Should I bow or shake hands in business meetings?

Follow their lead. Many Japanese businesspeople will offer a handshake to foreign visitors, but a slight bow (15-degree angle) while shaking shows respect. Never bow while sitting.

How early should I arrive for meetings?

Arrive exactly on time. Early is awkward, late is disrespectful. If you're running late, call ahead - being 5 minutes late without notice is considered rude.

Do I need cash or will cards work?

Bring cash. Many restaurants and taxis still don't accept cards. Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs (work with foreign cards). Budget ¥10,000-15,000 ($70-100) cash per day.

Should I learn Japanese phrases?

Learn basic greetings: 'ohayo gozaimasu' (good morning), 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you), and 'sumimasen' (excuse me). Your effort will be appreciated, even if pronunciation isn't perfect.

How to Plan a Business Trip to Japan

Plan your Japan business trip around the fiscal calendar (April-March), book flights 6-8 weeks early, and schedule meetings between 10am-5pm local time. Budget $200-300 per day for Tokyo/Osaka, less for other cities. Get your business cards translated and bring small gifts for first meetings.

Check Japan's business calendar. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year (late December/early January). Best months are October-November and February-March. Japanese fiscal year runs April-March, so Q4 (January-March) can be busy with closings.
Book flights early for better seats. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for business class deals. Direct flights from major US cities run $2,500-4,000 business class, $800-1,500 economy. Consider arriving Saturday/Sunday to adjust to time difference before Monday meetings.
Get business cards translated. Have 100+ cards printed in Japanese on one side, English on the other. Use thick, quality paper. Essential for exchanging meishi (business cards) - it's a ritual, not just contact sharing.
Book accommodations near your meetings. Stay within 30 minutes of your main meeting location. Business hotels cost $100-200/night. International chains in business districts run $300-500/night. Book early during conference seasons.
Schedule meetings strategically. Japanese business hours are typically 9am-6pm. Schedule important meetings between 10am-5pm to avoid rush hours. Avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings - allow 30 minutes travel time between locations in Tokyo.
Prepare small gifts (omiyage). Bring small gifts from your home country for first-time business contacts. Local specialties, company-branded items, or regional foods work well. Present with both hands and a slight bow.
Download essential apps. Google Translate with camera function for menus/signs, Hyperdia for train schedules, Google Maps works well in Japan. Get a pocket WiFi device or international data plan - you'll need constant connectivity.

Should I bow or shake hands in business meetings?: Follow their lead. Many Japanese businesspeople will offer a handshake to foreign visitors, but a slight bow (15-degree angle) while shaking shows respect. Never bow while sitting.
How early should I arrive for meetings?: Arrive exactly on time. Early is awkward, late is disrespectful. If you're running late, call ahead - being 5 minutes late without notice is considered rude.
Do I need cash or will cards work?: Bring cash. Many restaurants and taxis still don't accept cards. Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs (work with foreign cards). Budget ¥10,000-15,000 ($70-100) cash per day.
Should I learn Japanese phrases?: Learn basic greetings: 'ohayo gozaimasu' (good morning), 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you), and 'sumimasen' (excuse me). Your effort will be appreciated, even if pronunciation isn't perfect.