Tip # 17 Google Maps is a powerful wayfinding tool and it's helpful in other ways. 1. When Google Maps takes you to the GPS coordinates for your destination, it takes you to a building's footprint on the ground. But your restaurant may be on the 51st floor! So if you don't see what you're looking for, chances are its vertical, look up! Tokyo. Yup. Must be in a high rise!
2. Now... feel free to ask for a little extra help. You might make new friends! In fact, almost all of my Japanese friendships started when I asked directions from a stranger.
Tip # 18 Hesitate not to ask when you need a little help.
2. Now... feel free to ask for a little extra help. You might make new friends! In fact, almost all of my Japanese friendships started when I asked directions from a stranger.
"Sumimasen?" (see Tip # 18)
Tip # 18 Hesitate not to ask when you need a little help.
Say Sumimasen, (excuse me in Japanese to get someone's attention). It might feel a bit awkward, after all we are the foreigners in their country. But you will meet truly kind people on your journey who consistently go out of their way to help you find your way. I've begun to ask for a quick photo like this one of the gentlemen who helped us locate Mokumeganea, where we were about to pick up Patricia's wedding ring!
Looking at the many smiles, it's hard to know who is having more fun! And it all starts when you ask for a little help.
According to Google Maps, we were in the right place in Osaka, but even with two of us, we were stumped. So I look around and see the gentleman in the photo on the right and ask for Mokumeganea. I show him the map on my phone. He steps over to his friends, they chat. As they return, one of them prompts our group of 7 into the building where they find a directory. There! Mokumeganea is on the 3rd floor.
For more Japanese phrases, see Tip #16
