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Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
Japan
A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Wed July 28, 2004 12:59 AM UTC
I'm going to Japan for the first time and since I do not speak the language I'm going to need a bit of help in a few situations I'm sure. I know that it's not realistic to learn the language in the short period of time that I have so I'm looking for a book geared toward the traveler. I usually like books that are laid out with sections like hotels, restaurants, transportation, etc. Pictures are also a bonus. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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Japan
Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Wed July 28, 2004 01:00 AM UTC
lonely planet makes some very useful phrasebooks that fit in a pocket and are cheap.

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Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Wed July 28, 2004 03:58 PM UTC
Maybe a better question is what survival phrases should I know and bring along with me?

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Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Wed July 28, 2004 05:55 PM UTC
I was in the same boat as you when I was in Japan this Feb '04. Tried learning phrases, but to no avail. So I just gave up, spoke English at only most likely place, such as metro station, tourist sites, etc.

I also learn the metro system pretty fast and got around Tokyo with my rail pass. It's confusing to learn at first, but once you get the hang of it, bam... you're there!!!

Street numbering system is different from US or Europe, but it works if you get the hang of it.

Happy vagabonding...

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 RovingWyvern [Reply]
Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Thu July 29, 2004 12:39 AM UTC
Thanks for the encouragement. This won't be the first time that I've been in a country where I don't speak the language but I guess I'm just a bit concerned because of the kanji too. Because of this I would think that it would be nice to have a few survival phrases. I've also heard that it's hard to find people who speak English. But I guess where there is a will there is a way. I'm really looking forward to my trip and the challange.

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Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Sat July 31, 2004 12:48 AM UTC
EVERYONE who goes to Japan, unless they are fluent in Japanese, should contact the closest Japan National Tourist Organization where fine, FREE, materials are available. Its publication, "Tourist's Language Handbook" is a lifesaver. It packs a lot of must have info inside its 18 pages. Don't think it's on line.

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 HawaiiGuy [Reply]
Japan
Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Tue August 3, 2004 12:55 PM UTC
No... Phrase Books are unlikely to do you any good. I attempted to get by with the Lonely Planet phrase book, and it just doesn't work.

You yammer of a phrase, and ok, maybe they understand it, but it's very hard trying to understand the reply, even if you show them the page you are reading from.

Picture Dictionaries and mad pointing are the way to go. You're a foreigner, and so supposed to make a fool of yourself, so go for it!!

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Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Tue August 3, 2004 05:22 PM UTC
I think that sounds like the best plan. It won't be the first time that I'll be in this position and hopefully not the last. I used to have a great picture book that was sent to me with a Eurorail pass a few years back. I hope I can find it.

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Japan
Re: Re: A Good Phrase Book For The First Time Traveler
Posted: Tue August 3, 2004 11:24 PM UTC
My experience has been that, if you can come up with ONE KEY WORD, they can almost always figure out the rest. But the (free) publication I suggested covers most main points. What's wrong with picking up a little nihongo?

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 HawaiiGuy [Reply]
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