Tourist information centers, the refuge of foreign tourists, are busier than ever. We followed the efforts of the unknown staff. ■ A spot that satisfied a Canadian family Last month, a new tourist information center opened in Asakusa. This tourist information center is located in Oku-Asakusa, located behind Sensoji Temple. Mai Koshikawa, manager of "IKIDANE," which operates the tourist information center, said: "It's a place where the atmosphere of the old downtown remains. I hope we can spread the cool side of Japan." Around 9:30 a.m., a woman visited. The family from Canada said, "We want to go to a place that is unique to Japan." Why did the family, who arrived in Japan three days ago, become interested in Japan? From Canada: "My daughter's dream was to visit Japan." "During World War II, it was seen as barbaric, but now it's said to be the kindest country in the world, and you can experience beautiful culture. Well, I'm just a fan of anime." The family visited a house in Oku-Asakusa. What on earth was going on inside... In addition to the family, there were other foreigners visiting. In fact, this is a tea ceremony class. Apparently, it's a popular spot for foreign tourists because English is spoken there. "It's like an energy drink," they said of tasting matcha for the first time. "This is exactly what I wanted to do. Japan is the only place in the world where you can have this experience." Why? The Italian couple came twice A new tourist information center opened by a company that manages accommodation facilities. The staff consists of five people, including those with hotel front desk experience, and they can provide support in six languages. On this day, a couple from Italy came. They never expected to meet again... From Italy: "We only have two days in Tokyo, where should we go?" Sightseeing in Tokyo in two days... That's hectic. Staff: "This is Sensoji Temple." From Italy: "I see," "I just went there." Staff: "I see." It seems that they have already been sightseeing in Asakusa. From Italy: "Is there any traditional theater with a Japanese feel?" Interpreter: "Do you know anything about Kabuki?" From Italy: "No, I don't." A couple interested in Kabuki. The staff immediately contacted the Kabukiza. Staff: "Can I go directly to buy tickets for today's Kabuki?" "It looks like I can buy tickets on the day." We explained how to get from Asakusa to the Kabukiza. I thought, "I'm glad I was able to help the couple," but an hour later, the couple came again. What on earth was going on? From Italy: "We're only in Tokyo for two days, so we thought today was the only day to see everything." They learned that Kabuki performances are long, so they decided to do it another time. "We want to see traditional Japanese things in a short time." Where would you recommend? From Italy: "What's inside?" Staff: "Inside this, traditional Japanese things are on display." From Italy: "There are traditional and historical things here." "Do you want to go here? Let's go here." "Yes." It seems there was a place that met the couple's request. It took 20 minutes from the information desk in Asakusa to reach Ueno. Our destination was the Tokyo National Museum. Indeed, here you can enjoy traditional Japanese things at a time that suits you. From Italy: "The idea of ​​going to the National Museum was a great one. Without him, I wouldn't have been here. I want to say thank you." ■Secondhand items wanted by French men In fact, there is a tourist information center in Ueno. It is the "Tokyo Tourist Information Center" located in front of the ticket gates of Keisei Ueno Station. As it is the gateway to Tokyo from Narita Airport, on busy days, it is visited by around 500 foreign tourists. On this day, a French brother and sister came. "There is a secondhand item that I really want." They said they are photographers, but there was a reason why they went out of their way to look for a secondhand lens in Japan. From France: "I want a secondhand lens." Staff: "Have you taken any good photos in Japan?" From France: "This is my favorite. The children are wearing red hats, so I thought it was a good composition and took the photo." Staff: "I found three good stores." The staff guided us to three stores in Akihabara. Is there something you are looking for? Salesperson: "This is a special product." From France: "Do you think it will look good?" What she was looking for was an old Japanese lens that would create a soft atmosphere. She is a true professional. She seems to be very particular. After four hours of deliberation, she purchased the lens that she was satisfied with and was grateful to the tourist information center. From France: "I couldn't find a store like this anywhere in the world. The store you introduced to me was the best." ■ Why? The coin locker won't open On this day, the staff at the tourist information center were in a panic. The person who had the problem was a woman from Taiwan. She said, "I can't get my luggage out of the coin locker that I put in three days ago." From Taiwan: "Maybe she just didn't know how to do it." There are lockers near the information center, so many people come to ask for help. You can pay with an IC card. I thought the locker would not open for some reason, but it seems that the balance on the IC card was insufficient. From Taiwan: "I was in trouble, but I guess it was just bad luck. Thank you." ■ A hidden spot that you can enjoy even during a typhoon! ? On this day, the city was hit by heavy rains due to the influence of Typhoon No. 13. The woman from Hong Kong couldn't work because of the heavy rains, so she decided to take a rest. It seems that there are hot springs in Ueno too... From Hong Kong: "What is your most recommended place?" Staff: "When I think of Ueno..." After this, the staff's idea made the woman very happy. From Hong Kong: "It's so close. I'm so glad." "Kotobuki-yu" was founded in Ueno 71 years ago. It's not actually a hot spring, but it is a tasteful public bathhouse that is popular with foreigners. The woman, who said it was her first time at a public bathhouse, was impressed by the unique Japanese culture. From Hong Kong: "It was all locals, so it was a relief. (Information staff) They were so kind. I'd like to meet them again. There are still things I don't know, so please come again." The tourist information center is very busy today as well. [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp