Business Class Flights to Tokyo

In my opinion, Tokyo is the most incredible and unforgettable megacity on the planet, but for tourists who don’t feel its ambience, it’s more like a bullet train. I’ve often seen people fly into Narita and spend 90 minutes on a transfer, leaving them exhausted and tired before they even reach their hotel. I recommend a smart route: fly to Haneda Airport (HND). 30 minutes and you’re in central Tokyo.

District Overview
When visiting Tokyo, I recommend the Ginza district, for its luxury and Michelin-starred sushi bars. For neon skyscrapers, Shinjuku is the place to be, especially if you stay in high-rise hotels like the Park Hyatt. If you prefer a premium business style, Roppongi and Toranomon will put you at the epicenter of modern architecture and views of Tokyo Tower. Shibuya remains a prime destination for those who embrace trends and street fashion.

To get around the city, it’s convenient to take a taxi through the GO App, the Japanese Uber. If you prefer the subway, add a digital Suica card to your Apple Wallet before your flight.

Tokyo’s beauty is revealed in subtle contrasts. You can experience absolute silence while strolling through a cedar grove, the Meiji Shrines at sunrise, and, at sunset, admire the city from a bird’s-eye view from the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck. But the main thing that makes this city successful is its unwritten cultural code, known as Omotenashi. Please forget about tipping—it’s an insult to the Japanese; first-class service is a local pride, not a surcharge.
Hotels speak excellent English, but a warm «Arigatou gozaimasu» (thank you very much) or a polite «Sumimasen» (excuse me) to summon a waiter will reveal the most genuine hospitality you’ve ever experienced. To order food, simply show it and say, «Kore, onegaishimasu» (here you go).

My Choice and Budget in Tokyo
As for my personal favorites, my favorite neighborhood to stay in is definitely Ginza: it has an incredible atmosphere, quiet chic, and everything is within walking distance. My favorite hotel in the city is the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku, where a night costs an average of $800–$1,100, but the views of the neon city from the New York Bar are worth every dollar.

As for dining, my absolute favorite is Imahan (Ningyocho branch). Their classic sukiyaki made with melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu is the best I’ve had in Japan. A dinner for two here costs around $250–$300, and it’s the perfect balance of price and experience. For comparison, a top-tier omakase dinner at a Michelin-starred sushi bar will cost $200–$400 per person.

As for transportation, a short 15-minute taxi ride in the city center costs around $15–$25 (a transfer from Haneda to the center is around $60, while from Narita it’s around $220). However, using my Suica card for the subway and small snacks at konbini only cost me $10–$15 per day. On average, a comfortable premium day in Tokyo costs around $500–$700 per person, including a hotel, taxi, and a delicious dinner.