Best places to Travel in Japan for...?

Question

For someone who speaks English. I will know some Japanese but from my understanding, not everywhere in Japan is English speaking friendly*.

* Note English speaking friendly to me means that the people don't understand English and will be very hard to find someone to help me. I know the Japanese are very nice people and will help if they can.

Answer 1

I had no problems in Tokyo and Kyoto plus they are both fantastic places to visit.

Answer 2

Grant, I'm about to make my third trip to Japan in 18 months and my Japanese is minimal,have picked up some in my travels and done a short course for tourists.I get by with what I know,but as far as bookings and directions go I try to get someone japanese to help and those that speak english (even a little) are of immense help.Most tourist information offices at train stations are very helpful as are the people at JR ticketing desks and their information counters,check the internet as there are phone numbers for assistance in english , no matter how trivial you may think your questions are they are of great help. I backpack in some really out of the way places and try to get as much info before I go and more when I'm in Japan. As for the best places, make a list of what you think you want to see and see if the city they are in or near has english speaking guides for free or nominal expenses (train food etc;)Many large cities have volunteer groups who will act as guides in that city and even some nearby.Check out WaRaiDo for their guided tours some start at yen 2000. Good luck, it is a great country to travel in.Most large cities have internet sites in english and will have ads or links to community run guides and information services,start with JNTO.

Answer 3

As long as you know the basics (Where is the toilet? Can I use my credit card? Which way? etc.), you will be fine. Most signs and things are written in Romaji. And if you need help, it doesn't hurt to ask someone. Look for someone that looks to be in high school (a uniform will help) or college, they usually have a better grip on easy English.

Plus bring a little dictionary with you and you can just point to the words and people can help you that way. Good luck.

Answer 4

You don't need a lot of Japanese language skills to function but you should so an effort. If you can say "Suimasen" (Excuse me) "Arigato" (Thank you), "Ikura desu ka" (How much?) and a few other very basic things you will be okay in any Japanese town.

Most Japanese took some English in High School but it is hard for them to listen to spoken English and they tend to be shy about speaking English in Public especially with a foreigner. Most will avoid the possibilty of having to do this if they can. They tend to fear they will make a mistake and be embarrassed. That is why I suggest trying to speak a little Japanese first to break the ice.

Obviously tourist places and major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe etc)have the most exposure to foreigners and because of that have more signs and menu's etc in English but if you try to show even a tiny bit of an attempt to speak Japanese even 1 word they will appreciate it and be more helpful to you. If you walk up just speaking English you will get less help and scare them a little. Try not to be too loud either.

There are nice people all over Japan and if you show good manners they will not only help you but they will be happy to do so.