JTB Western Japan, Corp. opened on December 10 Kansai Tourist Information Center Shinsaibashi (KTICS) in Osaka's Shinsaibashi district, a popular shopping and entertainment spot among overseas visitors to Japan. KTICS is located on the third floor above the Tommy Hilfiger store.

Kansai Tourist Information Center Website

(English) :           http://www.tic-kansai.jp/

(Simplified Chinese) : http://www.tic-kansai.jp/sc/

The number of overseas visitors to Japan has been on the rise in recent years. Their travel styles have diversified from traveling in package tours or small groups to traveling as free independent travelers (FIT). The Kansai region in western Japan in particular can expect further increases in visitor numbers as low-cost carriers (LCC) are opening new routes between Kansai International Airport and airports in Asia and other parts of the world.

Taking into consideration the changing international travel climate and how best to serve overseas visitors to the Kansai region, JTB Western Japan made the decision to establish KTICS.

About Kansai Tourist Information Center Shinsaibashi (KTICS)

Business objectives

KTICS will provide one-stop services, including offering information on sightseeing spots and travel arrangements, enabling overseas visitors to the Kansai region to get the maximum enjoyment and excitement out of their visit by experiencing the region's nature, culture and history and interacting with local residents.

Outline of the store

Name: Kansai Tourist Information Center Shinsaibashi

Tel: +81-6-6214-5370

Homepage: http://www.tic-kansai.jp

E-mail: ktic_shinsaibashi@west.jtb.jp

Location: 3F Tommy Hilfiger Store, 2-5-1, Shinsaibashi-Suji, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 542-0085     

Personnel: 5 staff providing services in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean

Holidays: Year-end / New Year period (planned)

Business hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Service content

- Information on sightseeing spots and transportation across Japan

- Sales of domestic sightseeing tours and various transportation passes

- Remote simultaneous interpretation system, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, free Internet connection

- Short-term luggage storage and parcel delivery services

Customer contact:

Name: Kansai Tourist Information Center Shinsaibashi

Tel: +81-6-6214-5370

Language support: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean

About JTB Western Japan, Corp.

Head office: Chuo Ward, Osaka City

President and Representative Director: Kiyohide Mitsuyama

Source: JTB Western Japan, Corp.