I am considering writing out some questions in Japanese language using romaji. Anyone know whether a typical Japanese person will be able to read this or do they only read kanji, katakana and hiragana?

Most will do. Still perhaps it's better to avoid elder (over 70?) people. Try to make your questions just with a few words. Also this may not be necessary but they might have difficulties to read your hand writing. If you can imagine what sort of questions you will need to ask (e.g. toire wa doko desuka ?), type them already on a piece of paper at home. That would be a lot easier to read for them.

Thanks for the reply. I am typing them and putting on a 3 X 5 card

Bonjour Coloradoz,

You don't even need to do that. JNTO has edited a small pamphlet with most of the questions you might need (included medical emergencies) in both Western and Japanese caracters. Like most of their documentation it is free and you can pick it up at any TIC in the airports or downtown or from one of their office in your country (see http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ )

Thanks Florence. Great information