Tokyo Business Travel Guide 2026: Essential Tips for Professionals

Tokyo, the world's largest metropolitan area, is a global business hub combining cutting-edge technology with centuries-old traditions. Success in Tokyo requires understanding Japanese business culture, efficient navigation, and proper etiquette. This comprehensive guide will help you maximize your business trip to Japan's capital.

Essential Tokyo Business Information

Overview

• Population: 37+ million (metro area)
• Language: Japanese (limited English)
• Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
• Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
• Business Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
• Peak Business Season: April-June, September-November

Tokyo Business Districts

Marunouchi (Traditional Finance)

• Near Tokyo Station
• Major corporations HQs
• Banking & finance
• Government offices
• Most prestigious location

Otemachi (Modern Finance)

• Financial district
• International banks
• High-rise offices
• Connected to Marunouchi

Roppongi (International)

• IT companies
• Foreign firms
• Tech startups
• Modern offices
• English-friendly

Shibuya (Tech & Startups)

• Tech companies
• Creative industries
• Younger vibe
• Google Japan office

Shinjuku (Commerce)

• Major retail headquarters
• Diverse industries
• Government buildings
• Transport hub

Japanese Business Etiquette

Business Card (Meishi) Exchange

Critical Importance:

• Business cards are sacred in Japan
• Exchange happens at every meeting
• Your card represents you and your company

Proper Exchange Protocol:

Presenting Your Card:

1. Hold card with both hands
2. Japanese side facing recipient
3. Slight bow (15 degrees)
4. Say: "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (Please treat me favorably)
5. Ensure text is right-side up and readable

Receiving Cards:

1. Accept with both hands
2. Read it carefully (don't just pocket it)
3. Comment on company or role
4. Place on table during meeting (in order of hierarchy)
5. Never write on it during meeting
6. Store carefully in card holder after

Card Etiquette Rules:

• ✅ Always have 100+ cards
• ✅ English one side, Japanese other side
• ✅ Quality card stock (no flimsy)
• ✅ Card holder (never loose in pocket)
• ✅ Present with both hands
• ❌ Never crumple, bend, or damage cards
• ❌ Don't put in back pocket
• ❌ Don't hand out damaged cards

Before Trip:

• Order 200+ bilingual business cards
• Get card holder (leather, quality)
• Practice exchange protocol

Meeting Etiquette

Punctuality (Jikan):

• ⏰ Be 10-15 minutes early
• Japanese are extremely punctual
• Late = extremely disrespectful
• Plan extra travel time
• If unavoidably late, apologize profusely

Entering Meeting Room:

• Remove coat outside room
• Knock and wait for invitation
• Enter with bow
• Stand until told to sit
• Hierarchy determines seating

Seating Arrangement:

• Highest ranking sits furthest from door (kamiza)
• Lowest ranking sits nearest door (shimoza)
• Follow host's guidance
• Never assume seating

Bowing (Ojigi):

• Light bow (15°): Casual greeting, thanks
• Medium bow (30°): Respect, meeting start/end
• Deep bow (45°): Apology, extreme respect
• Hands at sides for men
• Hands in front for women
• Never bow with hands in pockets

Meeting Behavior:

• Silence is normal (don't fill it)
• Decisions not made in meeting (consensus process)
• Listen more than speak
• Indirect communication style
• Never interrupt
• Take notes (shows respect)
• No phone checking (very rude)

Gift Giving (Omiyage):

• Small gift from your country
• Quality packaging important
• Present with both hands
• Say: "Tsumaranai mono desu ga" (It's nothing special, but...)
• Regional specialty from home ideal
• Budget: $30-$100
• Never give 4 or 9 items (unlucky numbers)

Communication Style

Indirectness:

• Japanese avoid direct "no"
• "That might be difficult" = no
• "We'll consider it" = probably no
• "Let me check with my team" = need more time
• Read between the lines

Silence:

• Silence is not awkward
• Shows thoughtfulness
• Don't rush to fill pauses
• Comfortable with silence

Consensus (Nemawashi):

• Decisions made before formal meeting
• Informal pre-meeting discussions crucial
• Build consensus gradually
• Formal meeting = announcement of decision
• Be patient with process

Hierarchy:

• Extreme respect for rank
• Address senior people first
• Defer to highest ranking
• Never challenge superior publicly
• Know your counterpart's position

Dress Code

Men:

• Dark suit (navy or charcoal gray)
• White shirt (always white)
• Conservative tie
• Black leather shoes (polished)
• Dark socks
• Minimal accessories
• No bright colors
• No brown in business

Women:

• Dark suit (skirt or pants)
• White or light blouse
• Closed-toe shoes (moderate heel)
• Minimal jewelry
• Conservative makeup
• No bright colors
• Understated elegance

General Rules:

• Conservative, formal
• Quality over fashion
• Spotless and pressed
• Attention to grooming
• Remove outerwear before meeting

Getting Around Tokyo

From Narita Airport (NRT)

Distance: 60km (37 miles) east of Tokyo Travel Time: 50-90 minutes

Narita Express (N'EX):

• Train to major stations
• Tokyo Station: ¥3,070 (~$21), 60 min
• Shibuya: ¥3,250, 75 min
• Comfortable, reserved seating
• Best for: Business travelers
• Runs 6 AM - 10 PM

Skyliner (Keisei):

• To Ueno/Nippori
• ¥2,520 (~$17), 41 min to Ueno
• Fastest option
• Transfer to subway
• Best for: Ueno area

Airport Limousine Bus:

• Direct to major hotels
• ¥3,200 (~$22)
• 90 min (traffic dependent)
• Luggage-friendly
• Best for: Lots of luggage

Taxi:

• ¥20,000-30,000 ($135-200)
• 60-90 minutes
• Best for: Group, late night

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Distance: 15km (9 miles) south of Tokyo Travel Time: 20-40 minutes

Tokyo Monorail:

• To Hamamatsucho: ¥500, 20 min
• Connect to JR Yamanote Line
• Frequent service
• Best value

Keikyu Line:

• To Shinagawa: ¥300, 13 min
• Cheapest option
• Good connections

Airport Limousine Bus:

• Direct to hotels: ¥1,200-1,500
• 30-60 min

Taxi:

• ¥6,000-8,000 ($40-55)
• 30 minutes
• Fixed rates to city center

Tokyo Metro & Transportation

Subway System:

• 13 subway lines
• 285 stations
• Most efficient in world
• Runs 5 AM - 1 AM

IC Cards (Essential!):

• Suica or Pasmo
• Rechargeable smart card
• Works on ALL trains, buses
• Convenience stores, vending machines
• Buy at any station: ¥2,000 (¥500 deposit)
• Get one immediately

Google Maps:

• Most accurate for Tokyo transit
• Real-time directions
• Platform numbers
• Essential app

Taxis:

• Clean, safe, expensive
• Automatic doors (don't touch!)
• Show address in Japanese
• ¥730 base fare
• Limited English

Walking:

• Stations often 5-10 min apart
• Pleasant to walk
• Pedestrian-friendly
• Wear comfortable shoes

Transportation Tips

Rush Hour (Avoid!):

• Morning: 7:30-9:30 AM
• Evening: 5:30-7:30 PM
• Extremely crowded
• Plan meetings around this

Last Train:

• Midnight-1 AM
• Miss it = expensive taxi
• Plan dinner end time
• Check last train time

Signage:

• English signs in major stations
• Exit numbers important
• Note exit before arriving
• Stations are massive

Business Hotels in Tokyo

Premium Options

Palace Hotel Tokyo (Marunouchi)

• Rate: ¥80,000-120,000 ($550-830/night)
• View of Imperial Palace
• Top business facilities
• Michelin-starred dining
• Best for: High-level meetings

The Peninsula Tokyo (Marunouchi)

• Rate: ¥70,000-100,000 ($480-690)
• Near Hibiya
• Luxury service
• Excellent location
• Best for: Impressing clients

Conrad Tokyo (Shiodome)

