Picture this: you’re fresh off a long flight, jet lagged, and your phone battery is running on fumes. You need a train route, a local map, and maybe a quick hotspot to get sorted. That’s exactly where Tokyo Tourist Information Centers come in. These hubs offer free Wi-Fi, multi-language pamphlets, ticket sales, luggage services, and more, all under one roof.
Here’s the thing, if you know how to tap into their full suite of services, you’ll save both time and yen. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn exactly where to go, what services to use, and how to breeze past common pitfalls. Let’s dive in and make your Tokyo trip smoother from the very first minute.
Understand center benefits
Why visit info centers
Tokyo Tourist Information Centers are more than just maps on a wall. These centers act as your personal concierge, offering:
- Free Wi-Fi so you can pull up maps or check train schedules
- Multi-language brochures covering attractions, dining, and neighborhoods
- Ticket sales for tours, museums, and events (often with a small discount)
- Currency exchange (at select locations) and temporary safekeeping of items
- Accessible tourism support, from wheelchairs to stroller rentals
- Nationwide delivery services to ship packages anywhere in Japan
How you save time and money
So how does all that cut your costs? For one, you avoid pricey data roaming by using on-site Wi-Fi. You skip convoluted ticket booths by buying passes right there. And you dodge wasted afternoons wandering train stations thanks to clear route advice. In short, these centers help you move faster through Tokyo’s vast transport network, and they often secure lower rates for popular attractions.
Find center locations
Five permanent centers
The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau operates five main info hubs across the city. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Location | Key services | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government | Sightseeing info, free Wi-Fi, volunteer guides | Panoramic city views (45th floor) |
| Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal | Route advice, parcel delivery, currency exchange | Nationwide shipping desk |
| Haneda Airport | Flight updates, travel routes, hotel info | Immediate post-arrival assistance |
| Keisei Ueno Station | Tour routes, attraction tickets | Proximity to Ueno Park |
| Tama Tourist Information Center | Local transit tips, regional brochures | Gateway to western Tokyo zones |
(Source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Temporary info spots
You’ll also spot pop-up centers at seasonal events or major festivals. These temporary hubs pop up in areas like Ginza or near Tokyo Station during peak tourism periods. Keep an eye out for bright signs—staff at these booths offer many of the same perks, minus permanent facilities.
Use online information guides
Online tourist guide features
Can’t make it to a center in person? The Tokyo Tourist Information Center Online Tourist Guide has your back. Accessible for free, this platform offers:
- Interactive maps with real-time transit updates
- Downloadable audio guides in multiple languages
- Lists of local festivals, with schedules and venue details
- Links to partner discounts for restaurants and shops
How to access it
Just head to the Go Tokyo site on your phone or laptop. No login required. Bookmark the page before you arrive, and you’ll have most on-site services at your fingertips.
Navigate on-site services
Sightseeing and route advice
Feeling overwhelmed by Tokyo’s sprawling train and bus network? Staff members know the fastest connections, including scenic routes and off-peak alternatives. They’ll print custom itineraries or jot down walking directions so you don’t miss that hidden shrine or café.
Ticket sales and pamphlets
Skip third-party vendors and their fees. These centers sell:
- Metro and JR pass upgrades
- Discounted attraction tickets for museums, observatories, and guided tours
- Specialty tickets for day trips to Nikko or Hakone
You’ll also find themed pamphlets—cherry blossom guides in spring, fireworks maps in summer—that let you plan around seasonal highlights.
Currency exchange and safekeeping
At Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal), you can exchange yen and ship packages anywhere in Japan. If you don’t want to lug heavy souvenirs all day, drop them off for temporary storage and pick them up before heading back to the airport.
Ship and store luggage
Nationwide delivery service
Traveling light? Use the nationwide parcel delivery desk at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to send purchases or baggage directly to your next hotel or the airport. Rates start around 1,500 yen per package, often cheaper than taxi fees.
Temporary safekeeping
Most centers offer cloakroom-style storage for backpacks, umbrellas, or coats. Fees are minimal (around 200 yen per item per day). That means you can explore the Tsukiji fish market or teamLab Borderless without dragging extra weight.
Connect to free Wi-Fi
Why free Wi-Fi matters
Tokyo’s public Wi-Fi can be patchy, and data roaming charges add up fast. A quick stop at an info center ensures you can:
- Check real-time train delays
- Update your ride-share apps
- Send location pins to friends
How to get online
Simply ask staff for the SSID and one-time password. Many centers display a QR code—scan it, and you’ll be surfing in seconds. For broader coverage tips, see our guide to Tokyo Wi-Fi internet access.
Arrange accessible tourism
Wheelchairs and strollers
Here’s a helpful twist: these centers loan out wheelchairs and baby strollers free of charge. Just show your passport or hotel card, fill a short form, and you’re set. This service makes historic districts like Asakusa way more manageable if mobility is a concern.
Multilingual support
Beyond English, staff or volunteer guides can assist in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and more. They’ll point out barrier-free routes on your maps, ensuring you can catch low-floor trains and elevator access without guesswork.
Tap into volunteer guides
Booking a volunteer guide
The Tokyo Tourism Volunteers program connects you with enthusiastic locals who’ll walk you through neighborhoods and share insider tips. To book:
- Visit a permanent center and fill out a simple request form
- Choose your preferred date, time, and district
- Confirm your guide’s details and meeting spot
What to expect
These guides are not paid, so consider bringing a small thank-you gift (no tipping needed—see our Tokyo tipping culture guide for more). Expect a two- to four-hour tour highlighting hidden cafés, local crafts shops, or tranquil temples.
Combine with travel resources
To supercharge your planning, pair info center visits with these handy guides:
- Avoid peak crowds, check our rush hour times Tokyo avoid
- Understand local tipping norms in our Tokyo tipping culture guide
- Manage cash and cards via Japan cash or card payments
- Secure extra internet through Japan sim card for tourists
- Store odds and ends, see Tokyo luggage storage options
Prepare for your visit
Best times to drop by
Centers tend to be busiest mid-day (11 AM to 2 PM). If you can swing by early (9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM), you’ll face shorter lines and get one-on-one advice.
What to bring
- Passport (for delivery services or wheelchair loans)
- Hotel details (address, phone) for ticket bookings
- A list of must-see spots so staff can tailor your maps
- Your biggest smile—it helps staff match you with the right pamphlets
FAQs
1. Can I use Tokyo Tourist Information Centers outside major stations?
Yes, you’ll find pop-up info booths at festivals and event venues. For permanent hubs, check the table above.
2. Do I need cash to access services?
Most services are free. For parcel delivery, currency exchange, or storage fees, you’ll need yen (credit cards are accepted at some locations).
3. Are volunteer guides available without reservation?
Walk-ins are subject to availability. To guarantee a guide, submit a request form at least 24 hours in advance.
4. Can I pick up items I shipped to a center after hours?
No, retrieval is only during operating hours. Plan your delivery so you can collect before each center closes.
5. Is the online tourist guide updated in real time?
Yes, the Online Tourist Guide on the Go Tokyo site refreshes transit data and event listings regularly.
