about japan:

Japan is a country comprised of nearly seven thousand islands, with a relatively small land mass supporting a massive population. It's a country steeped in tradition with one of the most polite and respectful populations I have encountered in the world. People on the street would recognize that I was lost or disorientated, then do their best to help and send me off in the right direction - but I do have to say communication here was a challenge as my Japanese was non-existent and English speakers were scarce.

But don't let that put you off. Part of travel is the challenge to step out of your comfort zone - get lost in a big city, try exotic foods, visit new places and just live in the moment.