Discover the Festive Season in Tokyo with JTB GMT
This time, we take a look at the holiday season in Tokyo, cultural experiences for M&E, and finally, exciting new hotel openings for this year and 2024.
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Holiday Season
Though Christmas Day may not be an official holiday in Japan, the festive spirit is very much alive. Events such as Christmas Markets and illuminations abound throughout December, and for corporations, it's a unique time for year-end parties and team-building events.
In Japan, Christmas is traditionally about couples, making Christmas Eve a prime time for date nights. However, this cultural nuance also opens opportunities for unique M&E events you won't find elsewhere.
Illuminations are popular across Tokyo, but The Shibuya Blue Cave stands as Tokyo's premier winter illumination attraction, drawing an annual footfall of more than 2 million visitors. This 800-meter stretch is transformed into a magical blue haven through the installation of approximately 600,000 LED lights.
The light displays around Marunouchi’s shopping street, Tokyo Station, Omotesando, and Roppongi Hills are also worth visiting.
Tokyo’s illuminations provide the perfect backdrop for evening events!
The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, Tokyo's oldest, is held at Oyane Plaza and emulates Stuttgart's world-renowned Christmas market. Offering traditional German fare and over 1,500 crafts, it coincides with Roppongi Hills' winter illumination, featuring a grand Christmas tree and the famed Keyakizaka Street lights. Explore culture clash ideal for corporate socials.
During the winter, some popular facilities open ice skating rinks. These ice rinks are a great place to enjoy ice skating with colleagues while enjoying nighttime light displays. Tokyo Midtown, Futako Tamagawa Rise Shopping Center, and LaLaport Toyosu are all excellent locations to check out.
New Year in Japan is a reflective time and one of the rare cases where Japan takes a collective break. Extending a visit over the New Year can be a great cultural experience - reflecting on the past year with a temple visit, then spending New Year’s morning watching the first sunrise before heading to a shrine to pray for business success. Tokyo is, of course, home to some amazing New Year parties as well. Whatever your preference, we can make it happen!
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Explore New Destinations:
Tokyo, Japan’s sprawling capital, is a nexus of cultural history and cutting-edge modernity.
A city where age-old traditions stand alongside futuristic innovations, Tokyo serves as a dynamic backdrop for M&E activities.
JTB GMT can provide a huge range of activities in the capital relating to both modern and traditional culture.
Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of Japanese pop culture through our exclusive program that provides direct interactions with iconic pop stars. This is your gateway to experiencing one of Japan's most dynamic subcultures. Witness the artistry and passion that shape this cultural phenomenon and delve into the essence of what makes Japanese pop culture a global sensation. Ideal for team bonding or VIP entertainment.
Experience an unforgettable journey into the world of the Samurai under the guidance of renowned Samurai Artist KAMUI. This is not merely swordplay; it's a harmonious blend of form, acting, and martial arts executed with flawless precision. Led by Tetsuro Shimaguchi, the mastermind behind the iconic sword-fighting scenes in Quentin Tarantino's KILL BILL Vol.1, the experience transcends beyond mere spectacle. Great as an unforgettable team-building experience.
Boasting the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, Tokyo’s culinary scene is unparalleled.
This month, we are featuring an exciting partnership with Tsukiji Cooking, Japan’s pioneer in cooking classes for a global audience. Imagine turning your corporate gatherings into interactive, culturally enriching cooking experiences. From team-building cooking battles to executive programs and customised VIP experiences, Tsukiji Cooking offers something for every corporate palate.
These activities are not only fun and engaging; they also serve strategic goals like enhancing international communication, building staff camaraderie, and fostering executive leadership. With the flexibility to accommodate groups of 10 to 1,000 people and tailored options for dietary restrictions and on-site services, we are confident that our partnership with Tsukiji Cooking will add an unforgettable layer to your next MICE event.
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Hotel Spotlight:
In recent years, Tokyo has become a global leader in quality hotels, providing a massive choice of quality accommodation and facilities for any M&E event.
The newly opened Bulgari Hotel showcases the finest in luxury in the heart of Tokyo. Nestled on floors 40-45 of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is a stone's throw from iconic attractions like the Imperial Palace and the shopping havens of Nihombashi and Ginza. The hotel, of course, also features state-of-the-art Boardrooms and Ballrooms for intimate events or large-scale business functions.
For those who prefer the funky side of things, the Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park opened this Autumn, providing cool spaces for creatives to mingle and exchange ideas. The hotel has several spacious meeting rooms and a rooftop terrace, ideal for smaller functions.
For the heart of Japan’s business district, check out Hotel Toranomon Hills by Hyatt - opening this month. Toranomon is home to the headquarters of many major Japanese companies and is becoming a key hub for international business.
Finally, Janu, sister brand of global luxury leader Aman, opens its flagship hotel in Tokyo this winter. Expect the same sleek design and luxury ambience of the Aman properties but with a greater focus on activity and connection. Janu will be located in the Azabudai Hills Tower, slated for completion on November 24th.
This edition’s journey through Tokyo is only a glimpse of what is possible when partnering with JTB GMT. We hope these insights inspire your next venture in the M&E. Partner with us to bring your Tokyo vision to life. Until next time, wishing you a happy and healthy Holiday Season and a fantastic start to 2024!
Visit the JTB GMT website and contact us for curated Tokyo experiences designed for M&E groups. From guided tours of Tokyo’s technological hubs to immersive traditional experiences, JTB GMT crafts the perfect itinerary for you and your team.