Yen to visit Tokyo? You'll need plenty

The Life: A point-by-point guide to aspects of business travel in Tokyo.

Tokyo's Shinjuku district rises behind an array of solar panels displayed at Itochu Corporation's headquarters. Kimimasa Mayama / Bloomberg News
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Tokyo was ranked fourth in AT Kearney's global cities index last year. Conducted every two years, the index measures global engagement for 66 cities in business activity, human capital, information exchange and political engagement besides cultural experience.

Key facts about Tokyo:

Airlines that connect with Tokyo: Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have non-stop flights to Tokyo's Narita international airport. Jet Airways flies via Hong Kong from Dubai. Emirates is scheduled to start flying into Haneda Airport, also in Tokyo, from June.

Airport: Narita International Airport (Iata code: NRT) is one of the three airports that serve Tokyo, but is the principal one to handle international traffic. Finally opened in 1978 after protests, Narita has two terminals. Construction of a low-cost carrier terminal is under way.

Airport hotel: Radisson Hotel Narita is 15 minutes from the airport. Room rates start at ¥9,000, which includes an airport shuttle.

Downtown hotel: Hotel Nikko Tokyo claims to be close to business and cultural districts such as Ginza, Marunouchi Financial District, Akihabara Electricity Town, Asakusa, Roppongi and Shibuya/Harajuku. Weekend room rates start at ¥31,000.

Cost of a cab from airport to city centre: Taxis in Tokyo are some of the most expensive in the world. A cab ride from the airport to the city centre can cost anywhere between US$150 (Dh550) to $200, according to online forums.

A conference centre: Tokyo International Exhibition Center, or Tokyo Big Sight, is one of the bigger facilities in town. Also known for its architecture, the centre opened in 1996. It includes a convention tower and two exhibition halls. The east hall has more than 20,000 square metres of space, while the west hall has double the capacity.

A power restaurant: Restaurant - I is from the Michelin-starred chef Keisuke Matsushima who has an eponymous restaurant in Nice, France. It is located close to the Togo Shrine in Shibuya-ku. The lunch menu starts at ¥3,000 and dinner at ¥9,000. Foie gras and meringue in Tokyo honey with fresh strawberries is a signature dish.

Currency/conversion rate: Dh1 = ¥26.66.