Masayoshi Sanada of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The Tokyo delegation including, centre, Akiko Nagano
It was with a great deal of decorum and diplomacy that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted a lunch recently at the chi-chi Park Hyatt in Toronto’s tony Yorkville. Clearly attention to detail is something at which the Japanese excel!
Each of the enthusiastic delegates was accompanied by his or her own interpreter who joined us at an elegant Japanese-themed luncheon.
Heading the delegation was Masayoshi Sanada, the Deputy Director General of the Bureau of Industrial and Labour Affairs, who gave a very gracious and heartfelt speech about the importance of Canadian tourists to Japan in general and Tokyo in particular.
My luncheon companion was Akiko Nagano, whose title is almost larger than she is: Leader, City Sales Team, Planning Section, Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labour Affairs for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. In addition to her impressive title, Akiko proved to be very friendly and informative. She told me her three favourite recommendations for visitors to Tokyo include the Meiji-jingu Shrine; the huge variety of food and restaurants; and Odaiba Island in Tokyo Bay, one of few areas where locals and visitors have access to the waterfront, and where the view of downtown is spectacular.
Yes Tokyo can be expensive, as we all know – and with the most Michelin-starred restos of any city (261 stars in all), a great destination for the discerning traveller. But there are options for budget-minded travellers as well (read: many Canadians). We have dollar stores…they have 100 Yen shops, full of fun souvenirs, Akiko told me. Subway fares start at under $2, and for fast and affordable food you can’t beat food stalls serving tempura, sushi and ramen for just a couple of dollars.
And failing all, suggest your clients take in some hanami, or flower-viewing (no surprise the Japanese have a special word for that!).
Arigato, Masayoshi and team, for a delicious update on TYO!
