Is this a joke.. lol. It's simply absurd to conclude what Japan is like based on one case of yours. If you have spent tremendous amount of time researching and planning, sure you will probably go pretty smooth with your trip, assuming that you strictly follow your plans like where to visit. However, if something unexpected happens when you arrive in Japan and you want to change some of your plan and visit somewhere else, that's where you start to struggle with communication.

English is a required language in Japan. Another false statement without any evidence. I lived there from Grade 1 to 8. They start learning English from grade 7 and that's basic a b c alphabets. Sure... you can say English is required but the level of requirement is nothing compared to some other countries which really require English. Plus learning English without the environment is really hard, and Japanese pronounciation and English one don't go well. Most Japanese have serious accents and they can't really pronounce the "r" because of their stiff tongue that is used to speaking Japanese. Don't wanna argue with you but don't stick any incorrect information.

I'm not trying to sound like you're gonna die on the street there if you can't speak Japanese, some may be intimidated and some may be happy to assist you if you walk up close to the person and try to communicate.

You just have to plan very well and stick tight with it. But trust me having someone who can speak Japanese can make your trip A LOT easier and flexible.

 

A few of us from Del Val are heading over to Japan in January for Tokyo Auto Salon

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...ic=530227&st=0

Sr2oD3, I don't know how set you are on when you're going, but you should meet us there

 

I recommend the Cerulean in Shibuya. Ask for the corner room.
better location than the park hyatt almost as nice


if you want to go budget i think the southern towers in shinjuku was highly recommended

jjl