Originally posted by southlander Schraustock, how did you get on language-wise?
Thanks for the comment.
I have been going to Japan yearly for the better part of twenty years, both for business and pleasure. While in the early years it was not quite so easy, it is totally different now. All public transport infrastructure like station names, maps, ticketing machines and the rest is subtitled in English. Street and road names as well as freeway signage are all subtitled in English. You should have absolutely no problems. More and more people (particularly the young population) speak some English, enough to ask and find your way. It is still a little different in small townships and cities off the beaten track but even there you should not encounter major problems.
At a number of occasions in the past I have ask people, young and old, for directions. It was clear to them where I wanted to go but they could not explain in English how to get there. The solution ? They literally took me by their hand and walked with me to where I wanted to go, once there they bowed, turned around and went back their way. Japanese people are very "user friendly", they will always be keen to help if they can. I find Japanese people are very courteous among themselves and foreigners. There is a big drive to lure more foreign tourists to their country.
However, spent some time to learn some basic behavioral dos and don'ts, customs and habits of which there are many. A lot are completely different from our western way of life. (The internet is a great way to do that) The Japanese people will be delighted to see you observe and respect their etiquette and forgive the little misdemeanors you make as a foreigner. I can guaranty you, you will enjoy Japan.
Greetings
PM me if you think I might be of some help.
---------- Post added 11-02-16 at 09:09 PM ----------
Originally posted by LeDave ...why isn't he smiling though?
No idea, I don't know the man. Perhaps he wears braces and they are too tight.
Who knows.