Does anyone speak English?

Navigating my way around Japan has been a challenge. This might be because it is my first “real” trip to Japan, but nothing seems to be in English. (“real” meaning the last few times I’ve been in Japan were either flying through the airport or a quick overnight stay)

When I was in the little town 200 miles north of Tokyo, the staff at the hotel barely spoke any English. If my colleagues from J&J Japan had not been with me, I do not think I would have been able to make my way around. And I would have only been able to order a few things for food, since I never really memorized the sushi menus back home.

Now that I am in Tokyo, it is a bit better, but still difficult to make my way around. The taxi drivers rarely speak English and most do not read it. Most staff at shops and restaurants barely speak any English. Not that they need to, but it makes things a bit more challenging for me.

I’ve learned to manage though. I had the concierge at my hotel write down a few addresses for me in Japanese. I also have a sheet of paper with a few phrases written on it.

Even though it has been a challenge, I really like it here. It’s a big city, but I feel totally safe and it’s clean. I’m adding Tokyo to my “favorite cities of the world” list.