Business Travel to Tokyo: Around the Corner from Akasaka

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Tsukiji Central Fish Market - Tokyo's lively, chaotic peddling paradise for everything aquatic and edible - is a Japanese icon, and a haven for fish foodies. Come here to buy a $20,000 tuna... or just look. Scheduled to be moved to a new location in 2014-2015, Tsukiji is not to be missed. The fish auctions (the real sight to be seen) start around 5am, and come to an end before 8am, so hitting Tsukiji at the crack of dawn - perhaps after an all-night binge in nearby Roppongi - is a requirement. Not so inconvenient if you're suffering from jet-lag.

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Located in the famous Tokyo Tsukiji Market Building, Daiwa serves fresh, quality Sushi at reasonable prices. The Zagat Survey rated it the top Sushi bar in Tokyo and is a favorite among locals. The restaurant is small, so expect a line.

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Constructed in 1958, Tokyo Tower soars 333 meters, 13 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. There are two observatories from which to get panoramic views of Tokyo, and Mount Fuji on a clear day. The Main Observatory is 150 meters high, the Special Observatory, 250 meters high. The tower is lit by 164 floodlights: orange in winter, and incandescent white in summer. Inside the tower, you will also find the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery.

Admission: For the main observation gallery: JPY820 for adults, JPY460 for children. For the special observatory: plus JPY460 and JPY400, respectively.

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The Ginza is Japan's and perhaps Asia's most prestigious shopping area. Many up-market retail shops have their flagship stores here. Mitsukoshi, Matsuya and Matsuzakaya department stores are all located here, as are Yamaha Music shop and the cosmetics giant, Shisedo. Ginza attracts smart and elegant shoppers and office workers as well as students in T-shirts. There are countless wining and dining places to choose from--from the reasonable to the outrageously expensive.

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Located on the 2nd Floor of the big ANA Airlines Hotel in the heart of Akasaka, Atrium is an green oasis in the middle of Tokyo. With real and not so real trees and shrubs dotting the periphery of this cafe/bar, sip your drinks as you listen to the cascading sounds of waterfalls in the distance. Good blended coffees and some original cocktails make this spot popular with business travelers and shoppers alike.

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With an esteemed culinary history dating back to the fourth century, this posh restaurant offers a dining experience that few others can match. Located off of the main lobby in the Hotel New Otani, its opulent decor mirrors its opulent menu. The goose foie gras (JPY9,200) enjoys do-not-miss status as an appetizer, while the roast duckling (JPY19,200 for two) stands as the kitchen's signature entree. The wine list, as would be expected from a French restaurant, rates superb and offers wine by the glass and the bottle.

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The Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Garden mixes Western and Eastern influences in its layout with English, French and conventional Japanese pond-style gardens. It also has quaint tea ceremony houses and a greenhouse with a considerable collection of tropical plants. It is most famous though for its 1,500 cherry blossom trees which in early spring paint the whole place with different hues of pink.

Admission: JPY200

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This museum is dedicated to Seizo Ota and is the place to go to see Edo period wood-block prints in the context of an authentic Japanese setting-- tatami-matted rooms. The masters are well represented by Hiroshige, Hokusai, and Utamaro. Also noteworthy are the prints by Sharaku and the kaigetsudo group. Only a fraction of the collection is on view at a time, but the exhibits change frequently.

Admission: JPY800

Our Local Expert Says:

You can expect truly authentic Brazilian food in a country with one of the largest Brazilian populations in the world.

Description:

The people who created this restaurant brought with them a very festive Carnival spirit straight from Brazil. The festive atmosphere here turns every meal into a party and the excitement helps diners to continue to feed on simple but filling Brazilian buffet fare. The all-you-can-eat Viking dinner menu offer includes Churrasco sets at JPY3300. The accompanying side dishes found here are delicious and should not be passed up.

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Robots, gadgets, and cutting-edge technology: the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation has it all in spades. This is the home of the humanoid robot ASIMO, as well as the huge Geo-Cosmos globe depicting near real-time images of the earth. The museum's custom built, super-modern building sits on the island of Odaiba, among Tokyo's most futuristic institutions and constructions. The Miraikan is not to be missed by anybody traveling to Tokyo to see the future.

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Do not be fooled by the humble exterior upon arrival. Once inside Ninja Akasaka, wide-eyed visitors will be impressed with the creative and traditional interior that resembles an old Japanese village. Courteous ninja-clad restaurant staff await to escort patrons through a journey of secret trap doors and small passages before entering the main area. Gourmet food makes this establishment more than just casual dining, so bring a large appetite and a big wallet. Magic shows are also offered in the evening by friendly ninjas who are willing to entertain onlookers with their ancient secrets. 3-5 minutes from Akasaka Mitsuke Station. - Erin Sanchez

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Looking a bit like a big barn, this two-floor building is an excellent venue conveniently located in Akasaka. It has a capacity of about 1,900. The first floor, where the atmosphere is generated, is all standing. The second floor is smaller and seats 244. From anywhere inside, there is a good view of the stage. Top class Japanese and visiting bands, including some of the most respected Inde bands, are regularly on the program. Drinks, including alcohol, are available but no food is served. Ticket prices: JPY1,000-JPY10,000

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If you see just one temple in Tokyo, make it this one. Settled in Tokyo's historic heart, Asakusa, impressive, colorful Senso-ji temple feels larger than life. The walk up to Senso-ji should be taken at a leisurely pace, perusing the quaint street stalls and nibbling on snacks made fresh in front of you. Plus, Asakusa is the place in Tokyo to stock up on all those traditional trinkets and crafts you'll want to bring home.