Just be aware that some drivers may not speak English well, so explaining your destination may be difficult. Also, occasionally suitcases do not fit in the vehicle, and some taxis do not accept credit cards.
The primary language spoken in Kyoto, as well as throughout Japan, is Japanese. However, don't be discouraged if you don't speak Japanese fluently. Many locals in Kyoto, especially those working in the tourism industry, can communicate in English to some extent.
Getting around Kyoto without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are.
Taking a taxi is a convenient way to get around the city's tourist attractions. There are taxi stands at major stations such as Kyoto Station, but the number of taxis is limited and long lines form during tourist seasons. It may even be difficult to hail a taxi that is running on the road.
Most taxis in Japan accept a range of payment methods, including cash, credit cards (such as JCB), transportation IC cards like Suica and PASMO, and other cashless options. However, it's important to note that taxis in rural areas may only accept cash.
GO is the No. 1* Taxi App(cab app) serving 45 of Japan's 47 prefectures, including major tourist areas like Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
Taxi drivers in Japan won't expect you to tip them, even when they help you with your luggage. As tipping taxi drivers in Japan is not customary, trying to pay more than your agreed fare may cause confusion and embarrassment.
English isn't as widely spoken as you might think – but don't let that put you off! The people of Kyoto are known to be very helpful and welcoming wherever they can be. Of course, taking the time to learn the basics of Japanese is common courtesy and shows respect for the country you're in.
Conclusion - can you travel in Japan without speaking Japanese? So, can you travel in Japan without speaking Japanese? Sure you can. In big cities and at major landmarks and popular tourist sights, you'll be just fine most of the time.
For big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, or touristic cities like Kyoto, this is an irrelevant concern as most hotel staff in these cities speak English, or at the very least, there are at least one or two people who speak English. Keep in mind that this may not be the case for smaller cities.
Signs in the front of taxis show if they are available. These are usually displayed in Japanese, but they are color coded. Red means the taxi can pick up passengers, while green means it is occupied. Doors open and close automatically, so don't try to handle them yourself as you enter and exit.
Cash is very widely used in Kyoto, so having some with you at all times will be important. You can carry travel cash with you when you head to Kyoto, exchange at the airport, or use ATMs on arrival.
Kyoto is a compact city with a well-developed transport network. It's very easy to get around. The subways and trains are the most convenient way to get around the city. Buses are less convenient, but cover almost the whole city.
With a compact city center, Kyoto is one of the most walkable cities in Japan. Stroll through historic districts like Higashiyama and Arashiyama, soaking up the atmosphere of traditional architecture, picturesque alleyways, and ancient temples.
Kyoto's bus fare system is simple: Throughout most of Kyoto where most of the famous attractions are located, you pay a fixed fare, no matter how far you go. Currently, you pay 230 yen for each ride (children 120 yen). Just drop your cash into the fare box next to the driver as you get off the bus.
Three days is the perfect amount of time to experience the essence of Kyoto without feeling rushed. This duration allows you to visit the main attractions and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture while still having time to relax and enjoy the serene ambiance.
The national currency is the yen. Payments are made mostly in cash yen formats. It is recommended to purchase as much yen as most possible before departing on your trip to Japan, as the exchange rate is so much better in the UK.
When you add a contactless payment method to Google Wallet, you can make purchases with your Android device in stores that support contactless payments. Most credit cards issued in Japan can be used to add money.
The Series-D 10,000 yen note (figure on the left) does not have a hologram on the front, and has two Japanese pheasants on the reverse side. Both series of banknotes are acceptable currency at present.
As you get into the taxi, the first words out of your mouth will most likely contain the address of your destination. First, say "sumimasen" (Excuse me,) and then the address. sumimasenn ______ e ittekudasai/made onegaishimasu. Excuse me, please go to ________.
At night, it's easy to spot an open taxi: the light on the roof will be illuminated. In the daytime, it can be harder to tell if a taxi is open. Look for people inside the car and the light in the lower left corner of the windshield. If it is free, the light will say: 空車 .
Is it hard to get around Japan if you only speak English?
But my conclusion is that you can go easily as long as you have enough English to read things. Japanese people don't speak practically any English, so it doesn't matter if you're not super fluent, but the Japanese are surprisingly well-prepared to receive tourists.
