An after-party in Kyoto goes well when the walk is short and there is something to do that suits the people coming.
Allow for the dinner running long, and check the opening hours and the booking terms in advance.
Put the walk from dinner first
A venue you can walk to from the restaurant keeps the group together and gets the after-party started.
If you are crossing to the other side of a station, check the exit and the bridge on a map, and share it among the organisers.
Estimate the numbers and the length
Including those joining only for the after-party and those leaving partway, give the venue an approximate figure.
For one drink, 60 minutes; with food and an activity, allow around two hours.
Have something besides conversation
Golf, darts or karaoke give people who have just met somewhere to start talking.
Where experience differs, keep the rules simple, and make sure there are seats for anyone sitting out.
- Walking time from the restaurant
- The number of people
- Whether there is a private room
- The length of the session
The organiser checks the pricing
Check whether the set price includes the seat charge, the activity, the free-flow drinks and the service charge.
Share with everyone the deadline for changing numbers, the finish time if you arrive late, the extension rate and the cancellation terms.
An activity-based after-party in Gion
Gion Country Club is three minutes' walk from Gion-Shijo Station, with a bar, golf, darts and a private room with karaoke.
Settle where you are eating, when it will end and how many are coming, then book the seats that match how you want to spend the evening.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should an after-party be booked?
Weekends, private rooms and large groups are best booked early. Get in touch even before the numbers are final.
Is it a problem if the numbers change on the day?
That depends on the venue and the plan. Check the deadline for changing numbers and any minimum spend when you book.
Can people join for the after-party only?
That depends on the venue's terms. Tell them when latecomers will arrive and what the final number will be.
