Business trip to Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama has been an important port since the 19th century. Since then it has enjoyed a strategic position in Japan. The city of Yokohama has a strong economic base, especially in the shipping, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries. The city competes with Tokyo in terms of contribution to GDP.
Yokohama has always been an important location in Japan because of its trade port. The city exports various products through the port. The port is a gateway to the international trade. Service industry has also developed rapidly in the past few years. The city houses headquarters of several international banks.
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Various privately owned companies have also paved their way into this major trade city of Japan. The city hosts several exhibitions, trade fairs, trade expos, expositions and trade shows. Tourism industry is also thriving in this beautiful city. Yokohama magnificent buildings, sites of historic importance and natural landscapes attract tourists from all over the world.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles. Rank is very important and should be respected at all time.
The Japanese are not direct and this to the extreme, they prefer subtlety to directness. If there is a request that can’t be agreed upon, the Japanese will reply with a sentence like "it’s under consideration".
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shaking hands is accepted as you are a foreigner but the custom is to bow, the deeper the bow, the more respect you show for the other.
Always give a small gift to the most senior person at the end of the meeting, as a token of your esteem.Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
First appointments are more socially oriented, Japanese would like to know you a bit better at first.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
The Japanese do not see contracts as a final agreement so it is possible the contract will be renegotiated. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of someone equal in rank.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Your glass will be refilled when you empty it.
If making a toast, stand up.
Eat not too much but finish your bowl untill the last grain, ohterwise the others think you want more.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Japan has been experiencing deflation, an annual drop in prices since 1999. In 2008, however, the whole world has been turmoiled by the rising oil, food and commodity prices. Japan’s inflation rate, except for fresh fruit, fish and vegetable prices, rose 1,5% in May 2008. This was the highest rate since 1998.
For a decade now, Japanese consumers have grown accustomed to dropping prices. With prices suddenly going up, consumer spending is expected to drop, spelling further trouble for the economy. Indeed, in the second quarterly report of 2008 issued by the Bank of Japan, 58.7% of those surveyed said they expect to cut their spending this year. This is the highest figure on record since the survey started in 1997. The Bank of Japan will be hard-pressed to rein in inflation which has become a global phenomenon.
The Japanese Economy experienced an amazing growth phase after World War 2 and up until the 1980s. Japan became the second largest economy in the world after the United States. Nonetheless, in the 1990s the country experienced a decline in the growth, and some of its structural problems still hold it back.
Thanks to low tax rates, an abundance of economic freedom, and a system ruled by the private sector, Japan’s economy is the second largest economy in the world and the largest in Asia, based on real GDP, market exchange rates, and nominal GDP. Japan uses planned development of science and technology, and has a very strong work culture, which contributes to the country as a whole. It also emphasizes on a good relationship between the industrial sector and national government.
Japan has some characteristics that have marked its swiftly rise from the heritage of the Second World War, to superiority in the 1980s. In particular, manufacturers, their suppliers and distributors work closely together in informal but tight structures named keiretsu, with close support from several financial institutions and the government. For most of the last fifty years, large Japanese corporations have also provided guaranteed employment for life to ’salarymen’, typically male employees who work the highest number of hours on the planet in return for that commitment.
For continued growth rates and stability in the Japanese economy, the government has recently been considering a number of incentive ideas to manage inflation, increase service sector productivity, focus on fiscal consolidation, and modify the tax system and labor market. With a gross debt of 180% of GDP, additional measures to reduce the enormous budget deficit are becoming increasingly urgent. An improvement in the budget balance of between 4% and 5% of GDP (on a primary budget basis) is needed just to stabilize the government debt-to-GDP ratio, a first step towards the government’s goal of lowering the ratio in the 2010s.
The first priority is to further cut government spending, which has fallen by 2 percentage points as a share of GDP during the past five years, mainly through trimming public investment and the government wage bill. Disbursement reductions should be accompanied by reforms to improve efficiency in the public sector.
Narita takes care of the bulk of international passenger traffic to and from Japan, and is also an important connecting point for air traffic between Asia and the Americas. The airport handled over 35 million passengers in 2007. It is the 2nd-busiest passenger airport in Japan, the largest air freight hub in Japan, and the number 8 air freight hub in the world. It is the head international hub of All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. It also functions as an important Asian hub for Delta Air Lines and for the Air France-KLM group.
