We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination miniguides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So whether it’s a quick stopover meeting or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
TOKYO
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Hotel Okura Tokyo. When a hotel has world-renowned performers giving free concerts in the lobby and the founder has a museum full of priceless artifacts just across the street, you know it’s got to be good. With quiet efficiency and sleek design, Hotel Okura will win your heart from the moment you realize that a dentist’s office, photo studio, florist, and 20-store shopping mall are all under its broad roof. Not enough for your sky-high standards? Sneak a peak at a Grand Comfort room—with its specially designed beds and pillows, bath salts from France, and massaging showerhead—and you might never leave. Room rates begin at 36,750 Yen/$325 for a single-occupancy standard double. 2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3582-0111; okura.com
Romantic Weekend: Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so. Built in the middle of a historic, 17-acre Japanese garden, the Four Seasons was practically designed for romance. Even the “simple” superior rooms come with full marble baths, a breathtaking view of the Tokyo skyline, and a king-size bed so big you could get lost in it. Order up an in-room shiatsu massage followed by a decadent room-service dinner and you might not need to set foot outside your door until Monday morning. Standard rates from 55,000 Yen/$480, though some package discounts may apply. 10-8, Sekiguchi 2-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; + 81.(3).3943.2222; fourseasons.com
On the Cheap: Asakusa Capsule Hotel Riverside. If you are truly looking for a simple spot to lay your head, then look no further than the Asakusa Capsule Hotel. With a ladies-only floor and complimentary dressing gown, women should have no problem at this location (many capsule hotels don’t allow women), though if you do feel a little stressed out, then the on-site, female-only public bath might help. Claustrophobics may want to look elsewhere, however, because these capsules have been described as “coffin-size.” But when in Rome, er, Tokyo… Rates are 3,000 Yen/$26 per night. No reservations taken. 2-20-4 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3844.5117; asakusa-capsule
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: New York Grill. If you ask around, the general consensus is that the New York Grill is the crème de la crème of the Tokyo restaurant scene. Located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel, it’s also among the most scenic. Go with any item from the grill, though make sure to have a light lunch if you’re opting for one of the superb steaks or racks of lamb, and if you’re not much of a wine connoisseur don’t hesitate to ask for help navigating the extensive wine cellar. Just make sure to make a reservation—with most of the city lusting after a space, you wouldn’t want to be turned away at the door. Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo; +81.(3).5322.1234; tokyo.park.hyatt.com
Hot Spot: Nobu. Make sure that you’re in your finery, because the minute you walk through the door the staff will give you a loud welcome. When you’re safely seated, be sure to try the lobster salad with spicy lemon dressing and beg, borrow, or steal a soft-shell crab roll. Save room for the chocolate bento box, too. 1F Toranomon Tower Office, 4-1-28 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).5733.0070; nobutokyo.com
Eating Alone: Sushi Sho. Check out this sushi restaurant that will seat you quickly, serve you quickly, and practically ask you to leave quickly as well. Down as many pieces of nigiri sushi as you like, but make sure you’ve got clean hands because it’s traditionally a finger food in Japan. Sushi Sho fits the bill for tasty fare and quick service—sometimes too quick, since it closes when it’s sold out. 1F Yorindo Building, 1-11 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3351.6387
Coffee Klatch: Hotel New Otani. If you can give up the java for just one day, make time to take in a traditional tea ceremony while you’re in Tokyo. “Seisei-An” is the private tea ceremony room in the Hotel New Otani, and it provides perhaps the best English-language ceremony in the city. Still can’t bear the thought of going without a cup o’ joe? Head downstairs to the Satsuki coffee shop and grab a treat from the patisserie of the same name. 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3265.1111; newotani.co.jp
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Takashimaya Times Square. Whether you’re petite or “queen- size,” there’s bound to be something you can wear to work in this 10-story store—the largest department store in Japan. Already outfitted but still looking for something to take away the pre-presentation jitters? Check out the Sega amusement center, Imax movie theater, or Kinokuniya bookstore, where a whole floor is dedicated to English-language materials. 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).5361.1122
Date Night: Mitsukoshi. Fashion, beauty, and bags practically take over this 10-floor monster of a shop, meaning that even if you don’t stop in at the on-site salon, you’ll still be gorgeous. 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muro-machi, Cho-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3241.3311; mitsukoshi.co.jp
Techie: Laox Duty Free Akihabara. Nicknamed “Electric Town,” Akihabara has so many electronics shops with so much cutting-edge technology that it’s hard to imagine a technophile wanting to shop anywhere else. The Laox Duty Free Akihabara boasts a “Visual Floor”—for cameras, watches, and clocks—a “PC Related Floor,” and a “Portable Related Floor.” Staff is polite, multilingual, and efficient, meaning that your tech catastrophe will be remedied in the blink of an eye. 1-15-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; +81(3).3255.5301
Where to Play and Primp
Best Day Spa: Boudoir. Boudoir is an Australian-owned beauty salon that has been serving Tokyo’s English-language ladies for close to a decade. Facials use Mayerling or Guinot products, and logging on to the website may net you a coupon to use on your first visit. 101 Maison kawai, 2-25-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3478.5898; englishok.jp
Best Blow-Dry: Sin Den. Even if the service wasn’t so great, the name alone might still win you over. Thankfully, Sin Den’s self-promotion as “a wickedly good hair salon” is well deserved. Styling, cuts, colors, and even wig services are all offered at Sin Den, and with opening hours until 9 p.m., there’s plenty of time to get fashionable before arriving fashionably late. 3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3405.4409; sinden.com
How to Get Around
Airport: Narita International Airport. Narita International Airport is about 70 miles from Tokyo, and it can be a long two-hour drive to get to some parts of the city. Bypass the traffic by taking the Narita Express train, which will get you to Tokyo Station in about an hour. Alternately, the Airport Limousine Bus makes regular stops at hotels and stations around the city. narita-airport.jp
Hit the Road: Tokyo Metro. The Tokyo Metro is clean, efficient, and clearly signposted in English, but when you’re crammed in with what feels like half the city, you might not have time to notice these niceties. Don’t worry, just take a deep breath and push yourself on and you’ll be fine. tokyometro.jp
Weather and Wardrobe: If you’ve ever heard the word “Harajuku” or watched any of Gwen Stefani’s latest videos, then you know that anything goes in some parts of Tokyo. However, when you’re in the boardroom, or anywhere else while representing your company in an official capacity, it’s better to play it safe in demure business attire. Also, remember to bring slip-on shoes, as you’ll likely be stepping out of them in private homes, traditional restaurants, and religious or historical sites.
Where to Do Business
Host a Meeting: Park Hyatt Tokyo
If you’re left without an office to close your deals in Tokyo, your best bet is to rent a private meeting room in one of the city’s more well-known hotels. The Park Hyatt can host intimate workshops as well as events with over 300 guests, and it is the only hotel in Tokyo that offers international videoconferencing as a regular business service. 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo; +81.(3).5322.1234; tokyo.park.hyatt.com
Printing and Copies: Courtyard Tokyo Ginza
When you need to print or copy on the quick, head to your hotel’s business center. The Courtyard Tokyo Ginza has a particularly well-served station, right down to secretarial, translation, and courier services on site. 6-14-10 Ginza Chou-ku, Tokyo; +81.(3).3546.0111; marriott.com
