Your Guide to Rural Japan with Limited Japanese Skill
While I am naturally introverted, I have always been an adventurous traveler. I love discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations, especially those that offer authentic cultural experiences. I find myself happiest when I am enjoying local foods, participating in or learning about cultural experiences, or simply talking to people.
That said, I realize that not everyone is comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone with food or language barriers, particularly in Japan where these can feel so intimidating. I often hear from people who would love to explore rural Japan but hesitate because they worry about navigating without Japanese or a tour guide. This fear often keeps people from experiencing some very beautiful things. I am often asked how to prepare for travel to these areas with limited Japanese ability.
If that’s you, don’t worry. I have created this guide to help you travel confidently through Japan’s rural areas with limited Japanese skills. These apps, websites, tools, and tips have helped me (and others) explore Japan more independently.
Check out a specific topic:
Top Apps for Navigating Japan Without Japanese
Best Travel Websites for Planning a Trip to Japan
Essential Travel Tools for Japan
Insider Tips for a Smoother Trip
Top Apps for Navigating Japan Without Japanese
1. Google Translate
While it’s not 100% accurate, it can help you understand and communicate with local people. Furthermore, the camera function allows you to translate rules, menus (except handwritten ones), and signs easily. Just make sure that you download the offline language pack in case you don’t have Wi-Fi or cellular service. You’ll be thankful later.
2. Jisho.org
This is one of the best Japanese-English dictionaries out there. You can search by kana, romaji, kanji, radicals, or drawing characters. It’s perfect to quickly search for a word or kanji.
3. Suica (or other IC cards)
If available in your app store, download the Suica app to use your smartphone as a transit card. Welcome Suicas and physical cards are available, but it’s much easier to charge them from your phone and keep track of them while traveling. If you are unable to download the app, you can use your phone wallet to store your card. You can use the app on most JR and subway lines throughout Japan and even some buses.
4. SmartEX
This app allows you to book and manage shinkansen tickets on your phone 24 hours a day. You can even reserve seats with luggage space or work areas too and link the tickets to your IC card or pick up paper tickets at certain stations.
5. Maps.me
These maps are great for offline navigation. You can download them ahead of time to prepare for exploring many locations.
6. Google Maps
Before traveling, I pin and organize points of interest on Google Maps to make following my itinerary and exploring easier. I use different pin icons for different regions or for types of attractions.
Did you know that you can also download maps for offline use on Google Maps as well? This is always helpful in case you travel through areas with a lack of cellular service or Wi-Fi. Just make sure you download them prior to traveling.
7. Gurunavi
There are millions of restaurants throughout Japan, but how do you know which is best or how to make a reservation? Gurunavi offers reviews, menu photos, restaurant photos, and occasionally booking links. My only warning is that it might have limited English content comparted to Tabelog and Google Maps. Don’t be surprised if the ratings seem low. It’s rare to see a restaurant with over 3.5 in Gurunavi because reviewers can be quite harsh.
8. Tabimori
This app was designed by Narita Airport as a resource for foreign tourists. It covers currency conversion, weather, basic phrases, and more.
9. LINE
Even though many countries use What’s App, Japan’s most-used messaging app is Line. Many businesses and accommodations use it for communication. It can also be useful for keeping in touch with locals you meet along the way as well.
10. Instagram
While not a travel app per se, Instagram can be great for discovering locations using hashtags and geotags. Just keep in mind that everything you find on Instagram is not always as it appears there.
Best Travel Websites for Planning a Trip to Japan
1. Travel Blogs
While most people want to visit at least a few popular locations, you can look for blogs that highlight hidden gems and cultural experiences. These can offer curated ideas tailored to your interests.
2. JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)
This is a great website to being your travel planning. You’ll find reliable and usually up-to-date information on destinations, transportation, and culture. However, it might not go to deeply into more rural or lesser visited destinations.
3. Local Tourism Boards
Many cities and regions have their own tourism sites packed with maps, restaurant tips, and event info. Some even have physical tourism offices that you can visit during your travel too.
Essential Travel Tools for Japan
1. A Phrasebook or Notebook
Even in the age of smartphones, a pocket phrasebook or handwritten notebook can be a lifesaver in areas with a lack of Wi-Fi or cellular signal. Write down any important information that you might need.
2. Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM Card
While Japan is seen as an incredibly futuristic place, the reality can be much different. Having a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card helps. Still, you should download maps and any important information in advance.
