Visiting Unique Venues in Tokyo! Tokyo American Club
It might surprise some people to know that a short walk from Azabu Juban Station is a prime venue with full, open-air view of Tokyo Tower.
That venue is located at this time’s AD!Venture destination: Tokyo American Club.
Tokyo American Club is an international membership club with more than 3,800 members from over 50 nations. A club with a history and tradition that dates back to its foundation in 1928, it has seen quite a few moves in its lifetime. Its most recent move in 2011 re-established it in Azabudai in new, high-tech facilities designed by Perry Clark Perry Architects.
Tokyo American Club’s uniqueness lies in its member system. As a member’s only club, it maintains an attractively private atmosphere, that while limited, can be enjoyed by nonmembers as well. Finding out that nonmembers may also rent select halls for private use, I contacted Mr. Akimoto, Senior Banquet Sales Manager, to find out more.
I arrived at the club, quite excited, via a sequestered lobby entrance where Mr. Akimoto met me to lead me around.
With its members’ needs in mind, he explained, Tokyo American Club was designed around the concept of a “large home.” Stepping into the club and peering around, it did indeed have a luxurious and homey feel. From residence suites to restaurants to a recreation pool, I sensed that there is little a member can want for within club halls.
But what about spaces for non-member business events?
After inquiring, Mr. Akimoto introduced me to the popular venues “New York Ballroom” and “Brooklyn Suite”. The technological advances in the rooms were enough to titter over (150-inch roll-down screens, built in projectors, and flat panel monitors), but the coolest part was their inherent flexibility.
Both “New York Ballroom” (700 meters squared) and “Brooklyn Suite” (198 meters squared) can be divided into 3 separate spaces, or a combination thereof. The room dividers lower electronically from the ceiling in a smooth, modern touch. “New York Ballroom”, the bigger of the spaces, even includes a floor-to-ceiling window garden view despite its basement location.
“We host events of all sizes in these rooms. Parties, rakugo, casino events…we see a great many charity galas as well.”
What if the event is particularly large?
“If needed, the whole of the B2 level floor can be rented in what becomes the “New York Floor”,” Mr. Akimoto explained. “New York Floor” is a combination of “New York Ballroom,” “Brooklyn Suite,” and the joining space “Central Park” between them (with bar/reception island included). It encompasses nearly 1000 square meters. Standing in “Central Park”, I easily imagined a posh New York City business society.
After viewing the lower floor venues, I was shown the private dining space Tokyo American Club offers. The 3F “CHOP Steakhouse” can be rented as event space on a by-day basis, and felt perfect for an intimate business dinner. Hearing that they also host events in celebration of overseas festivities, like Thanksgiving or Easter, I instantly felt nostalgic for home.
Hearing that they also host events in celebration of overseas festivities, like Thanksgiving or Easter, I instantly felt nostalgic for home.
My favorite space by far, however, was the 5th floor terrace space with “Splash!” From May to September, this space, with its up-close view of Tokyo Tower, is available for barbeques. After a seminar or meeting in the venues below, this would be a great place for guests to come for a party, I thought. Tokyo Tower felt close enough to touch.
As I enjoyed the terrace breeze, Mr. Akimoto explained more about the club.
“As a member’s club, Tokyo American Club is not a widely accessible place, so once guests enter they are struck by the beauty and size of our venues. It’s a wow-ing experience, a combination of regality and privacy that our guests truly seem to enjoy.”
The club definitely had an “exclusive” feel.
“Our guests are usually individuals already residing in Japan, but we also receive incoming, visiting executives.”
“Our staff here at the American Club is quite fluent in English, many from abroad themselves,” Mr. Akimoto continued. “There are English natives within my own team as well. So, for guests from overseas, direct communication is not a problem. We insure that time spent here is stress-free.”
If that’s the case, I laughed to myself, I should have conducted this interview in English!
As a final touch, on the way out, Mr. Akimoto was sure to point out one more venue open for use: the bowling alley.
“Perfect for team building,” he smiled, “or to relax after an all-day business affair.”
I’d only caught a glimpse of it all, but it was enough to make me consider a membership myself.
“Members say this place feels like home, and that’s what we aim for: warmth and closeness. Our staff is here without reserve. And of course,” Mr. Akimoto explained, “you need not be a member to enjoy what we offer. We welcome interested parties of all kinds to come experience the facilities I introduced today.”
A member’s club with luxurious facilities and service, from meetings to parties, Tokyo American Club’s planning experts and English-capable staff make it a perfectly unique venue site for a Tokyo business event.
---------- For more information, please check out Tokyo American Club's Website HERE.
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