TIC Certification Program
To improve the quality of services for overseas visitors, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Japan Tourism Agency started the TIC (Tourist Information Center) Certification Program in 2012 and have since approved over 1,500 qualified tourist information centers throughout Japan.
Tourist information providers are classified into 3 categories based on the services and facilities that are available. The certification is valid for 3 years.
Description of Categories
Here are the major requirements to qualify for each category.
| Services and Facilities | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | |||
| All Japan | ● | ||
| Includes neighboring prefectures | ● | ||
| Within the area where the information center is located | ● | ||
| Language | |||
| Full-time English (and 2 or more additional langauges) speaking staff available. | ● | ||
| Full-time English speaking staff or video interpretation available. | ● | ||
| No full-time foreign language staff on duty. Minimal English services available using translation apps, etc | ● | ||
| Days of operation | |||
| Open year-round | ● | ||
| Open regularly including weekends, especially for local peak tourism season. | ● | ||
| Open at least during local peak tourism season. | ● | ||
| Wi-Fi | |||
| Available on site | ● | ||
- Certified Partner Facility
- Partner facilities can be certified if they are able to provide impartial information about the local area to overseas travelers, even if that is not their core business.
