Tokyo: address book

Identity card

Formalities Valid passport.

Currency The yen (JPY). 1 Euro = 133 JPY (Sept. 2015).

Area code 81; 3 (Tokyo).

Time difference 7 hours in summer, 8 hours in winter.

How to get there

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS operates two flights a day between Paris CDG and Tokyo, one to Narita airport and the other to Tokyo Haneda. Since February 2015, the new "Inspiration of Japan" cabin has been installed on these two routes. In First Class, a private area guarantees privacy and comfort with, among other things, an armchair bed and a down duvet. In Business Class, the armchair converts into a perfectly flat bed, and little extras add to the pleasure of the journey with an ultra-light duvet, nightwear, a care kit and aromatherapy products. The staggered configuration also protects the privacy of each passenger. In Premium Economy, the seats are equipped with a leg rest and an adjustable headrest. In Economy, the personal space has also been enlarged with a sliding seat, respecting the passengers directly behind. In all four classes, each seat is equipped with a USB port. In addition, both in Paris and Tokyo, Premium passengers have a dedicated check-in counter and access to the Business lounges.

Tel: 01 53 83 52 44 or 0820 803 212 Email: anares@ana.co.jp Internet: www.ana.fr

AIR FRANCE offers 20 flights a week to Tokyo, with one flight a day to Tokyo Narita and 13 weekly services to Haneda airport. Flights to this hub near the city centre feature the new BEST cabins and are operated by Boeing B777s.

Tel.: 3654 3654 or +33 (0)892 70 26 54 Internet: www.airfrance.com

JAPAN AIRLINES connects Paris to Tokyo with one flight a day to Narita, operated by a B777 two-class aircraft, and one daily service to Tokyo Haneda, operated by a B777 with a First cabin.

Tel: 0810 747 700 Internet: www.fr.jal.com

Hotels

Tokyo Station Hotel

Originally opened in 1915, just one year after Central Station, Tokyo Station Hotel enjoyed its first hour of glory until the great Kanto earthquake of 1923. Later rebuilt, the hotel enjoyed a new heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly during the first Olympic Games in 1964. In 2006, it was closed for renovation and reopened in 2012, completely transformed. Today, it is once again one of Tokyo's most elegant establishments, with a distinctly Début de Siècle charm and 150 charming rooms.

1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda - Phone: +81 3 52 20 11 11 - Email: info@ tokyostationhotel.jp - Internet : www.thetokyostationhotel.jp

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

In the Roppongi Hills district, in the heart of the financial centre and adjacent to the magnificent Mori Museum, the Grand Hyatt has become a benchmark for luxury hotels in Tokyo, including a presidential suite with a private swimming pool. In all, the hotel has 387 rooms and top-of-the-range facilities, including a business lounge, seventeen meeting rooms, seven restaurants, a fleet of limousines and top-flight service made in America.

6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku. Tel: +81 3 43 33 12 34 Email: tokyo.grand@hyatt.com Internet: www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.com

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

As if suspended in mid-air, this hotel enjoys sublime views, particularly from the two impressive bay windows of its lobby, located on the 38th floor. The hotel has just celebrated its tenth anniversary, but is still one of the jewels of the historic Nihonbashi district, close to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Bank of Japan.

179 rooms. 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Tel: +81 3 32 70 88 00 Email: motyo-reservations@mohg.com Internet: www.mandarinoriental.com

Four Seasons Tokyo

Since 2002, business travellers have been loyal to this superb hotel overlooking the tracks of Tokyo Station. If the surreal views from the 57 rooms are seductive, the proximity of the International Forum congress centre and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce is another plus for business travellers. The impeccable service and luxury boutique hotel atmosphere ensure a stay marked by excellence.

 

1-11-1 Pacifc Century Place. Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku - Tel: +81 3 52 22 72 22 - Internet: www.fourseasons.com

The Westin Tokyo

22 floors and 418 rooms with a minimum surface area of 42 m2, a beautiful executive lounge, five restaurants - including a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant - as well as three bars... The hotel has all the attributes of a major business hotel, as well as an excellent location, just a stone's throw from Ebisu underground station.

1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku - Tel: +81 3 54 23 70 00 - Email: wetok@westin.com Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

Opened in 2007 in the Roppongi district, this 248-room establishment has taken over the top nine floors of the Midtown Tower. From the top of its 53 floors, you can gaze at Mount Fuji in the distance or, closer up, the Eiffel Tower-like line of the Tokyo Tower. A magical sight.

Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku - Tel: +81 3 34 23 8 000 Email: rc.tyorz.leads@ritzcarlton.com Internet : www.ritzcarlton.com

Other major business hotels

park Hyatt Tokyo

3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku Tel: +81 3 53 22 12 34 Email: tokyo.park@hyatt.com Internet: tokyo.park.hyatt.com

Shangri-La Tokyo

Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Tel: +81 3 67 39 78 88 Email: slty@shangri-la.com Internet: www.shangri-la.com/tokyo

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku Tel: +81 3 33 44 01 11 Internet : www.keioplaza.com

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku Tel: +81 3 33 48 12 34 Email: tokyo.regency@hyatt.com Internet: tokyo.regency.hyatt.com

Hilton Tokyo

6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 6-Chome, Shinjuku- ku - Tel: +81 3 33 44 51 11 Email: tokyo@hilton.com Internet: www3.hilton.com

Radisson Narita Airport

650-35 Nanae, Tomisato-Shi, Narita Tel: + 81 4 76 93 12 34 Email: information@radisson.co.jp Internet: www.radisson.com

Budget hotels

Gracery Shinjuku

The latest addition to the Gracery chain has just opened this summer in the vibrant Shinjuku business district. On the programme: comfort, design, efficiency and loads of little surprises for an unbeatable price. A little extra for women travelling alone: some rooms are specially equipped and secure.

1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: +81 3 68 33 24 89 Internet: shinjuku.gracery.com

Remm Hibiya

The design of this 255-room hotel, located close to Ginza and several metro lines, is resolutely contemporary. Its concept is to offer business travellers nights of pure relaxation and all the business amenities at a very reasonable price. 1-2-1 Yuraku-cho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: +81 3 35 07 06 06 Internet: www.hankyu-hotel.com/english

Park Hotel Tokyo

A member of the Design Hotels, ‡this "Nippon style" establishment - though its scenography is the work of a French decorator - is the specialist in discounted "packages" aimed at international clientele. Located on the 25th floor of the Shiodome Media Tower, near Shimbashi Station, it offers easy access to the heart of Tokyo as well as the airports.

Shiodome Media Tower. 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku - Tel: +81 3 62 52 11 11 - Email: info@parkhoteltokyo. com - Internet: www.parkhoteltokyo.com

Century Southern Tower

Just a stone's throw from Shinjuku station, in the heart of the administrative district, this hotel rubs shoulders with the biggest names, including the famous Park Hyatt. Without, however, reaching the same price level. The hotel therefore caters for business travellers looking to make the most of their budget.

 

2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: +81 3 53 54 01 11 Internet: www.southerntower.co.jp

The B Hotel

The b Hotels concept combines simplicity, comfort and design. The rooms are rather small, but their colours are bold, the bedding is quality, and the spirit is both zen and business. The b Hotels have taken up residence in several strategic locations, notably in Roppongi.

3-9-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: +81 3 5412 0451 Email: theb-roppongi@ishinhotels.com Internet: www.theb-hotels.com

First Cabin

First Cabin is reinventing the concept of the capsule hotel, with top-of-the-range mini rooms in the style of an aircraft's business class. Available at Haneda airport and in several parts of the city, including Akihabara, this low-cost solution is ideal for express stays in Tokyo.

101-0025 3-38, Kandasakumacho, Chiyoda-ku - Tel: +81 3 6240 9798 Internet : first-cabin.jp

Restaurants

Go

The restaurant can only seat seven diners, all lined up at the counter, and so much the better. The vantage point is ideal for appreciating the dexterity of the chef, who handles fish, vegetables and meat in the most extraordinary ways. Even prawn shells, grilled to perfection, become an irresistible delicacy. A true Japanese culinary experience, between luxury and simplicity.

1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: +81 3 32 11 53 22 - Email: wadakura@palacehotel.jp - Internet: en.palacehoteltokyo.com/restaurant/go

Maru Ginza

At work in his open kitchen, the extremely creative chef practised kaiseki cooking for ten years in Kyoto before practising his art of Japanese haute cuisine in Tokyo. The concept of this restaurant, which is both traditional and very contemporary, is based on a menu that changes every month according to what's in season. A very long wooden counter welcomes customers for express business lunches.

