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Visionary Meetings in Japan
A brief guide for organisers and planners of international
meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and events.
A view of Port Island, with Kobe Convention Center at its heart.
Access to Kobe
Overview of the KCC
Kobe Convention Center Venues
Int’l Conference Center
Int’l Exhibition Halls
Portopia Hotel & Hall
Kobe Excursions & Sights
Technical and Cultural Visits
World Heritage & Creative Cities
Unique Venues & Hospitality
Subventions & KCVA Support
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A Convention City located at Japan’s Doorway
The name ‘Kobe’ translates as a “doorway for the gods” and, as a historical portal to and from the calm
waters of Osaka Bay, the city’s prosperity and affluence has grown thanks to this easy access. Kobe is in
the Mid-West Japan region of Japan, an area known as “Kansai”, and about 300 miles south-west of
Tokyo. Kansai has 10 prefectures, including Hyogo Prefecture, of which Kobe is the capital. Kobe sits on a
narrow strip of land below a nature-rich mountain range and includes several man-made islands.
The largest of these islands is Port Island, home to the Kobe Convention Center (KCC)
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To Kobe - the Fastest Airport Transfer in Japan
Kobe offers great convenience to convention-goers because it is near Kansai International (KIX), Japan’s
second busiest airport. KIX is just 35 minutes away from Kobe Convention Center (KCC) by Bay Shuttle
ferry - the fastest transfer option between an international airport and convention center in Japan.
Furthermore the KCC venues are on the island immediately adjacent Kobe’s own domestic airport, just 8
minutes away by Port Liner trains. (These trains also connect to downtown Kobe, Sannomiya in 10 mins).
Kobe Airport island
Bay Shuttle transfer
Sannomiya’s Elevated Transport: Several express roadways and rail networks converge in parallel from
central Japan towards downtown Kobe. These include the public and private rail services (JR, Hankyu,
Hanshin, Kobe Kosoku, Sanyo, Kobe Rail, and Hokushin Express). Just 10 minutes away from the KCC.
Shinkansen access
Bullet Speed and Tunnels: The nation-wide and ultra-efficient Shinkansen
bullet train service cuts through Kobe’s mountain range to deliver intercity passengers into Shin-Kobe Station, 2 minutes from Sannomiya by tube
or taxi. The Shinkansen trains link Kobe with all major cities to the East and
West. Other tunnels through the mountain connect Kobe to its northern
tourism resorts such as Arima Hotsprings. Going south towards the KCC on
Port Island there is also a road tunnel as well as bridge link.
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CONVENTIONS IN KOBE - OVERVIEW
Originating as a port town for overseas trade, Kobe
that sets it apart from most other convention cities in
1981 as a core conventions complex for Kobe’s m
conference halls, exhibition halls, multi-functional sp
walkway, with a dedicated transit rail station. These
Kobe Airport. Additionally, there are restaurants, park
experiences.
