Hilton Tokyo Begins Large-Scale Renewal of Ballroom as Part of Multimillion-Dollar Upgrade of MICE Spaces

Hilton Tokyo has embarked on the renewal of its ballroom as part of a multi-million dollar phased renovation of event spaces to meet growing demand from international and domestic markets while strengthening its position as an award-winning MICE hotel, as recognised by Cvent in 2025. 

The remodel will transform the Shinjuku property’s entire fourth floor, comprising a total floor space of 1,422 sqm, to create modern, welcoming, functional, and tech-ready areas designed to provide engaging, seamless, and flexible event experiences.
 

Efforts follow the completion, in 2024, of renovations on the third floor, which added 200 sqm of meeting space to the existing 1,000 sqm. With the completion of the phased renewal, in October 2025, Hilton Tokyo will be even better equipped to cater to full-day event programmes spread across two meeting floors and the second-floor restaurants. Organisers can benefit from the easy flow of guests for events as varied as general sessions, breakout sessions, networking lunches, and receptions.

Ballroom upgrade

The Kiku Ballroom, with five-meter ceilings and room for up to 1,000 guests, will be remodelled to allow for partitioning into four sections (Kiku 1–4), promoting greater adaptability. Kiku 1–3 has a 5-meter high ceiling and is 774 sqm, suitable for up to 800 guests (in theatre style) and 450 guests (for a gala dinner). Covering 158 sqm, Kiku 4 can hold up to 150 guests (in theatre style) or 90 guests (in banquet style).

To provide an immersive, premium event space, Kiku 1 will feature the largest curved state-of-the-art Barco LED Wall (15m x 3m) of any hotel ballroom in Japan and a cutting-edge digital audio system, both provided by audio-visual system integrator Vega Project K.K. An additional LED screen will be installed in Kiku 3. The integration of this advanced hardware enables seamless parallel event management across two LED walls, providing exceptional flexibility and customisation capabilities while delivering an unrivalled experience for both organisers and attendees. 

Pre-function flexibility

The Kiku Ballroom’s adjoining 490 sqm pre-function area will be flooded with natural light and offer impressive views of the Shinjuku skyline. Potential uses include event registration, break time with refreshments, cocktail receptions, networking, and exhibitions. A cloakroom will also be available.    

To promote ease of use and guest flow, the pre-function space will be connected via two sets of elevators (total eight elevators) to access the guestrooms, hotel lobby, and basement parking. It will also be accessible from the 3F meeting spaces, 2F restaurants, and 1F hotel lobby using a spiral staircase. Groups using the entire Kiku Ballroom can utilise the space exclusively. 

Embodying Shinjuku’s heritage

Singapore-based award-winning design and architecture firm HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates) is leading the project’s interior design. Inspired by Shinjuku’s history of letterpress printing and indigo dyeing, the space reflects the local area’s rich heritage while embracing Tokyo’s contemporary atmosphere and skilled craftsmanship.

The warmth, depth, and texture of the space, characterised by tactile details such as embossed walls and layered materials, is designed to stimulate guests’ senses. Artisanal furniture and custom finishes reflect the precision of printing and dyeing, while shades of light and dark will be utilised to evoke the three-dimensional beauty of printed matter. 

Enhancing reputation for MICE       

With this renovation, Hilton Tokyo hopes to build on its reputation as a premier destination for events. In addition to offering state-of-the-art facilities that blend functionality, flexibility, and the heritage of Shinjuku, the hotel boasts 830 guest rooms and capability for outside event catering for up to 3,500 participants. 

Felix Busch, general manager of Hilton Tokyo, said: “With Hilton’s rich history spanning over 60 years in Japan, we are thrilled to embark on this renovation with a substantial investment in our conference and events facilities. This initiative will enable us to maintain our position as the premier MICE hotel in Japan, attracting and delighting guests from around the globe with top-tier facilities, locally inspired designs, and cutting-edge technology.

“This renovation allows us to leverage the increasing demand for MICE events from international clients. Our newly designed meeting floor is tailored to meet the growing need for flexible spaces, empowering our skilled event team to deliver seamless events from initial enquiry to final execution.”