Ichigo Ginza 612 Bldg./2F, 6-12-15, Ginza,Chuou-ku - Tel: +81 3 55 37 74 20 Internet : www.maru-mayfont.jp

New York Grill

A feast for the taste buds - Kobe and American beef are the stars here - but also a feast for the eyes at the Park Hyatt's grill. From the 52nd floor of one of Tokyo's tallest towers, behind floor-to-ceiling glass, the views are simply breathtaking. An excellent wine list with over 1,800 wines.

Park Hyatt Tokyo. 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku - Tel: +81 3 53 23 34 58 Email: tokyo.park@hyatt.com Internet: tokyo.park.hyatt.com

Wadakura Fountain Park Restaurant

This place is by no means a grand table, far from it. But it does have the advantage of being housed in a building with an original architecture, all in glass, facing a beautiful square and the sumptuous imperial palace. Ideal for a quick lunch in an idyllic setting.

3-1 Kokyo-Gaien, Chiyoda-ku Tel: +81 3 32 14 22 86

Two Rooms Grill & Bar

Right in the heart of the Fashion District, this is a popular address for fashionistas and businessmen in suits alike. On the menu, fish in a thousand variations and grilled meats.

5F AO Building, 3-11-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku - Tel: +81 3 34 98 00 02 Internet: www.tworooms.jp/en

Conference centre

Tokyo International Forum

Inaugurated in 1996, this vast glass and steel liner has 34 conference rooms and seven halls, one of which can accommodate 5,000 people.

5-1 Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku Internet: www.t-i-forum.co.jp/en

Practical guides

TOKYO EN QUELQUES JOURS, Lonely Planet (2014); TOKYO, Phaidon (2015); TOKYO Cartoville, Gallimard (2015); TOKYO, City Guide, Vuitton (2013).

Information

Tokyo convention & Visitors bureau

Nisshin Bldg. 6F, 346-6 Yamabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku - Tel: +81 3 55 79 26 80 Email: tcvbinfo@tcvb.or.jp - Internet : tcvb.or.jp/en

 

French Chamber of Commerce and IndustryçAt ease in Japan

Iida Bldg. 2F, 5-5 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku - Tel: +81 3 32 88 96 21 Internet : www.ccifj.or.jp

Economic Mission - Tokyo Office

Embassy of France, 4-11-44, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku - Phone: +81 3 57 98 60 79 Email: tokyo@businessfrance.fr - Internet: ubifrance.fr

The Tokyo chamber of commerce & Industry

2-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku - Phone: +81 3 32 83 78 76 - Fax: +81 3 32 16 64 97 Email: kokusai@tokyo-cci.or.jp - Internet : www.tokyo-cci.or.jp/english/

Japan National Tourist Board

4, rue de Ventadour. 75001 Paris - Tel: 01 42 96 20 29 Email: info@tourisme-japon.fr - Internet: www.tourisme-japon.fr

Bleisure

The Skytree, to see Mount Fuji

Inaugurated in 2012, the Skytree is the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The choice of its height, 634 metres, is far from arbitrary. It is a clever symbol, a beautiful allusion to the ancient city of Edo, the Tokyo of yesteryear. The number 6 in Japanese, pronounced "mu", the 3 "sa", the 4 "shi", together form "Musashi", the name once given to the Tokyo region. An impressive construction, this steel tower surrounding a central part, a double structure that reduces swaying in the event of wind or earthquakes.

While the tower's primary function is to serve as a transmitter for radio and television as well as mobile coverage, it is also a magical place from which to discover the Japanese capital from the air. On arrival, the Japanese experience is guaranteed: you wait obediently for your turn to board Japan's fastest transparent lift, which climbs the "celestial tree" at a speed of 600 metres a minute. Those who feel up to it will face the famous "glass floor" looking downwards, for a rather vertiginous sensation. The less adventurous will be content to observe the sprawling city stretching as far as the confines of Mount Fuji and the sacred mountains of the Nikko region. If you're coming to Tokyo on business and want to take a moment to relax, there's no risk of wasting time, as a new station, Tokyo Skytree Station, now links the tower to the rest of the city network.

Internet : www.tokyo-skytree.jp Opening hours: daily, 8am to 10pm