Travel Information Agencies
For the most up to date information on these travel companies, please check out the websites listed on our "links" page.
JAPAN NATIONAL TOUR ORGANISATIONS (JNTO): The only thing they can't do for you is make reservations. This organisation should be your first contact when you are planning to travel in Japan. If they don't have the appropriate information at hand they will direct you to the place that does. Phone and ask for materials. When they arrive in the mail, reimburse the postage in stamps.
Japan Travel Phone – English (toll free) tel: 0120-44-4800
http://www.jnto.go.jp/
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (TIC): Near the Yuraku-chô station and Sôgô department store, Tôkyô. Send them your itinerary and budget and they will make arrangements for you in about one week. Open weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Call JNTO for more information. Main office: B1F1 Tôkyô International Forum, 3-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tôkyô, 100-0005. tel: 03-3201-3331
JAPAN TRAVEL BUREAU (JTB): Great for most travel needs and they will visit your office. Ask your office to contact the local agent. This organisation specialises in group tours that look after your every need. Also has great off-season packages. Ask for transportation and hotel only prices and skip the sightseeing bus.
JR ENGLISH: For schedules, discounts, complaints, etc. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
tel: 03-3423-0111
MAP INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY (Ms. Miya Matsuda): Based in Kanazawa City, she speaks great English and is very helpful. tel: 0762-62-3737
fax: 0762-62-3418
JAPAN INN GROUP: A group of ryokan that cater to non-Japanese. For a list write to c/o Sawanoya Ryokan, 2-3-11 Yanaka, Taitô-ku, Tôkyô, 110, or ask at JNTO or TIC. (About 4,000 per person)
WELCOME INN RESERVATION CENTRE: Will make reservations for you at various types of hotels. Most affordable for families and small groups but anyone can use them. Geared towards non-Japanese. Call the JNTO for a list of organisations belonging to the "Welcome Inn System". A single room (meals and tax not included) costs approx. 8,000. fax: 03-3211-9009
JAPAN MINSHUKU ASSOCIATION: Etiquette book, listings, directions, etc. For a listing of minshuku (lodging houses) in English, send three \80 stamps with your address and name to: Shadanhojin, Nihon Minshuku Kyôkai, 1F, Sukegawa Bdg, 4-10-15 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tôkyô 169. tel: 03-3364-1855
or call the JNTO
"i" (TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES): Ninety locations, usually at major train stations, with information on everything. English is often spoken and they have maps of the local area in English. The "i" in Morioka (Northern Tôhoku TIC) is on the 2nd floor of the station. They have maps and some English speakers work there. Also, use the JR and/or the City Information Offices at the station. Ryokan reservations can be made, and maps of nearby capsule, business and regular hotels can be obtained.
Northern Tôhoku TIC tel: 019-625-2090
JAPAN TRAVEL PHONE: Travel assistance and advice in English, daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
outside Tôkyô and Kyôto (toll free) tel: 0088-22-4800
or 0120-44-4800
inside Tôkyô tel: 3201-3331
inside Kyôto tel: 371-5649
JAPAN CYCLING ASSOCIATION: tel: 03-3583-5628
IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL: Flower arranging. Listings of places that teach in English.
tel: 03-3293-8188
JAPAN SUMÔ FOUNDATION: tel: 03-3622-1100
TOHO NETWORK: Informal network cheap rider houses (\3,000~4,200). For a list, send \150 plus postage to: Sukkarakan, South 3 West 8, Chûô-ku, Sapporo, 060. This is not the full address so check with the JNTO first before sending money.
THE JAPAN GUIDE ASSOCIATION: English-speaking volunteers will guide you around the sights of your choice. You pay for their admission and lunch. Shin Kokusai Bldg 3-4-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tôkyô.
tel: 03-3213-2706
TICKET AGENCIES:
Ticket Saison tel: 03-3250-9999
CN Playguide tel: 03-5802-9999
Lawson Ticket tel: 03-3269-9900
Ticket Pia tel: 03-5237-9999