Brief and challenges:
The brief from a Japanese finance company consisting of 190 delegates stipulated incentive travel in Kyoto and Tokyo – with great emphasis to be placed on the welcome dinner in Kyoto. The previous year celebrations were held during an elaborate event at the Vatican and the company wanted an occasion to surpass this. One of the greatest challenges faced by Destination Asia Japan was the UNESCO World Heritage status protection Kyoto is covered by, creating very limited options for the gala dinner.
Overcoming the challenges:
The client was very passionate about the possibility of dinner within the surroundings of a historic building. Certain temples in Kyoto had been hired before for this purpose, but none of sufficient size to accommodate this incentive program. Following ground research, Destination Asia Japan then discovered that Toji Temple, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Temple had been previously used to host a music concert. On approaching the authorities, they were able to negotiate a standing dinner with evening entertainment for the 190 delegates.
Client feedback:
The end result was a huge success with the dinner running to schedule within the grandeur setting of Toji Temple. Entertainment during the evening included samurai warriors, a lion dance and traditional Japanese music – enhanced by the delegates dressing in traditional kimono.
