Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

TIC helps foreign visitors find accommodations in Japan from the Welcome Inn network, which consists of local accommodation facilities with special affordable rates and packages that are exclusive to foreign visitors.

In addition, Visit Japan Information Network assists foreign visitors in getting around the country in the best way for each visitor. Under the Japan National Tourist Organization, this network provides varieties of information on itineraries, accommodations, transportation and destinations that would suit each visitor. The offices are located in over 200 places across Japan including arrival terminals of Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport. Find the sign with a big red question mark in a white circle that says “information” in English in major train stations or city centers.

For where to find the Tourist Information Center and the Visit Japan Information Network windows, go to http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/tic.html.

Japan has developed thorough public transportation to every corner in the country. Take advantage of the train networks with high-technology and convenience at special rates only available for foreign visitors.

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass): Among numbers of train operating companies, Japan Railways Co. is the largest across Japan. Known as JR, they operate long distance transportation such as Shinkansen, the bullet train. JR opens passage to many destinations for foreigners by providing an exclusive train pass called the Japan Rail Pass that is issued only to foreign tourists. The Japan Rail Pass must be purchased from authorized sales offices or travel agents OUTSIDE of Japan. They issue a voucher for the Rail Pass, which should be presented with your passport at any JR train station to exchange for the actual Rail Pass. For more information, go to www.japanrailpass.net.

Other train operators also offer economical ticket packages for regional rail trips in such cities as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo. These packages are available for daily and weekly use. Train and bus systems in major cities also provide prepaid cards. For details, go to http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/transportation/discount_rail-bus.html, or inquire at the TIC or the Visit Japan Information Network windows.

As the language barrier may still prevent travelers from visiting certain destinations, professional bilingual guide service should be a great help. The Japan Guide Association has over 900 bilingual guides in English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Italian Portuguese, Russian and Korean, and the Japan Federation of Certified Guides also obtains over 500 members as well. Rates for the bilingual guide service vary by fields of topics and by hours of service. The average rates are from 25,000 yen to 45,000 yen per day. Contact your travel agents for arrangement in advance.

There are also volunteer guide services available in several areas of Japan. Goodwill Guide Groups consist of college students and others studying foreign languages, and provide language assistance and local tours free of charge to foreign travelers. Some volunteers preset walking tours to certain destinations and landmarks, but they can also customize tours and arrangements if they receive requests in advance. Although the guide service is completely free of charge, you are expected to pay for transportation, admissions and meals for your guides. To find volunteer guide contacts in different destinations, go to http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/list_volunteerGuides_a-n.html.