Originally Posted by
Kyonn
How easy/hard would it be for an English speaker to get around?
I'm considering visiting vising Tokyo in the Spring but I'm a little concerned as I don't speak Japanese. Particularly navigating customs and getting from the airport to wherever I decide to stay is giving me pause in booking the trip.
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.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I visit Tokyo every three months and I don't speak a word of Japanese. Arrival into Japan, through Immigration and Customs, is a breeze.
I recommend you consider taking the Airport Limousine bus from the airport to your hotel, until you can get your bearings.
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
You probably will want to download and print the English version of the subway map and study it. You should have no problems navigating the city on the subway. Almost all trains you will be on, announce the upcoming stop in English.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwayma...outemap_en.pdf
A Suica card makes travel much easier. You may purchase one before you leave the airport and load it with a few thousand Yen so you won't need to purchase a subway ticket from a machine at the station each time you travel. You can also use the Suica card at convenience stores (Lawson, Family Mart, 7-11) for your purchases. You can return it when you depart Japan and get a refund (minus a very small fee).
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex...sers_guide.pdf
Although there are others, here's the company I rent my Pocket WiFi from when I'm in Tokyo.
http://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
I'm sure you will have a great time in Japan if you decide to go.