The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) maintains a
number of overseas offices
, which are stocked with a wealth of free maps and leaflets,
varying from general tips on Japanese culture to detailed area
guides, lists of accommodation and practical information about
local transport. You'll find a selection of the same material on
the JNTO Web site
.
Within Japan, JNTO operates four Tourist Information
Centres ( TIC ), all of which have English-speaking
staff. These offices are located in central Tokyo, Tokyo's Narita
airport, Kansai International airport and Kyoto (see individual
city accounts for details). They provide a similar range of
information as JNTO's overseas offices, covering the whole of Japan
as well as their local area, and can usually answer all sorts of
individual queries. Not surprisingly, you may have to queue at busy
times. The offices in Narita, Kyoto and Kansai airport provide
accommodation booking services (no commission), while the Tokyo TIC
is located next door to the Welcome Inn Reservation Centre
. Though the staff will help sort out routes and timetables, they
can't make travel reservations, nor usually sell tickets to
theatres, cinemas and so on (some occasionally have discounted
tickets on offer); instead, they'll direct you to the nearest
appropriate outlet. It's worth noting that much of their printed
English-language information isn't always available in the regions,
so stock up while you can.
Local tourist offices with English-speaking staff are
called " i " centres , of which there are now nearly
one hundred in 67 towns and cities, usually located in or close to
the main train station. In practice, the amount of English
information available - whether written or spoken - is a bit
hit-or-miss, but at least the staff should be able to assist with
local maps, hotel reservations (some charge a small commission) and
simple queries. Next level down are the ordinary tourist
information offices, where there's little chance of getting
English-language assistance. Nevertheless, they can usually supply
maps, transport information and, sometimes, help with
accommodation.
If you're stuck, JNTO runs the excellent Japan
Travel-Phone (daily 9am-5pm; toll-free tel 0088-224800), which
provides English-language information and assistance, not only on
travel-related topics. You can call from any grey or green public
phone - insert a phone card or ¥10 piece to get the dial tone -
except within Tokyo and Kyoto, where you should phone the
appropriate TIC at a local call rate (¥10 per minute).
Another useful source of English-language information is the
Goodwill Guides , groups of volunteer guides located in
nearly thirty cities mostly in central and western Japan. The
guides' services are free - although you're expected to pay for
their transport, entry tickets and any meals you have together -
and the language ability obviously varies. But they provide a great
opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and to visit local
restaurants, shops and so forth with a Japanese speaker. The TICs
have a list of groups and their contact details, or the local
information office should be able to help with arrangements; try
and give at least two days' notice.
A number of cities also operate a Home Visit System ,
where English-speaking Japanese families welcome foreigners into
their homes for a couple of hours, usually after the evening meal.
Again, arrangements can be made through the local "i" centre or TIC
a few days in advance.