{"id":5303,"date":"2025-07-03T23:33:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uniquevenuesofjapan.com\/?p=5303"},"modified":"2025-07-09T10:30:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T01:30:15","slug":"unique-venues-of-japan-2024-spring-event-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uniquevenuesofjapan.com\/en\/blog\/2025\/07\/03\/unique-venues-of-japan-2024-spring-event-report\/","title":{"rendered":"UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN 2024 Spring Event Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

Value Management Inc. held an event titled “UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN 2024 Spring”<\/strong> on May 17, 2024, showcasing special unique venues in Kyoto.<\/p>\n

This edition featured two locations: H\u014dkan-ji Temple (normally closed to the public), home to Higashiyama\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\uff1cTable of Contents\uff1e
\n1\uff0eAkagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/a><\/p>\n

2\uff0eSpecial Experience at H\u014dkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda (Normally Closed to the Public)<\/a><\/p>\n

2-1\uff0eLecture by the Deputy Chief Priest of H\u014dkan-ji<\/a><\/p>\n

2-2 \u00a0“New Possibilities to Increase Repeat Customer Satisfaction”<\/a><\/p>\n

2-3\uff0e”Instagram-Worthy Spots That Evoke a Sense of Superiority”<\/a><\/p>\n

2-4\uff0e”Priceless Experiences That Resonate with Affluent Clients”<\/a><\/p>\n

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1\uff0eAkagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kyoto Higashiyama is bustling with activity, surpassing pre-COVID levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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<\/strong>, a Taisho-era residence located near Sanneizaka in Kyoto\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.*<\/p>\n

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\u2019s first unique venue: Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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*Source: Kyoto City Tourism Association Monthly Data Report (March 2024)<\/p>\n

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A Hidden Retreat in Higashiyama: A Forest Oasis of 700 Tsubo (Approx. 2,300\u33a1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Passing through the stately main gate, visitors are greeted by the dignified presence of a traditional residence. Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Proceeding further into the main building, a lush garden with bamboo groves and a flowing stream unfolds. Unexpectedly vast\u2014covering approximately 700 tsubo (about 2,300 square meters)\u2014this 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\u2019s Higashiyama<\/em>. Surrounded by incredible tranquility and rich nature, the mind is calmed and fully prepared to enjoy the next unique venue.<\/p>\n

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2\uff0eSpecial Experience at H\u014dkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda (Normally Closed to the Public)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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After leaving Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/strong>, a right turn followed by a left at the first corner leads to the towering five-story pagoda atop a short slope\u2014Yasaka Pagoda<\/em>, an iconic landmark of Higashiyama, Kyoto. Standing 46 meters tall, the pagoda\u2019s overwhelming presence far exceeds its impression in photographs and videos. As we stood gazing up, the Deputy Chief Priest of H\u014dkan-ji Temple, Mr. Toshimichi Asano, greeted us at the entrance, which displayed a “Closed” sign. This marked the start of today\u2019s second unique venue experience: a special lecture within the normally closed grounds of H\u014dkan-ji Temple, followed by an exclusive interior viewing of Yasaka Pagoda<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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2-1\uff0eLecture by the Deputy Chief Priest of H\u014dkan-ji Temple<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A 1,400-Year Journey Through Higashiyama\u2019s History with the \u201cStoryteller of Yasaka Pagoda\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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According to temple tradition, H\u014dkan-ji Temple was founded in 589, when Prince Sh\u014dtoku, the second son of Emperor Y\u014dmei (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 H\u014dkan-ji<\/em>. 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\u2019s lecture offers a fascinating journey through these 1,400 years of history at H\u014dkan-ji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.<\/p>\n

Without revealing too much for future visitors, I must say the lecture was exceptionally captivating. Typically, one might expect a temple priest\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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2-2\uff0e\u201cNew Possibilities to Increase Repeat Customer Satisfaction\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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\u2019t know.”
\u201cI was born and raised in Kyoto, but I never knew much about the history of Yasaka Pagoda. Today\u2019s experience was incredibly valuable. Thanks to the Deputy Chief Priest\u2019s unique lecture, I quickly understood the history and was able to view the five-story pagoda with a deeper appreciation,\u201d the hotel staff member commented.<\/p>\n

The hotel also noted that repeat guests often ask, \u201cIs there somewhere wonderful with fewer people?\u201d In a city like Kyoto, which draws large numbers of tourists, the hotel staff recognized H\u014dkan-ji Temple as a unique venue that offers new possibilities for enhancing guest satisfaction.<\/p>\n

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2-3\uff0e\u201cAn Instagrammable Spot That Evokes a Sense of Exclusivity\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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<\/em> (Dream-Viewing Slope). An event agency representative described it as \u201cthe perfect Instagrammable spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI waved my hand from the small window, and the crowd of tourists filling the slope noticed and waved back. It\u2019s such a special angle for photos that you can\u2019t help but want to share it on social media,\u201d the event planner shared.<\/p>\n

The rare opportunity to enter the famous Yasaka Pagoda\u2014and to take photos inside\u2014creates a feeling of exclusivity.
\u201cIt feels like discovering a side of Japan even the Japanese don\u2019t know. I\u2019d love to promote this to younger generations, especially for corporate incentive trips,\u201d the planner added enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

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\u203b The photo shows a view of Yumemi-zaka (also known as Yasaka Street) as seen from within the grounds of H\u014dkan-ji Temple. The \u201csmall window\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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2-4\uff0e\u201cA Priceless Experience That Resonates with High-Net-Worth Travelers\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cSince 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,\u201d said a representative from a luxury travel agency. \u201cThe Deputy Chief Priest\u2019s storytelling was also very entertaining, adding even more value to the special viewing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through this unique venue experience, they strongly felt \u201can extraordinary sense of exclusivity\u201d and expressed their intention to offer this high-value experience to affluent travelers who seek premium, one-of-a-kind moments.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Overall Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Here is a report on the unique venue experience held in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area on May 17, 2024. At H\u014dkan-ji Temple<\/em>, 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 Kinsh\u014d Nakane, renowned for his work at the Adachi Museum of Art, and offers stunning autumn foliage during the fall season.<\/p>\n

A short walk from H\u014dkan-ji, AKAGANE RESORT KYOTO HIGASHIYAMA 1925<\/em> 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 H\u014dkan-ji while enjoying seasonal Japanese-French cuisine, showcasing the best of Japan\u2019s four seasons.<\/p>\n

What stood out from both unique venue experiences was the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto\u2019s 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\u2014an insight we gained directly from participants\u2019 feedback.<\/p>\n

UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN<\/em> will continue to develop and promote the use of our country\u2019s extraordinary unique venues.<\/p>\n

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\uff1cEvent Overview\uff1e<\/strong>
\nDate:<\/strong> Friday, May 17, 2024
Venues:<\/strong> H\u014dkan-ji Temple, Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925<\/p>\n

Organizer:<\/strong>
VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES
(Value Management Co., Ltd.)<\/p>\n

\uff1cProgram\uff1e<\/p>\n

3:45 PM \u2013 4:00 PM<\/strong> | Reception
4:00 PM \u2013 4:10 PM<\/strong> | Opening Remarks<\/p>\n

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\uff1cAt H\u014dkan-ji Five-Story Pagoda\uff1e<\/p>\n

4:15 PM \u2013 4:55 PM<\/strong> | Special Experience at H\u014dkan-ji<\/p>\n