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Table of Contents

1. What Is an Aperitif Party?
2. Three Reasons Why Aperitif Parties Are a Perfect Fit for Corporate Events
3. Situations Where Aperitif Parties Shine
4. Five Recommended Venues for Hosting an Aperitif Party
5. Conclusion｜How Aperitif Parties Offer a “Relaxed Yet Special” Experience

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What Is an Aperitif Party?

An aperitif party originates from the French tradition of “apéritif,” a pre-dinner drink culture that involves enjoying light alcoholic beverages and small appetizers before a meal. These gatherings are typically held in a standing, casual style where guests freely mingle while sipping wine or cocktails and enjoying light snacks such as nuts, canapés, and cheese.

The relaxed atmosphere encourages natural communication among participants, without the formality of a full-course meal. In Western countries, aperitif parties are commonly used for business networking and informal get-togethers. Recently, this sophisticated yet casual format has been gaining popularity in Japan as well, particularly in corporate settings. Because these events are shorter in duration and not centered on a full meal, they offer greater flexibility in terms of planning and ambiance. As a result, aperitif parties are emerging as a new kind of corporate social event—offering a refined, yet unpretentious way to connect.

 

 

Three Reasons Why Aperitif Parties Are a Perfect Fit for Corporate Events

①　A Blend of Casual and Sophisticated, Encouraging Natural Interaction

One of the biggest strengths of an aperitif party is its ability to create a refined ambiance without feeling stiff or formal. The standing format allows participants to move freely, making it easier to strike up conversations with people from different departments or management levels—interactions that may not occur in a seated banquet setting.

Soft background music, warm lighting, and elegant finger foods set the tone for a relaxed and inviting environment. This fosters meaningful dialogue in a setting that feels both thoughtful and hospitable. Because the focus is more on connection than on the meal itself, aperitif parties are particularly well-suited for corporate gatherings aimed at building internal relationships and enhancing company image.

 

②　Efficient in Both Time and Cost

Compared to traditional banquets or full-course dinners, aperitif parties are more compact in terms of duration and preparation. Typically lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours, these events focus on finger foods, which reduces the burden of venue setup and food service. With light food and drinks as the main offerings, costs for ingredients and staffing can be kept low, making this format highly flexible and budget-friendly—an excellent advantage for corporate events.

 

③　A Modern Style That Appeals to Young Employees and International Guests

The aperitif style is a widely accepted format for networking across generations and cultures. Since it emphasizes conversation and shared experiences rather than formal dining, it resonates well with younger employees who may not be accustomed to traditional banquets, as well as with international guests unfamiliar with Japanese corporate dining culture. The casual, flat, and smart atmosphere aligns with modern workplace values that embrace diversity. It also pairs well with photogenic spaces and Instagram-worthy presentations, making the event more memorable. As a fresh approach to internal networking, it’s a format likely to gain even more attention going forward.

 

 

 

Situations Where Aperitif Parties Shine

Welcoming New Employees

If you want to naturally close the gap with new hires, an aperitif-style welcome party is recommended. The standing buffet format allows guests to move freely, encouraging conversations with senior colleagues. The relaxed and informal atmosphere helps newcomers feel at ease, making it an ideal internal event to mark their first step in the new environment.

 

Award Ceremonies and Project Celebrations

Aperitif parties are a perfect match for celebrating internal awards or project completions. They create an elegant yet casual atmosphere appropriate for honoring achievements, while fostering conversation and expressions of gratitude among participants. The short duration minimizes disruption to regular work.

 

 

Events to Boost Internal Communication

To promote interaction across departments and generations, aperitif parties are highly effective. The casual and open setting encourages natural conversations and helps build relationships among employees who usually have little chance to talk. This fresh style of internal event is gaining attention as a communication booster.

 

 

Internal Networking and Cross-Functional Team Building

For project teams spanning multiple departments or situations where new connections are desired, aperitif-style networking events work very well. Their informal and inclusive atmosphere allows anyone to join conversations easily, regardless of position or age. This helps foster a sense of unity throughout the company.

