How Business Travelers Can Maximize Their Free Time in Japan

Enjoy some leisure during your downtime.

Traveling to Japan for business? Here’s what you can do to make the most of your limited time so you can still explore and enjoy what Japan has to offer. Check out this guide for how business travelers can maximize their free time in Japan. 

Soothe your work fatigue in a hot spring

Work can be a little stressful and tiring. If you have some time off, why not relax at nearby hot springs to soothe your tired muscles and wash away the exhaustion?

You can experience Japan’s unique onsen culture through any of the hot springs that have been around for centuries. Hot springs have been a traditional bathing culture used for health and healing purposes in the past. All around Japan, you’ll find hot springs with diverse health benefits—from soothing muscle pains to washing away fatigue, moisturizing the skin, and more.

Hot springs close to Tokyo for easy access

Got business in Tokyo? The good news is that you can find several hot springs nearby that are easily accessible. You can even go for a day trip or book a short stay. Plus, it’s easy to travel to them, so you don’t have to worry about how to get there.

Izumi Tenku no Yu at Haneda Airport

If your stay in Tokyo is limited, try the natural hot springs in Haneda Airport the moment you arrive or before you leave. Enjoy views of the airplanes arriving and taking off, as well as a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. Izumi Tenku No Yu has many facilities, including a hot stone sauna, massage rooms, a dining area, and more. The iodine sodium chloride water is said to aid skin dryness and blood circulation.

Open: 24 hours BUT baths are unavailable from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm due to cleaning.

How to get to Izumi Tenku no Yu: Go to the Arrival Hall at Terminal 3, Haneda International Airport. Head towards 'Haneda Airport Garden' and walk for 4 minutes until you reach the VILLA FONTAINE Hotel. Enter the hotel and take the elevator to the 12th floor.

Kozantei Ubuya

Kozantei Ubuya is a ryokan situated on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. All guest rooms give you majestic views of Mt. Fuji, providing relaxing scenery no matter which room you book. They offer rooms with private hot springs for couples, families. As some public baths still restrict guests with tattoos, private onsen rooms are recommended for guests with tattoos. This allows you to enjoy the hot springs in a way that is most comfortable for you.

Kozantei Ubuya’s hot spring waters have various benefits. They are said to relieve muscle pain and fatigue. Take a long soak to heal your body and mind while taking in the magnificent natural views.

Address: 10 Azagawa, Fuji-Kawaguchiko-machi, Minami-tsuru-gun, Yamanashi Pefecture 401-0303, Japan

How to get to Kozantei Ubuya: From Tokyo International Airport, take the Fujikyuko Express Bus and get down at Kawaguchiko Station. Take a taxi to Kozantei Ubuya (about 10 minutes away).

Spa LaQua (Tokyo Dome)

At the heart of Tokyo lies Tokyo Dome, and right next to it is Spa LaQua, a natural hot spring facility. It is easily accessible from the city center.

Spa LaQua is a sodium chloride hot spring from the underground waters of Tokyo. It keeps the skin soft and moisturized and is said to be effective in relieving stiff shoulders and coldness.

Enjoy the Healing Baden Zone, which offers a beautiful night view of Tokyo Dome City. Even in the city center, you can still relax your mind and spirit with this special healing experience.

Address: 5-9th Floor Tokyo Dome City LaQua, 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan

How to get to Spa LaQua: Take the Keikyū Airport Line and get off at Mita Station. Ride the Mita Line until Suidōbashi Station and walk a few minutes to Spa LaQua.

See more hot springs around Tokyo

Hot springs that are one short flight away via JAL domestic flights

If you’re willing to go a little further or want to explore new sights, hop onto one of JAL’s domestic flights to visit the surrounding regions. JAL offers a special domestic fare called JAL Japan Explorer Pass for international travelers. For affordable fares, you get access to over 30 cities around Japan.

Noboribetsu Onsen (Hokkaido)

Located in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the top hot springs resorts in Japan, known for its natural spring waters with healing properties that soothe fatigue. Different pools have different benefits. Some hot springs with milky-white sulfur-infused waters are said to soften and refresh the skin. You can also find salt- and metal-rich pools with diverse health benefits.

Aside from hot springs and foot baths, there are nearby theme parks and other attractions where you can experience Japan’s rich culture and history.

