ios
android
BYN 
RUB 
When planning a business trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, it’s important to consider many details that will help make your stay as productive and comfortable as possible. This guide is designed to provide you with as much useful information as possible so you can confidently organize your trip and avoid surprises, from how to buy tickets and book a hotel.
Geographic Location and Climate
Japan is an island nation in East Asia that occupies a vast archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Its geographic location also determines the diversity of climate zones.
The main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—each have their own unique characteristics. For business trips, people most often choose major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, located primarily on the island of Honshu.
Japan’s climate ranges from temperate in the north (Hokkaido), where winters can be quite harsh, to subtropical in the south (Kyushu, Okinawa). The central part of the country, where the main business and financial centers are concentrated, is characterized by a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
Spring (March–May), with cherry blossoms, and fall (September–November), with golden foliage, are considered the most favorable times to visit, offering comfortable temperatures and scenic landscapes, which can contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere during business meetings. However, it’s worth noting that typhoons are possible in spring, and earthquakes in fall, although the likelihood is low.
How to Get to Japan?
For Belarusians, the most realistic and, as a rule, the only way to get to Japan is by air. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Minsk, so you’ll need one or two layovers at major international airports. The most common routes include flights via Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Helsinki, or major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Paris.
When planning, it’s important to buy tickets in advance, as early booking often lets you get better fares and choose convenient connections. Travel time can range from 15 to 25 hours depending on the length and number of layovers, so it’s worth taking care of your comfort during the flight. When choosing an airline, pay attention to onboard meals and entertainment, as well as baggage allowance that fits your needs.
Where to Stay?
Where you stay in Japan depends directly on your preferences, budget, and of course, your trip goals. In major cities such as Tokyo, there’s truly a wide range of hotels—from luxurious international chains offering impeccable service to more budget-friendly yet clean and functional options. For business trips, travelers often choose hotels near business districts, exhibition centers, or major transportation hubs, which can significantly reduce commute time.
In addition to traditional hotels, consider booking a room in specialized business hotels. They typically offer amenities tailored to business travelers: well-equipped workspaces, high-speed internet access, laundry and pressing services, and 24/7 support.
It’s also worth looking into the “business hotel” concept, which often features compact but functional rooms that are ideal for short business visits. They’re usually located in convenient areas and have everything you need for productive work.
If you’re planning a longer stay or want to experience the local flavor, you can consider renting an apartment, although for short business trips this may be less convenient because you’ll need to handle setup on your own. When booking a hotel, especially if it’s your first time in Japan, it’s recommended to read other travelers’ reviews, paying attention to proximity to your meetings, Wi-Fi availability, as well as noise levels and the overall atmosphere. It’s important to book a hotel in advance to guarantee availability and possibly secure better terms.
Getting Around Japan
Japan’s public transportation system is one of the most developed and punctual in the world, making it extremely convenient to travel around the country. Within cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, the most efficient options are the subway and the network of commuter trains. Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters or vending machines at stations, and for convenience and savings you can get a transit card such as Suica or Pasmo, which work in many cities and let you pay for rides as well as purchases at stores and vending machines.
For travel between cities, the high-speed “Shinkansen” bullet train is indispensable. It connects the main metropolitan areas and offers comfortable, fast, and reliable transportation. You can buy Shinkansen tickets in advance at station ticket offices or online, which is especially recommended during peak seasons.
If your business trip includes visiting multiple cities, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass, which provides unlimited travel on JR trains (including most Shinkansen services) for a set period of time. This can be a great value if you plan to travel frequently. Taxis are also available, but they are significantly more expensive than public transportation, so it’s best to use them only when absolutely necessary or for short trips when other options are inconvenient.
Business Etiquette Essentials
Japanese business etiquette has its own nuances, and knowing them will help you make a positive impression and avoid misunderstandings. First and foremost, punctuality matters. Being late to a meeting is considered extremely rude.
When meeting for the first time, it is customary to exchange business cards (meishi). Present yours with both hands, receive your counterpart’s card respectfully, and read it carefully before putting it into your card holder. Don’t put it straight into your pocket or bag.
Bowing (ojigi) is an important part of greeting and saying goodbye, and the depth and duration depend on the other person’s status. In business settings, it’s common to address someone by their last name with the “-san” suffix (for example, Tanaka-san).
Avoid prolonged direct eye contact, as it may be perceived as aggressive. It’s important to be patient and composed during negotiations, not to interrupt, and to give the other person time to speak. Decisions are often made collectively, so don’t expect an immediate response to your proposals. The ability to listen and show respect for others’ opinions is key to successful cooperation.
Cuisine and Business Dinners
Japanese cuisine is not only a culinary delight, but also an important part of business culture. Business dinners are often held in restaurants where the atmosphere encourages informal conversation and strengthens professional relationships. Traditional Japanese restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes, from sushi and sashimi to ramen and udon.
When choosing a restaurant for a business dinner, consider the preferences of your Japanese partners. If you’re unsure, it’s best to choose a place with a varied menu that includes both traditional options and dishes that may feel more familiar to Europeans.
During dinner, it’s important to follow certain rules. For example, it’s not customary to stick chopsticks vertically into rice, as this is associated with funeral rituals. You should also avoid passing food to another person with chopsticks. When eating soup or noodles, it’s acceptable to make quiet slurping sounds, which is considered a sign that you’re enjoying the dish. If you’re not sure how to use chopsticks or which dishes to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your partners—they’ll be happy to help.
What to See in Your Free Time?
Even on a packed business trip, there’s always time to get to know Japan’s unique culture. In Tokyo, beyond the business districts, it’s worth visiting the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens to feel the grandeur of history. The Asakusa area, with Senso-ji Temple, lets you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Tokyo, while bustling Shibuya with its famous crossing is a showcase of modern Japanese youth culture.
If you find yourself in Kyoto, be sure to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Ryoan-ji rock garden, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. These places are not only beautiful, but also carry deep philosophical meaning, helping you step away from business concerns and find inner calm. Even a short walk through scenic parks or along waterfronts can be a pleasant way to end a full day.
If time allows, you can take a day trip to nearby cities—for example, Nara to see the freely roaming deer, or Hakone to enjoy views of Mount Fuji and visit open-air art museums.
Helpful Tips
To stay connected in Japan, it’s recommended to plan ahead for mobile internet. You can rent a portable Wi-Fi router (pocket Wi-Fi) at the airport or arrange delivery to your hotel in advance. This will let you stay in touch, use navigation, and get information quickly. You can also purchase a local SIM card, but that may take more time and require paperwork.
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange money at airports, banks, or exchange offices in cities. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, since not all places—especially small shops and restaurants—accept bank cards. However, in major cities and shopping centers, card payments are becoming increasingly common. For convenience, you can get an international bank card that will be accepted in Japan.
It’s important to remember that Japan is a country with a high level of safety, but it’s still worth following standard precautions. If you need medical care, make sure you have valid health insurance. In case of emergencies, emergency service numbers are easy to find online or you can ask hotel staff.
Japanese people are very polite and willing to help, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you’re unsure about something. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases such as “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigato), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) will be very helpful and appreciated by locals. Understanding these simple rules and preparing for your trip will help make your business trip to Japan as successful and enjoyable as possible.
