is it easy for english people to gte around Japan??

Question

what I mean is, if I were to travel there witha friend, would i be spending my days looking at signs and checking them in the phrase book or would there be some in english symbols?

I just generally want to know how many people from Europe visit there and get around easily and have such a good time.

Im 100% desperate to go to japan in the future, and will not let anything get in the way of me going there before i die,lol, but sometimes I think that perhaps my thoughts are ahead of my actions, and realistically i would need to have studied inrtense courses of Japanese and all to actually get there.

Am i right, or is it not as hard as i think?

please help

Dan :)

Answer 1

You'll be fine in big cities (ie Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto) out in the suburbs and countryside is a different matter.

I live in the suburbs of Tokyo and most signs on the Japan Rail network are bilingual (Japanese/English) so foreigners using the national rail system can pretty much get by.

Restaurants (major chains only!) are easy too because most menus just use photos. All written material will be in Japanese, but you'll be able to point to a photo of what you want.

ATMs don't have any English service. So change money or travelers checks at an exchange, or at your hotel if they have that service.

If you do get lost, communicating with Japanese is a different matter. If you're lucky they'll speak minimum English. Otherwise they'll politely say "No English" or "wakarimasen".

My biggest advice is to try to memorize a few key phrases in Japanese. The people really appreciate if you at least try, and since you're showing an effort, they'll be more inclined to help you.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I've met people in Japan who have lived there 10+ years, and who still can't construct a sentence in Japanese or recognize any kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese).

Yes, it's fairly easy to get around only knowing English.

All Japanese study English at school, but the level is quite low.

Most signs for place names are in Japanese and English.

It should be a given that you'll be carrying Lonely Planet - Japan on you (the guide book). It's an excellent resource. It also has some important words in Japanese, just in case. You can always show the book to someone. There's always going to be someone around who will help you if you're looking for something.

The more Japanese you know, the better, but you can definitely do a lot without knowing Japanese.

If you're mainly a tourist, then you'll see other tourists from Europe and other places. Also, not all the people around you that you might think are Japanese, are Japanese. There may be a fair number of Koreans, Taiwanese, and Chinese tourists around too, some of whom speak Japanese fluently.

Have fun.

Answer 3

In major cities, it won't be too tough. There are some signs in English and the Japanese are always willing to help. We found it helpful to have a Japanese dictionary (one with written Japanese to English translations), a phrase book and a pad and pencil with us at all times. Many Japanase, especially HS and college students, have a fair amount of English and often times, can read it better than they feel they speak it. In Tokyo, most hotels will have at least one person on staff who speaks English and they will be a huge help. Keep in mind, the Japanese rarely use street names in addresses, so having someone who can write the address for you to give to the taxi driver or who can give good directions will make it much easier.

Now, the further you get from a major city, the less English you will come across. One area of exception will be the Aomori prefecture in Norhtern Japan. There is a US military base a few hours away and they are quit accustomed to seeing Westerners about. It is a wonderful area, mountain to one side and the ocean to the other...and will give you a taste of what Japanese life outside of a big cty is really like (expect to see rice paddies next to the local mall).

Taking the time to have those few things, along with a good guide book, maps and a smile will make traveling in Japan the best experience of your life.

Answer 4

Well, it depends on where you go. In Tokyo, it shouldn't be too difficult, though sometimes figuring out which trains are locals and which aren't is difficult. Outside the big cities it's much harder. Most Japanese people do NOT speak English well, though some people do. Japan is not as easy to get around as many other countries.

If you are adventurous, you need:
a Japanese phrase book...Berlitz is OK
a really good map
a really good guide book
a willingness to plan ahead to avoid problems
cash, which you change at the airport, not credit cards or
travelers checks
a sense of humor

If you are in Tokyo, go to the Tourist information center to plan your trip.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

Answer 5

My Brother-in-law went,backpacking through Russia, & other places, ending up in Japan, he found it very easy, he got a job working in a restaurant, to earn some money, he fell in love with a Japanese girl, they married 8 years ago have 3 children , they live over here { uk }

Answer 6

It relies upon, for some people it is problematical and a few people locate it elementary. Like i'm a community english speaker and that i think of spanish is superb elementary because of the fact i grew up with puerto ricans and heard spanish all my life so i'm used to it. yet maximum of my hispanic acquaintances that discovered spanish first, think of english is problematical. It quite all basically relies upon on the guy.

Answer 7

It is not as hard as you think - There are signs in English, plenty of places where English is spoken, and Japan totally caters for English-speaking tourists if you are doing the touristy thing anyway - HAVE FUN!

Answer 8

Its easier than you think.
I found it much easier than China :-)

I took a map with me & almost every time i needed to check it, i was approached by people offering to help. I found the Japanese to be very friendly & helpful.

Its a fantastic place to visit.

Answer 9

It is not as hard as you think, and with a little preparation, you should be fine.