So my fiance and I want to go to Japan next year for our honeymoon. I'm trying to look into it, but I'm feeling very overwhelmed by the options and information. Ideally, we'd like to spend most of our time in Tokyo but make trips to other areas as well during our stay. I am very concerned about the language barrier. Is there any way to get like a personal translator/guide that is willing to accommodate a personalized trip (i.e. someone who would be willing to take us to cool stores/bars/restaurants/etc.)? Also, we would prefer someone close to our age, in their 20's or early 30's. Is there other things I should take into consideration other than the basic hotel/flight mumbo jumbo?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. PING ME!

Learn the basic japanese and own a point it book (you can get one on Amazon). There aren't that many restaurants nor people in Japan that will speak english. I also suggest you to learn about the basic etiquette too. @ StephRenee

Oh and peharps, finding an host or someone that works as a translator. A lot of people go to Japan for work, you may be lucky.

How do I go about finding a host like that? Thanks for all the advice!

The internet? Agencies? I don't know, I can speak a bit of japanese and understand it a lot, so I never looked into it.

Make sure you know basic price conversions, etc. because it can be overwhelming going to a place and being confused about how much money you're actually spending. Remember to bring outlet converters. Try and do research on what it's like in Tokyo and maybe look at things other Americans (or I guess where ever you're from) have said when they've visited, basically things do know if you're a foreigner in Japan.

You guys are gonna have a blast! I wouldn't worry too much about the language barrier. Knowing basic things like "Thank you, excuse me, where can I find ___" is really helpful, and you should read up on etiquette before you go. The biggest things I found:

-Language can be difficult, but it isn't such a huge deal. Most restaurants have menus with pictures, so you can just gesture to what you want and they will get the gist. It always looks much better when you make an effort to speak in Japanese, but most people are pretty accommodating and easy going. I don't know much about how to hire a host, but you can try a language buddy. Some website will connect you with a Japanese person who wants to learn English, and will take you around and help you learn Japanese while you help them with English. Here's one site: http://www.conversationexchange.com/s_map/language-exchange.php?town=tokyo If you do meet up with a person like this, it's a really good idea to bring them a souvenir from your country as a gift.

-I would 100% recommend buying a JR pass. You can use it to get around Tokyo subway lines, and it's a lot easier than having to buy a ticket or even refilling a transit pass. Plus, if you're going anywhere outside of Tokyo (Kyoto, Osaka etc) the train tickets can cost quite a bit (I think anywhere from $100-$200 one way) so the pass pays for itself in one trip.

-Keep a transit map with you when you're traveling by train. Tokyo's transit system is incredibly efficient, and while it can be really overwhelming at first you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. If you get lost or you're not sure what stop to get off at, you can ask the train staff. They're usually hanging out by the ticket booths. Just show them map, and tell them where you want to go and they can help you find it.

-90% of places in Japan don't use credit or debit, so definitely bring cash with you everywhere. It can be kind of difficult to withdraw money from a machine, so make sure to bring a lot with you.

-Consider staying in hostels. They're really nice and a lot cheaper than hotels. A lot of them offer private rooms, so you don't have to bunk with other people if you're not into that. Plus, it's a great way to meet other people and find out about interesting things going on in the city.

That's all I can think of for now, but I might edit this later if anything else comes to me. My bottom line is learn some basic Japanese, brush up on the etiquette and maybe consider a language buddy - but don't get too hung up about not knowing the language. You can get by just fine without being fluent, and most people are pretty understanding.

Thank you so much for all the info! Super helpful!

Hey! You should TOTALLY check out the YouTuber's Rachel & Jun. They're an American/Japanese couple that lives in Japan. Rachel is the girl, and she does plenty of videos explaining things to do/not to do in Japan. She goes over exchange rates, VISA, cultural differences, what to do in public settings, and all that good stuff!

Here's a link to their general channel!: https://www.youtube.com/user/MyHusbandisJapanese

Learning all about Japan!: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNB5_GMK6YzFxyiACEa_e9aFDdGB9Idic

Places in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNB5_GMK6YzE7wHXRLfCBamUYrH08H4Va

A recent video explaining a website where you can plan your trips!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZoc2gjo5E

Good luck, have fun, and eat lots of good food :) And if you don't mind me asking, how did you both meet?! :D

I would definitely learn some basic japanese. It doesn't have to be full sentences but to let the Japanese know that you're trying. This doesn't apply to all Japanese people, but once they hear you speak English, they'll avoid you. Now there are some who are willing to help, but their english is most likely middle/high school level english so it won't be too good.

I would definitely recommend buying a JR pass. You'll have to plan ahead and buy tickets for each stop/transfer beforehand, but the pass is extremely helpful! I know in Tokyo there's a place to buy JR rail pass in Shibuya station but you'll need your passport to do so. Their trains and buses are rarely ever late, so you won't really have to worry about your schedule being messed up because of a late bus. (you can take a bus from Narita Airport into the city and there are multiple buses) http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/

If you're visiting tokyo during the summer, the weather can change from hot and sunny to windy and slightly cold, so definitely check the weather beforehand! I would visit Hokkaido! It's generally cool there, so soaking in the outdoor onsen feels great! It's also a great experience to stay in a traditional hotel (I went last year with my family and they had someone come and set up/take down your futons, traditional japanese food, night kimonos, ect)

wow this was longer than I expected xD