

Answer 2

Of course you'll be able to get around without knowing Japanese! It may be a little difficult at first though.～☆ Even some Japanese people have to ask for directions or transfer information from time to time. So don't worry about that. Some schedules as well as other information are in English at the bigger stations. ～ I'm Japanese and have lived and studied in the US for 8 years so I speak English. BUT! MOST PEOPLE in Japan DO NOT SPEAK English! I wouldn't count on that if I were you. If you are in an English teaching environment, University or English type community, of course they do, but regular Japanese have limited English speaking skills. We study English in school, but rarely have the chance to speak it conversationally. It's better to learn a few basic phrases to make your time in Japan better. Once in Japan you can get any of the English Train/Subway guides and maps available. They'll help you quite a bit. Japanese people are kind and will try to help you IF they can and if they can understand your situation. Although I have to agree that if you've ever been on the morning commute to Tokyo with all those 'salary men' it may be a different story. You can barely get on and off the train and it's SO crowded. Many people avoid that time unless they HAVE TO go to work/the office. There are even special ladies only cars during rush hour times. But you should be OK and if you can try to learn a little Japanese.

Answer 3

Yes its 100% do-able. You can get around Japan without knowing much Japanese or none at all. HOWEVER, in some places you will need to know some simple Japanese or buy the "Point and Speak Japanese" book -- it is an EXCELLENT book and you can use it to point out what you want to do, complete with illustrations.

Answer 4

There's a lot to communication apart from language skills...(we've all had discussions with people in our native tongues who just didn't / wouldn't understand us)

You will be able to get around, but the more you TRY in Japanese the better the experience I found...I hitch-hiked thru 43 of the 47 Japanese prefectures with scant Japanese and had a great adventure. Now that I can speak pretty good Japanese I am sure that a repeat experience would be very different - not better or worse but very different. Approach the trip with an open mind and avoid comparing things to home and you'll have a great trip...

And if you only know one word of Japanese remember . In context it can be excuse me, I'm sorry, beg your pardon, thanks and a whole lot more. To pronounce anything in Japanese just break each word down into consonant-vowel pairings, or vowels. ie: su / mi / ma / se / n (the final being the one exception.)

Answer 5

Yes, in the major cities. I would go to a book store and get a little work book to know the basics. More importantly is to know some basic customs. The Japanese are very kind and gracious people. I lived there for three years and loved it.

I found this site but I'm sure there are others. Have a good time.

Answer 6

I lived there for six years, and my Japanese was never that great at all, but I still managed quite well.

Of course, the more Japanese you can speak, the better -- even if it's just basic stock phrases so that you don't get lost or end up buying some strange food that looks like something it isn't.

Answer 7

Most people speak and understand English.
Sign language and key words are essential though.

By the way, I did try to ask people for direction in the middle of rush hour. You would be amazed at the number of people who stopped and actually walked me to the right train platform in Tokyo as well as Yokohama busy terminals. I'm sure they would have missed their regular trains, but they did help me. Rush hour also means - that there are more trains, so all my good samaritan had to do was wait a couple minutes for the next train.

I love Japan

Answer 8

Yes...Most of the young people speak English.. I have traveled all through Japan with only a few issues with language.. No worries

Answer 9

Just like other tourist places, a lot of the population knows English. I would say they are more bilingual for multiple reasons in their society. Japan has a lot of American culture there as well.

Answer 10

YES. But not easily. You should try to learn a little Japanese.