• Rate: ¥60,000-90,000 ($410-620)
• Modern luxury
• Amazing views
• Executive floor
• Best for: C-suite

Shangri-La Tokyo (Marunouchi)

• Rate: ¥55,000-85,000 ($380-585)
• Near Tokyo Station
• Business-focused
• High-floor rooms

Upper Mid-Range

Andaz Tokyo (Roppongi)

• Rate: ¥45,000-70,000 ($310-480)
• Modern design
• Tech-friendly
• English-speaking staff
• Best for: Tech companies

Grand Hyatt Tokyo (Roppongi)

• Rate: ¥40,000-65,000 ($275-450)
• International vibe
• Great gym
• Near Roppongi business

Park Hyatt Tokyo (Shinjuku)

• Rate: ¥50,000-75,000 ($345-515)
• Famous from Lost in Translation
• Luxury experience
• Quiet location

Business-Class Hotels

Cerulean Tower Tokyu (Shibuya)

• Rate: ¥25,000-40,000 ($170-275)
• Great value
• Near Shibuya Station
• Business facilities
• Best value in category

Keio Plaza Hotel (Shinjuku)

• Rate: ¥20,000-35,000 ($140-240)
• Convention hotel
• Meeting rooms
• Near Shinjuku Station

ANA InterContinental (Akasaka)

• Rate: ¥25,000-40,000 ($170-275)
• Traditional service
• Good location
• Business center

Budget Business Hotels

Sotetsu Fresa Inn (Multiple locations)

• Rate: ¥10,000-15,000 ($70-105)
• Clean, efficient
• Small rooms
• Good locations

Hotel Gracery (Shinjuku)

• Rate: ¥12,000-18,000 ($80-125)
• Above Shinjuku Station
• Convenient
• Godzilla on roof!

Super Hotel (Multiple locations)

• Rate: ¥8,000-12,000 ($55-80)
• Breakfast included
• Efficient, clean
• Very small rooms

Hotel Selection Tips

Choose Based On:

• Meeting locations
• Station access
• Budget
• Length of stay
• Client entertainment needs

All Hotels Include:

• ✅ Excellent wifi
• ✅ Cleanliness
• ✅ Safety
• ✅ Toiletries

Business Dining in Tokyo

Important Dining Etiquette

Chopstick Rules:

• ❌ Never stick chopsticks in rice (funeral ritual)
• ❌ Never pass food chopstick-to-chopstick
• ❌ Don't point with chopsticks
• ✅ Rest on holder, not bowl
• ✅ Use serving chopsticks for shared dishes

Drinking Culture:

• Never pour your own drink
• Pour for others
• Hold cup when being poured for
• First drink is "kampai" (cheers) together
• Drinking with business essential
• Pace yourself (can be a lot)

Restaurant Behavior:

• Say "itadakimasu" before eating
• Slurping noodles acceptable (shows enjoyment)
• Finish everything on plate
• Say "gochisousama deshita" after
• Paying at register, not table

Client Entertainment

Izakaya (Japanese Pub)

• Casual business dinners
• Shared small plates
• Drinks and conversation
• ¥5,000-8,000 per person
• Best for: Team bonding

Kaiseki (Multi-course)

• High-end Japanese
• Seasonal ingredients
• Art form
• ¥15,000-30,000+ per person
• Best for: Important clients

Sushi (High-End)

• Omakase style
• Chef's counter
• No menu (trust chef)
• ¥20,000-40,000
• Best for: Impressive dining

Teppanyaki

• Wagyu beef common
• Chef cooks at table
• Interactive
• ¥10,000-25,000
• Best for: Group entertainment

Tempura

• High-end specialty
• Counter seating best
• Fresh preparation
• ¥10,000-20,000

Recommended Restaurants

Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza)

• World-famous sushi
• 3 Michelin stars
• Need reservation months ahead
• ¥40,000+

Ishikawa (Kagurazaka)

• 3-star kaiseki
• Intimate setting
• ¥20,000-30,000

Narisawa (Aoyama)

