This workshop gives you active speaking practice with a short, useful exchange. You will ask where the tourist information center is, listen for the location in the reply, and ask for a map. Each native line is provided through a recording reference, and you will check your own answers after each task. You can play both roles with the audio, but there is no automatic assessment, so use the answer keys to confirm your choices.
Asking the key question
The main question in this lesson asks for the location of the tourist information center. A polite opening gets attention before the question. «すみません、観光案内所はどこですか。» means the speaker is saying excuse me and then asking where the tourist information center is. A shorter version is «観光案内所はどこですか。», which means where is the tourist information center. You can also include a landmark: «駅前の観光案内所はどこですか。» means where is the tourist information center in front of the station. When you speak, keep the question short and clear, and use a rising intonation at the end. If you are not understood, repeat the same question slowly rather than adding new words.
Understanding the reply
After you ask, listen for the building and the floor. «駅前のビルの中です。二階です。» means it is inside the building in front of the station, and it is on the second floor. The reply gives two pieces of information: the building and the floor. Do not confuse a location on the right with an instruction to turn right; in this lesson the reply describes where the center is, not a direction to turn. If you hear the building and the floor, you have the answer you need. You can then thank the person and continue with your next request.
Asking for a map and closing
A common follow-up is to ask for a map. «地図をもらえますか。» means can I get a map. You can combine thanks with this request: «ありがとうございます。地図をもらえますか。» means thank you, can I get a map. The staff reply «はい、どうぞ。英語を話せる人もいます。» means yes, here you are, and there is also someone who can speak English. Notice that the reply confirms the map and adds helpful information about language support. When you practice, say your question, listen to the reply, and then respond with thanks. Keep your voice calm and your pace steady so the other person can follow you.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
観光案内所はどこですか。
Where is the tourist information center?
Kankō annaijo wa doko desu ka.
ツーリストインフォメーションはどこですか。
Where is the tourist information center?
Tsūrisuto infomēshon wa doko desu ka.
駅前の観光案内所はどこですか。
Where is the tourist information center in front of the station?
Ekimae no kankō annaijo wa doko desu ka.
地図をもらえますか。
Can I get a map?
Chizu o moraemasu ka.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、観光案内所はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the tourist information center?駅前のビルの中です。二階です。
It is inside the building in front of the station. It is on the second floor.ありがとうございます。地図をもらえますか。
Thank you. Can I get a map?はい、どうぞ。英語を話せる人もいます。
Yes, here you are. There is also someone who can speak English.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange at the station
You are a visitor at a station. You need the tourist information center. Your partner plays a staff member. Use the recordings to guide your lines.
Your task: First, greet and ask your question using «すみません、観光案内所はどこですか。». Then listen to the staff reply «駅前のビルの中です。二階です。». After that, thank the staff member and ask for a map using «ありがとうございます。地図をもらえますか。». Finally, listen to the reply «はい、どうぞ。英語を話せる人もいます。». Repeat the exchange once, then swap roles with your partner and do it again.
Choose the correct reply
You have just asked where the tourist information center is. Read the two possible replies below and choose the one that matches the recording.
Your task: Option A: «駅前のビルの中です。二階です。». Option B: «地図をもらえますか。». Which option answers your location question? Say your choice aloud, then say the line you would use next to ask for a map.
Recall and role swap
Work with a partner. One person is the visitor and the other is the staff member. Cover the text and use only the recordings as prompts.
Your task: The visitor asks the location question using «すみません、観光案内所はどこですか。». The staff member replies with «駅前のビルの中です。二階です。». The visitor then thanks the staff member and asks for a map using «ありがとうございます。地図をもらえますか。». The staff member replies with «はい、どうぞ。英語を話せる人もいます。». After one full round, swap roles and repeat. Keep the same order: question, reply, follow-up question, reply.
Common questions
Can I use the short question instead of the longer one?
Yes. «観光案内所はどこですか。» means where is the tourist information center, and it works as a short question. «すみません、観光案内所はどこですか。» adds an opening before the question. Both are suitable, so choose the one you can say clearly.
What should I listen for in the reply?
Listen for the building and the floor. «駅前のビルの中です。二階です。» means it is inside the building in front of the station, and it is on the second floor. If you hear those details, you have the location you asked for.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a tourist information centerChecked September 2026
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