[ryuurui]

i'd say you don't need to learn any Japanese. My friend was coming over for a month to Japan, I showed her around Tokyo a bit and then she took off on her own south, as far as Kyushu, and had no problem with anything whatsoeve, knowing no words in Japanese. She is travelling heaps all over the world, even though her English is weak (basic communication). If you have an outgoing nature you'll get around with no issues. Japan has changed a lot, and more people can speak English. It's messy and broken but better than nothing. Also, many road signs, stations (well unless somewhere in sticks) are in English, too. Restaurants have menues with pictures, or little displayes outside with plastic food, so buying a meal is not that copmplicated either, if you have a finger to point out what you want.