• Innovative Japanese-French
• 2 Michelin stars
• Sustainable focus
• ¥25,000-35,000

Gonpachi (Nishi-Azabu)

• Kill Bill restaurant
• Modern izakaya
• Good for groups
• ¥6,000-10,000

Booking Tips

• Reserve 2-4 weeks ahead (popular places)
• Hotel concierge can help
• Some require Japanese speaker
• Credit card often needed to hold

Staying Connected in Tokyo

Connectivity Options

Hotel WiFi:

• Excellent in all hotels
• Fast and reliable
• Free in most business hotels

Public WiFi:

• Limited and inconsistent
• Some cafes/stations
• Not reliable for business

Mobile Data (Essential):

• Critical for navigation
• Google Maps constantly
• Business communication
• Translation apps

eSIM for Tokyo

Why eSIM is Perfect:

• ✅ Activate before arrival
• ✅ Immediate connectivity
• ✅ Much cheaper than roaming
• ✅ Keep home number active
• ✅ No SIM card hunting
• ✅ Easy management

Recommended Data:

• 5-10GB per week
• Heavy use: Google Maps, translation
• Business emails
• Video calls

Essential Apps:

• Google Maps (must-have!)
• Google Translate (download Japanese offline)
• Suica app (IC card management)
• Tabelog (restaurant reviews)
• Hyperdia (train routes)

Cultural Tips for Business Success

Do's

• ✅ Be extremely punctual
• ✅ Exchange business cards properly
• ✅ Bow appropriately
• ✅ Remove shoes when required
• ✅ Respect hierarchy
• ✅ Be patient with decision-making
• ✅ Bring small gifts
• ✅ Follow lead of Japanese colleagues
• ✅ Learn basic Japanese phrases

Don'ts

• ❌ Touch people
• ❌ Make loud noise
• ❌ Eat while walking
• ❌ Talk on phone on train
• ❌ Tip (insulting in Japan)
• ❌ Point with finger
• ❌ Be pushy or aggressive
• ❌ Assume things work like home
• ❌ Blow nose in public

Key Phrases

Essential Business Japanese:

• Yoroshiku onegaishimasu - Please treat me well (meeting start)
• Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you (polite)
• Sumimasen - Excuse me/Sorry
• Hai - Yes
• Iie - No (rarely used)
• Wakarimashita - I understand
• Osewa ni narimashita - Thank you for your time (meeting end)

Quick Reference

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Book hotel near meeting locations
• Order bilingual business cards (200+)
• Get quality card holder
• Purchase eSIM for connectivity
• Download essential apps
• Check visa requirements (many countries visa-free 90 days)
• Pack conservative business attire
• Research Japanese customs
• Prepare small gifts from home
• Load Google Translate with Japanese

Typical Business Day

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
• 8:30 AM: Arrive at office (early)
• 9:00 AM: Meeting starts (punctual!)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (may be with colleagues)
• 1:00 PM: Afternoon meetings
• 6:00 PM: Evening entertainment begins
• 10:00 PM: Dinner concludes
• 11:00 PM: Catch last train

Budget (Per Day)

• Hotel: ¥20,000-60,000 ($140-410)
• Meals: ¥5,000-15,000 ($35-105)
• Transport: ¥1,000-3,000 ($7-21)
• Entertainment: ¥10,000-30,000 ($70-200)
• Total: ¥36,000-108,000 ($250-750)

Conclusion

Tokyo business culture requires adaptation, patience, and respect for tradition. Success comes from understanding Japanese customs, proper etiquette, and building genuine relationships.

Keys to Tokyo Business Success: ✅ Master business card exchange ✅ Always be early (10-15 minutes) ✅ Dress conservatively ✅ Respect hierarchy ✅ Be patient with decisions ✅ Stay connected with eSIM ✅ Learn basic Japanese ✅ Follow your Japanese colleagues' lead

Remember: Building trust takes time in Japan. Focus on long-term relationships, not quick deals. Respect, humility, and patience will open doors.

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Have Tokyo business tips? Share your experience in the comments!