Table of Contents

1. About Gala Dinners
2. About Unique Venues
3. Gala Dinners × Unique Venues
4. Unique Venues of Japan

About Gala Dinners

Have you ever heard of the term “Gala Dinner”?

The word Gala means “special” or “festive,” and when translated directly, it refers to a “special party.”

A Gala Dinner is a dinner event mainly held in regions such as Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its luxurious, extraordinary atmosphere, often organized for special occasions.

～Examples of Gala Dinners Overseas～

Let’s take a look at some examples of Gala Dinners held abroad.

-Europe and the United States

In Europe and the United States, a Gala Dinner often refers to an exclusive, invitation-only celebrity party.

Originally, it was a special dinner served on occasions such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Special dishes are prepared, accompanied by shows and entertainment, creating a very glamorous atmosphere. While many Gala Dinners are held at resort hotels or five-star hotels, the venues are not limited to hotels alone.

In recent years, the formats have diversified, with some Gala Dinners being held for occasions such as new product launches by luxury brands.

-Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, Gala Dinner carries a slightly different meaning compared to Europe and the United States.

In Southeast Asia, a Gala Dinner typically refers to a dinner event held by beach resort hotels during Christmas or New Year’s holidays. The venues are usually luxury hotels, such as five-star resorts. A major difference from the Western style is that these events are generally not by invitation but are offered as special events for hotel guests.

Having looked at Gala Dinners around the world, we can see that they take on a variety of forms globally. However, compared to other parts of the world, Gala Dinners are not yet widely established in Japan. As Japan aims to increase inbound tourism, the importance of Gala Dinners is expected to grow.

So, what could be considered a uniquely Japanese “special dinner”? Likely candidates include cuisine using Japanese ingredients and venues that showcase Japan’s traditional architecture. Holding a Gala Dinner in a location that reflects Japanese food culture and history would certainly provide a truly special and memorable experience.

There is an initiative to bring this uniquely Japanese Gala Dinner experience to life.

That is “Unique Venues.” In the next section, we will introduce Unique Venues.

About Unique Venues

As the name suggests, “Unique Venues” means “special venues” where events are held to provide extraordinary experiences.

By hosting conferences, receptions, and events at distinctive locations such as historical buildings, shrines and temples, castle ruins, art museums, and museums, it is possible to create a sense of uniqueness and highlight the regional character of the venue.

In particular, cultural properties hold great value from historical, academic, and aesthetic perspectives and are precious national assets that have been preserved to this day. Because these venues have a unique atmosphere, hosting events in such cultural properties naturally creates extraordinary and memorable experiences.

Gala Dinner × Unique Venues

①Clarifying the Purpose and Goal

A sense of exclusivity and luxury is essential for a gala dinner. Therefore, hosting a gala dinner at a unique venue, such as a historical building or cultural property, is a highly compatible approach. Gala dinners that offer a “Japanese experience” are particularly well-suited for inbound events.

Visitors from overseas tend to strongly seek “authentic Japanese experiences.” A gala dinner held at a unique venue allows guests to feel the essence of Japan both through the cuisine and the setting, leading to a higher level of satisfaction.

-Case Study: Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort

Here is an example of a gala dinner held in Kyoto.

Purpose　：　Gala Dinner for Overseas Guests on a Kyoto Tour

Objective　：　A closing party to conclude the Kyoto sightseeing experience

Meal　：　Buffet, free-flow drinks, champagne, and welcome drinks

Number of Guests　：　Approximately 40

〈Reasons for Choosing Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort as the Venue〉

①A Japanese atmosphere without traditional seating or cuisine

The venue offers a refined space full of traditional Japanese aesthetics, yet serves French cuisine and allows for a standing buffet-style arrangement, providing both elegance and flexibility.

②Cuisine that is easy for international guests to enjoy

The fusion of Japanese and French cuisine offered a taste of Japanese culture while remaining familiar and enjoyable for overseas guests.

③Gluten-free options available

We provided original dishes that added a sense of exclusivity while accommodating various dietary needs from around the world.

A standing buffet-style party that combined a Japanese-style venue with Japanese-inspired cuisine offered guests a familiar yet distinctly Japanese experience to enjoy.

For more details about the venue at Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort, click here.

Unique Venues of Japan

As shown in the example introduced, a gala dinner at a unique venue allows for a truly special experience that showcases the essence of Japanese culture while also providing hospitality that respects and accommodates international preferences.

At Unique Venues of Japan, we offer one-stop support for planning events at exceptional locations—from venue arrangements and preparation to day-of operations.

If you are interested in hosting a gala dinner at a unique venue, please feel free to contact us through the form below.

【Contact Us Here】