3. Hotel Addresses in Japanese
Either on small cards or in your phrasebook, have your hotel addresses written down in Japanese. I would recommend having a physical copy in addition to a digital one, just in case you happen to lose your device or don’t have battery power. I cannot stress how important it is to have this information in Japanese to help you better communicate with taxi drivers and locals if you ask for directions or have problems.
4. A Portable Battery
Your phone will be working overtime for maps, translations, bookings, and photos, and there’s nothing more stressful than trying to follow directions with a dying battery. Based on personal experiences, I can confirm that feeling is even worse in rural areas. Not only are the chances or running into someone slim, but also the public transportation can be quite infrequent. Missing just one leg of your travel can set you back hours.
5. Emergency Info Cards
If you have a food allergy or medical issue, make sure that you carry cards with this information written in Japanese and English. For allergies, you can easily share this card with restaurant and hotel staff to avoid any problems. If you are traveling solo, make sure you include an emergency contact.
Insider Tips for a Smoother Trip
1. Learn Japanese Etiquette
You don’t need to know everything and won’t be expected to do so. However, doing a little research can help you have a more enjoyable time and better connect with local people. Knowing basic rules (bowing, removing shoes to enter a home or temple, saying pleasantries, and being quiet on public transportation) goes a long way especially in rural areas.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions or Make Mistakes
Locals in rural areas are usually kind and helpful. Even if you make a mistake with pronunciation, your effort will be appreciated. Always ask before you take pictures at restaurants or in shops and in any places that don’t have signs indicating if it is acceptable or not.
3. Ship Your Luggage
Use Yamato Kuroneko or your hotel front desk to ship your luggage to your next destination. If you are staying at an Airbnb or similar location, you can have it shipped to a nearby Kuroneko location or convenience store. Shipping your luggage will allow you to move freely on trains and travel easily without the stress of dragging around your bags. Just make sure to ship it at least a day before you are planning to arrive at that location. Most places don’t offer same-day delivery.
4. Research Before You Go
Rural businesses (and even some in major cities) close randomly or have limited hours. Make sure that you check in advance before making a trip. Often Google or websites will have updates regarding a change in hours or special closures. You can also request that your hotel concierge call ahead to confirm hours for you.
5. Be Respectful with Photos
In Japan, people remain quite private online. Avoid photographing strangers without permission and do not photo people’s children. Yes, you might see cute school children interviewing people or a little child dressed in kimono, but don’t take their picture. If you take a picture with anyone in Japan, get their consent before posting. In shops and restaurants, ask the staff if photos are okay. Some prefer no photos. Just be respectful even if this is different from your home country.
6. Carry Cash
While you might be able to travel with less cash in major cities, many rural areas still rely heavily on cash. Some shops are now taking electronic money, but others still haven’t moved in that direction. It would be disappointing to make the journey out to a rural area and not be able to try some foods or experiences because of a lack of cash.
7. Plan Around Your Transportation
In rural areas, buses and trains may have infrequent schedules. Make sure that you give yourself ample time in each leg of your journey so that you are not stressing about any transit. If you need a taxi, you might need to arrange this with your hotel as well. Renting a car can also be a smart and convenient choice if you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
8. Learn a Few Basic Phrases in Japanese
Learning even the most basic phrases like excuse me, thank you, and other pleasantries will go a long way in rural areas. Many people in Japan are afraid of making mistakes in English and avoid talking to travelers. Others may worry that there will be confusion or other problems because of their lack of exposure to foreigners. I have encountered people in very remote areas who have never actually talked with a foreigner before! If there is a mutual show of respect, it will open doors for you in these areas.
9. Recognize Key Kanji
Write down helpful kanji like entrance (入口), exit (出口), and station (駅). This can be a huge help when signage lacks English.
10. Be Ready to Remove Your Shoes
Temples, historic sites, ryokan, and some restaurants require shoe removal. Keep a pair of clean socks in your bag, especially if you’re wearing sandals. This is common all over Japan even in large cities but is even more common in rural Japan.
Final Encouragement and Thoughts
You can travel through rural Japan without speaking much Japanese, but preparation is key. While today’s tools and apps make it easier than ever, being respectful and curious will take you even further.
On my first trip to Japan (pre-smartphones), I relied on a dictionary and guidebook. My Japanese was minimal, but I still found ways to explore and enjoy many things. Don’t let fear or language barriers keep you from some of the most rewarding travel experiences Japan has to offer. If you need help planning your trip or want to ask questions before your travel, feel free to reach out to me through my contact form.
Have any questions or your own tips to share? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
