Brought to you by Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau

Purposeful travel has risen in importance among consumers over the last two years of tourism disruption, which sees travellers being more determined than ever to ensure that their post-lockdown trips are enriching.

In a recent American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends report, 62 per cent of respondents said they want to be thoughtful about their future trips. A majority (81 per cent) want to travel to destinations where they can immerse in local culture while 78 per cent want to have a positive impact on the community they are visiting. Top activities deemed to leave a positive impact on the local community include visiting heritage sites and museums, attending cultural tours, and patronising small businesses.

This desire translates into how people travel for business and shapes their expectations of the event programme.

Here in Tokyo, where rich traditions and culture hold strong and influence the city’s ultramodern developments and lifestyle, a variety of unique venues offer event delegates the opportunity to appreciate Japan as a destination while fulfilling their need to interact with and support the local community.

Kanda Myoujin Shrine

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Kanda Myoujin Shrine
Japan’s many religious sites are revered by worshippers and admired by travellers from near and far. Beyond the aesthetic values of Japanese shrines and temples, these architectures also underline Japan’s strong spiritual roots.

Kanda Myoujin Shrine, built 1,300 years ago, offers a storied link between past and present. Believed by locals to have once protected the whole of Edo – ancient Tokyo – from harm, the shrine continues to draw reverence today. Shrine visitors pray here for business prosperity and good luck – an aspect that will resonate with visiting corporate groups.

Planners can host their events on site, at the EDOCCO (Edo Culture Complex), Myoujin Kaikan, and the outdoor grounds of the shrine. EDOCCO itself comprises a range of spaces. EDOCCO Kanda Myoujin Hall is the largest event space, spanning 466m² and offering capacity for 250 guests in a standing reception or 120 pax seated. EDOCCO Studio, outfitted with a stage, can take 150 guests in a stand-up setting or 100 seated.

Within Myoujin Kaikan are two function spaces – Sai Room and Yui Room – for events of varied sizes.

The grounds of the shrine can accommodate 150 standing guests.

kudan house

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kudan house
Japan’s early interaction with communities beyond her borders had resulted in interesting architectural influences that remain well preserved today. kudan house, a Spanish-style villa in central Tokyo that dates back to 1927, is an attractive example.

Retaining old world charms alongside modern conveniences, kudan house offers a mix of Japanese and western-style function rooms that are great for small corporate gatherings. These are located across three levels and a basement. The Japanese-style Room, for instance can take 20 pax and is suitable for strategy meetings.

For a Japanese touch, planners can host VIP receptions in the tearoom on the second floor as well as in the Japanese garden on the ground floor, a perfect venue for groups desiring mental rejuvenation in an outdoor, scenic setting.

kudan house is normally a members-only business salon where corporate members host negotiations and meetings, but thanks to its status as a unique venue, it can be privately hired in its entirety for business events.

COREDO Muromachi Terrace

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COREDO Muromachi Terrace
No visitor to Tokyo would miss the many gleaming skyscrapers and futuristic spaces that stand as testimony to the city’s continuous pursuit of ultramodern developments.

A welcome reception in the heart of Tokyo’s Nihonbashi commercial quarters offers delegates an opportunity to appreciate the city’s modernity and buzz, and reflect on the benefits of pursuing lofty goals.

COREDO Muromachi Terrace is unique as it blends indoor spaces with open sections. A 500m² semi-sheltered plaza out front can be hired for workshops, hands-on activities, promotional events and other events. This space can accommodate 250 guests in a standing arrangement.

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

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Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Art is the bridge between people and societies; it conveys ideas and experiences and breaks down barriers – much like business events.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is an artwork in itself – a light-filled structure of glass, steel and concrete that features lofty galleries and interesting spaces. It reopened in 2019, after a three-year closure for renovations that gifted it with new hardware like upgraded air-conditioning and energy-efficient lighting as well as new furniture and clearly marked routes.

In this sophisticated space, planners can curate presentations, awards ceremonies or networking parties. The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo offers a 200-seat auditorium, the Entrance Hall that takes both seated and standing functions, and two training rooms. Outdoor venues are available in the form of the Sunken Garden and the Water and Stone Promenade for 600 and 300 pax standing, respectively.

In consideration of safe distancing needs at events, venues featured here may specify different capacity allowance.

Easy access to unique venues

Planners keen to utilise these outstanding venues, or any of the other memorable facilities across Tokyo can expect quality guidance and assistance.

The Unique Venues One-Stop Service Desk was established in 2018 to serve as a convenient service point for planners, and it underscores Tokyo’s ability to deliver on business event expectations.

Experienced staff provide free support for planners from start to end, recommending venues to suit a client’s requirements, coordinating site inspections, and acting as the go-between with specialist companies involved in event organisation.

To learn more about the city’s wide-ranging unique venues, visit Unique Venues Tokyo.