KCC CONVENTION FACILITIES key points:
-4 multi-purpose properties on Port Island
-Offering almost 60 function spaces
(small, medium and large)
-Plus 1 arena and 3 large auditoria seating
thousands
-Plus 4 halls with 14,700 m² exhibition space
-Deluxe and basic furnishing options
see also pages 5~8
KOBE ACCESS key points:
-Kansai International Airport across the Bay
(with 32 min. sea crossing or 65 min. coastal
transfers)
-Fastest airport to venue transfer in Japan
-Kobe’s domestic airport, just 8 minutes away
-Osaka’s Itami airport, 40 minutes away
-Frequent Shinkansen bullet trains nationwide
see also page 2
KOBE ACCOMMODATION key points:
-Approx. 1,300 rooms / 2,500 beds near KCC
-Rooms in all price categories near KCC (4
properties)
(deluxe, 3-star, business hotels & student
facility)
-23 hotels downtown (10~15 min. from KCC)
-7,600 rooms / 42 hotels within 30 min. of KCC
-Traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ inns in Arima
EXCURSION & STUDY VISITS key points:
-Cultural lessons (incl. calligraphy, sake)
-Engineering technologies (incl. earthquake)
-Computing (eg. K supercomputer)
-Medical (Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster)
see also page 11
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WORLD HERITAGE & DESIGN CITY KOBE key points:
- Kobe centrally located for easy daytrips within Kansai
-To the west, Himeji Castle & Hiroshima A-Bomb Dome
-To the east, temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara
-Kobe design part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network
see also page 12
has access advantages and an international profile
n Japan. Kobe Convention Center (KCC) opened in
man-made Port Island. Fully equipped international
paces and a major hotel are all linked by a single
e venues are all located next to the newly opened
ks and museums to provide recreational and dining
DINING & PARTIES key points:
-40 restaurants around the KCC venues
-Bento lunch-box delivery to KCC rooms
-Downtown & Chinatown 10~15 min. away
-Chartered cruise banquets
(largest ship seats 800 people)
-Kobe beef (18 restaurants downtown)
-Home of the famed Nada sake breweries
see also page 13
COST EFFICIENCIES key points:
-Int’l Conference Center fees 50~70% less
than venues elsewhere
-Int’l Exhibition Hall fees 60~80% less than
venues elsewhere
-Competitive hotel rates in 3 price ranges
-Budget student accommodation nearby
-Local travel discounts for convention
attendees
-Generous subsidies to event organisers
(see below)
RESULT key points:
-Venue for first international TED conference (1993)
-Recently hosted G8 Environmental Ministers Meeting
-Kobe consistently ranks in Japan’s Top10 MICE cities
-Kobe Portopia Hotel, Japan’s No.1 convention hotel
SUBVENTIONS &
KCVA SUPPORT key points:
-Letters of support from Mayor of Kobe, etc.
-KCVA subsidy up to 5% of total convention
costs (Public Fund) (or up to 5 million yen,
whichever figure is smallest)
-Plus special subsidy up to 5 million Yen
(Private Fund)
-Interest free loan of 3 million yen available
for preparations
-Japanese sake (or Kobe wine) for a
welcome reception
see also page 14
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Introducing Kobe Convention Center
This core convention facility with dedicated equipment was the first to open in Japan, in 1981. The KCC
stands on Kobe’s Port Island, the world’s first man-made cultural city on the sea. Access is very
convenient, just 15 minutes from Shinkansen Shin-Kobe Station by car, approx. 10 minutes from
Sannomiya in the city by elevated Port Liner rail, and approx. 8 minutes from Kobe Airport. Kobe
Convention Centre boasts approx. 65 function rooms, almost 50 of which can seat more than 200
delegates theatre style, all within easy walking distance. Nearby there are around 50 shops and
restaurants. In short, the KCC can cater to conferences of up to 10,000 participants. Furthermore the
International Conference Centre, International Exhibition Halls and Portopia Hotel are connected with
corridors and equipped with a fast 1 Gbps exclusive optical network, making a large convention zone
available, incorporating three facilities for a single conference. The outdoor ‘Shimin-Hiroba’ square
connecting all the venues can also be used for hospitality purposes.
A total of 21 rooms including an International
Conference Room (360 seats theatre-style) and 4
meeting rooms (capacity 200 each) are located close
to the Main Hall (capacity 692). These support
multiple breakout or parallel sessions in various
formats, or poster sessions, around the main plenary
assembly. Each floor can be connected with a large
capacity optical fibre network, enabling a conference
with both LAN or Wi-Fi connectivity. Simultaneous
translation is available in 6 languages, and the centre
is fully equipped with sound systems, screens, PC
projectors, multi-network microphone system, etc.
Convention Center personnel have professional
experience for reasonable labour fees.
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International Conference Center
5th Floor
4th Floor
3rd Floor
2nd Floor
1st Floor
B1 Floor
Main Hall
Meeting Rooms (501 ~ 505)
The 5th floor multi-purpose rooms are ideal for small meetings and
medium-size seminars or conferences. The five rooms accommodate
80 to 250 attendees in theatre style. The lounge area provides a
well-lit space for poster sessions and coffee breaks.
