JTB USA

I had a similar experience as Angie S. Mika helped us with our rail passes last year and our itinerary for this year. She is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Will definitely continue to use them.

Went in on a state holiday, around lunch. There was no one in the front of the store, save one agent at the desk, who was on the phone. I could hear the voices of 2 – 3 others in the back, talking amongst themselves.
As this was to be my first trip to Japan, I had questions about the JR pass. However, it was clear the agent just wanted to get rid of me. She gave me a couple of websites, one for Hyperdia, which I already knew about, and another with their tours. I did not get any other information of any kind — written, website, verbal. The agent took a call while helping me.
I was in there maybe 15 minutes and left no wiser than when I went in. I ended up going to a competitor’s office downtown where I received a lot of information and had all my questions answered. I ended up giving those nice people all my business.

I purchased my Japan Rail Pass from JTB here a few days before my trip. We were unsure of the days, because we were flying standby, and I was unable to process the transaction through the online site because the dates were too soon. I arrived and was helped very quickly. I think that her was name was Mika (this was a few weeks ago). She was extremely sweet, helpful and actually had a really great personality. I was very pleased with the overall service and would gladly be back if I need further purchases for a trip.

Be aware that there are 2 separate JTB’s. The ‘oli’oli side is facing Ala Moana. The other JTB travel agency (the one facing Walgreens) is the place to go if you want help booking rail passes etc. The staff are not as polite as I would expect from a Japanese company. I guess they already picked up the American way of doing things.
Although not explicitly rude, the 2 agents were not as perky as I would expect. The agent did not even offer to explain what they could offer us in terms of tour packages or even offer to explain the difference between the ‘ordinary car’ or ‘green car.’ We were hoping to walk away with a wealth of options, instead, we left with a bewildered look on our faces.
There are MANY other Japanese travel agencies in Hawaii. We are keeping our options open and will probably not go through JTB

So my girlfriend and I went in on a Friday early afternoon to scout prices for a multi-​city flight to Japan. Unfortunately we went too early as the dates we wanted were not available. However, there were dates available in our time frame so our agent, Monica Kayano, was able to give us an idea of how much it would be. Then she gave me a time frame to call her when then dates we wanted would be available. a few days later, I called her back. The exact dates we wanted were a bit pricier then what she had originally projected but with some flexibility, we moved the trip up one day and saved about $ 200. The prices were awesome though, $ 535 per person round-​trip on Hawaiian. We’re flying Honolulu to Kansai and Haneda to Honolulu. We still have to reserve hotels and work out the train from Osaka to Tokyo, but Monica has been really helpful so far accommodating our early planning.

JTB is A-​OK.
For my recent (and first!) trip to Japan, my friend and I opted to buy tickets online with pick up at the local JTB office. The website provided clear instructions about picking up the passes, as well as the location/​address of the office.
NOTE: If purchasing passes online, make sure to provide the exact name that appears on your passport as the ticket agents in Japan will match the name on the ticket voucher against the name on your passport.
I decided to park in the Nordstrom parking garage since I had other errands to accomplish at Ala Moana. This location is in the shops area fronting Kapiolani Blvd within the same property/​area as Nordstrom itself. I arrived on a Monday morning at nearly 1030 to find the office bustling with activity.
Upon entering, visitors will find a long counter/​desk where various agents are seated to help prospective customers/​clients. There were two agents present at the desk when arrived and one was helping a Japanese couple, while the other was involved with a phone call. I waited for about 5 – 10 minutes, and during this period another staff member acknowledged that I was waiting and assured me that one of the two girls would be with me momentarily. The girl who helped me was very polite, patient, and knowledgeable. She confirmed my online purchase, printed out my rail pass vouchers, and all the while was explaining to me the terms of usage, redemption process, and inquired if I needed any tour information for Japan.
I purchased a seven day JR Rail Green Car pass, which is good for the entire country, including the Shinkansen (sans certain Shinkansen trains, i.e. Nozomi Shinkansen). For the Shinkansen trains, she did mention that you need to go to the ticket office to obtain a ticket for a reserved seat before heading to the platform to catch the train. If not choosing the non-​reserved car on the Shinkansen, you can proceed directly to the train.
After confirming information about redeeming the pass in the Japan I was on my way to finish my errands. I’d say I was in the office at the most 15 minutes.
BOTTOM LINE: Efficient and friendly service. Staff was very patient in taking the time to answer my questions. Appreciated that she took the initiative to ask if I needed any tour information as well.

