OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 JAPAN’S CULTUR AL HERITAGE plaza A living tradition Embodying a long history of traditional Japanese culture, geiko (the preferred term in Kyoto for geisha) and maiko (an appren- tice geiko) are said to be walking art. They life endure strict training to understand and per- fect — as well as protect and preserve — the artistic skills they need as geiko or maiko. Behind the intricate beauty of the maiko and geiko From October 3 to November 9, a special exhibition, called The Traditional Beauty of Kyoto Supporting Geiko and Maiko Culture, is highlighting the culture of Kyoto — the ancient capital of Japan. With displays of hanga woodprint art, kimono for geiko, and Japanese fans, guests can learn about Kyoto’s timeless traditional Experience the beauty crafts, clothing, and entertainment. Also on Behind the display will be a photo exhibit of the Gok- On October 25 at 4:00 p.m., there will be a free agai entertainment district of Kyoto famous traditional dance performance in the 3F lobby by for geiko or maiko. a geiko, a maiko, and a musician. INTRICATE BEAUTY of the maiko and geiko Special advantages Member rate advantages exclusive for Executive Card members • Priority stay reservations • Extended checkouts upon request The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo offers special (Prime: until 1:00 p.m. / Royal: until 3:00 p.m.) room rates for members. • Free use of the Luxe Lounge (South Tower, 34F) • Premier Counter for exclusive use when checking in • Free use of the fitness room, and Sky Pool (summer only) • Special “Pillow Menu” available upon request (only available to Royal members) Please visit our “Executive Card” membership webpage: • Fruit plate service for stays longer than seven nights www.keioplaza.com/member/ • Extra fees for the Express laundry service will be waived (for Royal members only) Keio Plaza Hotel Family Keio Plaza Hotel Tama | Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji | Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, PLUS Tokyo 160-8330, Japan • The Home of MICE Phone: +81-3-3344-0111 | Fax: +81-3-3345-8269 Los Angeles Sales Office (U.S. only) Events in Japan Tel: +1-213-362-7767 Fax: +1-213-362-7772 KEIO PRELIA HOTEL KYOTO • Barrier-free access Toll Free: +1-800-222-5346 KARASUMA GOJO, a new brand of the Keio Group, opens in Kyoto in • At the height of luxury November. www.keioplaza.com For more than THE HOME just meetings Numerous programs are on offer at the hotel for guests and visitors to of MICE EVENTS experience Japanese culture. For example, you can take part in a tea ceremony or try flower arrange- ment at an ikebana workshop IN JAPAN following your MICE event. The hotel’s central location in Shinjuku means that MICE participants are close to temples Masao Harada, and shrines, parks, countless shops Deputy Sales Director and restaurants, and an exciting nightlife. “Being only a five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station puts our guests right on the doorstep of one The ideal venue Delicious of the liveliest places in Japan,” says Harada. “It also gives them With five main banquet halls that escalators allow people to easily delicacies easy access to both major airports can hold a combined total of more move between the fourth and fifth and many other areas of interest in than 4,000 people, as well as rooms floors.” wherever you go and around Tokyo.” for breakout sessions or smaller Each banquet hall and meeting gatherings, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo room is also equipped with top-of- In addition to fully catered has spaces for any size of event. the-line equipment. buffets or formal sit-down meals, An important aspect of the smooth “We are always trying to stay attendees of MICE events have an running of an event is ensuring ahead of the curve,” Harada adds. extensive choice of dining options participants can get from one room “Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo was — including Japanese, Chinese, and to another quickly and among the first hotels in Japan to Western cuisine — at the hotel’s with ease. install interpretation booths and many restaurants and bars. “One of the main use audio receivers for multina- “We pride ourselves on offering reasons we have been tional conferences. It was also one the very best dishes with seasonal so successful as a of the first to offer free LAN cable ingredients,” Harada states. “There host for MICE events connections, and now we offer free is something for everyone’s tastes.” is thanks to the Wi-Fi.” The banquet rooms on the 42nd, Where it all well-planned layout The hotel is proud to provide 43rd, 44th, and 47th floors offer a of the event floors,” support for the hearing impaired, spectacular view of the Tokyo city- started explains Harada. with a magnetic loop sound system scape, overlooking Tokyo Skytree® “Corridors connect available in meeting rooms, as well and the Rainbow Bridge. Today, MICE — or meetings, incen- the main building and as an online sign language inter- tives, conferencing and exhibitions south building, and pretation service in guest rooms. — is a commonplace concept for businesses around the world, but GREAT in Japan these types of events first began at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. For more than 45 years, it ACCOMMODATION has organized events for com- panies, NGOs, governments, and “As the originators of inter-governmental organisations for all — including the United Nations. It MICE events in Japan, has also held major conventions and trade fairs. we have unparalleled “We have hosted over 1,200 experience and Barrier-free access At the height of luxury events since the hotel opened in 1971,” says Deputy Sales Director skill at facilitating Universal design rooms ensure accessibility for The Premier Grand Club Floor, which opened in Masao Harada. “As the originators everyone. All 10 of these rooms are currently 2016, provides guests with the ultimate in com- of MICE events in Japan, we have successful meetings being renovated and will reopen in December, fort and luxury. In the tranquil and spacious Club unparalleled experience and skill at along with three additional luxury-type rooms, Lounge — on the 45th floor, providing stunning facilitating successful meetings and and conferences.” giving each guest the most up-to-date functions views of the city — our dedicated concierges are conferences.” and design. always on hand to answer your questions and The hotel has 1,438 guest rooms, “As part of our dedication to the MICE ideal, help you plan a better stay. allowing for even large groups to we ensure that no matter what mobility issues a “When coming to Tokyo for a MICE event, be accommodated. Our dedicated guest may have, they feel welcome, comfortable, there’s no better place to stay than Keio Plaza MICE coordinators are available and cared for,” Harada says. Hotel Tokyo,” states Harada. “And at Keio Plaza around the clock to help you meet Hotel Tokyo, there’s no better place to stay than your needs. Premier Grand.”.