There are other nice navigation apps that are probably much more suitable to move around while in Japan, but the time required to fully understand them and to make a fair use is not worth it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Search for a destination, topic or article, Tozome 2020 - 2023, How to Plan a Holiday: 7 Easy Tips For Your Perfect Getaway. Booking.com in particular has added a lot of more niche accommodation in Japan in recent years. Suicas cost around $18 up front, split into a $4.60 issuing fee and a $13.80 initial charge. They also have a bit more set-up than the usual process. how to travel Japan without speaking Japanese - YouTube Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. The same ticket number also appears on an illuminated board at the front of the bus, above and to the left of where the driver sits. This is the best guarantee that youll have a smooth travel with no worries, but theres an inconvenient in choosing this option. But, on the other hand, if you follow a planned touristic itinerary, you will have all the chances of getting along with a trip without major problems. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. sure. Ferries are also available for traveling between islands or across bodies of water such as Tokyo Bay or Osaka Bay. Navigating Japan without speaking Japanese may seem like a daunting task but it doesnt have to be! I can imagine moving around Tokyo, or any other city by the way, without it. Is it Possible to Reside in Japan Without Knowing Japanese? 1. The Japan Rail Passis the ultimate way to travel Japan, with unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train, all JR trains, buses, even the Miyajima ferry and the Tokyo Monorail. Or tried to ask for information about near hospitals without speaking or writing what you need? How to find an internship / part-time / full-time job in Japan as a foreignerThis is the shortest video I've ever made! Tips for Overcoming Language Barriers: How to Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese. Use Hostelworld if you're looking for budget-priced options. Technology has made it much easier to navigate around any country even if you dont speak the language! Learn basic phrases like "hello" "thank you" "excuse me" etc., as these will come in handy during . Making reservations is easy to do without Japanese (again everything is available in English). My enforced silence on the mountain . Board buses without coins, enter stations without tickets; use Suica to pay for goods at stores, kiosks, or vending machines, or for services like lockers, parking, or taxis. After trying really hard to find her way without success, she asked for help to a group of night shift workers. Visiting Japan Without Speaking Japanese - Japanspecialist They will charge you by the plate at the end of the meal. The first thing is to make sure you have enough cash on you. They can be made at ticket counters at all major JR stations (any shinkansen can be reserved from any JR ticket office). However, taxis can also be the most challenging mode of transport to use if you need to get somewhere specific that isn't well-known locally such as a small hotel, restaurant, private address, etc. For me, these are some of the best phrasebooks that I found really useful for the trip: These are my favorite Japanese phrasebooks that I found clear and easy to use. Usually, this is the more expensive option for preparing your travel. Ready To Book Your Trip?Check out my Recommended Japan Travel Resources. Its also a good idea to look at some of the more specialist accommodation providers. One general tip that applies particularly in the countryside is never be afraid to ask people you see on the street for help. It is possible to visit Japan without speaking Japanese, though it may be difficult at times. You can find a list of the Tourist Information Offices here with the basic information about each one. In this paragraph Ill show you how to install Google Translate in your phone for offline use when you dont have an internet connection in Japan. The Suica card can also be used at many vending machines and convenience stores. wow.So..as it was really short, if. You should definitely make the most of tourist information offices. Dont hesitate to find a koban if needed (in 2019 there were 826 koban in Tokyo alone). When I first looked for navigation apps to install on my smartphone, I came across a huge list of possibilities. Quick Navigation. You can then either continue to your destination exit over ground or try going back into the underworld and use your general sense of navigation to get you there. It has undeniable advantages, and most people would like to take a travel agency to plan their trip, but sometimes it just doesnt fit your budget. Well, being sick in Japan and not being prepared for that eventuality can be really difficult. Do your research. Sometimes, translation is a bit more accurate if you use the online mode, but offline mode is not bad and it can really save you when theres no other way. If you want to book a journey by ferry in Japan, you book the Japan Ferry Pass online. Shop keepers are also worth a try. Koban are easily identified as "Koban" will be written in Romaji and they always have a red light above the entrance. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Shinkansen departure screens include information in English so it's easy to find your service and platform. Taxi drivers rarely speak English, so have your destination written down in Japanese if possible. . Some have grown and grown over the years, constantly being extended and added to. Ticketing on buses and trams in Japan tends to work differently from the rest of public transport . I'm currently living in France, but I've always been passionate about Japan and it's culture. The regional JR Passes can be reserved online before arriving or at any major JR station in the region youre interested in. Sometimes its the fun of a lucky draw when ordering a meal. Or maybe you just want to hand over the entire trip planning to me? Learn How to Speak Japanese in 4 Hours - YouTube This article provides tips on how to travel in Japan without any knowledge of the Japanese language. The subways in Japan work pretty much like the trains, but if you really want to have some extra information, theres a good page from Tokyo Metro website that explains it very well (in English). Visiting Japan without speaking Japanese can be intimidating, but it is possible. The same goes for sights. I still use my old Berlitz phrasebook and dictionary because it is small, well-organised and doesn't require charging or Wi-Fi. Can you get around Japan without knowing Japanese? There are many ways to travel in Japan without being part of a tour group. They can be purchased and recharged at most stations and convenience stores. It cannot be used on high-speed bullet trains or long-distance buses. while Japan is expensive, its not out of reach for budget travelers. Lonely Planet is rated as the world's #1 phrasebook publisher. This tip is pretty obvious, but sometimes you get caught in the emotion of discovering a whole different country. Let them plan your itinerary, your accommodation, the activities you want to do, the places to visit, the transportation, etc. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The one you choose will largely depend on what you look for in a guide. Travel to Japan without speaking any Japanese - Reddit Now that you understand the advantages of getting a guide, where can you find one? It has more than 4,4k ratings in the App Store with an average of 4 stars. If you want to be sure of what youre ordering, the Sushi Dictionary app might be perfect for you. At the bare minimum they're likely to have maps of the local area, town/city centre and any significant tourist sights in English (and other major languages). Following these tips prepares you for language or even cultural barriers. 5 Japan travel essentials. By Ferry. Answer 1 of 24: I'm an American considering a trip to Japan this January. A seemingly incomprehensible, often kaleidoscopic, barrage of cryptic symbols awaits the foreign traveller who doesn't speak or read the language. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways, and more! In here youll find all sort of food ready to take with you and at the lowest price. Signage in most public places and all stations will include either English or Romanized characters of Japanese names so you should be able to always tell what station, street, or location youre at. Nomadic Matts Travel Site. No, you think you know what a big train station looks like, but in Japan they can be massive. Emily Lynen, 29, and Amber Lynen, 35, had every intention of having sex on their wedding night. Here I share quick wins and hacks based on decades of experience travelling in Japan. Now that you have data as you travel around Japan, there are a few apps we recommend to make your daily interactions as easy as possible: Whether youre walking around a city or trying to navigate the subway system, Google Maps can help make sure you know where youre going. There are other options, if you travel on a budget or if you just dont feel like having the trip of your life prepared by some stranger . For example, many restaurants have English menus and English-speaking staff members who can help you order food or drinks. Q: Is it possible to get around in Japan without speaking any Japanese? The first important tip for people that dont speak Japanese is to buy some Japanese phrasebooks. Of course, once you get off the beaten path a bit, things will get a little more challenging. The first decision is knowing how you are going to stay connected. Can you go to Japan without speaking Japanese? - Japan Nihon You can also put in English words and phrases into the app and it will give you the translation, written in Japanese script and with Roman letters for you to know how to pronounce it. Note how they are polite and quiet in public transportation. Smart-EX is an app in English available to users in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia for purchasing tickets for the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The Japanese may generally be reserved but they can also be extremely helpful if you do ask for help or assistance. There are also passes for specific regions of Japan (Thoku Area Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass, etc) for travelers focusing their itinerary on a specific area of the country. No.3 - Phrase Book/Translation Apps. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. And whats better, they are not expensive (around $6 and $13 USD in general) and therere usually cheaper on Books A Million. Thanks Ryan glad you got a lot from it. This is actually a good question because you are travelling to a different country with an entirely different culture, and a language that has nothing in common with the English language. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can buy an IC card online at Klook.com before your trip to get all your things ready, but if you forgot to buy it, you can also get one in Japan. These devices usually have unlimited data and can cover up to 10 devices, depending on which one you choose. These would be the konbini (which are convenience stores). 