I'm going back to Japan

[Sloop John B]

I agree completely about skipping the tour unless 1) You really like tours or 2) really don't like planning.

Japan has probably the best transportation system in the world so getting from Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima on a JR Pass is super easy, and unlike travelling by train in the US, you'll actually arrive at your destination on time every time.

Honestly not speaking the language is fine and it's good being outside your comfort zone a bit. Knowing the basics (hello, thank you, excuse me, cheers, etc) is helpful and shows some respect

[fdsafdsa]

A tour can be fun if you'd otherwise be traveling alone, some people make friends while traveling easily to eat with, others are actuaries.

[Sim]

If you feel like meeting actuaries while here, gimme a shout

[Sim]

Also, my parents (who speak no Japanese) have come to visit me plenty of times and they had no issues traveling around by themselves all over the country. It's true that there's less English support in the west (fewer English menus etc) but they were still able to get by just by pointing at things and plenty of people do speak basic enough English here to give you directions. Places like Kyoto have instructions everywhere for tourists.

If you're really worried, I recommend just getting a private guide from a service like Tours by Locals. I did when I traveled alone here as a student and it was pretty fun to get bike tours etc of the more rural cities.

[PeppermintPatty]

Originally Posted by Sloop John B

...Honestly not speaking the language is fine and it's good being outside your comfort zone a bit. Knowing the basics (hello, thank you, excuse me, cheers, etc) is helpful and shows some respect

That's pretty much my limit, and what I try to learn in every country I visit.

[fdsafdsa]

hello, thank you, yes, no, one, please

Surprising how far that can get you.

Hello, <points> one please, thank you.

90% of life IMO.

[mathmajor]

ohaio - konnichiwa - konbanwa
arigatou gozaimasu
hai (or ehh)
iie
ii (for the number)
onegaishimasu - o kudasai

also, you'd be surprised how often 'sumimasen' comes up

[campbell]

KAWAIIIIIIIII

[Klaymen]

mister roboto

[BG5150]

Originally Posted by fdsafdsa

hello, thank you, yes, no, one, please

Surprising how far that can get you.

Hello, <points> one please, thank you.

90% of life IMO.

Where are the prostitutes?

(the other 10%)