Activities
Corporate evenings in Japan
SHINOGI DMC organizes corporate evenings in Japan for 20 to 500 guests: a private izakaya in Tokyo, a Tokyo Bay cruise, a yatai challenge in Fukuoka, a hotel gala dinner or an evening in a distinctive venue. We handle venue selection, menus and dietary needs, entertainment, interpreting and return transfers, down to the last guest.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka yatai challenge
An evening in teams among Fukuoka's yatai street stalls in Nakasu and Tenjin: tastings, missions and conversations with stall owners, ending at a shared final venue.
2.5 to 3 hours, in the evening · 10–120 pax
Kyoto
Private kaiseki dinner in a Kyoto ryotei
A seasonal kaiseki dinner served in a private room of a traditional Kyoto ryotei, with each course, its tableware and its meaning explained through an interpreter.
About 2.5 hours · 4–60 pax
From ¥42,500 per person
Kyoto
Maiko and geiko evening in Kyoto
A private kaiseki dinner in one of Kyoto's teahouse districts, with traditional dance, conversation and ozashiki games hosted by maiko and geiko, with an interpreter at your side.
About 2 hours · 6–80 pax
From ¥45,500 per person
Osaka
Osaka street food tour
A walking exploration of Osaka's specialties from Dotonbori to Shinsekai in small guided groups, with pre-booked tastings and an optional team challenge format.
2.5 to 3 hours · 10–150 pax
Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Fukuoka
Private izakaya dinner
A dinner in an izakaya reserved for your group, with a sharing menu, free-flow drinks and light entertainment: Japanese conviviality without the constraints of a crowded restaurant.
2 to 2.5 hours · 15–150 pax
Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Fukuoka · Okinawa
Taiko team building
An introduction to taiko, the Japanese drum, led by professional players, building in under two hours to a collective performance by the whole group.
90 minutes to 2 hours · 10–300 pax
Tokyo
Tokyo Bay cruise
A private dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay, aboard a traditional yakatabune or a modern restaurant boat, with views of Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba and the illuminated skyline.
2 to 2.5 hours on board · 20–300 pax
Tokyo
Geisha evening in Tokyo
A Japanese dinner in a private room, with geisha from Tokyo's traditional districts performing dance to shamisen music, leading ozashiki party games with guests and joining the conversation, with an interpreter.
About 2 hours · 6–60 pax
From ¥36,500 per person
Tokyo
Kabuki and noh introduction with a live performance
A kabuki and noh experience in Tokyo: a specialist presents masks, costumes, make-up and codified gestures, then the group attends an act of kabuki or a noh play together.
About 2 hours (introduction and one act of a performance) · 6–40 pax
From ¥37,000 per person
Tokyo
Sake tasting with a sake sommelier
For this sake tasting in Tokyo, a certified sake sommelier (kikizake-shi) leads the group through six or seven sakes of different styles, explains how they are made and pairs them with small Japanese bites.
About 1.5 hours · 6–60 pax
From ¥15,000 per person
The challenge of group evenings in Japan
In Tokyo and Kyoto alike, many excellent restaurants seat fewer than 30, do not accept foreign bookings without an intermediary or decline private hire. Venues able to host 100 people in an authentic setting are rare and book up early.
Our role is to know these venues, negotiate the terms (timing, set menus, free-flow drinks, deposits) and check coach access on site.
Evening formats
- Private izakaya dinner: the atmosphere of a Japanese pub, reserved for your group.
- Tokyo Bay cruise: a traditional yakatabune or a modern restaurant boat.
- Fukuoka yatai challenge: teams spread across the street stalls of Nakasu and Tenjin.
- Osaka street food tour: Dotonbori and Shinsekai on foot, in small groups.
- Gala dinner: a hotel ballroom or private venue, with a traditional performance.
What we take care of
- Collecting and passing on dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, allergies) at least two weeks ahead.
- Bilingual staff on site all evening, with speeches and entertainment interpreted.
- Timing set around venue closing: many Japanese restaurants take last orders around 10 pm.
- Coaches or taxis booked for the return, with passenger lists by hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Can we book out a Tokyo restaurant for 80 people?
It is possible, but the choice is limited and depends heavily on the date. Allow 2 to 4 months, and more in December, the season of bonenkai (Japanese corporate year-end parties).
What time do evenings end in Japan?
A group dinner usually lasts two to two and a half hours, often with a time-limited drinks package. Most restaurants close around 10:30 pm; an after-party can be arranged in a private bar.
Are dietary requirements handled well?
Yes, provided we know in advance. Japanese cuisine relies heavily on fish-based dashi, so a strictly vegetarian or halal menu should be requested at least two weeks ahead.
What budget should we plan for a corporate evening?
As a guide, allow from about €110 to €200 per person for a private dinner with drinks, excluding transfers. A cruise, a gala with performance or an exceptional venue will sit higher.