Value Management Inc. held an event titled “UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN 2024 Spring” on May 17, 2024, showcasing special unique venues in Kyoto.

This edition featured two locations: Hōkan-ji Temple (normally closed to the public), home to Higashiyama’s iconic Yasaka Pagoda, and Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, a renovated Taisho-era residence. Approximately 30 professionals from the MICE industry experienced the high-value appeal of these unique venues firsthand. This report covers the highlights of the event.

 

＜Table of Contents＞
1．Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925

2．Special Experience at Hōkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda (Normally Closed to the Public)

2-1．Lecture by the Deputy Chief Priest of Hōkan-ji

2-2  “New Possibilities to Increase Repeat Customer Satisfaction”

2-3．”Instagram-Worthy Spots That Evoke a Sense of Superiority”

2-4．”Priceless Experiences That Resonate with Affluent Clients”

 

1．Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925

 

Kyoto Higashiyama is bustling with activity, surpassing pre-COVID levels.

 

In mid-May, still filled with the lingering atmosphere of the Aoi Festival, approximately 30 professionals from the MICE industry gathered at Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, a Taisho-era residence located near Sanneizaka in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Sanneizaka, along with Gion Shinbashi, Saga Toriimoto, and Kamigamo, is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. This area is home to many highly valuable historic structures and temples, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, the number of tourists visiting Kyoto in March 2024 exceeded pre-pandemic levels from 2019 for both domestic and international visitors. The proportion of foreign visitors reached its second-highest level in history, and the index for Japanese visitors has surpassed 2019 levels for four consecutive months.*

I personally visited Kyoto from Osaka for the first time in about a year, and I was amazed by how much the number of tourists had grown compared to last year. Narrow alleyways were crowded with foreign couples strolling in kimono and tourists stopping to take photos, while taxis and rickshaws skillfully navigated through the crowd. After weaving my way through the sea of people, I finally arrived at today’s first unique venue: Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925.

 

*Source: Kyoto City Tourism Association Monthly Data Report (March 2024)

 

A Hidden Retreat in Higashiyama: A Forest Oasis of 700 Tsubo (Approx. 2,300㎡)

 

Passing through the stately main gate, visitors are greeted by the dignified presence of a traditional residence. Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925 is a renovated restaurant and banquet facility, originally built in 1925 (Taisho 14) as the private residence of the owner of a copper processing company with a history spanning approximately 250 years since the Edo period. As a pure traditional Japanese-style building, the residence features copper (akagane) accents on the roof, rain gutters, and other areas. Over the past century, the copper has developed a rich patina, creating a beautiful bronze-green hue.

Proceeding further into the main building, a lush garden with bamboo groves and a flowing stream unfolds. Unexpectedly vast—covering approximately 700 tsubo (about 2,300 square meters)—this garden is designed in a three-dimensional layout that makes full use of Higashiyama’s natural slope. Rather than simply calling it a garden, it feels more like a forest. Here, the hustle and bustle of the outside world completely fades away, replaced by the soothing sounds of flowing water and birdsong. This is truly a hidden retreat in Kyoto’s Higashiyama. Surrounded by incredible tranquility and rich nature, the mind is calmed and fully prepared to enjoy the next unique venue.

 

2．Special Experience at Hōkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda (Normally Closed to the Public)

 

After leaving Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, a right turn followed by a left at the first corner leads to the towering five-story pagoda atop a short slope—Yasaka Pagoda, an iconic landmark of Higashiyama, Kyoto. Standing 46 meters tall, the pagoda’s overwhelming presence far exceeds its impression in photographs and videos. As we stood gazing up, the Deputy Chief Priest of Hōkan-ji Temple, Mr. Toshimichi Asano, greeted us at the entrance, which displayed a “Closed” sign. This marked the start of today’s second unique venue experience: a special lecture within the normally closed grounds of Hōkan-ji Temple, followed by an exclusive interior viewing of Yasaka Pagoda.

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2-1．Lecture by the Deputy Chief Priest of Hōkan-ji Temple

 

A 1,400-Year Journey Through Higashiyama’s History with the “Storyteller of Yasaka Pagoda”

 

According to temple tradition, Hōkan-ji Temple was founded in 589, when Prince Shōtoku, the second son of Emperor Yōmei (the 31st Emperor of Japan), built the five-story pagoda under the divine guidance of Nyoirin Kannon and enshrined three sacred Buddha relics, naming the temple Hōkan-ji. The current five-story pagoda, designated an Important Cultural Property, was rebuilt in 1440 by Ashikaga Yoshinori, the 6th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, after being destroyed multiple times by lightning and warfare over the centuries. The Deputy Chief Priest’s lecture offers a fascinating journey through these 1,400 years of history at Hōkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.

Without revealing too much for future visitors, I must say the lecture was exceptionally captivating. Typically, one might expect a temple priest’s lecture to be a Buddhist sermon. But this was entirely different. The Deputy Chief Priest vividly narrated the many events that occurred at Yasaka Pagoda over 1,400 years, as if they had happened just yesterday. The stories featured a wide array of historical figures, from shoguns like Minamoto no Yoritomo and Oda Nobunaga to everyday people, all woven into engaging anecdotes about the pagoda. The storytelling style was so lively and witty that it felt more like listening to a rakugo (traditional comic storytelling), keeping the audience laughing throughout.

