Making the Most Out of Your Business Trip to Japan
Meetings by day, Michelin-starred sushi by night
The days of fly-in, fly-out business trips are over. More professionals are turning work travel into an opportunity to explore, unwind, and make the most of their time abroad. Welcome to the era of bleisure travel: where back-to-back meetings don’t mean missing out on a city’s best experiences.
And there’s no better place for it than Japan. Whether it’s slipping into an onsen after a long day of negotiations, savoring Kyoto’s kaiseki cuisine, or catching a sunrise at Mount Fuji before your next conference call, Japan blurs the lines between business and pleasure like nowhere else.
Extending your business trip to Japan isn’t just about indulgence—it’s efficient, sustainable, and better for your well-being. Instead of rushing back on the first flight home, why not maximize your trip? You’ve already made the journey—now make it count.
Why bleisure travel in Japan just makes sense
If you weren’t already convinced, here’s why turning your business trip to Japan into a blend of work and leisure is the smartest move you’ll make.
Time efficiency
You’ve already crossed time zones and sat through a long-haul flight—why rush straight back?
A few extra days let you experience Japan beyond boardrooms and conference centers.
Japan’s efficiency makes it easy to squeeze in cultural experiences without wasting time.
High-speed trains mean you can meet in Tokyo, dine in Kyoto, and wake up in Osaka—all within 24 hours.
Sustainability factor
Bleisure travel isn’t just good for you; it’s better for the planet.
Extending your stay reduces the need for additional flights, lowering your carbon footprint.
Japan’s eco-conscious hospitality, from zero-waste dining to sustainable ryokans, makes it easy to travel responsibly.
Work-life balance, the Japanese way
Japan is built for productivity, but it’s also a masterclass in relaxation.
Trade post-meeting burnout for a soak in an onsen or a private tea ceremony.
Unwind like a local in a Tokyo izakaya, or stroll through Kyoto’s lantern-lit streets after work.
A well-rested mind leads to better business—science (and the Japanese lifestyle) prove it.
Where to work & stay in Japan for maximum productivity
A successful business trip to Japan needs the right balance of work and comfort. These hotels, coworking spaces, and meeting-friendly cafés allow you to stay connected, productive, and inspired.
Best business-friendly hotels
These hotels offer high-speed Wi-Fi and business lounges.
Janu Tokyo: Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel at Azabudai Hills with stunning view of Tokyo Tower, ideal for high-profile meetings. Janu Tokyo has a very big wellness center and spa where you can go and relax after your meetings!
The Peninsula Tokyo: Business-meets-luxury with top-tier service and in-room workspaces. Located near Otemachi, Ginza, Yurakucho where most of the business meetings take place.
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu: A great mid-range option with a lively atmosphere for remote workers.
Coworking spaces & business hubs
Need a flexible workspace? These spots cater to professionals.
Tokyo: Sharelounge by Tsutaya
Meeting-friendly cafés
For casual meetings or a change of scenery, these cafés provide great ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi.
Tokyo: Toranomon Hills Café – Sleek and professional.
Kyoto: Len Kyoto Kawaramachi – A creative and relaxed work-friendly space.
Bleisure itineraries—how to extend your business trip to Japan
Turn a business trip to Japan into a cultural deep dive. Whether you have 48 hours or an extra weekend, here’s how to make it count.
48-hour Tokyo bleisure extension
For the time-pressed traveler
Day 1, Evening: Post-meeting drinks in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai or a nostalgic food crawl in Omoide Yokocho. We also recommend visiting the latest Bvlgari Bar where you can enjoy Tokyo's skyline in the new Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo.
Day 2, Morning: Clear your mind with a walk through Meiji Shrine & Harajuku’s backstreets.
Day 2, Afternoon: Immerse yourself in teamLab Planets’ digital art universe.
Day 2, Evening: Wrap up your trip with a Michelin-starred sushi experience.
Kyoto getaway
For the culture enthusiast
Day 1, Evening: Dine riverside in Pontocho Alley, where Kyoto’s old-world charm comes alive.
Day 2, Morning: Beat the crowds with a sunrise visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Day 2, Afternoon: Wander through Nishiki Market, sampling Kyoto’s best bites.
Day 2, Evening: Check into a traditional ryokan for an onsen soak and a kaiseki feast.
Hakone onsen retreat
For relaxation seekers
Day 1, Evening: Catch the bullet train from Tokyo to Hakone, Japan’s famed hot spring town.
Day 2, Morning: Soak in a mountain-view onsen, recharging before your next meeting.
Day 2, Afternoon: Stroll through the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a blend of art and nature.
Day 2, Evening: Return to Tokyo refreshed and ready for the work-week ahead.
Business etiquette & travel tips for business trips to Japan
Beyond meetings, a business trip to Japan involves mastering the unspoken rules of the corporate dance. First up, business cards. Don’t just shove one in your pocket—exchange them with both hands, study it like you’re memorizing a secret code, then store it carefully. It’s a sign of respect, and in Japan, that goes a long way.
Dress the part. Japanese business culture leans formal, so leave the sneakers and loud prints at home. A dark suit and tie are standard, even in summer (though "Cool Biz" season lets you ditch the tie when the heat kicks in). And if you’re traveling between cities, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is your best friend—fast, reliable, and a great place to review those business cards you just collected.
English will get you through most meetings, but a few key Japanese phrases can work wonders. A simple "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (a polite way of saying "let’s work well together") shows effort, and effort is always appreciated. If all else fails, a translation app will keep things smooth, because let’s be honest—figuring out Japan’s business world is challenging enough without a language barrier.
Make your business trip to Japan work for you
Why fly all the way to Japan just to spend your time in meeting rooms? A few extra hours or an extra day can turn a routine work trip into a bucket-worthy experience. Be it sipping matcha in Kyoto, soaking in an onsen after a long day, or exploring Tokyo’s neon-lit backstreets, there’s always time to experience the best of Japan.
TokudAw takes the stress out of planning, balancing your professional schedule with fun leisure add-ons. From business-friendly hotels to curated cultural experiences, we handle the details—you just enjoy the trip.