JTB gets very busy during the February and March months! I went on a Saturday one weekend and they close at 1:00, but we had to wait awhile. I made an appointment on a Monday afternoon they close at 5:30. The lady was so incredible nice and so helpful! Planning a trip to Japan and in two weeks (last minute) and she was extremely helpful. Told us about what site to check for the trains, told us about a portable wifi place and we could order with a cheaper price for JTB, and we got to get our rail pass! I even got to order my tours online! Location wise you need to park in Nordstrom parking lot and walk down. Definitely going back here to ask for more information for future trips!

They are the rudest agents, I have ever encountered. They may know their business. But they don’t know how to speak to people.

No nonsense transaction.
I stopped by JTB to purchase a Japan rail pass. I had done most of my research online before arriving here, so I didn’t have many questions for the agent.
No one was there at 9:20 am, but the two agents were both on the phone. One of the ladies greeted me and motioned for me to have a seat, while she finished her phone conversation. When she was done, she apologized for the wait.
On the desk is a placard that explains the different types of Japan rail passes and their prices. Along the walls are brochures for various tours throughout Japan.
The agent prepared everything quickly and provided a little pamphlet with info about the pass. She explained briefly how to use it and how to get a refund if needed. She asked if I had any questions and kindly answered them.
All in all, it was a short and pleasant experience. The only crux is that there is no parking infront of the store. You either can park at alamoana shopping center and walk along kapiolani blvd or find street parking.

Located on the Nordstrom side of Ala Moana shopping mall. It’s NOT in the mall, but in the shops facing Kapiolani. NO PARKING in the mall with the current construction. I found parking at the meters across the street near American Savings
This was my first interaction with JTB (other than on the phone) while picking up our JR Rail passes (for visitors to Japan ONLY) prior to our two week vacation.
The staff were fantastic. In fact, they were so good that I’m considering using their service to help plan our HUGE Europe trip.

Japan Travel Bureau (JTB)‘s Honolulu location can be found on Kapiolani Boulevard next to Nordstrom. It is located street side rather than within Ala Moana Center like I originally thought.
If you are heading to Asia (especially Japan), this is one of the places to inquire about tours and other travel services. Particularly if you are looking for a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), I would visit JTB. For those not familiar with the JR Pass, it allows foreigners visiting Japan to travel the country by train at a considerable discount.
There are numerous JR passes to choose from. Some are region specific if you only want to travel a certain part of the country. Passes also vary in price depending on the number of days it is valid for.
I visited JTB to get a Northern Kyushu pass. While I could get this specific pass in Japan (unlike many of the other ones), I decided to get it in Hawaii because the exchange rate is more favorable than buying it in Japan. They were offering an even trade between the dollar and yen ($ 1 USD = ¥100) which is better than it is currently.
The process to buy the pass here was quick and easy. You don’t need to bring your passport with you, but make sure you provide the correct name on your passport as they need to create the pass voucher using it.
Much better experience at this JTB branch than I had at the call center-​esque JTB Seattle location. It has the right feel and look of what a travel agency should be.