Address
Tokyo Narita International Airport
Narita-shi
Chiba 282-8601
Japan
Tel: (0476) 322 802
www.narita-airport.jp
Airport codes
IATA airport code: NRT
ICAO airport code: RJAA
Lost property
In case of lost property on the airport you can contact Narita Customs Lost Property Office:
Terminal 1: +81(0)476-32-6049
Terminal 2: +81(0)476-34-2157
8:30 - 17:00 (Closed Sat., Sun. and holidays)
Terminal info
Narita International Airport has 2 separate terminals with both an underground train stations. The two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus. The buses are available both inside and outside the security area. Buses inside the security is only for connecting passengers. You can also use the trains for this transfer; there is no pedestrian connection.
Connectivity from the airport
Train
For your connection to Tokyo you can take the Narita Express, a high-speed train connection which takes you to Tokyo in 53 minutes.
You can also use the Narita Express for traveling to Yokohama. This train takes you in 90 minutes to Yokohama.
Taxi
Fixed fares based on destination zones apply to services from Narita Airport Tokyo. Please go to the designated fixed fare taxi stands at the airport where a concierge will generally be on hand to assist. The taxi stand concierge will direct you to the first available cab on the rank, however, you are free to select the cab of your choice.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Yokohama.
There are an enormous amount of taxis in Yokohama. When using taxis to travel around the city, you will see that taxis all offer fixed prices, they are only a little more expensive than public transport. Local taxi drivers are safe and courteous in Yokohama.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Sun Taxi | +81 45 622 9923 |
| Asahi Taxi | 6419875 |
Brasserie T’s
Brasserie T’s serves French cuisine on par with the top French restaurants in a relaxed family-like setting.
Kitamura Bldg. 1F
5-209 Motomachi
Naka-ku, Yokohama
Tel: +81-(0)45-664-0266
Baikotei
This restaurant is truly a historical landmark. It opened 78 years ago, survived the war, and is still going strong. The decor has not changed much since it opened either, with wood floors, plush red and slightly worn seats, and a bright, cheery interior that will remind you of a diner. If you are on a business trip to Yokohama, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
1-1 Aioicho
Yokohama-Shi
14 231-0012 Japan
+81 (0)45 681 4870
Manchinro
Manchinro is a long-established purveyor of traditional Cantonese cuisine. Located in the heart of Chinatown, and a leisurely ten-minute walk from Ishikawa-cho Station, Manchinro is one of the oldest and most popular Cantonese restaurants in Yokohama.
153 Yamashita-cho
Yokohama-Shi
14 Japan
+81 (0)45 681 4004
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Yokohama.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Yokohama it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Yokohama.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Intercontinental Grand Hotel Yokohama
The InterContinental Yokohama is a uniquely shaped luxury property located about a mile from downtown Yokohama, 17 miles from Haneda Airport and 66 miles from Narita International Airport. Hotel amenities include airport transportation (fee), babysitting, beauty salon, laundry/dry cleaning, florist, currency exchange, gift shop, ice machine, newsstand, room service, safe deposit box, secretarial services, shoeshine, fax/photocopy services, onsite parking (fee), and business center.
1-1-1 Minatomirai Nishi-Ku
Yokohama, Japan
More info about Intercontinental Grand Hotel Yokohama
Kokusai Hotel Yokohama
The Yokohama Kokusai Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Yokohama.All of the 121 rooms of this 14-story property are all equipped with modern in-room amenities.Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, television.
2-16-28 Minamisaiwai
Nishi-Ku
Yokohama, Japan
More info about Kokusai Hotel Yokohama
Isezakicho Washington Hotel Yokohama
Located directly next to the west exit of Isesakicho station, this hotel offers the convenience that every business or pleasure traveler could want. Business travelers will be very pleased at the hotel. Proximity to a vast majority of locations necessary for business traveler, including the Yokohama Convention Center. This hotel is the perfect base for business travelers to Yokohama.
5 53 Choujyamachi
Yokohama, Japan
More info about Isezakicho Washington Hotel Yokohama
Close to Yokohama Bay, you can find the Mycal Honmoku Shopping Mall in the Naka-ku district and it is proud to be the country’s largest mall, with its excess of 300 shops, restaurants and cafes, and also a multi-screen cinema. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Yokohama.
With more than 100 shops and parking for over 500 cars, Porta is a great place to spend your shopping time. Nearby, Queen’s Square is home to a huge complex of shops resembling a town and incorporates the Pan Pacific Hotel Yokohama, office blocks, numerous restaurants and many entertainment venues, such as the Yokohama Minato Mirai Concert Hall.
Other top shopping centres in Yokohama include Sotetsu Joinus and the Diamond Shopping Mall, These centers are both close to the main train station. For specialist shops and designer fashion, the Odakaya More’s is worth a look.
