EVENT HISTORY
Eko-in Temple
Japanese Cultural Experience for Overseas Bar Association Regional Meeting
On Friday, May 15, 2026, a Japanese cultural experience event hosted by an overseas bar association was held at Eko-in Temple in Ryogoku, Sumida Ward, Tokyo. 26 lawyers from Europe, the United States, and other regions enjoyed an authentic sake‑tasting session and an engaging sumo demonstration. Eko-in Temple has been used for kanjin‑zumo, a form of sumo tournament that fundraised for charity, since the Edo period, making it a site of significant historic interest. Its historic backdrop and unique atmosphere made it the perfect setting to experience Japanese culture. The event program included an introduction to the temple's history and its ties to the local community, creating a memorable and immersive experience for delegates.
The sake‑tasting session was held in the Kakuden Room on the second floor of the Nenbutsudo Hall. Although this room has an authentic tatami floor, it was set up with tables and chairs to ensure all delegates could enjoy the program comfortably. There was a wide selection of Japanese sake for the tasting, along with decorative sake barrels, and a compact yet colorful catering table arranged by the catering company. In this Japanese‑style setting, participants enjoyed pairing Japanese sake with the Western‑style menu.
The group then moved to the Nenbutsudo Room on the first floor for the sumo experience. This space, normally used for exhibitions of ukiyo‑e prints and other artworks related to Eko-in and the Ryogoku area, can be set up with or without tatami flooring. For this event, tatami mats were laid on one half of the room, where a former sumo wrestler demonstrated sumo techniques while participants watched from the non-tatami area.
These Japanese cultural experiences, which blended seamlessly with the historic venue, received high praise from the organizers as a truly distinctive and outstanding program that could not have been offered in any other city.
One of the key strengths of unique venues is the ability to offer experiences that are possible only in distinctive, character‑rich spaces. If you are considering an event at Eko-in Temple or any other unique venue, please feel free to contact the Unique Venue One‑Stop Desk. We can assist with everything from arranging event layouts, coordinating catering services, and handling necessary administrative procedures to assisting with event delivery.
【Event Overview】
Date: May 15, 2026
Venue: Eko-in
Participants：26 lawyers