If you plan
to travel to Japan there’s no need to panic about not knowing Japanese. Most of
you who will go visit Japan will be traveling to the cities of Tokyo, Osaka,
and Kyoto. These cities are bigger in size and are used to having tourists
around. The only time you would have to worry about knowing Japanese is if you
go out into the rural areas of Japan. Japan is very tourist friendly.
Some Japanese Can Speak English
Most
Japanese people know that English is becoming a world language and have
interest in learning it. It is a requirement in school for children to learn
English from elementary to high school. Some students even continue their
English studies into college. Think of it as the equivalent to American
children learning Spanish all throughout their elementary and high school
education. Their English won’t be perfect but it’ll be enough for you to
understand.
Japanese People are always willing to
help
Not all, but
some Japanese people will be courageous enough to approach you about needing
help. When you’re looking lost or confused don’t be surprised when a Japanese
person comes up to help. If they don’t understand your English they will either
get through it with hand signals or search for another Japanese person who
knows English. They will do whatever it takes to help you out. I have
experienced this kindness several times through my journeys in Japan. Same came
be said the other way around. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. They’ll get
through it the same way I described before.
Signs can be in English
If not
English, signs will at least be in Romanji which is essentially the Japanese
words using English letters. You will encounter this on street signs, in restaurant menus, at train
stations, and at airports. These places are really the only time you need
English signs. If the signs are not enough help you can always find the help
desks at train stations and airports. They have a Japanese staff that is fluent
in English and other various languages ready to help tourists.
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| Osaka train station platform. |
Now of
course, knowing any kind of Japanese can help. In my next post I will talk
about how much Japanese you should know in preparation of your trip to Japan.
You shouldn’t be stressing out about being fluent in the language or not.
Until next
time!