Translation guide
A business that arranges travel, flights, hotels, and tours. In Japanese, the most common term is 旅行会社, but 旅行代理店 is also used, especially in formal contexts. For specific types like a ticket counter or tour desk, other terms apply.
travel agency (general)
travel agency (formal)
More formal, often used in business contexts.
Referring to a business that sells travel packages, flights, and accommodations.
The most common and general term for a travel agency. Suitable for everyday conversation.
I bought a plane ticket at a travel agency.
A more formal term, often used in business or official contexts. Emphasizes the agency as an agent.
Refers to a travel agent or operator as a business entity, often used in industry or legal contexts.
A physical counter where you can buy tickets or book travel, often inside another facility.
Commonly used for travel service counters in department stores, stations, or airports.
You can buy Shinkansen tickets at the travel counter in the station.
A more specific term for a counter operated by a travel agency, often found in airports.
A place that gives travel information, maps, and sometimes booking services, often run by a local tourism board.
A tourist information center, usually providing free maps, brochures, and advice. May not sell tickets.
I got a map at the tourist information center.
Loanword from English, often used in signs or names of tourist information centers.
旅行会社 is the everyday word for a travel agency. 旅行代理店 is more formal and emphasizes the agency's role as an agent. In casual conversation, 旅行会社 is preferred.
I got a brochure at the travel agency.
Arrange flight tickets through a travel agency.
When talking about going to a travel agency, use 旅行会社に行く. Avoid literal translations like トラベルエージェンシー, which is not commonly used.
I booked my trip at a travel agency.
Is there a travel agency near here?
あの旅行会社は評判がいいです。
That travel agency has a good reputation.
I booked a tour through a travel agency.
Travel agencies must comply with the new regulations.
I arranged a rental car at the travel agency counter in the airport.
There is a tourist information center near the station.