Address: 60 Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture 059-0551, Japan

How to get to Noboribetsu Onsen: Take a Japan Airlines domestic flight from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport. Ride the Rapid Airport Line to Minami Chitose Station. Switch to the JR Muroran Main Line and ride until Noboribetsu Station.

Start planning your trip to Noboribetsu Onsen

Dogo Onsen (Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture)

Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, is home to the historic bathhouse known as Dogo Onsen, famed for mineral-rich baths that leave your skin soft and silky. Dogo Onsen’s main building feels like a trip back to the past. The structure built in 1894 still stands today—a three-story wooden building with a watchtower and red glass windows. Dogo Onsen served as the inspiration for the bathhouse in the famous Ghibli film, "Spirited Away". You’ll find various bath options—from main baths shared with other visitors or private ones with tatami rooms.

Matsuyama is also well-known for gourmet food and delectable dishes. You mustn’t miss taimeshi (sea bream rice) and goshiki somen (five-colored noodles). You can also enjoy local craft beer, as well as other delicacies.

Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-0842, Japan

How to get to Dogo Onsen: Take a Japan Airlines domestic flight to Matsuyama Airport. From the airport, hop on the Matsuyama Airport Line until Dogo Onsen Station.

Go for a soak at the Dogo Onsen

Experience Japanese food culture

When it comes to food, Japan’s cuisine is popular all over the world, featuring a wide range of dishes. While on your business trip, you can explore the rich flavors in various places around the country. Try easy-to-enjoy bites like sushi, tempura, and ramen. Or dive deeper into Japan's food culture through the delicate washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) made with seasonal ingredients.

Dining around Tokyo

Tokyo offers a marvelous dining experience for those who want to experience more of Japan’s food culture and unique dining etiquette.

Soba—a popular noodle dish

Soba is a well-known Japanese noodle dish that can be served either hot or cold and in various ways. You’ll find a wide variety of soba options in Tokyo, as many restaurants serve delicious, healthy soba dishes.

Find out where to eat soba in Tokyo

The best drinks of Tokyo

Get a glimpse of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife through its diverse bar scene. Japan’s capital is home to approximately 30,000 bars—from quaint whisky bars to cocktail lounges with spectacular views and experimental brews.

A business trip is the perfect opportunity for you to experience Japan’s sophisticated nightlife and deep culture. It’s also the perfect place to unwind after a long day. You’ll find first-class service, unique spaces, and unforgettable mixology techniques to give you a one-of-a-kind experience.

Sip your way through Tokyo’s bar scene

Diverse food cultures of Japan, accessible via JAL domestic flights

Japan’s delectable dishes do not end in Tokyo. As you travel, you'll stumble across little hole-in-the-wall restaurants or food festivals in nearby provinces, easily accessible through Japan Airlines’ domestic flights. Grab one of the JAL Japan Explorer Passes—a special domestic fare just for international travelers.

Kyoto’s kaiseki-style cuisine

Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to a unique culinary culture that has developed through the years. It is known for delicious seafood and regional produce that serve as essential ingredients in various local dishes.

During your visit to Kyoto, be sure to check out the different local types of Kyoto cuisine:

Shojin ryori: Plant-based dishes developed by Buddhist temples. You can enjoy this in various monasteries and eateries around Kyoto.

Yudofu and yuba: Tofu products that are added to soups and noodle dishes or served with dried seaweed and freshly chopped scallions.

Nishin soba: Delicious buckwheat noodles served with mushrooms and sauces.

Kyozushi: Kyoto’s interpretation of the classic Japanese sushi, mainly made from fish that has been cured with salt or vinegar.

Obanzai: A meal comprising numerous small plates to make the most of ingredients and minimize waste. 

Kaiseki: Based on the Japanese principle of washoku (harmony), it is a full meal of seasonal local ingredients presented artistically. It is similar to the French.

haute cuisine and is thought to have originated from Edo-period banquets where aristocrats would gather over extravagant meals.

Discover 7 Types of Local Kyoto Cuisines to Try

Matcha—a traditional beverage in tea ceremonies

Aside from kaiseki-style meals, Kyoto is also known for matcha, Japan’s globally recognized green tea. To the south of Kyoto lies Uji, a charming city known for producing some of the best high-quality matcha.

From Zen monks offering it to Buddha to nobles savoring it, matcha has a rich history. Today, it's enjoyed worldwide in everything from sweets to savory dishes. But where can you experience matcha at its finest?

