Kyoto was the capital of Japan between 794-1868--more than a thousand-year run that has left a legacy of architectural masterpieces that are now available as special event venues. The Kyoto Convention Bureau (http://hellokcb.or.jp/eng/index.html) clued us in on some planner favorites:
Temples & Shrines
A number of groups have held receptions in temple buildings and gardens--a truly memorable off-site. Permission to use these venues must be granted by the head priest on a case-by-case basis, which means that your event will really be something special.
Toei Uzumasa Movie Land
Toei Uzumasa Movie Land is the oldest working film set in Japan and can accommodate groups from 50 to 100 people. Professional actors--dressed as ninjas and samurais--entertain guests in English, spinning stories about the days of yore and demonstrating feats of martial prowess.
Kyoto Gardens
A number of traditional Japanese gardens dot the city like so many islands of calm, and are a favorite with planners who want to wine and dine attendees after a day of serious business.
Kyoto Ryotei Restaurants
Ryotei serve traditional Kyoryori Kyoto cuisine and Kaiseki single-dish course meals that define the key features of Japanese cooking. Meeting-goers often enjoy looking at their meal as much as tasting it. Service is top-notch and each dish is supposed to arrive at a set time--when the diner will appreciate it most based on what they just ate and what's coming next.
