My Approach to Learning Kanji While Travelling in Japan

Starting with 71 easy-to-read placenames

My first attempt at learning the regions and prefectures of Japan using a periodic table of placenames. [Image: JH]

First time visitors to Japan are immediately confronted with an uncomfortable truth: it’s not easy to get around when you can’t read kanji.

I remember the shock of first contact all too well. Upon arrival at Narita Airport, as I was walking through the concourse (even before…