Discover delicious Matcha in Uji’s Famous Teahouses

Ramen—noodles in different ways

Japan is almost synonymous with ramen, a bowl of noodles that can be enjoyed in various ways. No matter where you go in Japan, you’ll find many different variations—from the diverse soup bases (soy sauce, salt, miso, pork bone, etc.) to the various kinds of noodles and toppings.

Each region in Japan has its own unique ramen. Travel to Hakodate to taste the salt-based ramen or Sapporo to try their miso-based one. Asahikawa is known for its pork bone ramen, and Tokyo ramen is characterized by its soy-sauce-based broth.

As you travel, sample the various kinds of ramen and enjoy the authentic flavors and experience more of Japan’s unique food culture. It’s the perfect way to get to know more about the local cuisine, even on a busy schedule.

Eat at the best ramen shops in Japan

Experience mindful Japanese culture, urban experiences, and entertainment

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, even during your brief stay, is by exploring Japanese art in the form of its museums or traditional performances.

Experience Japanese culture and entertainment around Tokyo

All around Tokyo, you’ll find various ways to dive into Japan’s art scenes. 

Art appreciation in various forms

Check out the diverse art at the National Art Center, Tokyo, and learn more about Japanese history and culture at the Tokyo National Museum.

You can also check out traditional performing arts at Kabukiza. Some of the performances in Kabukiza provide English subtitles, allowing you to catch a glimpse of Japan’s unique art and history even if you have limited time.

As most of these experiences are indoors, you can easily enjoy them even on rainy days.

See various art and culture experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo Station—a central hub for shopping, dining, and commuting

Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s leading transportation hubs. It’s an important point for subways and local railway services shuttling travelers to other provinces. If you’re staying in Tokyo, you’re likely to find yourself at Tokyo Station most of the time.

The station is more than just a transfer point, however. It also offers world-class shopping and dining experiences—all within walking distance of many of Tokyo’s must-see attractions.

Tokyo Station was designed by renowned architect Kingo Tatsuno and first opened in 1914 with just four platforms. The red-brick Marunouchi Station Building, inspired by Tatsuno’s travels across Europe, remains one of Tokyo’s most impressive pieces of architecture. Today, the station is a central point of Japan’s capital city. Even if you don’t need to take the train, the experience of exploring the station and trying the various activities in and around it makes it worth visiting.

Explore more of Tokyo Station

Experience diverse cultures across Japan with JAL domestic flights

Japan’s rich culture extends beyond the capital city of Tokyo. Many of Japan’s prefectures are easily accessible through Japan Airlines’ domestic flights. You’ll find special domestic fares called Japan Explorer Pass—just for international travelers. No matter where you are in the country, you’ll find something to give you a rich and unique cultural experience.

Attend Japanese summer festivals

Summer festivals are held around Japan from June to September, during the warm season. They are more than just events, but are also a gateway to vibrant and wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, history, and traditions.

There’s something amazing and exciting about Japan’s festival atmosphere. From its gorgeous decorations to the delicious food stalls, fun games, and vibrant fireworks, Japanese summer festivals offer a unique experience and a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Some of Japan’s most popular summer festivals include:

Gion Festival (Kyoto): Japan’s most famous festival, where you can see a stunning parade of yamahoko (floats) and enjoy lively street parties and delicious food from street food stalls. The Gion Festival is said to have started in 869 as a prayer to ward off epidemics. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Sendai Tanabata Festival (Sendai): Japan’s largest and most famous Tanabata Festival. Every year, from August 6 to 8, the Sendai shopping district is decorated with thousands of colorful streamers, creating a vibrant landscape that resembles a "forest of color".

Discover more summer festivals in Japan

Learn about Osaka Castle’s history and experience life in the past

Catch a glimpse of Osaka’s colorful history through the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living’s interactive exhibits, showcasing Japan in ancient times. You can also visit Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s iconic Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most representative historical buildings, and see its grandeur and rich history. Make your experience even more memorable when you wear yukata robes and stroll down the historic streets.

Explore more of Osaka through various historical experiences

Experiencing Japan on a business trip

You can still enjoy the many things Japan has to offer—even if you’re in the country for a business trip. Tokyo’s diverse charms hold many attractions for busy travelers, and regional cities are easy to get to through domestic flights. Refer to this guide every time you visit Japan on a business trip to explore more of the country and culture, making your stay even more unforgettable.