Need Something Else?
Custom Request – Anything Else in Japan
Need help that doesn't fit our other services? Tell us what you need, and if we can help, we'll explain exactly how and provide a no-obligation quote.
What this service is
Not every problem has a booking page. Sometimes you need someone to make a phone call, translate a document, accompany you to a government office, collect an item, wait for a delivery, explain something, or solve an unexpected problem during your trip.
Japan Hand accepts custom requests for anything that doesn’t fit one of our standard services. If you need a Japanese speaker to be somewhere, do something, make a call, complete paperwork, collect something, or simply accompany you for a few hours, tell us what you need and we’ll honestly tell you whether we can help.
Many of the services we now offer began as custom requests. Visitors have asked us to contact companies that ignored emails, buy tickets through Japanese-only lottery systems, help at banks and ward offices, send parcels overseas, arrange deliveries, accompany them to meetings, translate important documents, and solve situations we had never encountered before.
If we can help, we’ll explain exactly what your helper will do and provide a personalised quote before anything is agreed. If we aren’t the right people for the job—or your request requires a qualified professional—we’ll tell you honestly and point you in the right direction instead.
Helpers are available in multiple languages throughout Japan, including regional areas. Requests can be made before you travel or while you’re already in Japan.
Who This Service Is For, and What We Do
The Problems We Solve
- Everyday problems can be difficult to resolve – Many travel issues do not fit a specific service category, leaving visitors unsure where to seek help.
- Public and essential services operate mainly in Japanese – Banks, post offices, local government offices, utility providers, and delivery companies generally expect customers to communicate in Japanese.
- Booking systems are often designed for local users – Tickets and reservations may require Japanese-only websites, lottery applications, convenience store terminals, or telephone bookings.
- Translation apps have practical limitations – While useful for simple text, they often struggle with handwriting, vertical writing, context, and the intended meaning of conversations.
What Your Helper Does
Your helper listens to your request, explains whether we can help, outlines exactly what they’ll do, carries out the task in Japanese where needed, keeps you informed throughout, and recommends alternatives if your request falls outside our services.
Reassurance
There is no charge for asking. If we aren’t the right people, we’ll tell you honestly and point you toward someone who is.
Duration
Varies depending on your request.
Pricing
Every request is different. Pricing depends on the task, how long it takes, where in Japan it happens, and the language support required.
FAQs
Is there anything you will not do?
Yes. Nothing unsafe, nothing illegal, and nothing a qualified professional should handle. We will say so plainly and point you elsewhere.
How quickly will you reply?
Usually within a couple of hours. Say if it is urgent.
Do I need to know exactly what I need?
No. Describe the situation and we will work out what would help.
Which parts of Japan do you cover?
Cities and regional areas alike. Ask about where you are and we will tell you honestly.
What does it cost if you cannot help?
Nothing. There is no charge for asking.
Can I ask before I travel?
Yes, and many things are easier to arrange in advance.
What languages do you work in?
Tell us your preferred language and we will match a helper where we can.
How much does it cost?
It depends entirely on the request. Describe it and we will give you a price with no obligation.