The Sky Building is a particular highlight in Yokohama’s shopping scene and boasts the gigantic Marui department store, where you can easily spend many hours looking for the perfect gift to take home from your business trip to Yokohama.
Shomyo-ji temple
If you have only a short time for sightseeing during your business trip to Yokohama, this would be the place to visit.
The Shomyo-ji temple is located at Kanazawa-cho, Kanazawa-ku in Yokohama city and its official name is Kanezawa-san Shyomyo-ji. It had been a family temple of the Kanezawa Hojo clan and might originate from an altar (Jibutsu-do) installed by Hojo Sanetoki in his home of Rokuura-sho Kanezawa. The garden of Shomyo-ji temple with its pond has been installed in order to make majestic the main building (Kondo). You enter by the Nio gate from the south, then cross over a pond through two bridges, arch and flat, which hang on a middle island, in order to reach the main building. Such a construction became very popular after the middle Hean period and belongs to Jodo garden styles.
Landmark Tower
The landmark tower provides the best 360 degrees view of the city. All the close attractions like Mirato Mirai, Chinatown, Red Brick Building, and the Bay Bridge. On a clear day it is possible to see Mt. Fuji when you have brought your binoculars with you.Notice the speed of the elevator during your trip to the top. The elevator has a special indicator above the doors.
The Science Center
The Science Center, featuring "Space and Yokohama", offers an opportunity to learn about science by experience trough hands-on exhibits. Staffs perform science shows or conduct science experiment demonstrations which give information and show the principles on science. We ask for children’s participation by encouraging questions and stimulating their interests so that they will enjoy learning science, rather than giving answers. In the Space Theater, a 30 degrees inclined dome whose diameter is 23 meters long contains a planetarium and a video system including the auxiliary projectors combined with an audio system. You may have a seat and enjoy the lively space experience. When you have some time left on your business trip to Yokohama and it’s a rainy day, I would suggest the Science Center.
Before you go on your business trip to Yokohama, Japan you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage. Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered. Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident. The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance. Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don’t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Emergency service | Phone number |
| Police | 110 |
| Medical/ Fire | 119 |
For medical help you can contact AMDA International Medical Information Center of Japan. They provide telephone help in English Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Call 03-5285-8088 in Tokyo, or 06-4395-0555 in Osaka.
For emergencies you can turn to the National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Center
Tel: 045-851-2621
3-60-2 Harajuku-cho
Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-8575
Japanese is the official language of Japan. There is a form of the language considered standard: hyōjungo, meaning "standard Japanese", or kyōtsūgo, "common language".
The Japanese language is written with a combination of three scripts: Chinese characters called kanji and two syllabic scripts made up of modified Chinese characters, hiragana and katakana. The Latin alphabet, rōmaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially for company names and logos, advertising, and when entering Japanese text into a computer. Arabic numerals are normally used for numbers, but traditional Sino-Japanese numerals are also common.
| English | Japanese characters | Phonetic pronunciation |
| How are you? | お元気ですか？ | o genki desu ka |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | はい、元気です。あなたは？ | hai, genki desu. anata wa? |
| What’s your name? | お名前はなんですか? | o-namae wa nan desu ka |
| My name is ... | ...です | ... desu |
| Pleased to meet you | 初めまして | hajimemashite |
| Good morning | お早うございます | ohayō gozaimasu |
| Good afternoon | 今日は | konnichiwa |
| Good evening | 今晩は | konbanwa |
| Good night | おやすみなさい | oyasumi nasai |
| Goodbye | さようなら | sayōnara |
| Bon appetit | いただきます | itadakimasu |
| Cheers/Good health! | 乾杯 | kanpai |
| I don’t understand | わかりません | wakarimasen |
| Please write it down | 書いてください | kaite kudasai |
| Excuse me | すみません! | sumimasen |
| How much is this? | いくらですか | ikura desu ka? |
| Thank you | どうも | dōmo |
| You’re welcome | ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu |
| Where’s the toilet? | 便所はどこですか。 | benjo wa doko desu ka |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ | hai / īe |
| How do you say ... in Japanese? | ．．．を日本語で何と言いますか。 | ...o nihongo de nanto īmasu ka? |
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For visitor from 63 countries it is no neccessary to apply for a visa when your stay contains only a limited number of days.
A list of these countries you can find on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan:
www.mofa.go.jp
On this website you can also read how you can apply for a visa when your stay is longer than the indicated number of days or you are from a country that is not included on this list.
