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Less than 2% of the Japanese population speaks English fluently. That makes it one of the least friendly destinations for tourists in the world. Even communicating with taxi drivers can be challenging.
With that said, the country continues to attract millions of visitors to its shores every year. It offers among the richest cultural experiences anywhere outside of Europe and provides glimpses into a culture that is alien to many Westerners.
Sunkissed Divers, an English speaking scuba diving shop in Okinawa Japan sums up the situation well. “The use of English in Japan is sparse because of the relative cultural isolation of the country throughout history. While the rest of the world experienced regular contact with Britain, the US, and other European powers, Japan remained relatively untouched due to its seafaring nature and its advanced civilization from the 16th century.”
English proficiency is improving among the urban dwellers of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Western influence is seeping in with more Japanese wanting to watch British dramas and American movies. But the extent of English-speaking is relatively low outside of tourist hotspots. Many Japanese know a few basic phrases, but a full conversation is usually impossible.
Because of this, many travelers visiting Japan take language translation apps with them. Google Translate is exceptional these days, but translation books are also well worth using.
The Japanese will also sometimes write English under native signs, explaining what they mean. These are helpful in the major transit hubs, though they aren’t universal.
“Ideally, you want to find people in Japan who can speak fluent English and explain things,” says Sunkissed Divers, a company whose business model relies on being able to talk to U.S. tourists. “A guide or even someone travelers know can be of great benefit in a place like Japan where things run quite differently from the Western model.”
Public Transport
Tourists must begin their adventures in Japan by learning how to negotiate the country’s public transportation system. While the service is more punctual and orderly than in the West, it is no less complicated.
“Tourists usually buy Suica or Pasmo cards,” Sunkissed Divers explains. “These reloadable cards are for bus, train, and subway travel and make switching from one service to another easier. Western tourists are usually surprised by the silence on many public transport options and the relative absence of loud phone calls or drunken behavior. Japanese society is a more rigid environment, but this approach also makes public transport much safer for foreigners who want to use it.”
Train etiquette is taken for granted in Japan. For example, passengers will stand up for elderly people for the disabled if no other seats are available without requiring instruction from the transport operator.
Taxis are available, but they are expensive. Most tourists on a budget avoid them where possible, sticking to the cheaper options.
Dining
Dining is another element of Japanese culture that can introduce complexities for Western tourists. The country is strictly against tips and it is not customary. Many Japanese may consider it rude.
By contrast, the Japanese are okay with tourists and everyone else slurping at their bowls, especially when eating noodles. In Japan, it is a sign of hearty eating and people encourage it. Emitting flatus is perhaps taking it a step too far, but the Japanese aren’t shy about their enjoyment of food or displaying an affection for it publicly.
Reading menus is challenging for many tourists because the images and letters are often unrecognizable. However, more restaurants are helping in this regard by providing English translations underneath or clear images that tourists can point to when placing their orders.
If a restaurant is off the beaten track, it will unlikely have any English translations. In this case, it may be worth tourists using a translator app to place an order. It is also possible for travelers to order using machines and then present their tickets to cashiers who will then prepare their meals.
Culture Shock
For many Americans, a visit to Japan is an extreme culture shock. The country is vastly different from the U.S. in almost every aspect and remains relatively unpolluted by Western ideas.
Japan’s social norms are significantly less casual than America’s. Rather than shake hands or say “hello” upon greeting each other, many Japanese will bow as a sign of mutual respect and deference. These gestures can apply everywhere, from restaurant settings to the streets.
“When traveling to someone’s home or an inn, it is customary to remove shoes and put on slippers. This practice represents a transition from the external to the internal environment,” Sunkissed Divers explains. “It’s even something that some restaurants insist upon.”
There are also garbage disposal issues in Japan. The country doesn’t offer many public trash receptacles. Most people carry their trash with them until they get home, with litter being a rarity, even in the heart of the busiest urban areas.
Convenience Stores
On the plus side, the Japanese understand the power of convenience. 7-Eleven-style stores are on most street corners, but they offer far more variety and options than those back home. Most prepare sushi and ramen noodles fresh for their patrons to enjoy, alongside other services like ATMs that accept foreign cards, sit-down meals, and other trinkets.
“This convenience is something that extends across Japan’s retail sector,” Sunkissed Divers explains. “Tourists are often shocked to discover just how helpful Japanese clerks can be. None of it is forced. For many, it is all part of the job.”
Uniqueness
Ultimately, Japan is a country that requires foreigners to embrace its uniqueness. Whether visiting the temples of Kyoto or the neon lights of Shinjuku, it offers something that is completely different from anywhere else on the globe. Japan likes to do things its own way and has built a unique culture that truly sets it apart from the rest of the globe in ways that many tourists don’t expect. The fact that English still isn’t a widely spoken language is testament to that fact.
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