Blasphemy
Speaking of katsu, I wish more places in Japan offered chicken katsu. I'm not a huge fan of pork.
I mean... you could just bring some katsu sauce into a KFC if your craving it that much haha. Actually don't think I've had chicken katsu, the area I live in is known for its pork so... its pig every week here.
So just point at what you want if it becomes an issue!
Some cultures don't like being asked if they speak English straight off the bat, is Japan like that?, it'll be obvious to them that I am not Japanese, so they'll have a heads up that I might not!
Nah you'll be fine. Go ahead and ask. More often than not if you look foreign/have a touristy look to you they will ask in the best English they can. Especially the areas you plan on visiting. They may give their best Japanese in very simple terms. You should be 200% fine with no Japanese though. Never hurts to learn a few phrases though.
Thanks for that, very helpful.
Osaka sounds interesting, I might see if I can fit that on the free day while we are in Kyoto, but I have got to be mindful of doing too much, as you say, it is a holiday after all!
Good tip about the food, we've already decided that we are going to pick up Okiben for the Shinkansen trips, I understand these are also (or can be) specific for the area?.
One thing that does concern us slightly, is the possible language barrier, we are planning to learn a few phrases and such to try and get by, but the Kanji style of writing is a barrier, how easy is it to become stuck due to the language barrier?, do most places have an English menu?, I see some places you order food on a machine, can that be an issue for English speakers?
At all the major stations (there are a few random ones that are just platforms in the middle of nowhere lol) there are gift shops and stands where you can buy omiage (gifts) that "represent" that area. They are good for snacks and lunches before getting on the train since you can take them on. Tip would be to take a gander as your walking by them when you arrive to see what the area is famous for, and maybe buy some on the way to your next location if there was something that was good you tried. These are mostly sweets, small crackers, or what not and some instant versions of things like ramen.
As for language barrier, unless you are taking the normal city busses and trains, which you might, there should not be a problem. Especially in bigger cities. Some busses don't have the romaji version of the destination on them so you will either have to know or match the kanji. Good thing is most go to one central location. Trains are a bit easier but the map of tokyo can be especially confusing. Most of these have English help though. Should be more than ok.
For food, it's a toss up. Most places that are popular/easy for non locals to find will have an English menu or be able to recommend their most popular item if its not marked. Ordering food is probably going to be the most easy part of the trip with no Japanese, everyone understands why you came if you enter a restaurant lol. Just don't be afraid to ask for help from the staff, language barrier or not.
In terms of the places with a vending machine, these are the easiest!... but also the most difficult sometimes. 99% of the time you just put your money in, select your items, and give the staff the ticket that comes out. Thats all. Usually the top left most items are the specialty or standard items. Say its a ramen shop, the top row will be your basic ramens, with the type or quantity changing as you move right. If you see the same characters but one is more expensive, generally means the more expensive one is just a larger size. Below is usually extra sides. Boiled egg, french fries and so on. Also drinks. More often than not there is a staffer to help everyone and take ticket orders as they come.
Then again, some places simply have pictures on the vending machine and your on easy street. Keep the questions coming if you got um!
). Surely others can share their thoughts here.
