if i travel to japan (only using my english), will i get lost?

Answer 1

There are signs in English on the streets and in the subway/train system. There are also English maps. I think you'll be fine with minimal effort. But bring a dictionary just in case.

Answer 2

No, you should do fine. I worked for Sony for years, and many of my co-workers went overseas to Japan without knowing a word of Japanese.

The major cities have signs in English in many cases, and many Japanese speak at least a little English. I'd suggest bringing a phrase book, and staying in the major tourist areas.

If you go wandering off, you could end up in an awkward situation that takes some time to get out of... but nothing particularly dangerous. Just lost...

Otherwise, you should be fine. A friend of mine actually lived there for a while, and his Japanese wasn't to good.

-dh

Answer 3

Generally if you're in Tokyo you won't have too many problems.
Some people in the city will be able to speak English and as others have said most of the public transportation has english translations. If you can't find anyone who can help you, look for private english schools around the station. (Look for signs that says Nova or ask "Nova doko?" to a Japanese person.) and someone there should speak english.
This is usually how my friends found their way around Tokyo which I thought was pretty clever.

Also one of my favorite things to do there was to get lost on purpose. Some of the coolest things you find in Tokyo can only be found while you're aimlessly wandering the city.

FYI most police officers do not speak english but will try pretty hard to help you out. Only problem is the small police office around the city are hard to find and usually unoccupied because the cops are out on "patrol".

Answer 4

When I went to Tokyo and Nagoya a couple of years ago, the taxi drivers did not speak English and we got lost (seperated) from others in our group. The Japanese are very reserved and I felt difficult to even approach for help. We were let out of our cab about a block away from the Hard Rock Cafe (our meet up place) and no one even knew enough English to point us in the right direction. We happened to stumble upon another American who was able to set us on the right course. It was scary for about 10 minutes. I had a wonderful time there, don't get me wrong, but if you don't have a guide it may be frustrating. Tokyo is HUGE!

Answer 5

You can get lost pretty much any where. Make sure you ask about areas you shouldn't venture into and carry a pocket translator with you. Carry a map and keep your hotel or hostel circled so it's easier to ask people for directions. Also try to learn common words like hotel, police, restaurant, bathroom ect... My brother is studying in Japan and he said that they are some of the nicest people he has ever met and it's also very safe there.

Answer 6

In the cities, most signs are in English as well as Japanese. Also, those in a position to assist you (tourist agencies, for example) will speak English.

And a large percentage of the population speaks English as well. If they don't speak it, some can read it, so you could write out questions for them.

Bring a phrase book. It couldn't hurt to learn a few helpful phrases, like "Sorry, I only speak English" or "Can you help me?"

Answer 7

generally, they cannot speak or understand simple english except those working in the airport. However I still have a few japanese friend who speaks english as some study in the US.

Answer 8

there is a lot of signs in english...stand in front of a large train map at a station and sooner or later someone will come up and help you. as long as you know where you want to go. but it will help knowing some...cause its real easy to get lost

Answer 9

No. If you start in Japan....chances are, you will still be in Japan.

Answer 10

yes