custom commute

custom commute
What?! I’m moving to Japan?!?!?! Aye!!!!!!!!!?

Ok, my parents have just informed me that I’m moving to Kyoto, Japan in 3 months because of a job my dad has just got there that pays higher than here in the US. This is an extreme shock to me. At first I panicked, and then told myself it’s gonna be alright. I currently live in San Francisco and im 14, and a freshman in high school. Now on to my questions; 1, What are the living conditions like compared to the US. 2, What exactly will happen to me schoolwise? 3, I know nothing about the Japanese language except for domo, arigato, and konnichiwa, how long will it take for me to learn the language not fluently, but enough to understand and reply accurately. 4, What are the people like over there? Will I easily meet new friends? 5, What are their customs. 6, Im sorry if im asking too many questions this is a huge shock to me but, how do people normally commute?

I’d really appreciate these answers, and I’m kind of looking forward to move there. Please, don’t give me one word answers.

im on exchange in japan right now Im 14 too!
I live in tokyo but i have been to kyoto. Its really nice there!

1. Compared to canada, your apartment/house will be smaller, but its really great here.

2. There are many american/international schools here! you will probably be enrolled into one.

3. Dont worry about it if your going to Internatioal school. I’d say look up “Japanese survival phrases”. I used to have a friend that lived in hong kong for 6 years and she only knows a few words…

4. People are soooo nice. If you are outgoing, talk to people on the subway, talk to people at school, you will make lots of friends, and girlfriends in no time.

5. Say “ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-soo” before you eat a meal,
and say “Goh-chee-soh-sah-mah…deh-shi-tah” after words (Especailly in resturaunts)
Dont show anger.
Dont stare at people too much
You will learn customs. If you make good japanese friends, they will tell you what you are doing wrong.

6. Take the subway It doesnt cost much (Especailly since you will have a school train pass) and its actually very fun. Learn what station you go home at, and learn what station you get off for school. That way, if you get painfully lost, you go up to the little train station window and say
“Sooh-me-mah-sen… ____ — name of station–
they will reply which number in english, most likely.