Over on our video page, Marie recently asked us about the amount of English at Japanese stations and on the Bullet trains. While it is true that Japan can still be tricky to navigate with zero Japanese, we’re pleased to say that the JR network has made great strides in the amount of English signs and announcements in recent years.

• English language announcements on Bullet trains
• Nearly all station platform signs have the station name in english under them
• At all major Bullet train stations there will be arrivals/departure boards in English

It’s always best to be a little prepared, so don’t forget your phrasebook! or download language apps.