how to get around japan without speaking japanese

The larger ones often have at least one member of staff who speaks English, and an extensive (if not entirely comprehensive) selection of translated literature. And wherever you find yourself, don't be afraid to ask a local for help along the way. This includes the bullet train, or shinkansen, which can take you between cities, as well as the metro and bus systems within cities. Get Ninja WiFi for unlimited internet everywhere, use Google Maps, supports up to 10 devices. Information in English on buses is more limited, but even if it is, if you're armed with a few key words and names of your destinations, chances are you won't go far wrong. Moving in Japan is not that simple, even when you just want to find your hotel. 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. Using a translation app can be helpful in many situations, from verifying what you might be eating to asking for certain things. Travelling by train and, specifically, on Japans incredibly well-developed high-speed rail network of shinkansen is recommended. via Safety Wing, Book Tours & Attractions Suica is a pre-paid e-money card - handy for paying for transportation or shopping. Buying an IC card is the easiest and one of the best tips I can give you for your travel. This practical Guide and Travel Planner covers all the essential basics you need to ensure your first (or next) trip to Japan is as amazing as you deserve it to be. 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. They can be made at ticket counters at all major JR stations (any shinkansen can be reserved from any JR ticket office). Especially when meeting Japanese friends, it helps to be punctual if not early. Here are 10 tips to make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun. via Discover Cars, Find Cheap Flights Signs on JR Railways have station names in English. UPDATED! Venture further still and many will have neither. Once in the city, SIM cards are sold at BIC Camera stores and Yodobashi Camera. I can vouch for this tactic from extensive experience. You may want to consider subscribing to The Real Japan, to get access to my free (and growing) Resource Library. In general, you wont have problems to eat in Japan, specially in big cities or tourist places. The login page will open in a new tab. Note that the price is only reflective of single-ride tickets so if you have one of the above-mentioned passes, this information is irrelevant. One app which has helped a lot is Hyperdia for checking train schedules. I can highly vouch for the JR pass and whilst having an itinerary is helpful especially for first time travellers, I do like to keep a buffer for adhoc exploring. But it needed be so. Naomi Otsu. There are at least 3 websites you can use to get a free guide: Keep in mind that free guides arent always available and you have to book in advance to maximize your chances of finding 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The reality for many though is that travel can be a big commitment both in terms of time and money. At first sight, this might sound like a crazy adventure, but to tell the truth, it is possible to work around some language barriers and have a great time without knowing practically any Japanese word. I'm sitting in a kind of snack bar in Kyoto, confronted with a menu written entirely in Japanese. Been there about 15 times in the last 7 years, will be there again next week, & I completely agree! The streets in Japan dont have names, except for the major roads. Can I travel to Japan without knowing Japanese? The good news is that you dont need to read or write Japanese to enjoy Japan. I find theyre often some of the most memorable experiences from trips. The first choice by newcomers to Japan is typically teaching English at private English language schools, or eikaiwa. No.1 - Japan Rail Pass. There are many types for you to choose. This is why this card is so important, as it allows to simple tap the card at the gate to automatically calculate the cost of your travel. No.2 - Cash. Booking at least key accommodation in advance is advisable (unless your whole approach is to travel and see what you can find along the way.). It is very cost-effective. As I told you at the beginning, the Japanese train system is not that simple if youre not used to it, and buying single tickets each time you want to ride the train can be really complicated. Learning some of the basics would be a great idea. Before you go, familiarize yourself with some basic phrases and cultural . I love drawing manga, watch anime, eat sushi and all things related to Japan ;), Your email address will not be published. Also, verify you have enough free space in your phone to download the needed languages. Need help building an itinerary? Dont hesitate to find a koban if needed (in 2019 there were 826 koban in Tokyo alone). How To Get Around Japan Without Speaking Japanese. The right amount is taken from the card and thats it. Use Japan's impressive public transport network as much as possible. Just throw one in your bag or backpack and youll always be connected to the internet. Anyway, I will show you some tips to help you find your way later in this article. Japan without Japanese - Quick tips Using public transport in Japan Travelling by shinkansen (bullet trains) VIDEO: How Difficult is Travelling Japan without Japanese? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Ive distilled decades of my experience into this ebook for you. Even if you dont know the Japanese language, you can always use some phrases to make your travel easier and nicer. If staff can help they will, and sometimes will walk you outside the store to give you your bearings before pointing you in the right direction. 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. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Japan without being able to speak the language. Younger people are often good to ask as they are more likely to have a smattering of English (you'd be surprised how far you can get with them only knowing Yes, No and OK!). How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese. It is possible to book activities and tours where you are guided by a local. The easiest way to travel without speaking the language is to hire a guide or use a travel agency to get things done for you, but there are also some free options you can use too. For many, the idea of visiting Japan without being able to speak Japanese is daunting. 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 . They will charge you by the plate at the end of the meal. Does this mean that you cant travel to Japan without a travel agency? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Youve reserved a pocket wifi and have downloaded all the necessary apps. I still use my old Berlitz phrasebook and dictionary because it is small, well-organised and doesn't require charging or Wi-Fi. My ability to get around Japan solo with my limited Japanese skills is a testament to how accessible Japan is English speaking travelers. For example, many restaurants have English menus and English-speaking staff members who can help you order food or drinks. Unfortunately, there's the small issue of the language barrier that makes things a little difficult! While youre exploring a city, you will of course be ready to eat at some point. Non-smoking (sometimes hard to find in Japan). Please support us by disabling these ads blocker. 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. This rechargeable card can be purchased at any major JR East station, either at the ticket office or the Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines. RELATED: How To Choose The Best Japan Travel Guide Book, Get the Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook. There is no problem if you enter via the main route (Tokyo Osaka/Hara/Kyoto Hiroshima). There are a number of ways to get by without speaking the language, such as using body language, pointing, or using translation apps. 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. You want to find the best restaurants to truly experience Japanese cuisine. Then launch the app and select the language you want to translate from. This is because drivers will usually not know exactly where your destination is, in part due to the surprisingly vague postal address system employed in Japan, and in part as they do not have to learn the street network in their area to qualify as a driver. While it may be difficult at times, there are a number of ways that you can get by in Japan without knowing any Japanese. Is it hard to travel to Japan if you only speak English? | Travel Tips Seat reservations on shinkansen Buying shinkansen tickets Japan Rail Pass - Unlimited rail travel in Japan Travelling by bus Get a Suica prepaid travel card Let them plan your itinerary, your accommodation, the activities you want to do, the places to visit, the transportation, etc. They can give you all the information and the best recommendations regarding food, activities, places to visit If you didnt plan a detailed itinerary with all the activities you want to do, the places you want to visit and the restaurants you want to try in each city, you can rely on tourist information offices to guide you. In the more familiar tourist locations, train station signs and announcements are in English as well as Japanese. For those spending a few days in Tokyo, purchasing a Suica card is a must. Seat reservations can be made from one month before the date of travel until just before departure time. How does the IC card work? How Long Does it Take to Get Around Japan? Many tourist attractions and English-friendly cities have staff who can help visitors understand what they are seeing. This could be staff at the station, shops and restaurants, taxi drivers, or the most helpful of all, tourist information and hotel . The interconnected rail systems guarantee that you can get practically anywhere in the country. If you ask for help, they will help you at all cost because they dont just think about themselves. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your trip. You either take a numbered ticket on entering the bus or tram from an on-board dispenser, or simply board if there is no dispenser. Tourist information offices are the best places to help you during your travel. It is possible to visit Japan without speaking Japanese, though it may be difficult at times. But if this all sounds too much to think about, you could always get a Suica card and just tap to pay. The train system is fast, reliable, clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced compared to other countries. I agree on the cultural aspect too. 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. The JR Pass will give you unlimited entry onto most city-to-city railways, bullet trains, and even some buses and ferry boats. Anyway, even the basic options will help you and since it is free, you can try it with no risks. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways, and more! Japan Travel Without Tour. via Skyscanner, Get a Travel Insurance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rppnse7IkM). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This includes some that operate only in Japan, like: With these kinds of solutions youre more likely to find the local, smaller and more traditional accommodation that you really should consider building into your trip. This is especially true in large cities and areas with many foreign visitors. No! If you stay on the beaten track, you probably wont find any hidden gems in Japan (unless you hire a local guide to help you). Though buses will be a lot slower than trains, they can take you to secret places. Suicas cost around $18 up front, split into a $4.60 issuing fee and a $13.80 initial charge. Found this post helpful? The best way to get around Japan is by using the extensive public transportation system. Now you wont just be getting around Japan without knowing Japanese but thriving as a respectful and prepared tourist, ready for any adventure that Japan has to offer. Answer 1 of 24: I'm an American considering a trip to Japan this January. These devices usually have unlimited data and can cover up to 10 devices, depending on which one you choose. These trains run on special tracks, separate from the other trains. 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!. 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. Most cell phone plans have options for international travel but they are usually inhibitingly expensive. The Japanese people are mostly friendly and helpful, so long as you . HyperDia is no longer updated, so now I recommend using Jorudans Japan Transit Planner: https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/ (I much prefer the interface and theres app versions too. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. But, from the non-Japanese speaker's perspective, it's pretty simple once you know the system. Can you get around japan without knowing japanese? Not that the tourists spots are bad or something, but to find some Japanese hidden gems you have to get off the beaten track, and you can do that without knowing Japanese or without a guide. From phrasebooks dedicated to business travel to phrasebooks oriented to help you with your vacations, without forgetting those adapted for the daily life, you wont lack of choice. I'm not joking. There are plenty of Japanese phrasebooks out there. So just how difficult is it to travel around Japan when you don't speak the language? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. via 12Go. The best tip I can give you is to do what I do when your sense of direction fails you: use any exit to get above ground as soon as possible so you can get your bearings on local landmarks. Click here to watch it on YouTube. June 9, 2023. Please share these 5 Essential Things You Need Before You Go To Japan, 38 Japan Travel Sites and Resources Every Traveller Should Know, How The Japanese Anticipate Other Peoples Needs, How To Choose The Best Japan Travel Guide Book. No language struggles, no pointing and waving necessary. Have you ever tried to explain to a pharmacist what kind of medicine you need using only gestures? Many mid-size casual restaurants and ramen shops have ticketing machines as soon as you walk in. 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. However, Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use vending machines to make seat reservations. Booking.com in particular has added a lot of more niche accommodation in Japan in recent years. 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. Its not difficult to find guides online and many websites offer you a vast choice of guides you can hire. via Skyscanner, Get a Travel Insurance If you plan on visiting Japan without knowing any Japanese at all, there are a few tips that can make your experience much easier: Bring a phrasebook or dictionary with you so that you can look up words or phrases as needed. Therefore, you will probably feel tempted to get off the beaten track to see even more amazing places. It has more than 4,4k ratings in the App Store with an average of 4 stars. via Booking.com, Find a Rental Car But I can assure you right now that it is very easy to travel for free in this country. How to find an internship / part-time / full-time job in Japan as a foreignerThis is the shortest video I've ever made! In big cities and at major landmarks and popular tourist sights, you'll be just fine most of the time. Can you get around Japan without knowing Japanese? Aside from their law-enforcement role, police in Japan also serve a community role. Many thanks Rob for putting together these resources.

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