HAHA "Sometimes we had order food that we didn't know what we were going to get" that sounds like fun! But seriously I appreciate the advice. I know that Tokyo is very "English friendly" much more so than if for example someone from Japan came to the US. More than just getting around and ordering food, I would like to try to talk with some of the locals once I get there and get some pen pal connections for future trips. I think if I show an effort of learning the language (even if I suck at it) I may be able to make more connections. So that's my motivation, however I am going to take your advice and try to do a little of everything right up till when I leave.