I just attended the 2025 Renewal Plan Briefing Session of Happo-en, a renowned Japanese venue with a rich history dating back over four centuries as a garden and restaurant. Getting ready for its centennial anniversary in 2043, Happo-en is embarking on a transformative renovation to remain a premier destination for weddings, MICE events, and corporate gatherings while internationalizing. You’d have been excited by the presentations, exhibition, networking, and cocktail party!
Approaching Hospitality With A Vision
I was impressed by the vision of CEO Inoue Yoshinori for Happo-en. Beyond strategy, planning and the upcoming renovation, the group already expanded its operations to Fukuoka, partnered with 13 Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) nationwide, and actively participates in tourism initiatives with local DMO Gateway Takanawa Shinagawa.
His vision combines timeless cultural assets with exceptional experiences suitable for modern tastes related to bridal, event and food cultures. Its suitability to create jobs and profits relates to:
- The continued disappearance of Japan’s historical buildings (10,900 → 7,130 from 1999 to 2017).
- The World Economic Forum’s ranking of Japan as world №2 for cultural resources in tourism.
- An expected compound annual growth rate for MICE needs of 8.54% (2023-2030), which can pull whole districts or cities up.
Featuring Sustainability & Inclusivity
Beyond the cosmetic update, Happo-en’s renovation reflects a deep commitment to sustainability & inclusivity. By preserving the venue’s architecture while incorporating modern features, Happo-en minimizes its environmental footprint. Also, the staff’s dedication to diversity & inclusion is evident in the addition of a halal kitchen (I rejoiced remembering the Muslim businesspeople I guided in Japan). While the venue is generally accessible, all the concept videos focusing on stairways suggest challenges may remain for wheelchair users.
The cocktail party surprisingly included 3 foods simultaneously vegan, gluten-free, and Muslim-friendly: red pepper sushi balls, shine muscat from Yamanashi and tofu pinchos, and Yamagata Delaware grapes aspic. Muslims could also enjoy sandwiches combining halal wagyu and pineapple as well as non-alcoholic drinks. The food was as delicious as beautiful 👍 When the CEO and I exchanged our business cards, I congratulated him for these practices so valuable to develop halal tourism and vegan tourism in Japan.
Happo-en From My Perspective
Having guided European holidaymakers with kids and Australian investors on business trips to Happo-en, I am familiar with its unique charms. The Japanese garden, with its koi pond, bonsai collection, and teahouse is a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo. I’ve also had the pleasure of attending travel & sustainability events at Happo-en, during which the staff paid attention to detail and provided flawless service.
Thanks to the halal kitchen and connected floors for multistorey use, my Japan Travel colleagues will be able to go beyond the retreat we recently organised for 300 Indian entrepreneurs.
A New Era Starts For Happo-en
Happo-en will close from February to September 2025 to accommodate the renovation. I’m excited to see the results and share my experiences with you once the venue reopens.
Several factors drive the renovation itself:
- Happo-en aims to harmonise its facilities because elements were independently modified over time.
- Business opportunities with ever more numerous foreigners (interested) in Japan require modernised facilities as well as services that are more welcoming for very diverse guests.
- The upcoming 100th anniversary offers a perfect justification to reinvigorate the venue and ensure its continued success.
Learn More And Book Your Event
With its upcoming renovation, Happo-en will become an even more attractive venue for international travellers and businesses. I am confident that it will remain cherished by generations to come.
To discover more and explore possibilities for your next event, please visit Happo-en website or contact their multilingual staff.