Starting to think about Japan

[Ignignokt]

My frequent-flyer miles are starting to reach international-trip mass, and I've always had a (must...avoid...saying..."yen") hankering to spend some time in Japan.

- This would be my first trip off the NA continent.

- The trip would have to include baseball, preferably at one or two of the nicer ballparks (no Big Egg), and of course I'd want to spend some time in Shinjuku/Shibuya.

- I speak basically no Japanese (if hungry, I can easily order sushi, but I'm in trouble if I need to use the restroom).

Advice? Experiences?

[loyalguard]

I loved Japan. Pricey but worth it (especially if airfare is free!)

I wouldn't worry about English in major metropolitan areas, I never had any problems finding someone that spoke english.

For the rest of possible language challenges, this is a must for any international traveler:

Kwikpoint International Translator Card

[Ignignokt]

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't worry about English in major metropolitan areas, I never had any problems finding someone that spoke english.

For the rest of possible language challenges, this is a must for any international traveler:

Kwikpoint International Translator Card



[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. That's almost like an incentive to learn the language. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I especially like the calculator-like section (just in case you need to have someone do multiplication for you) and the question mark (just in case you need to ask a question...?).

I do know that English is a requirement in Japanese schools, but I've heard varying accounts of their retention (if it's at all like my retention of Canadian public-school French, I'd be in trouble).

[Dominic]

go see the Yomuri giants play...fantastic experience...japanese baseball is like a college footaball game...

your trip will be a lot more fun and interesting if you can find a Japanese local who will play host...

Tokyo is awesome...don't worry about the language barrier...everyone is very friendly and eager to help out

[StevieG]

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your trip will be a lot more fun and interesting if you can find a Japanese local who will play host...


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or an ex-pat

Mrs. StevieG and I went when I had three different high school friends living in Kobe or Osaka, teaching English

Having them for tour guides (and to give us a place to stay for most of the trip) was outstanding

[thirddan]

"I'm in trouble if I need to use the restroom"

otearai (or toire) wa doko desu ka? - you may now find the bathroom...you are welcome...

[Ignignokt]

lol

As long as they can point it out, I'm good now. Thx.

[splashpot]

Kyoto is pretty cool too if you like a more traditional taste of Japanese culture.

[chopstick]

[ QUOTE ]
Kyoto is pretty cool too if you like a more traditional taste of Japanese culture.

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Kyoto is absolutely amazing and if you can only go to one place in Japan, it should be Kyoto.

/spent 3 weeks backpacking all over Japan