Tokyo was among the first cities to lead the global pandemic recovery and is again expanding the exciting options available to conference and incentive groups.
The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal offers a splendid location on the edges of the Japanese capital’s port, providing visiting groups with stunning views across the bay and out to the city.
Circumstances since its opening in 2020 have given the facility the opportunity to take up a unique position in that it has evolved into a venue with a growing role as an option for the MICE market — a move that reflects how Tokyo is innovating and responding to business event demand.
The facility comes flush with high-tech features, including state-of-the-art lighting and an impressive LED system with a screen that measures 4.5m x 15m. There are also six meeting rooms of up to 72.54 sqm and two multi-purpose areas of up to 3,000 sqm.
Event planners should note the terminal’s unique, prime position on the waterfront, within convenient reach of a wide selection of hotels as well as transportation hubs including the two international airports that serve Tokyo and a bullet train station that offers speedy, convenient connections to major Japanese cities.
The terminal’s primary function servicing cruise liners has also resulted in its proximity to a computer-controlled train station which links the waterfront to the city center.
The cruise terminal is just one of Tokyo’s new venues that are open for business — and waiting to be discovered by event organizers.
The TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY urban development tells a different story of the capital’s forward thinking. MICE venues are at the very core of this project, which by its 2025 scheduled opening, will feature state-of-the-art facilities for groups of all sizes, in a hub of luxury hotels with easy transport access to all that Tokyo offers.
Located on the Yamanote Loop Line, the development forms part of plans to expand the Shinagawa district’s role as a global business hub. Developers say it will become one of the world’s largest sites for business events with the entire facility able to host 4,000 attendees.
With Shinagawa already home to several of the capital’s largest hotels, TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will have luxury hotels of its own plus business event venues located across two basement floors (B1 and B2). These include a 1,700 sqm convention hall that can host 2,000 delegates in addition to seven conference rooms of up to 350 sqm. Seven conference rooms of up to 500 sqm will also be available on the sixth floor. These facilities are expected to open in March 2025.
The project is being driven by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), tapping into the latest in eco-friendly technology and design while expanding public and private space.
BOND WITH SUSHI
In the Tsukiji district, once home to Tokyo’s famed fish market, a great way to bond groups is to let them experience an integral part of Japanese cuisine. Tsukiji Cooking’s team-building sessions give delegates fresh insights into the art of sushi making under the welcome and watchful guidance of experienced chefs, while having a whole lot of fun. Programs can also be customised on request.
Another example of how Tokyo continues to evolve as an events destination is seen in how it embraces and expands on futuristic ideas that can be found across town at the teamLab Planets TOKYO museum, located in the rapidly developing waterfront Toyosu area.
It’s a thrillingly cutting-edge, shared group experience that expands on the very notion of what being a museum “visitor” means. The facility requires groups to become immersed in its art — to seemingly become part of the works on display themselves.
There’s a room partially filled with water where images of fish and flowers float around the feet of delegates as they walk through (pants rolled to the knees, if they’re not wearing shorts). Then it’s onto a room full of orchids, displayed as if floating, and which respond to movement as groups move in and around them.
More… Where Tokyo’s History Comes to Life
Such has been the museum’s success that it was honored with the World Travel Award for “Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2023”. Such museum experiences offer a unique, immersive experience for delegates — proof positive that Tokyo’s investment in forward thinking is paying dividends.
HOTEL
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa – Set within a 10-acre Japanese garden in the heart of the Takanawa area, this hotel offers 908 rooms, each featuring a balcony – and stunning views. There are Japanese, Chinese and Western restaurants and its iconic design came from famed architect Togo Murano.
Meetings & Events: There is 4,230 sqm of meeting space overall targeted at trade shows and international conferences. The main Hiten Main Banquet Hall is the largest of the four rooms available at 2,013 sqm, space enough for 5,000 when combined with the Entrance Hall (Uzushio) and Reception Hall (Sakura).
Brought to You By…
businesseventstokyo.org
Business Events Tokyo is also ready to provide comprehensive world-class support through every stage of the event planning process.
