Post-Golden Week timing: fewer crowds, warm 23°C days, Nakanoshima roses at peak bloom. Your backup itinerary for when David and Fil have their own plans.
You don't need to speak Japanese. Google Translate's camera mode reads menus instantly, and most tourist-area restaurants have English or picture menus. But these phrases earn genuine warmth from locals.
Sumimasen
Excuse me / I'm sorry
When: Getting attention, apologizing
Arigatō gozaimasu
Thank you (polite)
When: Everywhere, always
Onegaishimasu
Please
When: When ordering or requesting
Eigo no menu wa arimasu ka?
Do you have an English menu?
When: Restaurants
Osusume wa?
What do you recommend?
When: Restaurants, bars, izakayas
Gochisōsama deshita
Thank you for the meal
When: Said when leaving a restaurant
O-kaikei onegaishimasu
Check please
When: When ready to pay
Kore kudasai
This one, please
When: Pointing at menu items
Etiquette quick hits
Never tip (it's awkward for staff, not just unnecessary).
Slurp ramen loudly, it's polite and shows appreciation.
Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice (funeral ritual).
Don't eat while walking, eat at the stall's counter.
Carry trash with you, public bins are rare.
Quiet voices on trains, phones on silent mode.