Visit Japan Information Network

Above, the tourist information office at the JR Niigata Station.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran Japan tourist, there may come a time where the services of the network of tourist information offices might be needed.

These are part of the Visit Japan Information Network.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):

The network of tourist information offices, "Visit Japan Information Network" has been set up to assist travelers who are visiting Japan from abroad. This network consists of about 200 tourist information offices scattered all over the country. They are usually located in or near major train stations, or in town centers (look for an establishment with a red question mark with the word "information" underneath). Each office provides information on its local tourist sites.

Some tourist information offices will provide booking services, while others just provide information only.  Some have English-speaking workers (and other languages) and some don't.

If you happen to be in a town and need to find out what attractions are there to see, the information office can provide brochures and maps.

To see a list of tourist information offices, go here.