You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so the old adage goes. If you’re on a business trip to Tokyo and want to make a great impression for your customer or business colleague, you can’t go wrong by choosing any of the following restaurants for your next business meeting in the popular Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan. Sharing a delicious meal in a nice setting allows business professionals to relax and get to know each other better.
These restaurants have delicious Japanese and/or Western-style food with enough privacy for quality conversations. Of course, keep in mind that while it’s a bit more expensive to dine out in Japan than in the United States, some portion of business meals may be tax deductible.
About the author: Naoaki Hashimoto is founder and CEO of TripleLights.com, a website that allows users to discover more things to do and see with their business colleagues.
1. Tenichi Honten
You can get tasty soba (buckwheat) or ramen noodle and donburi (rice bowl) dishes many places in Japan. But many spots are too noisy or too busy to have productive business conversations. So instead try Tenichi, one of the most famous tempura restaurants in Japan. The venue has been operating for over 80 years and has served business executives from all over the world. It has a great atmosphere and high quality seafood and vegetables.
Address – 6-6-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Type of food – Tempura (with seafood and vegetables)
Open- 7 days a week (Closed on Jan. 1st)
Lunch Hours – 11:30am – 4pm
Dinner Hours – 4pm – 10pm (last order at 9:30pm)
2. Giaggilo Ginza
The typical Japanese diet does not include many fresh vegetables. So for lots of fresh vegetables dishes, try the incredible Italian-style food at Giaggilo Ginza. Meat lovers, don’t worry. There are plenty of great meals for you too. Giaggilo has a relaxing ambiance and is famous for its selection of salads that feature 15 different kinds of herbs.
Address- B1F, Ginza Tower 7/10, DUPLEX GINZA, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061
Type of food – Western, vegetables
Open – Tuesday – Saturday (closed Mondays)
Lunch Hours – 11:30am – 2:30pm (last order at 1:30pm)
Dinner Hours – 6pm – 10:30pm (last order at10pm)
3. Ukai Tei
Ukai Tei is a premium restaurant for Teppanyaki, food cooked with an iron griddle at each customer’s table. It’s a true delight to see top quality meat and seafood prepared right before your eyes! Ukai Tei has delicious “wagyu” steak and several private rooms.
Address – Jiji Tsuushin Building, 5-15-8, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061
Type of food – Teppanyaki, Steak, Seafood
Open – Open 7 days a week
Lunch Hours – 12:00pm – 2pm
Dinner Hours – 5pm – 9pm
4. Kishyo Ginza Honten
Shabushabu is another style of food in Japan, where customers cook their own meat, seafood, and vegetable in a hot pot at their table. Kishyo opened over 60 years ago and has been serving delicious shabushabu meals ever since. It has a great atmosphere as well.
Address – 4F, Royal Crystal Ginza Bldg., 5-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Type of food – Shabushabu
Open – Open 7 days a week (closed last week of Dec through Jan. 1st)
Lunch Hours – 11:30am – 3pm 15:00 (last order at 2:30pm)
Dinner Hours – 5pm – 11pm (last order at 10pm)
Sat/Sun/Holiday Hours – 11:30am – 10 pm (last order at 9pm)
5. Rotal Crystal Cafe
Rotal Crystal Café is a great spot if you’re looking for a more casual setting and don’t need a complete meal per se. Great coffee and nice private meeting rooms.
Address – B1F, Royal Crystal Ginza, 5-4-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Type of food – Coffee, pastries, appetizers
Open – 7 days a week
Business Hours – 11:00am – 7pm (last order at 6:30pm)