4. Gestures and simple phrases are typically sufficient. Use Japan's impressive public transport network as much as possible. Continue with Recommended Cookies. These schools actually prefer their teachers don't speak Japanese, as they strive for an authentic, "English-only . The reality for many though is that travel can be a big commitment both in terms of time and money. Rob this is an excellent guide. For many, the idea of visiting Japan without being able to speak Japanese is daunting. Be sure to pop in and tell us how it went. There are several apps specifically designed for non-Japanese speakers visiting Japan including: Google Translate which translates text into over 100 languages; iTranslate Voice which translates spoken words into over 40 languages; Waygo Translator which translates written words into English from Chinese characters; TripLingo which provides audio translation services; World Lenswhich translates text from images using AR technology; OJT Travel Guidewhich offers audio tours about popular tourist destinations in Tokyo such as Asakusa Temple or Meiji Shrine; Tokyo Metro Appwhich offers English maps of Tokyos subway system; Tokyo Tourist Info Appwhich provides information about must see spots in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Gyoen Park or Tsukiji Fish Market; Chikatabiwhich helps users buy tickets online using credit cards etc.. All these apps make it much easier for tourists who dont speak Japanese! While it may be difficult at times, there are a number of ways that you can get by in Japan without knowing any Japanese. Rural areas are less English-friendly, but it's still possible to visit without knowing Japanese. There are many back roads with only Japanese names, so you should get a bilingual map. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Does this mean that you cant travel to Japan without a travel agency? These trains run on special tracks, separate from the other trains. Some examples on the app are: There are also other features you can filter through that might be very helpful for you: Speaking of cuisine, you might be visiting Japan just for the fresh and delicious sushi. These restaurants serve sushi and other small dishes on a train or conveyor belt that goes around the restaurant. They sprawl underground, sometimes on multiple levels, making navigating your way around them even more challenging. are all very friendly to English speakers. Can I go to Japan only speaking English? - Japan Nihon Planning a trip to Japan in a country with a completely different culture an unfamiliar language and a huge metropolis can be a bit overwhelming. 10 Ways to Survive Japan Without Japanese - A Day Of Zen Despite the fact that it is difficult to communicate in Japanese, it is relatively simple to get around. Thanks for your comments @carolstravels:disqus I totally agree! If it's a more personalised service your after, then my Japan Travel Planning Services are tailor-made for you. It covers topics such as using translation apps, carrying a phrasebook, making use of signs, asking fellow travelers, learning local etiquette and customs, English-speaking services in Japan, preparing for the trip and FAQs about traveling to Japan without speaking Japanese. Take a phrase book or print some phrases you think you'll need and if you get stuck you can show it to who you're trying to speak to. Since explaining the train and subway system in Japan is not the easiest thing and because I want you to really understand how it works, I selected for you a simple video that explains to you how it looks like and how you should use it. How To Get Around Japan Without Speaking Japanese. From ancient history and architecture to the impressively advanced modern society, theres a little something for everyone. Its not difficult to find guides online and many websites offer you a vast choice of guides you can hire. And thats it, you manage to get to the end of this easy guide on how to travel in Japan without speaking Japanese. Follow these 5 easy steps to speak fluent 'Japanese' and impress your friends and the ladies! Additionally, there are English translations on signs for public transportation and apps with English translations to make it easier for tourists to get around. There are even some phrasebooks that also include a small dictionary of essential words you might need. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. There are numerous options for pocket wifis and most offer pick-up and drop-off at airport kiosks. can be great not least because of their size (and therefore the quantity of accommodation they cover), and because of their size they can often secure very favourable rates. 5 Travel Essentials You Need BEFORE Coming To Japan And most importantly, he or she can take you to some local restaurants not well-known of tourists which can turn into a rich experience of the Japanese food culture. Google Maps app is available on IOS and Android, and you can even use the web version on your favorite browser. The Best Way to Get Around Japan Getting Around Japan By Train Japan's infamous bullet trains (called shinkansen) are beautiful, comfortable, convenient, and fast. The good news is that you dont need to read or write Japanese to enjoy Japan. If there is no ticket dispenser, it likely to mean that the fare is a fixed price. With an overview of its transportation system plus tips on navigating without speaking Japanese plus helpful apps specifically designed for non-Japanese speakers getting around should not pose too much difficulty! You can easily point to what you want and the server will be more