News for the Traveler (3)

A special nationwide, tool free telephone line is in operation in Japan to assist non-Japanese speaking travelers in need of travel information.

For calls originating outside of metropolitan Tokyo and Kyoto (using the blue and yellow telephone - red phones are for local calls only), there is no charge. The caller merely inserts a coin (returned at completion of the call) and dials 106. When the operator comes on the line, the caller needs only to say, ''Collect call for T. I. C.,'' to be connected with an English-speaking member of the Tourist Information Center.

The toll free policy does not apply to calls made within metropolitan Tokyo or Kyoto city limits, where by dialing a local call (10 yen) the Tokyo T. I. C. or Kyoto T. I. C. can be reached. The service will be available year round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.