Meeting Rooms (401 ~ 407)
The 4th floor multi-purpose rooms are ideal for small meetings or
medium-size seminars and conferences. The seven rooms
accommodate 30 to 200 attendees in theatre style. Movable
partitions in rooms 401 and 402 allow space flexibility. Facing the
Japanese-style courtyard, the lounge area provides a relaxing
environment for poster sessions and coffee breaks.
Ante-Rooms (302 ~ 307) and
International Conference Room (301)
This 3rd floor space has a 6-language interpretation system and a
large in-built projection screen. The room can be set up in a variety
of meeting formats. In theatre set up it accommodates 360
delegates, or 116 in a horseshoe configuration. From the level above
there is access to an observation balcony with seats and writing
tablets for a further 50 delegates.
Reception Hall
Also on the 3rd floor, this reception space is immediately adjacent to
the International Conference Room, so it is a natural choice for meal
functions and coffee breaks. Well lit by a length of curved windows,
the space can also be used for poster sessions or exhibits. Movable
partitions can open up or enclose the space as required.
Main Hall
This 692 seat, state-of-the-art auditorium is ideal for plenary
sessions and ceremonials. It features a large fixed stage and
simultaneous interpreter booths. The acoustics are excellent
and, as well as meetings, it is designed for concerts and
theatrical shows. The basic hire fee includes use of 5 siderooms (green rooms) and a separate rehearsal space.
International Conference Room (301)
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Kobe International Exhibition Halls are
located across the public square from the
International Conference Centre, next to
the Shimin-Hiroba station. With almost
15,000 m² in total, the halls offer premium
space for expos, trade shows, and
exhibitions. The 3 buildings consist of Hall
No.1 (6,000 m²), and Halls No.2 and No.3
can also double as meeting spaces, seating
as many as 4,000 people each. An
entrance foyer and shelteted atrium allow
for registrations and ceremonies.
Hall No. 1 Building
The exhibition space on the 1st floor (3,000 m²) has 24
support pillars allowing it to accommodate large
exhibits including heavy items. The space on the second
floor is an open area without pillars, also 3000 m² and
receives natural light through the ceiling skylights. This
makes it suitable for mixed events making the best of
the two floor construction design such as seminars,
meetings and parties. The 2nd floor can be divided into
two sections.
Hall No. 2 Building
The 1st floor has a 3,800 m² open space which is
frequently used for exhibiting heavy machinery and
exhibits, as well as for meetings of up to 4,000
attendees. The space can be divided into two separate
areas to allow combined event formats such as
ceremonial events, exhibitions or parties. The 2nd and
3rd floor's offer a further four conference rooms and
suites for seminars and secretariat offices.
Exhibition Hall Bldg. No.1 (1F)
Exhibition Hall Bldg. No.2 (1F)
Exhibition Hall Bldg. No.3
Hall No. 3 Building
The elegantly simple single story hall has no pillars and
a wide exhibiting area of 3800 m². It can also be used
for large meetings or functions fully independent of
events in Halls No.1 and No.2 . Of course, it can also be
combined with those halls, being connected via a short
covered walkway
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The Kobe Portopia Hotel is the largest urban hotel in the city, boasting 745 guest rooms which can
accommodate 1411 guests. There are 36 banquet and meeting rooms, both large and small. The hotel’s
South Tower is directly connected with the Portopia Hall - a stylish auditorium with a wide stage and
built-in simultaneous interpreter booths, as well as an excellent sound system for concerts and shows.
Connected with the International Conference Centre and Shimin-Hiroba Station this convention hotel
adds significant extra capacity to the Kobe Convention Center.
Portopia Hall
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Sannomiya and Motomachi (Downtown Kobe):
This is the central downtown area of Kobe with glittering
streets of shopping arcades, boutiques, karaoke bars, game
centers, and clubs. Fashion aficionados come here for brand
labels and to shop for the season’s best designs but this area is
also known for its gourmet restaurants, Michelin-ranked chefs,
and the most tender beef in the world. Dine on traditional
Japanese, French or Italian dishes in classy, relaxed
surroundings. Alternatively, enjoy an adventure around the
menu of an ‘izakaya’ Japanese-style pub or the steaming
outdoor food-stalls of Nankinmachi Chinatown. In contrast to
all this modernity and commercial bustle, the ancient spiritual
Japan is found within the peaceful grounds of Ikuta Shrine
(Shinto) and the beautiful gardens and ponds of Sorakuen Villa.
