Tokyo

One of the most modern cities of Asia and the capital of Japan, Tokyo is also one of the most populous cities. This constantly evolving global metropolis has established itself as an ideal MICE destination. Having its own distinctive charm, Tokyo focuses on everything from politics to business and from economy to cultural heritage, thus ascertaining itself as a world traveller’s spot. According to Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan in June 2014 was over 10 lakh, the largest number in its history so far.

The excellent high-speed transportation network of the metropolitan area allows conventions to be planned using any combination of international conference centres, exhibition halls and accommodation facilities throughout the adjacent areas of Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama and Tsukuba.

Tokyo’s market import produce from all over Japan and the world, and the city’s huge variety of dining choices ranges from traditional Japanese food to authentic cuisines from many lands. Its numerous and diverse shopping areas include Akihabara, Ginza, Omotesando, Marunouchi and Odaiba. Entertainment options range from traditional attractions such as sumo, kabuki and bunraku to latest musicals and shows.

Tokyo Big Sight boasts of Japan’s largest exhibition area with the East and West Exhibition Hall, which have a total floor space of 80,660 sq m. They are engineered to support a broad range of exhibitions and events.

Tokyo International Forum (TIF), the largest international conference center in central Tokyo, is located between the Marunouchi business district and the popular Ginza shopping/dining area.

Hikarie Hall, offering convenience with direct access by eight train lines at Shibuya Station, includes the Yamanote loop that circles Central Tokyo, and can accommodate a myriad of events, from trade fairs, exhibitions and seminars, to fashion shows and other live presentations.

Roppongi Academy Hills, a conference center in the high-rise Roppongi Hills complex, is one of Tokyo’s landmarks, conveniently connected directly to Roppongi subway station in central Tokyo with facilities including accommodation.

Tokyo Fashion Town (TFT) Hall is conveniently located adjacent to Tokyo Big Sight in the capital city’s waterfront district, and is a venue suitable for an extensive range of events. Tokyo Midtown is in the heart of central Tokyo, located near Tokyo Tower and the Roppongi/ Akasaka entertainment district, and is considered a premium venue exclusively devoted to MICE events. JP Tower Hall & Conference is in a prime location, at the very heart of Japan’s capital, and conveniently connected to Tokyo Station by an underground walkway – just one minute from the nearest station exit.

Tokyo presents a blend of history and modern trends. In addition, each major district of the city offers a unique entertainment experience, with museums, concert halls, art galleries, major department outlets, and more. Unique excursion ideas include hands-on activities such as the traditional tea ceremony, flower arrangement and kimono wearing.

Hotel venues in Tokyo include Ginza’s largest hotels, the 931-room Imperial Hotel and the 314-room Peninsula Tokyo. Other meeting properties include the Takanawa and Shinagawa Prince Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Capitol Hotel and The Palace Hotel. The landmark Tokyo Station Hotel, a Gothic Renaissance-style brick building constructed in 1914, re-opened in 2012 has three meeting spaces, the largest of which is 288 sq m.

Places of interest

Since Tokyo is located on the southeast coast of Honshu, the largest of Japan’s four main islands, MICE venues in Tokyo also include floating venues like Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise Ship (with five banquet rooms that can be chartered for exclusive use by up to 600 guests), Waterline Floating Lounge, and five yakabune (traditional pleasure boats) operated by Yakatabune Harumiya. There is also Meguro Gajoen, with 25 meeting rooms, a Japanese garden and Maiogi ballroom with a capacity of 1,200 pax. For pre- and post-meeting activities, executives can explore Japanese style management through factory tours; and families can visit Tokyo Disneyland or Noboribetsu Date Jidai- Mura, a samurai theme park also known as Edo Wonderland.