Case Study — Off-Site Reception

Gala Dinner at Shorenin Temple

What does it take to make a lasting impression, and a successful finale for a conference? Ask the participants of the conference who held their gala dinner at ShoreninTemple! This Kyoto land mark in historical Higashiyama is closely linked with the Imperial Family.



The association with the Imperial Family threads back to the foundation of the temple more than 1000 years ago. In fact an Imperial Prince always had the post of head priest until the Meiji Restoration in 1863. The layout of the buildings mimics an imperial palace and the temple actually housed the Imperial Family for a time after the great fire of 1788. The conference guests truly appreciated the honour of spending an evening here as they stepped along red carpets enjoying the artefacts and architecture.

ShoreninTemple is particularly famed for its gardens. The Tendai sect (of which Shorenin is a member) founder obliged priests to strive for self contemplation in quiet surroundings. The gardens of this temple create such an environment and party guests were inspired to sit and consider the view. Depending on the season guests can enjoy spring cherry blossoms, deep green camphor trees, or as on this occasion stunning red maple leaves expertly illuminated to show their full beauty. An island in one of the ponds made the stage for Japanese koto harps that relaxed guests and inspired conversation over the drinks and buffet meal.

At some point during the evening there is a hush as exquisitely clad maiko and geiko (Kyoto geisha) enter and take the stage. All turn their attention from their pondering to enjoy the graceful performances as the ladies describe traditional Kyoto through dance. And there is a special treat: the maiko and geiko leave the stage to chat with the audience, pour drinks and pose for enthusiastic photographers. All hesitate at the gate, knowing they have had a special experience that no one else will enjoy, and the evening draws to a close.