Come December, Kyoto's year-end party season makes both the dinner and the after-party hard to book. For the organiser, securing the venue is the first hurdle.
The numbers cannot be read, the budget will not settle, and people appear and disappear on the day. Here is the order in which to choose a venue, given what is peculiar to a year-end after-party.
For December in Kyoto, start moving in October
Fridays and Saturdays in the season start filling in November. The centre of Gion, Kiyamachi and Kawaramachi is fiercely contested, and at the last minute almost nothing is left.
Even without a fixed date, simply holding two candidate dates and asking about a provisional booking changes how many venues you can choose from. Starting in October is the realistic guide.
- Have two candidate dates when you enquire
- Fridays and Saturdays fill up especially early
- Check the date cancellation charges start
Estimate the numbers at seventy per cent of the dinner
Not everyone at the dinner comes on to the after-party. In practice it usually settles around seventy per cent, and holding too much space raises what each person pays.
Give the venue a minimum and a maximum, and check how far it can absorb changes on the day. Securing terms such as 'up to X more on the night' takes a great deal off the organiser.
The distance from the dinner decides who comes
December nights in Kyoto are cold, and it rains and sometimes snows. Beyond ten minutes' walk from the dinner, people start dropping out on the spot.
If the dinner venue is fixed, look for the after-party within five minutes' walk of it. Around Gion-Shijo and Kawaramachi stations, you stay within easy reach of restaurants in both areas.
Make the contribution flat, with free-flow drinks included
When the bill splits at an after-party, the organiser's work multiplies. A free-flow plan with one flat contribution reduces the desk on the night to collecting money.
Setting an amount that needs no change given is another practical trick. Announce the figure in advance and nobody has to go looking for change on the night.
- A flat contribution with free-flow drinks
- An amount that needs no change given
- Check in advance whether receipts are needed
Something beyond talking keeps the room going
At a year-end after-party, everything can already have been said at dinner, and the conversation stalls. That is especially true where people gather across departments and intakes.
Something people take in turns, a nearest-the-pin contest on the golf simulator, darts, karaoke, brings the conversation out on its own. Add a prize and the presentation happens on the spot.
An after-party at Gion Country Club
Gion Country Club is an indoor golf and bar lounge three minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station, open from 5pm until 5am. Choose from three types: open, semi-private, and a fully private room with karaoke.
Simulator golf, darts and karaoke share the space, so there is no entertainment to prepare. Plans with free-flow drinks start at ¥6,800 per person. For private hire or a large party, please get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
When should we book a year-end after-party in Kyoto?
Fridays and Saturdays in December start filling in November. Enquire in October with candidate dates in hand.
Can you take more people if the numbers grow on the day?
It differs by venue. Ask when booking how many can be added on the night.
What should the contribution be?
A flat amount with free-flow drinks included is the practical answer. Our free-flow plans start at ¥6,800 per person.
