Tokyo
Japan is a lovely country, and Japanese citizens are both helpful and kind. You’ll definitely find help if you’re in trouble.
Have no knowledge of Japanese language and culture? That is not a problem; this brief article explains the basic ways you can survive in Japan without speaking Japanese.
Traveling to Japan
If you’re interested in going to Japan but don’t have any prior knowledge of the Japanese language, you don’t need to bother about that. Japan is a lovely country, and Japanese citizens are both helpful and kind. You’ll definitely find help if you’re in trouble.
However, the cost of living in Japan is higher than in some other countries, according to data sites like numbeo.com. This is true when comparing some Japanese cities like Tokyo with Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). This information, coupled with the language barrier, can deter some individuals from visiting this beautiful country. Many agencies exist for a Japanese to English translate like this service https://www.translate.com/japanese-english which we highly recommend to help make your stay in Japan fun.
This article serves to help you settle in Japan quickly without speaking Japanese, below are things you might want to do to survive in Japan.
Best ways to survive in Japan without speaking Japanese
Have a list that contains the addresses of places you aim to visit
This is a vital thing to note, if you've got a place which you'd want to visit, like a restaurant, tourist spot or any location you might choose. It's best to research the areas you aim to visit, put down the names, and addresses if possible. It'll be best if you'd print out or write down the addresses in the Japanese language too. This will be very helpful because many Japanese natives can't speak English fluently, but really want to help you. With your list of addresses, if you're lost, you can easily find your way by asking a passerby for directions.
Bus vs. train
The Japanese railway transport system possesses a strong reputation for safety and punctuality, but you might find yourself being interested in a cheaper transport means. The bus is exactly what you need. While the Shinkansen (Japanese rail transport) can take you anywhere in Japan pretty fast. However, the chief aim of traveling can also be to relax and enjoy the impressive Japanese scenery. There are also available budget buses that are very cozy and clean.
Pay a visit to Tourist Information Center
As equally recommended on this site. If you went to Japan as a tourist, and you want to visit popular tourist locations, it is advised that you get help from the Japanese Tourist Information Center (TIC), and don't worry, they're located all over Japan. Also, they've got multilingual staff, which means the language barrier isn't an issue. At TICs, you'll get maps detailed in English (or your preferred language), Wi-Fi connection and passwords, will be able to purchase some discount passes, and some other things that benefit you as a tourist.
Learn and understand basic Japanese words and phrases
Yeah, the title of this article suggests that you can live in Japan without speaking Japanese, but it is still a good idea to learn some basic Japanese language. Learning a new language is fun, and will surely save you some unwanted stress. Though you can use a Japanese to English translate service, it's still worth it to learn essential Japanese words or phrases using which you can interact with the Japanese locals.
Below we list three primary phrases that you might need:
– Do you speak English? = Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
– Thank you so much = Arigatou Gozaimasu
– What is the price? = Ikura desu ka?
Try some Japanese fast food
Don’t be confused about this one, and we’re not talking about the typical American fast food. In Japan, their fast food merely is an already made food that is easily found in the grocery stores. That is the miso soup, sushi, bento, and many others. Another helpful tip in this aspect is that you should try purchasing after lunch hours and business closing time for cool deals.
Evaluate your accommodation options online
All over the world, hotels that have been known to be cozy and convenient – most times tend to be expensive. Japan is no exception, and if you aim to move from one Japanese district to another, it's highly advised that you shouldn't book your hotel for just a few nights. Try hotel price comparing websites like booking.com to compare homestays, hostels, and also hotels along with your travel.
Scavenge for a free Wi-Fi
This is simple and easy. Show your travel passport, and you'll be allowed to pick up your free Wi-Fi card. Locations, offered by this service, guarantee you can enjoy free Wi-Fi services for 14 full days.
Think about investing in Grutt Pass
If you've got about 2,000 Yen, you'll be able to visit more than 50 exciting museums and art galleries in Tokyo city. Your Grutt pass would make all this possible for you.
Free access
If you decide to ignore the Grutt pass to save money, try spending some time researching temples, shrines, parks, museums, and other places that might be of interest to you, and which are free. However, you should note that these places tend to be crowded with lots of people.
Other important Japanese travel tips
Japanese rush hours
If you’re traveling inside the busy towns of Japan, the morning rush hours are between 7.30 am to 9.30 am, and the evening rush hours are from 5 pm to 8 pm. At these times, the public transports hubs are incredibly overcrowded.
Moving around
If you aim to navigate around a Japanese city and don't think that the railway and bus transport systems aren't necessary for you then, you can rent or buy a bicycle to ensure easy navigation to nearby areas. In Japan, shopping malls and railway stations offer decent parking areas. You should take note that if you park your bicycle illegally, it will surely be removed by the authorities, and the only way you can get it back is by paying a fine.
Final words
Japan is a lovely country buzzing with live and fun activities. If you're traveling or have already traveled to this Asian country, you might have already gotten in situations when the only way out is to communicate in the Japanese language. You might also be bothered about food and the best ways to get to your destination fast, cost-effectively, and conveniently. The tips which have already been mentioned in this article can help you survive in Japan without having any knowledge of Japanese words. Do not forget about the translation service we shared in this article, and we hope you find it useful; have a fun-filled trip!