JTB is the leading Japanese Travel Bureau organizing most of the travel incoming from Japan. They have deep connections with Hawaii Tourism and government agencies and along with KNT and HIS corner both incoming and outgoing travel from and to Japan. I have no problem with their services. other than the trolleys and buses.
There are way too many of them. They drive way to fast.
Some of them drive over old ladies who do not get out of the way in front of DFS. Fact. Some of their passengers fall out because they are standing in these open trolleys who have no doors. and the drivers might drive a little wild around corners. Fact. They will take off your nose if you are standing too close to the curb on Kuhio near their trolley stops. I guess they are in a hurry because they have no where to go. They only carry passengers who book travel through JTB… so you see trolley stops. with only Japanese tourists waiting for their particular travel service bus to take them to the mall. They should take other tourists for a small fee if they are not full which would promote their services for mainlanders to Japan.
None are electric, and Hawaii is suppose to be one day soon … be using only renewable energy and should now promote a clean energy future. I only see a few of them full going to the mall some of the older open air trolleys they sold to KNT are cool looking… but spew black soot. REally bad if you are behind at a stop light. If you are in front of DFS (Duty Free Shop) on Royal Hawaiian Ave … you will see one trolley after another… today 10 trolleys and buses in a row, and no room for cars… again most are not full and some are totally empty. Now they have new Oli Oli buses that are gigantic and look like whales. I would like to take it to the mall sometimes instead of being packed like a sardine in The Bus. The tourists look bored riding around in them back and forth to the Ala Moana Mall and Ward Center shops … hopefully they go to the KCC Farmers Market on Saturday. and daily to the Whole Foods at the Kahala Mall (Japanese love gourmet organic foods) because normal bus service there is not convenient.
I wish they would share riders and use less buses. I wish they would play nice Hawaiian slack key music as they drive around in circles in Waikiki. Ok you dont want local people on your bus. but why dont you share Japanese tourists with the HIS and KNT … less buses and the ones you have are more full, less pollution. less traffic, less noise pollution.
I see that few Japanese read or use Unilocal reviews, but locals do. I hope JTB management does. I know they are good professionals and look to the future. they now rule the road it is up to them to be leaders. not the tail wagging the dog.

jtb /​oli oli trolley office is located adjacent to kapiolani next to the bottom floor of nordstrom. went in the office because i was interested in riding the trolley with more routes. employees became nervous from my inquiries and turned me away because it is a private japanese charter company. will not go inside the office anymore. but i still want to ride the trolley. 2.5 =)))

I get to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train)! Hurray! Maybe you don’t think it’s very exciting, but I think it’s neat. :]
So anyway, if you’re going to Japan and plan on using the Shikansen (or if you’re going to travel through Japan a lot via rail), it’s probably a good idea to look into getting a JR pass (an unlimited rail pass). It’s a pretty good deal and it’s really convenient. Only thing is that you can’t buy it in Japan – you have to buy it before you leave and the JTB office is one place that sells it.
— The JTB office is located on the first floor of Nordstrom – it’s an office right next to where the Bodies exhibit was. It’s where the Oli Oli trolleys go (facing the mall, not Kapiolani Blvd).
— The ladies here are SUPER helpful. I walked in on a whim on a Friday morning and there was no wait time. Most of the information about the pass is on the website but they explained to me the rules, where to redeem it (you pick it up in Japan), and how to use it. I felt a lot more comfortable after talking with them. If you have any questions about anything regarding travel, the JTB ladies would be more then happy to sit down with you and explain.
— JTB has a satellite office in Shirokiya – it’s on the first floor right near the escalators. I ended up buying my pass here because it’s open later. There is only one lady at the desk but she was very sweet and quick. She’ll do all the paperwork for you – it takes about 5 minutes or so, but we had to wait about 15 minutes for her to swing by the main office to pick up the passes. It wasn’t really a problem, there’s so much to look at in Shirokiya!
— If you are interested in tours, most of the information is on their website. I would totally recommend calling the office if you needed a little help deciding. The JTB lady I spoke with gave great advice about general Japan travel and tours – she told me which ones were more interesting for young people. Haha!