Traveling to Japan without speaking Japanese can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s not insurmountable. Here are some situations you may encounter and strategies for dealing with them:
Communication Barrier: Those with limited Japanese language skills may encounter difficulties when shopping, ordering food, or asking for directions. You can learn some basic Japanese words and phrases ahead of time, or download a translation app on your phone.
Traffic Problems: Japan’s transportation system is very developed, but if you don’t have Japanese language skills, it may be difficult to understand stop signs, signs and other information. You can download a map app with Japanese translation function, or plan your route in advance.
Accommodation issues: Hotels usually provide English services, but if you don’t speak Japanese, it’s best to confirm in advance whether the hotel provides Chinese services or translation services.
Catering issues: Japanese food usually has picture menus. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can choose food through pictures. Additionally, many restaurants have English menus or translated menus.
Emergency: Master some basic Japanese first aid terms, such as “emergency” (きゅうきょうじたい) and “police” (けいさつ), in case of emergency.
In summary, while traveling to Japan without speaking Japanese may present some difficulties, most of these problems can be solved by preparing ahead of time and utilizing modern technology.