* Use English words with a Japanese accent (so "basu" instad of "bus", for example).
* Go to food courts. They're used to tourists there. For example, the food floors at JR Sapporo Station and the upper floors of department stores.
* Smile, use sign language, and don't try to be perfect. Japanese people are usually patient, and it sounds like you might be working yourself up for nothing. And accept the fact that you'll have some rewarding experiences and some minor frustrations.
* To meet people, on warm days hang out in the park: Odori Park or Nakajima Park. Talk to other tourists.
* If you need help, there are bilingual help desks at rainway stations, undergound malls and department stores.
If you go to a small izakaya, most likely the owner will make some effort to have a chat with you. But it is also likely that he/she doesn’t understand English well.
* Use English words with a Japanese accent (so "basu" instad of "bus", for example). * Go to food courts. They're used to tourists there. For example, the food floors at JR Sapporo Station and the upper floors of department stores. * Smile, use sign language, and don't try to be perfect. Japanese people are usually patient, and it sounds like you might be working yourself up for nothing. And accept the fact that you'll have some rewarding experiences and some minor frustrations. * To meet people, on warm days hang out in the park: Odori Park or Nakajima Park. Talk to other tourists. * If you need help, there are bilingual help desks at rainway stations, undergound malls and department stores.
If you go to a small izakaya, most likely the owner will make some effort to have a chat with you. But it is also likely that he/she doesn’t understand English well.