Sumo Performance Brings Distinct Tokyo Touch to an Event at Kanda Myoujin Shrine, a Tokyo Unique Venue
In September 2025, an incentive group of 110 guests from Canada attended a welcome reception event at Kanda Myoujin Hall, located within the sacred grounds of Kanda Myoujin Shrine, one of our Unique Venues, which boasts over 1,300 years of history.
The venue is part of the EDOCCO (Edo Culture Complex) and features a warm, wood-accented design. This historic venue also offers flexible spaces--including a main hall, lounge, and outdoor areas--accommodating up to 250 guests. It supports various layouts such as seated dinners, standing receptions, and cocktail-style events, making it ideal for business gatherings.
The entire venue was transformed into a lively celebration of Japanese culture in the form of a festival, with each floor offering a distinct experience. On the first floor, guests explored colorful booths featuring traditional festival games and treats such as cotton candy, shaved ice, and a shooting gallery-all illuminated by festive red and white lanterns. The second floor hosted a dramatic tuna-cutting show, and in the third-floor VIP lounge, attendees sampled premium sake and whisky curated by local breweries. On the fourth floor, the Reiwa Room invited guests to participate in hands-on origami and ikebana workshops, offering a serene space for creative engagement with Japanese aesthetics.
Between performances, the sumo wrestlers engaged warmly with attendees, adding a personal touch to the event. Set against the distinctive backdrop of the shrine, the occasion seamlessly wove together tradition, prestige, and immersive cultural experience.
Unique Venue Utilization: A Multi-Floor Cultural Experience
A sumo performance with a twist - dohyō-iri
As part of Tokyo's Special Offers for Corporate Meetings & Incentive Travel, the event featured a dynamic sumo performance. This time, the ceremonial dohyō-iri (ring-entering ritual) was included offering guests a rare glimpse into one of sumo's most sacred traditions. The performance began with the yobidashi (announcer) striking wooden clappers, followed by the gyōji (referee) and two sumo wrestlers dressed in ornate kesho-mawashi (ceremonial aprons) as they solemnly entered the stage. The dignified procession held the audience in awe, setting the tone for the rest of the program, which includes a demonstration of sumo techniques and the chance for participants to take to the stage to challenge a sumo wrestler for themselves.
Tokyo offers an unforgettable fusion of the old and new as well as world-class cultural experiences. Learn more about how we can make your next event special here: https://businesseventstokyo.org/plan_your_event/corporate_events/