[boardhead]

I leave Saturday for Japan- yay!!! But I need some quick advice. I work in the animal care department of an aquarium and while in Japan I will be visiting Kaiyukan, the aquarium in Osaka. Someone high up in my company contacted someone there so my group and I will be given a behind scenes tour and possibly do some fun things here and there (this stuff is very typical in my field). Anyway- I will be bringing gifts to give to those who guide us at the aquarium. My question is- what is the proper etiquette for saying thank you and giving the gifts? Business card exchange then gifts right after? And if I recieve a gift from them what is the proper etiquette: open it then and there, say thanks and politely put it away? And is there a better way to say thank you than "Domo arigato"?
Please help... I really do want to be as polite and respectful as possible. I am afterall representing my company (on a somewhat unofficial level).
Thanks much in advance!