 

 

 

Five Recommended Venues for Hosting an Aperitif Party

 

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

Osaka Prefecture | Tennoji

 

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts will reopen in spring 2025 after renovations. Retaining its Showa Modern architectural charm, it will offer a renewed space as an “open museum.” Historic spaces such as the central hall and special rooms maintain a serene and solemn atmosphere unique to museums, suitable for receptions and aperitif parties. With imposing marble floors and white plaster ceilings, it creates a strong sense of the extraordinary. The venue can accommodate up to about 250 guests, making it ideal for companies seeking a special experience combined with culture and art.

Venue details here

 

 

AKAGANE RESORT KYOTO HIGASHIYAMA 1925

Kyoto Prefecture | Higashiyama

 

Quietly located near tourist spots in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, AKAGANE RESORT is a renovated copper craftsman’s owner residence built in 1925. The dignified atmosphere and decorative copper motifs invite visitors into a world apart. Surrounded by forest, the private venue accommodates up to 112 guests. The serene space harmonizes tradition and nature, suitable for aperitif parties, internal awards, and small executive dinners. The cuisine blends classical French with Kyoto flavors, perfect for guest hospitality. It offers a memorable experience in Kyoto’s “inner sanctuary.”

Venue details here

 

 

Kobe Guest House Former Nishio Residence

Hyogo Prefecture | Suma

 

Built in 1919 as the home of a trading merchant, Kobe Guest House boasts a beautiful blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles and a vast 10,000㎡ site. Now a designated Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture, it offers a historic and prestigious setting. Various halls, including the Taisho Romance-style “Phoenix Room” and the rentable “THE VIZCAYA GARDEN,” accommodate a wide range of corporate events such as welcome and farewell parties, exhibitions, and receptions. Featuring Kobe-style French cuisine utilizing local seasonal ingredients, it combines formality with warmth. The venue holds up to 150 guests, fulfilling corporate event needs in an extraordinary space.

Venue details here

 

 

Kodai-ji Gesshin-in

Kyoto Prefecture | Higashiyama

 

Facing the stone-paved “Nene no Michi” street in Kyoto’s Higashiyama, Kodai-ji Gesshin-in is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1616 by Kyurin Gensho, related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This temple offers a unique space rich in history and spirituality. Its usually closed main hall allows guests to experience the spirit of “Wa” (Japanese harmony) through zazen meditation and tea ceremonies. The garden, featuring seasonal beauty and views of the famous Yasaka Pagoda, hosts aperitif parties. The venue fits intimate corporate gatherings, executive retreats, or hosting overseas guests, with a maximum capacity of about 30 people.

Venue details here

 

 

Kiyosumi Garden

Tokyo Metropolis | Koto Ward

 

Located in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, Kiyosumi Garden provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Known as a premier Meiji-era stroll garden, its landscape features ponds, hills, and famous stones—the pinnacle of “garden beauty.” Venues such as the Taisho Memorial Hall and the sukiya-style Ryotei built over the pond are suitable for receptions, aperitif parties, and post-offsite gatherings. Garden tours and special after-hours events offer exclusive experiences. The venue supports events up to about 150 guests, blending seasonal nature and history to create memorable moments.

 

 

 

Conclusion｜How Aperitif Parties Offer a “Relaxed Yet Special” Experience

 

So far, we have introduced the aperitif party, a style attracting attention as a casual yet sophisticated setting for interaction. This format encourages natural communication without rigid formality, making it ideal for modern corporate receptions and networking events. Utilizing unique venues such as historic buildings, gardens, and estates enhances the impression, creating memorable experiences in extraordinary spaces. At UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN, we offer one-stop support from venue selection, event planning and production, catering, to arranging experiential programs. Tailored proposals based on your company’s goals and guest profile ensure an exceptional experience like no other.

 

Contact us here

Read about experiences of aperitif parties here