Japan is a country of contrasts and contradictions, with its wooden shacks neighbouring shiny glass fronted condos, temples sitting alongside ugly buildings, and technological advancements alongside traditional tea houses.

This can all make for a confusing visit, especially for the business traveller who needs to have a smooth stay. Pone thing that you need to be able to depend on is a safe haven in your hotel, with all the necessary business facilities - here we explore the best business hotels in Tokyo, as well as tips to make your meetings successful and smooth.

When you arrive in Japan you will want to rest and refresh at the hotel first of all. The Shangri-La hotel in Tokyo, planned to open in 2009, will then be the city’s ultimate business hotel. You can hold your meeting in one of four dedicated meeting facilties, including the grand ballroom which will total 370 square meters.

The staircase connecting the business level, level 27,with the two floors above it will offer a place for those who like to discuss business on the move to walk and talk at the same time.

Your suite at Shangri-La Tokyo hotel will feature wired or wireless broadband access, a large ergonomic desk, elegant furnishings as well as sitting area in many Tokyo hotel suites for the most private of meetings. Many suites overlook the business district of Marunouchi, while others offer contemplative views of Tokyo Bay. Modern conveniences like iPod charging facilities, home theatre systems and phones with voicemail will be available at this hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

The Peninsula in Tokyo is another great business choice for hotels in Tokyo, Japan, also located opposite the Marunouchi business district. Guest rooms have views of the city, Hibiya Park or the Imperial Gardens, and the interiors honor traditional Japanese art and heritage. This luxury Tokyo hotel caters to those who think best while moving, with a world-class fitness center and swimming pool with city views.

Once you have settled into your luxury Tokyo hotel accommodation, prepare yourself for your meetings. Practise your Japanese bowing - it is an art form and speaks volumes about how you plan to interact with your business partners. Show respect with deeper, more angular bows, and review some basic Japanese phrases to help make your partners feel that you are making an effort in the transaction.

The first impressions your Japanese colleagues or associates will have of you should be positive, and will be determined by things like how punctual you are. Take heavy traffic into account when planning to leave for meetings - always allow a little leeway.

Quietness and non-aggression are valued in Japanese society - which is understandable considering the volume of people that must live in close quarters.Try to appear more reserved and quiet for a smoother encounter.

You should also review protocols like presenting business cards with both hands, before leaving your luxury Tokyo hotel room. Try to restrain your self to negotiating over one aspect of a deal at a time, to avoid making affront to your Asian business associates.

You will also need to make less eye contact than you would in a Western business setting while in Japan. If you generally try to reflect your host’s demeanor, your business deals will have the best chance of success!

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.