These distinctive places of interest let event organisers infuse creativity into their itineraries
Brought to you by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Known for its blend of cultural traditions and modern innovation, the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo offers a dynamic environment for event organisers seeking memorable and impactful venues for business events.
Whether it is for large-scale conferences or intimate gatherings, there are plenty of landmarks and institutions such as convention centers, hotels and banquet facilities in Tokyo for all types of events.
But what about a place that lets attendees experience something different?
For event planners who want to create memorable events that transport participants to another world, consider these unique venues that offer a different dimension of interactivity and immersion.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
The National Art Center, Tokyo, located in Roppongi, embodies the concept of an art centre surrounded by green spaces. Its southern facade showcases a beautiful, wave-like curved glass curtain wall that seamlessly merges with the conical main entrance, creating a fluid and harmonious design.
It features twelve exhibition galleries, an art library, an auditorium, and three lecture rooms, providing a flexible environment for a wide range of events. Additional facilities include a restaurant, cafe, and museum shop.
As the centre has no permanent collections, it provides one of Japan’s largest art exhibition spaces at 14,000m² where guests can explore a variety of artistic expressions and discover new perspectives.
Event organisers can leverage several spaces here. The entrance hall, a spacious area, is available for private events such as product launches and receptions, exclusively on Tuesdays when the centre is closed. For seminars and meetings, the auditorium offers 260 seats, creating a professional atmosphere for larger gatherings, while lecture rooms accommodate 16 to 52 attendees.
Nestled atop the Otemachi Building, the 4,000m² SKY LAB combines a refreshing oasis with modern amenities. Surrounded by Tokyo’s concrete skyscrapers, SKY LAB, which sits in a valley-like space, is designed with spatial characteristics to give visitors a sense of being in an aerial courtyard-like space.
Just minutes from Tokyo Station, SKY LAB is easily accessible, making it ideal for business gatherings and networking sessions.
The versatile space offers different types of seating options, from counter stools overlooking the bustling Marunouchi Naka-dori main street, to comfortable sofas with views of the Imperial Palace. Formal sit-down dinners, casual buffets or sleek cocktail receptions can all be arranged. The space holds up to 250 people standing.
In the evenings, the surrounding area is lit up by Tokyo’s city lights, making SKY LAB a versatile choice for day or night events.
Located within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and just a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa offers a one-of-a-kind venue that combines marine life with cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visual effects.
This urban aquarium spans two floors and has a combined floor space of 5,510m², providing a unique setting for events that transport guests into an enchanting underwater world. The entire space can be rented out, allowing organisers to create an immersive atmosphere for parties, corporate gatherings, or themed events.
Host a formal dinner at the Jellyfish Rumble where guests dine amid mesmerising displays of floating jellyfish illuminated by synchronised lights and music. For a more dynamic setting, consider a standing buffet in the Wonder Tube — an underwater tunnel where natural light filters through, surrounded by stingrays. Alternatively, the Coral Cafe Bar, featuring tanks of glowing coral, is perfect for cocktail receptions that give a luminous under-the-sea-like otherworldly experience.
IMAGINUS, a creative venue located in Suginami City, is a six-minute walk from Koenji station. It breathes new life into an abandoned school by transforming it into a brand new experience facility to learn science in an enjoyable format. The entire repurposed building provides visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the school facilities in a different country and appreciate how an old building is reused. It can be utilised to host distinctive events, allowing guests to experience the charm of a bygone era while engaging with science in innovative ways.
IMAGINUS provides various adaptable spaces for different event styles. The spacious 762m² Arena is perfect for a formal dining experience, offering an open layout that can accommodate large groups, as well as for recreational activities and sports. For more interactive gatherings, the Experimental Lab, which retains the authentic look of a traditional science room, and the Science in Me lab, filled with intriguing gadgets, offer engaging environments where guests can explore the wonders of science.
Create new experiences in Tokyo
For event organisers looking for the next venue to excite and captivate their attendees, Tokyo provides a variety of interesting unique venues to choose from. They can also expect outstanding service from the Tokyo Unique Venues one-stop-shop support desk when choosing a venue and planning their events.
To find out more, visit Tokyo Unique Venues.
