Nearly* all posted signs for locations and in train stations (even in the extreme country-side) have the English transliteration. Trains also rarely run modified schedules. It isn't like NY where if you don't have internet access or have the map in your head that you'll get screwed on the weekends.
* Never came across one that wasn't.
Originally Posted by
Kyonn
How easy/hard would it be for an English speaker to get around?
I would not worry about this. What would be considered bad behavior elsewhere may also likely be considered the same there too, sans some minor things. Furthermore, if you're not Asian, you're not going to get any flack for it.
Originally Posted by
Kyonn
Particularly navigating customs
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan...de-buying.html
YMMV depending on your phone. If it's a more obscure one, you may have trouble with b-mobile.
Originally Posted by
Kyonn
Also is there a way to get a local sim card before I land? Would feel much more comfortable if I had data access on my phone as soon as I arrived.