Dreaming of visiting Japan but wondering: how will I manage if I don’t speak Japanese? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions among travelers.
Japanese is a fascinating but complex language. Many tourists feel uneasy about not being able to read signs or communicate easily. Yet even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese, you can still have an incredible trip!
What’s the reality of the language barrier in Japan?
Few Japanese people speak nglish
Even in major cities like Tôkyô or Ôsaka, English isn’t widely used in daily life. In neighborhood shops, small restaurants, or local train stations, it’s quite common for no one to speak English.
Hotel staff and some employees at tourist attractions will usually know a few basic phrases to assist you, but don’t expect in-depth conversations.
The Japanese school system emphasizes written English much more than speaking. As a result, many Japanese people are shy about speaking and afraid of making mistakes. They may choose not to answer in English rather than risk saying something wrong.
Japanese people are incredibly helpful
The language barrier is more than made up for by the kindness and helpfulness of Japanese people. Even if you don’t share a common language, they will go out of their way to assist you.
For example, if you linger a bit too long in front of a subway map or sign in Tôkyô, it’s not unusual for an English-speaking passerby to offer help and even walk you to your destination, sometimes taking 20 minutes out of their day to do so.
Many shopkeepers also use small electronic translators to facilitate communication with visitors.
How to prepare for your trip without speaking Japanese?
Use your smartphone
Having a connected smartphone is now essential for stress-free travel in Japan. Get high-speed internet access by ordering a SIM/eSIM or renting a pocket Wi-Fi before your trip.
Here are the most useful apps:
- Google Translate: Translate phrases, take pictures of menus or signs for instant translation.
- Google Maps: Great for directions and train/subway schedules.
- Japan Travel by Navitime: Excellent for planning train journeys (including the shinkansen) and getting around major cities.
Pro tip: Download the English/Japanese offline language packs in Google Translate before you leave.
Take advantage of English signage
Back in the early 2010s, English signage outside of Tôkyô was rare. Today, it’s much more common in major public spaces:
- Transportation: Subway and train station names are displayed in Japanese and Roman letters
- Train stations: Announcements are often made in English
- Tourist sites: Many museums, temples, and attractions have informational signs in English, sometimes even brochures. Multilingual audio guides are also frequently available
- Taxis: Many drivers use tablets or translation apps
Eating out without speaking Japanese
Dining out is probably the trickiest part, as it can be challenging to visit small traditional restaurants where menus are handwritten in Japanese.
That said, there are plenty of options that are very accessible, even without knowing the language:
- Most menus include photos of the dishes
- In chain restaurants or tourist areas, servers often provide English menus
- Many places now use tablets or QR code systems with pictures for easy ordering
Don't hesitate to use Google Translate's camera to translate a menu live. Prices including VAT are often listed in small print next to them.
Should you learn some Japanese before you go?
Learning Japanese is helpful but not essential
Let’s be clear: even if you learn a few phrases, you won’t be having full conversations in Japanese after a few weeks of practice. The language system is complex, with three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, kanji) and grammar that’s very different from what we’re used to.
We estimate that it takes about 60 hours of lessons to start holding basic conversations. While the written language is challenging, basic spoken communication is more accessible, just memorize some key vocabulary.
Useful words to know
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Good morning | おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu |
| Good evening | こんばんは | Konbanwa |
| Thank you very much | ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu |
| Excuse me | すみません | Sumimasen |
| Yes | はい | Hai |
| No | いいえ | Iie |
| Goodbye | さようなら | Sayounara |
| Help | たすけて | Tasukete |
| Restroom | おてあらい | Otearai |
Tips to make your trip go smoothly
Don’t rely on English everywhere
While some Japanese people do understand a little English, don’t assume it will get you through every situation.
Be prepared to communicate in other ways:
- Gestures: Point to a dish on the menu or show a photo on your phone.
- Body language: A polite hand gesture to say "no" or a slight head bow to say "thank you."
- Drawings: Don’t hesitate to sketch what you’re trying to ask for!
- Smartphone: Use a translation app when needed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Japanese people are very discreet, but always willing to assist tourists in need. Don’t hesitate to say:
- "Sumimasen" + show your phone with a Google Translate message.
You’ll be amazed at how far Japanese people will go to help, even if it means finding a solution together.