What if we get completely lost?

Find any koban (small police box) - they're everywhere and police speak some English. Or go into any hotel lobby - they'll help even if you're not staying there.

Do we need cash or can we use cards?

Bring cash. Many restaurants, shops, and even some hotels only take cash. Get yen from 7-Eleven ATMs using your debit card - they work with foreign cards.

How do we ask for help without Japanese?

Bow slightly, say 'sumimasen' (excuse me), point to your phone with Google Translate ready. Most people will try to help, especially younger people who know some English.

What if we miss the last train?

Trains stop around midnight. Plan dinner to end by 11 PM. If stuck, taxis cost ¥3,000-8,000 depending on distance. Some manga cafes let you stay overnight for ¥2,000.

How to Navigate Tokyo as a Couple Without Speaking Japanese

Download Google Translate with camera function, get a 7-day JR Pass for ¥29,650, and stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku for English signage. Most subway signs have English, and pointing at pictures works everywhere.

Get Google Translate ready before you land. Download Google Translate app and the Japanese language pack for offline use. Test the camera translation feature - you'll point it at menus and signs constantly.
Buy a 7-day JR Pass at the airport. Get your JR Pass from the JR East Travel Service Center at Narita or Haneda. Costs ¥29,650 per person. Covers all JR trains including the Yamanote Line that circles central Tokyo.
Download Hyperdia and Google Maps. Hyperdia shows train times and platform numbers in English. Google Maps works perfectly for Tokyo subway navigation and walking directions.
Master the IC card system. Get a Suica card from any station machine. Load ¥2,000-3,000. Tap to enter trains, buy drinks from vending machines, pay at convenience stores. Works everywhere.
Learn the hotel address in Japanese. Get your hotel address written in Japanese characters from front desk. Take a photo. Show this to taxi drivers or station staff when lost.
Use convenience stores as safe havens. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are everywhere. Staff often speak basic English, clean bathrooms, ATMs, and you can print maps from their machines.
Master restaurant ordering without words. Look for plastic food displays in windows - point at what you want. Many places have picture menus. Vending machines outside ramen shops: buy ticket, hand to staff.

What if we get completely lost?: Find any koban (small police box) - they're everywhere and police speak some English. Or go into any hotel lobby - they'll help even if you're not staying there.
Do we need cash or can we use cards?: Bring cash. Many restaurants, shops, and even some hotels only take cash. Get yen from 7-Eleven ATMs using your debit card - they work with foreign cards.
How do we ask for help without Japanese?: Bow slightly, say 'sumimasen' (excuse me), point to your phone with Google Translate ready. Most people will try to help, especially younger people who know some English.
What if we miss the last train?: Trains stop around midnight. Plan dinner to end by 11 PM. If stuck, taxis cost ¥3,000-8,000 depending on distance. Some manga cafes let you stay overnight for ¥2,000.