Planning Your Trip

Tokyo is where high-tech modernity meets beauty and tradition. Perhaps nothing can prepare you for the amazing sights, tastes and experiences of this city, but a solid packing list is a good place to start.

Business Travel

When doing business in Tokyo, looking neat and professional is a requirement — and a sign of respect.

It is customary to bring a small gift to a meeting to show your appreciation for the person’s time. Choose something that holds special meaning to your city or country.
Though work attire is decidedly conservative, during the humid summer months men often go without a jacket and tie to keep cool.
Many Japanese restaurants require you to take your shoes off before entering, so only pack your best pairs of socks.

Day Trips

Tokyo’s central location makes it easy to explore the region. Many sights are a bullet train ride away.

Wear comfortable shoes. Whether hiking up Mount Takao or visiting the beautiful Buddhist temples in Kamakura, you’ll likely be walking all day.
Travel light and carry a small bag for your necessities. Most public transportation offers limited space to store your luggage.
Japan’s rainy season is well-known for a reason. Bring an umbrella or raincoat when the forecast looks wet.

Evening Chic

The city comes alive when the sun sets, with sky-high restaurants, bars and nightclubs lighting up the night.

Dress to impress. Tokyo men and women always look elegant and stylish when going out on the town.
Bring accessories. Japanese style is modest and conservative, so handbags, jewelry and shoes add personal style.
Keep in mind that many fine dining restaurants observe strict dress codes. Check with the concierge for advice on what to wear.

Don't Forget:

When packing shoes, remember that you’ll be taking them off frequently, especially at ryokans, temples and restaurants. Bring pairs that are easy to slip in and out of, and leave the lace-up boots and strappy sandals at home.

Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, making the options for food, cultural sights and activities seem never-ending. Here is what to book ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the very best this city has to offer.

Dining Reservations

Tokyo has the most Michelin-star restaurants in the world, including Azure 45, which is set high up on the 45th floor of The Ritz-Carlton. This contemporary French restaurant uses local and foreign ingredients to wow diners with dishes that taste as good as they look. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous go to Usuki Fugu Yamadaya, a three-star Michelin restaurant that specializes in fugu (puffer fish). Chef Fumie Yamada has 13 years of experience preparing the potentially poisonous fugu for a safe — and totally delicious — meal. As expected, tables at these restaurants fill up quickly, making reservations essential.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

Tokyo has no shortage of museums, but three are located right in the Roppongi District and make up what is known as the Roppongi Art Triangle: the Mori Art Museum, The Suntory Museum of Art and The National Art Center, Tokyo. Ritz-Carlton guests can book a personalized guided tour of these museums to get an intimate look at each one’s unique collections.

Tea Ceremonies

In Japan, a traditional tea ceremony is a spiritual experience. Years of training, studying and dedication go into preparing and serving matcha (Japanese green tea), but the process is about much more than just drinking tea. It is about what the ritual symbolizes — harmony, respect and tranquility. Hinokizaka at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo offers a relaxed Japanese tea experience in a 100-plus-year-old Japanese teahouse that features a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo. For a more authentic tea ceremony experience, contact the concierge.

Special Events

If you are lucky enough to be in Tokyo in January, May or September, you can attend a sumo tournament. Japan’s national sport began 1,500 years ago as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. Today, sumo wrestling retains its religious roots, with training and competition steeped in ritual and reverence. Though each match lasts mere seconds, the fast-paced action makes it a unique and exciting event you shouldn’t miss. Plan in advance — tickets go on sale one month before each tournament.

Trees laden with pale pink cherry blossoms hang over the river while a traditional boat sails along

Cultural Treasures

Looking out from The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, you get a sense of the city’s scale: It’s like an endless series of cities, home to 13.6 million people. You could spend decades here yet uncover only a small portion of its hidden gems — temples, cuisine, artisans. So, go with an open mind and a sense of wonder.

Discover More

Culinary Tour

Good food is never hard to find in Tokyo. In fact, the harder task would be to find bad food. The baseline quality of the produce, meat and other goods is simply exceptional. Talented and creative chefs use all of that to their advantage when crafting traditional cuisine — ramen, yakitori and, yes, sushi — and creating unforgettable dining experiences. And don’t pass on the sweets! The Japanese may be better at pastries than the French.