When you get lost in Japan

Getting lost is something that happens quite regularly to me. It has gotten a lot better since phones have GPS and Google Maps, but it still happens. So far, I have got a lot of different reactions from Japanese people who either approached me or who I approached when I was lost. Here are a few anecdotes.

1. People that are just trying to help

When I stand somewhere looking at a printed map or my phone looking like I don’t know where I am going it happens quite often that someone approaches me and asks whether I am lost. Usually, these people are just friendly and trying to help, and even if they don’t know the way they take out their phones and try to look it up to help. Some even walk with you until you reach your destination. This is really a unique thing for Japan. In Germany people usually would not approach someone who looks lost, and even if you asked them, chances are that they will just tell you they don’t know.

2. People who try to help but also want your phone number

As a young foreign woman in Japan it also has been the case that the people who approach you are not only friendly but they have something else in mind. It's happened to me a few times - a guy has approached me and walked with me to my destination but when we reached it, he asked for my phone number. I declined in friendly way and there was no further trouble - and I must admit helping someone find their way is better than just coming up with a random pick-up line. Nevertheless, I got the impression they only helped because I am a young foreign woman.  

3. People who ignore you

It has only happened to me once so far, but when I had trouble finding my way I approached an elderly Japanese couple to ask them for direction. I spoke to them in Japanese, so I assume they were perfectly able to understand me. Nevertheless, they just ignored me and went on their way. I would have accepted a, “We are sorry, but we don’t know the way,” or a “We are sorry, but we have an appointment and need to rush,” but straight out ignoring me felt a little impolite. I don’t know whether they were scared because I am a foreigner or whether they actually were in a hurry to get somewhere.

In the end, I went to a koban (police box) and asked there. They gave me correct directions and I found the place I was looking for.

In general, when you are lost in Japan and there is no one that can help you, going to a koban is your best option as the police officers there know the area very well and usually are willing to help you.

What experiences have you had so far when getting lost in Japan? Did people try to help you or were you left helpless? Have you also had experiences that a guy was only hitting on you by trying to help you?