than happy to make sure you get your food. While youre exploring a city, you will of course be ready to eat at some point. However, if there's one thing decades of travelling around Japan has taught me, it's not to underestimate what a smile, some strategic hand gestures and speaking English slowly and clearly, but with a Japanese accent, can achieve. One of the first things you'll notice about Japan is the language. The reason I love it so much is that it is fully compatible with every device and you are probably already used to using it (at least I use it all the time). JR East has an English language website allowing regular ticket users and JR Pass holders to book tickets and make seat reservations for selected trains in Eastern Japan and Hokkaido. Travelling by train and, specifically, on Japans incredibly well-developed high-speed rail network of shinkansen is recommended. The koban offer services like guiding, lost and found, crime report and emergency assistance. Lonely Planet's Japanese Phrasebook and dictionary is also a best-seller. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. September 13, 2022 by Kimota. Loud voices and excessive gesticulating can alarm and put off some people. The key thing with buses and trams is to either know the stop you need to get off at or to know what the cost of your journey is and get off the bus/tram when the indicator board at the front gets to your price. Japan without Japanese - Quick tips Using public transport in Japan Travelling by shinkansen (bullet trains) VIDEO: How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? There are several apps that can help non-Japanese speakers find their way around Japan including Google Maps which provides directions in any language; Hyperdia which helps plan routes on public transportation; Jorudan Trains which offers real-time information on train schedules; Navitime which provides detailed maps; Pocket Wi-Fi which allows users access internet anywhere; Line Taxi which helps book taxis; Uber which allows users to order rides through their smartphone; and TripAdvisor which provides reviews on restaurants, hotels, attractions etc.. All these apps make it much easier for travelers who dont speak Japanese to find their way around! Anyway, even the basic options will help you and since it is free, you can try it with no risks. By Allison Hope. However, it's easy to book a guided tour with an English speaker for many of the most popular spots. This is a fun experience where you can see all the offerings as they go by and order as much as you want of whatever dish. How difficult is travelling Japan without Japanese? Particularly if you are travelling on public transport. The Japanese will appreciate your effort anyway. Can you live in Japan only speaking English? via 12Go. And if all else fails then hiring a guide is always an option providing invaluable insight into local culture plus translation services when needed plus knowledge about where all the best spots are located plus assistance navigating public transportation systems! You can easily use the public transportation system to get around the cities and . Instead of just choosing a restaurant at random, you can download a restaurant-finder app like GuruNavi to help find one. Google Translate can sometimes help though. In general, you wont have problems to eat in Japan, specially in big cities or tourist places. Japan Rail offers one that starts at $52 for 5 days and you can either pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel (or anywhere else youre staying). Thanks Chris glad you liked it. If you dont do that, you will need an internet connection each time you want to use the app. Youre welcome Dean. Youre absolutely right about just learning a handful of key phrases theyll not only be really handy but will often be well-appreciated by the locals especially in Japan! It attracts travellers with its high levels of safety, speeds over 200 km per hour, and frequent departures, every 3-5 minutes. via Discover Cars, Find Cheap Flights If you are catching a taxi in Japan, your best best is to get the phone number of the place you are heading to. Many mid-size casual restaurants and ramen shops have ticketing machines as soon as you walk in. So if you need help while in Japan, dont be afraid to ask for the locals help, but keep in mind to be extremely polite and to talk slowly. I'm not joking. No! Japanese roads are of a very high standard, with the vast majority of signs on main routes being in rmaji as well as Japanese script. One of the most pleasant ways of travelling around this island nation is by ferry. It is possible to book activities and tours where you are guided by a local. There are a number of ways to get by without speaking the language, such as using body language, pointing, or using translation apps. Of course things get more difficult when you deviate a little from your routine. This includes the bullet train, or shinkansen, which can take you between cities, as well as the metro and bus systems within cities. I love drawing manga, watch anime, eat sushi and all things related to Japan ;), Your email address will not be published. I realized that the first time you travel to a country like Japan, you cant really be sure of what youll find once you get there, and not knowing the language can add an extra degree of fear of the unknown. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. No knowledge of Japanese is needed to visit tourist areas in Japan and big cities like Tokyo. Here are 10 tips to make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun. to be done usually helps. If you dont have the means to hire a guide or to find one available for free, you have to do the things on your own, but dont worry because there are plenty of tips to help you out. Particularly if you dont speak Japanese. The best way to get around Japan is by using the extensive public transportation system. Pop your head around the door and try saying: "Sumimasen, michi o oshiete kudasai?" By Signing Up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. Ive distilled decades of my experience into this ebook for you. Naomi Otsu. Can You Live, Work Or Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese? The police officer probably won't speak English, but they will be used to Japanese people regularly asking for directions, and they will quickly pull out a local area street map, often pasted onto a large board for ease of reference. Many tourist attractions and English-friendly cities have staff who can help visitors understand what they are seeing. Excellent customer service. Is it hard to vacation in Japan without knowing Japanese? Been there about 15 times in the last 7 years, will be there again next week, & I completely agree! For people with no restrictions regarding food, not knowing the language isnt really a problem and can be quite fun, but if you cant eat everything you might have some problems passing the message. Me? via Safety Wing, Book Tours & Attractions Youll then select a seat and hand your ticket to the waiter. On her first trip to Japan, a friend of mine had a hard time finding her way to the hotel because the plane landed late at night, and she wasnt used to the streets names and signs. If you plan on using the rail system to get around Japan, the most important purchase will be a Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass. He or she can also find you the best options to move from A to B. This rechargeable card can be purchased at any major JR East station, either at the ticket office or the Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines. If youve already done some research, you know that Japanese food can be quite particular, and if you really dont know what Im talking about, you can read my previous article on traditional Japanese food to have an idea of what to expect. ("Excuse me, please can you tell me the way?"). I find the former works more often than the latter. Aside from the information published in English by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), local offices will sometimes have information about local sights that you cannot get anywhere else. How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese. although only around 9per cent say they feel confident using English. ANA Tokyo to Komatsu - 13,790. Found this post helpful? And even if you planned all you could in advance, theres nothing wrong in asking for advice at tourist information offices. A: There are several apps that could be useful while traveling such as Google Maps which provides directions in any language ; Hyperdia which helps plan routes on public transportation ; Jorudan Trains which offers real-time information on train schedules ; Navitime which provides detailed maps ; Pocket Wi-Fi which allows users access internet anywhere ; Line Taxi which helps book taxis ; Uber which allows users order rides through their smartphone ; TripAdvisor etc.. All these apps make it much easier for travelers who dont speak Japanese!. How To Visit Japan Without Speaking Japanese - Visit Nagasaki How easy is it to travel around Japan independently? Going (Scotts Cheap Flights) Review: Is This Flight Tool Worth Using? It will help if you have a local street map to hand (which you picked up from the local tourist office as I suggested, didn't you? ) Can you get around japan without knowing japanese? Everyone in there is really helpful. Need help building an itinerary? Then my. Most cell phone plans have options for international travel but they are usually inhibitingly expensive. Major city landmarks and popular tourist attractions work best most of the time. However, according to studies somewhere between 13 and 30 per cent of Japanese people also speak some level of English. When you first meet the Japanese train system, it can be a little overwhelming if you havent done some research previously, but Japan has one of the most highly effective train systems in the world, with millions of people using it every day. Since they didnt speak English, they didnt manage to explain to her the way. How to get around in Japan - Lonely Planet Prices will be shown to you on a cash register or bill so dont worry about needing to know the numbers in Japanese. This is especially true in large cities and areas with many foreign visitors. A few Japanese phrases have been memorized and your JR Pass is purchased. UPDATED! Japan Without Japanese: How To Travel In - The Real Japan Sure you can. Note: coaches in Japan are often referred to as limousine buses. travel off the well-trodden tourist routes, guided tours and activities with English speakers, Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone in Japan, The Delights of Eating Your Way Around Japan, https://www.therealjapan.com/top-7-etiquette-tips-for-travel-in-japan/. How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? | Travel Tips These kinds of situations are what you want to avoid in Japan at all cost for a great trip. This could be staff at the station, shops and restaurants, taxi drivers, or the most helpful of all, tourist information and hotel . Of course not! You may want to consider subscribing to The Real Japan, to get access to my free (and growing) Resource Library.
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