Japan has a reputation for being hi-tech, with bullet trains, heated toilets and robot cafes.
But the human touch is never far away – as this astonishing image reveals.
It shows a hidden attendant popping out of an automated ticket machine at a railway station – Wizard of Oz-style – to help a customer.
The picture was taken by tourist Henry Burrows, while journeying to Nara from Osaka.
He wrote on Flickr, where he posted the picture: ‘Can’t figure out how to use the ticket machines in the station? A helpful man will pop out of one and push the buttons for you.’
This picture, taken in Japan by tourist Henry Burrows, shows an attendant emerging from inside a ticket machine to help a customer. Picture courtesy of Creative Commons
This service is activated by a customer pressing the ‘help’ button.
Known as ‘tobidashi-hito’, the quirky ticket booths have been phased out in some of Japan’s modern stations, but still exist in older ones.
Haroun Khan, at Japan Rail Pass, told MailOnline Travel: ‘These stations feature automated booths where an attendant or customer service representative appears through a hidden panel to provide assistance to customers.
‘This setup is actually quite common in older or less modernised train stations where full-time staff might not always be present, or where there isn’t enough space for a more traditional customer service desk.
‘It works by using a panel or window that blends into the wall, often with a small sign or button so that passengers can spot it easily.
Known as ‘tobidashi-hito’, quirky ticket booths with humans inside them have been phased out in some of Japan’s modern stations, but still exist in older ones
‘When someone needs assistance, they press the button and an attendant slides open a window or door to provide face-to-face service. These systems perfectly balance the need for human interaction with space efficiency. It’s a prime example of Japan’s innovative approach to customer service!’
A tourist who says they used the system in Japan wrote on Reddit: ‘Happened to me in Fukouka at the train station. The guy was super helpful and his English was excellent! Go to Japan!’
Despite the efficient system, Japan’s rail staff are busy, so tourists should only press the button if they are genuinely in need of help.
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