I want to go on a trip to Japan, but I don't speak Japanese. Will this be much of a problem?

Answer 1

No the people there are very good at people not nowing much japenease. they do know some english so it wont be much of a problem. you should though just to get a feel for it read a book on japenease on the plane.
these are the do nots though.
stick up your utensil on your plate.
pour your own drink.
and make the ok sign with your hand.
hope this helps.

Answer 2

For a typical tourist trip to Japan, you do not need to know Japanese. Many tourists sights even have things written in English so that you can read about their history, instead of just looking and wondering what makes it important. Also, you can often pay for tours in English. If you plan on going to more rural areas, then Japanese will be more crucial to use.

With that said, I would still recommend learning as much vocabulary and/or phrases as possible. If you talk to any Japanese people, they will appreciate your efforts, even if you really only know a handful of words. It's a sign of respect for their people and culture to try your best to adapt, and language is a large part of this. Always have some sort of English-Japanese dictionary with you. It's never a good idea to assume that you will be able to speak English, so dictionaries are very helpful for you and the person you are speaking to! (It's best if it is also a Japanese-English dictionary, in case you ask a question to someone who does not know English)

Enjoy your trip to Japan!

Answer 3

For the most part, you shouldn't have any real problems, especially if you are staying in large cities that get a lot foreign visitors, getting around won't be difficult. In Tokyo, all subway stations have station signs in Romanji (English characters) and stations are announced on the train in English as well as Japanese. Go to any of the major tourist sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nikko, Nara, etc... and you'll find signs, information, brochures, etc., in English. And the JR rail stations and trains all make announcements and have signs in Romanji.

Still, it's a good idea to learn a few basics of Japanese before you go. Most people in Japan study English, but don't speak it well, so communication can be a challenge. If you need to ask for directions or help, being able to speak in Japanese will go a long way in getting you what you need. Even being able to ask if someone speaks English will be a huge help to you.

I'm firmly of the belief that if you are traveling to a country where English is not the common language spoken, it's important to be able to speak at least a few phrases of the language. It shows common courtesy and respect and will go a very long way in erasing the image of the ugly American tourist who thinks that by speaking English slowly and loudly that all of a sudden they'll be magically understood. Pick up a good phase book and don't be afraid to use it.

Answer 4

Well, that depends on where in Japan you are going. If you are going to stay in populated areas like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. you should have no problems. But, if you plan on moving into more of the country side, yes, you will be in some trouble. I noticed that your handle is "Photoman..." so I would assume that you want to come to Japan to capture the people, nature, culture, on film. I also am somewhat of a photographer and if you wish to get the really good shots of people and how they live with tradition in Japan, you would need to learn some Japanese.

A relative of a friend of mine lives down on Yakushima Island, which was recently designated a world treasure. The relative often goes on extended treks to shoot the nature of Takushima. So, if you wanted to tag along with someone like that, you would need at least conversational Japanese.

But again, you didn't really expound on your reason for wanting to come so I can only assume. If it is to do a photo shoot, and once you have decided what your subject will be, message me and we can continue the discussion.

Best wishes.

Answer 5

It won't be much of a problem, as road signs, train stations all have english signboards and conductors that can speak in english.
Even train announcements are made in both japanese and english. So if you stay in tokyo, it's not a big problem. Also, in restaurants, all you have to do is point to the picture of your favourite food, and they will know your order, you don't even have to say anything.
Last but not least, hotels are the least of your worries, most places receives lots of foreigners, so their staff speak some english, so communication is not a problem, really.
Just to reassure you, i've been to Tokyo and Shizuoka last year december for 8 days with my younger sis, and we don't speak any Japanese at all.
However, i brought along a phrase book with me, so that i can say some simple pleasantries to the locals.

Answer 6

jap generally do no longer could desire to have 2nd language in residing existence in Japan so that they do no longer talk English very plenty there. Many says that foreigners scheduled to bypass to Japan could desire to learn various undemanding jap, in spite of the indisputable fact that, i think of that's amazingly nonsense to realize this because of the fact the genuine needed verbal substitute on going could desire to be plenty greater complicated and precisely particularly previous such undemanding harmless words commonly. i opt for to recommend which you will desire to save a obtainable laptop and magic pen to talk in writing. even regardless of the indisputable fact that jap can no longer pay attention and talk English fluently yet they could understand by way of examining it. maximum of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and different cities have indicators written in English in public place. You talk English to talk with jap there in case you pronouciate it very slowly, particularly and loudly as in case you do to very infants or too plenty elderly guy or woman. i'm useful the degree of protection in Japan for foreign places visitors in day time or evening time is often greater everywhere than in Korea. you would be able to desire to of direction do behave heavily as stranger regardless of the indisputable fact that.

Answer 7

You going to Tokyo? no problem in speaking english. Going to Okinawa? no problem speaking english. Goin to Sasebo? no problem speakin Englsih. Goin to Iwakuni? no problemo!!!!!!! speaking ENGLISH!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

not really.. but it will be nice if u learn some japanese words.. you can learn some language from this website http://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/

Answer 9

no