How to overcome the language barrier (1)

Firstly, you might look for tourist information. If you go there, there might be some English speakers and you can obtain tourist tips from them. Basically, major airports and/or stations have those information boxes, where usually female receptionists will welcome visitors.

Especially, at the international airport such as Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), Kansai International (Osaka), Centrair (Nagoya), there must be those information center with English fluency. Since almost all of foreign visitors should pass the airport when getting in Japan, it might be better if you collect information you need for your trip before leaving the airport.

Narita International Airport: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html

Haneda Airport: http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/

Kansai International Airport: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp

Centrair: http://www.centrair.jp/en/index.html

In cities or towns, there should be some English-speaking information boxes attached to the main railway stations. As far as I know, JR's (Japan Railways) Tokyo Station, Nagoya Station, Kyoto Station, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station have those English-free information.

※You can search layouts of each station at http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/index.html

Another option is to run into hotels or department stores, which look luxury. Those high-end commercial spots might have at least one English-speaking concierge, so you may ask them for some helps.

At major sight-seeing places such as shrines, temples or other cultural areas, they have some English tour guides. Some are free, others are charged. For those information, you should check before visiting there via internet. I am sure that those sight-seeing places with English fluency have English website, too.

This is just a tip, and it depends on. Please be noticed that tips I got here for you might not be certain.

If you are interested, you may learn some simple Japanese to broaden your trip in Japan.

To be continued.

このブログの人気の投稿

Shaolin Temple Europe: Exploring the Intersection of Tradition and Modernity

In the heart of Germany lies a haven of ancient wisdom and martial arts mastery: Shaolin Temple Europe . My recent trip to Germany, accompanied by a friend who is a licensed Qigong trainer, led us to this remarkable place. For her, the opportunity to delve into the teachings of Shi Feng Yi , the esteemed headmaster of Shaolin Europe, was a dream come true. Visiting the temple was the pinnacle of our itinerary, and after much anticipation, we finally set foot within its hallowed grounds. Although Master Shi was away on a journey to spread his profound knowledge of Qigong and Gongfu across the globe, our disappointment was quickly dispelled by the warm welcome we received from a monk named Miao. Miao, hailing from France, exuded a serene aura that spoke volumes of his dedication to monkhood. His very name, bestowed upon him in the tradition of Buddhism, hinted at the depth of his spiritual journey spanning several years. Despite Master Shi's absence, Miao graciously guided us through...

A Culinary Journey Through Germany: Exploring Delicious Delights

As I reflect on my recent trip to Germany, one aspect stands out prominently in my memory: the exquisite culinary adventure I embarked upon. From hearty classics to delicate specialties, each dish I encountered left an indelible mark on my taste buds and fueled my passion for exploring global cuisines. Join me as I recount my gastronomic journey through the flavors of Germany. Schnitzel: A Crispy Classic The journey began with the iconic Schnitzel, a dish synonymous with German cuisine. Thinly pounded meat, typically veal or pork, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, Schnitzel embodies simplicity and satisfaction. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of crunch and tenderness, leaving me craving for more of this timeless delight. White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: A Springtime Sensation Intrigued by seasonal specialties, I indulged in the delicate flavors of white asparagus paired with velvety Hollandaise sauce. Asparagus, celebrated as a springtime delicacy in Germ...

痛いのではない、痛みを思い出しただけさ

Gregory Maxwell - From File:Yin yang.png, converted to SVG by Gregory Maxwell., パブリック・ドメイン, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=364239による歌手の宇多田ヒカルさんが、自身のインスタライブで視聴者からの質問に答えていた時のこと。海外ファンから、「なぜ大切な方との関係が終わった時に、心が痛むのか？」という、答えに窮するような質問がありました。宇多田さんはしばらく考えた後に、その質問に対して、このように答えるのです。「その痛みは、もともと持っていたものじゃないのかな。それで、その人との関係は＜痛み止め＞みたいなもので、その間痛みを忘れていたというか。だから、関係が終わった時に痛みを思い出したのだと思う。」（宇多田さんは英語で回答されていたので、内容を意訳しております。）ヒット曲を連発する宇多田さん、その感性に改めて脱帽しています。宇多田さんがご存じなのかどうかわかりませんが、この考え方は易経にある「陰陽」の考え方に通じるところがあります。万物は、常に陰陽、2つの正反対の側面を持つというものです。太極図冒頭の陰陽マーク、ご存知の方も多いのではないでしょうか。黒は陰、白は陽を現し、一つの円に勾玉のような形で陰陽が描かれています。また、陰陽ともに同じ面積であり、一つのものには、1:1の比率で陰と陽がセットになっているという、易経が最も重視する考えを端的に示した図です。宇多田さんの例をとると、痛みは陰、大切な方との関係を陽としたときに、陽にいる間、もともとの痛み（陰）を忘れていただけ、という見方ができます。このマーク、正式には「太陰太極図」と呼ばれています。大いなる陰が大きく極まった時の図、と解釈できますね。宇宙や海底、母親の胎内。生命が始まった場所はすべて光の届かない闇。「陰陽」であって「陽陰」ではないことからも、闇の上に光が存在していることがわかります。闇が極まった時、光が誕生する。この「陽転」とよばれる瞬間を切り取ったのが、太極図なのかもしれません。光ばかり注目される世の中。多くの人が、物事の良い面ばかりを追いかけていきます。でも、「光があるから闇」ではなく、闇の中にい...

Ken@Japan

このブログを検索