Things Japanese
Dial 106
Dial 106 To Get Free Language Assistance
When you are outside of Tokyo or Kyoto and find yourself in meed of language assistance, dial 106 on a yellow or bkue public telephone, for instant help. Insert a 10 yen coin, tell the operator "Collect Call, TIC" and you will be connected with the Tourist Information Center (TIC) in either Tokyo or Kyoto where an English-speaking staff will be on hand to help you.
Your 10 yen coin will be returned after the call is completed. Calls can be made from any place in the country outside of Tokyo and Kyoto. This "Travel-Phone" service is available daily Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Similar assistance, but NOT by a "Collect Call" system, can be obtained while in Tokyo or Kyoto by calling TIC at 502-1461 (Tokyo) through regular telephone service.