 

2-2．“New Possibilities to Increase Repeat Customer Satisfaction”

 

A manager from a long-established hotel in Higashiyama highly praised the lecture, calling the Deputy Chief Priest “a storyteller of Kyoto history that even locals don’t know.”
“I was born and raised in Kyoto, but I never knew much about the history of Yasaka Pagoda. Today’s experience was incredibly valuable. Thanks to the Deputy Chief Priest’s unique lecture, I quickly understood the history and was able to view the five-story pagoda with a deeper appreciation,” the hotel staff member commented.

The hotel also noted that repeat guests often ask, “Is there somewhere wonderful with fewer people?” In a city like Kyoto, which draws large numbers of tourists, the hotel staff recognized Hōkan-ji Temple as a unique venue that offers new possibilities for enhancing guest satisfaction.

 

2-3．“An Instagrammable Spot That Evokes a Sense of Exclusivity”

 

Toward the end of the lecture, the Deputy Chief Priest pointed out several highlights to look for when touring the inside of the pagoda. One such feature is a small window overlooking Yumemi-zaka (Dream-Viewing Slope). An event agency representative described it as “the perfect Instagrammable spot.”

“I waved my hand from the small window, and the crowd of tourists filling the slope noticed and waved back. It’s such a special angle for photos that you can’t help but want to share it on social media,” the event planner shared.

The rare opportunity to enter the famous Yasaka Pagoda—and to take photos inside—creates a feeling of exclusivity.
“It feels like discovering a side of Japan even the Japanese don’t know. I’d love to promote this to younger generations, especially for corporate incentive trips,” the planner added enthusiastically.

 

 

※ The photo shows a view of Yumemi-zaka (also known as Yasaka Street) as seen from within the grounds of Hōkan-ji Temple. The “small window” inside the five-story pagoda offers an even higher vantage point overlooking the entire slope. The actual view is something to look forward to when you experience the special tour in person.

 

2-4．“A Priceless Experience That Resonates with High-Net-Worth Travelers”

 

“Since Yasaka Pagoda is a symbol of Kyoto, there are always many tourists taking photos with the pagoda in the background. But having the chance to actually go inside the pagoda is a truly priceless experience,” said a representative from a luxury travel agency. “The Deputy Chief Priest’s storytelling was also very entertaining, adding even more value to the special viewing.”

Through this unique venue experience, they strongly felt “an extraordinary sense of exclusivity” and expressed their intention to offer this high-value experience to affluent travelers who seek premium, one-of-a-kind moments.

 

 

After the participants each enjoyed their unique venue experiences in their own way, they gathered near the pagoda for an aperitif party. In the refreshing early summer evening on the temple grounds, guests chatted and laughed with glasses in hand, and at the center of the circle stood the smiling Deputy Chief Priest. Looking beyond the fence, one could see crowds of curious tourists peeking in with interest.

 

Overall Summary

 

Here is a report on the unique venue experience held in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area on May 17, 2024. At Hōkan-ji Temple, normally closed to the public, participants enjoyed a special talk by the Deputy Chief Priest and a rare interior viewing of the iconic five-story pagoda (a nationally designated Important Cultural Property). Visitors can climb up to the second tier of the pagoda via steep wooden ladders, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. The dry landscape garden within the temple grounds was designed by the late Kinshō Nakane, renowned for his work at the Adachi Museum of Art, and offers stunning autumn foliage during the fall season.

A short walk from Hōkan-ji, AKAGANE RESORT KYOTO HIGASHIYAMA 1925 is a unique venue from the Taisho era, surrounded by a lush garden that feels like a forest. Shielded from the noise of the tourist district, it provides a tranquil setting for parties and MICE events, tailored to each concept. On this day, the experience concluded with a networking reception, where participants shared their impressions of Hōkan-ji while enjoying seasonal Japanese-French cuisine, showcasing the best of Japan’s four seasons.

What stood out from both unique venue experiences was the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto’s rich history and traditional culture at a relaxed pace, free from the usual crowds. This sense of exclusivity and profound experience enhances guest satisfaction and sparks new demand for future venue experiences—an insight we gained directly from participants’ feedback.

UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN will continue to develop and promote the use of our country’s extraordinary unique venues.

 

 

＜Event Overview＞
Date: Friday, May 17, 2024
Venues: Hōkan-ji Temple, Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925

Organizer:
VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES
(Value Management Co., Ltd.)

＜Program＞

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Reception
4:00 PM – 4:10 PM | Opening Remarks

 

＜At Hōkan-ji Five-Story Pagoda＞

4:15 PM – 4:55 PM | Special Experience at Hōkan-ji

• Exclusive tour of the normally closed temple grounds

• Dharma talk by the Deputy Chief Priest

• Aperitif party

 

＜At Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925＞
5:05 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Reception

 

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