JTB Corporation
(aka JTB), is the largest travel agency in Japan and one of the largest travel agencies in the world. It specializes in tourism. There are branches all over the world to help Japanese and non-Japanese guests in both private leisure and corporate / business fields. It was formerly owned by the Japanese government. It is headquartered in the JTB Building in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Due to pandemic Covid-19, JTB planed to reduce its group headcount by 7,200 and close 115 domestic outlets in September 2021. History The company was established as "" in 1912, primarily serving foreign visitors to Japan. In 1941 the company was renamed as , and in the following year changed its status from corporation to foundation, while still retaining its travel agency functions. After World War II, the company was renamed as "". In 1963, Japan Travel Bureau was divided into two separate entities, with the travel agency arm becoming an independent corporation while the foundation remained a non-profit organization. However, both organizations retained the Japan Travel Bureau banner. On 1 January 2001, the corporation was renamed "JTB Corporation", while the foundation retained the Japan Travel Bureau name. In 1997, its operations began. The original JTB company,