yeh alcohol was definitly a friend maker for me last time i went even though it was only for a month. You will be surprised at how many japanese people can speak english when they are pissed. I remember i ended up becoming friends with some cop and then told him i was underage and he told me i was an adult LOL it was fun as (only just turned 17 at the time). Also me and my m8 stumbled into some business bar party HAHAHA they shouted us free drinks all night took photo's with us and bought us presents the next day ^.^ then took us surfing like a few days after..ah god good times. Then in kyoto when looking for accomidation we got a room and the owner of the joint showed up and took us out for dinner and karaoke then the next day took us to some giant copper bhuda...lol its not hard to make friends if you just go up and ask if they speak english and start a converstation with them thats usually enough
