Heritage Nijo Castle now on list of event venues in Japan

NIJO Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Kyoto, has appointed 12 coordinators to market and promote events at the venue from April 2014.

Ovation Global DMC’s strategic partner in Japan, The J Team DMC, is the only specialist DMC on the list, which comprises local hotel, media, event, travel and catering companies.

James Kent, sales and marketing manager, The J Team DMC, told TTGmice e-Weekly: “Our bid included a wide range of ideas that covered teambuilding, reward and award, workshops and training, as well as parties. I see potential for smaller, tailored events at the castle.”

Kent said Nijo Castle was included in a couple of proposals for autumn, and it was possible for a piece of business to materialise by spring or summer.

The castle’s exterior space is available for gala dinners for up to several thousands of people depending on the size of the marquee, while an indoor area can be booked for meetings with about 200 guests.

The primary concern is damage to the property so no catering is allowed within the castle building and proper preparations in marquee set-up are needed.

According to Kent, the castle grounds hosted a tea ceremony and press conference for the 2008 Miss International. Nijo Castle also supported World Diabetes Day – 14th November – in the past by showing blue illuminations to generate awareness of the disease. In recent years it has been used as a wedding venue.

Kent said: “One of the reasons Nijo Castle is opening up to MICE events is to help raise funds for its current restoration projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for CSR-minded companies to make a valuable contribution to the preservation of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site by donating to the fund, and receiving recognition for it.”

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