How difficult is traveling Japan with ZERO Japanese?

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

Im japanese working in shibuya public park. There are so many people from abroad who doesnt speak Japanese. They often says it is hard to find English speaker in Tokyo. It is fun to watch their relieved faces when I talk to them with english. Even my poor english.

Takashii, asking "the difference between living here with no japanese, and travelling here with no japanese" Is a really, good, intricate question, that many people wouldn't really ask. Nice man!

The polish guy definitely gets it. Great take on traveling / communication / respect.

that last guy had the most based takes. actually super useful, informative, and genuine. the real pros and cons of japan. Thank you Takashii! 🙏

Love the polish guy, he has a really cool mindset and vibe. Also, Polish brothers strong! 🇵🇱

I recently travelled to Japan and found it very easy getting around without being able to speak the language. Translation apps on the phone camera helped a lot, but even then, a lot of the locals spoke English very well to communicate, which was very much appreciated. That said, I always felt somewhat guilty that people had to speak a foreign language in their own country, so I always tried to pick up small phrases I could use so as not to seem arrogant or rude (hello, thank you, etc). It's a very beautiful country and the people are so nice.

I stayed in Osaka for 3 months as soon as Japan opened its borders back in October. I lived in a guesthouse in the middle of the city and every day went out walking, exploring either the neighborhood or taking the metro to explore others. Over 90 days I walked hundreds of kilometers all around the city, took the metro almost every day, took the train to Kyoto and Nara a few times, ordered something to be delivered in the mail, ordered food, asked for directions, made purchases, and had conversations with people - all without speaking a word of Japanese. I can't think of anything that I would consider inconvenient. Obviously you have to approach it as, this is another country and you don't speak its language, so any issues were entirely my own and not anything that I would hold against the country or its infrastructure for not being suited for my exact needs or anything like that. For example, the fact that it took me a few times to figure out the metro and train systems wasn't because of a language barrier but more so that I'm from a small town and don't have a lot of experience with public transportation. The ticket machines are actually extremely convenient and easy to use and only once was I ever at a total loss - which was quickly resolved by motioning to an attendant for help and saying the station I needed to go to. There were multiple times where locals would stop me and attempt to ask if I was lost or if I needed directions, usually when I was far away from any normal tourist area. Although they didn't speak English I could tell they were expressing concern and trying to offer help and with a few gestures I could communicate that I was okay, just walking around taking pictures. Not speaking the language is absolutely not a reason to not visit somewhere. Don't let it stop you. Obviously the more you can communicate with people, the more information and opportunities will be available to you, but even without any Japanese, I was able to fully enjoy living in Japan for 3 months. The only Japanese I "spoke" was "thank you", "are you okay", and a few variations of "hello".

The couple bowing at the end is very cool to see since they're so respectful!

Daammmnn mic drop from that last guy! Such incredible words, I totally agree, learn about and respect the culture and the people of the land you're visiting, don't try to impose your own ways of life onto others, and don't expect them to adjust to you. Actually, these are wise words for life in general, not just when visiting a different place. Amazing video as always, thank you so much Takashii! <333

Takashii, since the olympics, Japan has become known for producing world class skateboarders, both men and women. Would you consider doing any interviews with skateboarders in Japan? It would be really great to hear from them about what it is like to be a skateboarder in Japan, how they are perceived, comparisons with the west etc. Thanks!

I love the guy from Montreal 🔥... and the couple from LA, too, especially when they politely bowed at the end, perhaps a little too deeply, but it showed their good hearts!

I have never heard someone admit they would for sure litter intentionally. Much to unpack.

I travelled in 2018 and found it super easy to get around and even knowing basic phrases helped to talk to locals, but everyone is so accommodating its a nice experience

This was so cool the people you interviewed were excellent and a great insight in to Japan and traveling around it. More of this please.

Going to Japan in june and i studied the basics in japanese language in order to communicate a little bit with local citizens, it is so fun to speak and understand such a nice language 🙂I think japanese people appreciate it when you at least try to talk to them in japanese, like i would appreciate it when foreigners talk to me in german, its such a nice gesture in my point of view 🙂

I love that I will go to Japan really soon and as always, it is as if Takashii-san already knew the questions I have and just goes ahead and ask people in Japan about them Useful and amazing as always man, thank you!!

I really enjoyed this video, and especially appreciated the last interviewee’s advice. Very informative and useful!

10:02 this is an incredibly useful tip and its my first time hearing someone mention this is Takashi's videos. A must if you want to visit Japan. Whilst I agree with his takes on adapting to a culture and how Japanese respect others around them, I disagree with littering in your own country because the mindset is different. Don't litter and even though I'm not as nice as Japanese and pick up after people, I absolutely pick up after myself and recycle properly.

Have just returned from Japan and would get up very early and leave the hotel for a walk. I would often see litter strewn on the streets. When I left the hotel later in the morning with my travel companions, the streets were miraculously clean.