Access: Sannomiya and Motomachi are centred around their
own railways stations (both JR and private lines).
Weathercock House in Kitano-cho
Meriken Park and Harborland (Sea Front area):
The iconic red structure of Port Tower guides the convention
visitor to the leisure playground of Kobe Port. An array of
curious building designs on nautical themes compete with the
futuristic, interweaving urban architecture of the city behind.
Cruise ships pass back and forth and delegate groups may wish
to charter one of them and view the bay area in style.
Alternatively, the Port Tower itself has an observatory and
restaurant to provide elevated panoramic views of city and
ocean. The Kobe Maritime Museum is located here for
enthusiasts and the ‘Mosaic’ entertainment complex offers
sea-front dining terraces, shops and an amusement park. This
and the outdoor space of Meriken Park can provide a
convention dine-around experience or catered party space for
thousands. Sightseeing and dining cruise ships are available
from Naka Futo (middle pier) and Harbourland.
Access: 15 minute walk from JR and private railways at
Motomachi Stn.
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Shrine Maidens at Ikuta Jinja
Shin-Kobe and Kita-No (Foot of the Mountain area):
Shin-Kobe is to where the Shinkansen bullet train glides along
the tunnels under the Rokko Mountains into Kobe. But, back
in a previous century when Japan was newly-opened, the
slopes of this area and Kitano-cho were where overseas
traders flocked to build their new homes. From here they
could see the port and their ships. What remains is a
fascinating fusion of cultures in the form of well-preserved
residences built in diverse traditional styles. This eclectic
architectural city-scape also includes the first Islamic mosque
in Japan and a Jewish synagogue. Excursions for
Accompanying Persons might include time at the Kitano
Meister Garden, a crafts center creating Kobe brand products.
To get the same sweeping views of the port, the visitor now
takes a short ropeway ride up to the Observatory of Kobe
Nunobiki Herb Gardens, or nearby Venus Bridge.
Access: a short distance from Shin-Kobe (Shinkansen) Station.
Port Tower at Meriken Park
Arima Hot-springs Town
Mt. Rokko (Mountains Range):
Mount Rokko, elevation 931m, has numerous leisure
attractions and nature areas. The 4 degree temperature
difference between sea-level and mountain-side allows
respite from summer-time heat, while the nature trails, herb
farm, botanical gardens and several observatory points
provide respite from city-life. The sparkling night-time vista of
downtown Kobe with all its illuminations is dubbed “the $10
million view”. For those appreciating the simplicity of
Japanese ‘Haiku’ poetry, Tenjoji Temple on Mt. Maya (west of
Mt.Rokko) has a strong association with the art, as recognized
by poet Matsuo Basho.
Access: approx.. 30 min. from Sannomiya by bus or cable car.
Sake brewing in Nada ward
Suma and Maiko (Coastal Resort area West of City)
The scenic Suma Beach is well known for its beautiful white
sand and green pine trees. It is also the best swimming beach
and camping area in the region. The nearby Suma Aqualife
Park Kobe is one of the largest aquariums in Japan and popular
for its dolphin and otter feeding. The elegant Akashi Straits
Bridge (Pearl Bridge) connecting Kobe and Awaji Island is the
world's longest single-span suspension bridge at 3,911 m. At
night the structure appears to transform into a beautiful string
of illuminated pearls in continuously changing colours, a
feature to delights the cruise ship passengers passing below.
Access: approx. 10 minutes from Sannomiya Stn. by JR rail etc.
Arima HotSprings Resort Town (Mountains Area):
Over the mountain at Arima is a traditional healing industry.
Arima Onsen is famous for geothermal hot-springs and
‘ryokan’ inns. Historically this is where the nobility came to
relax and retreat. The different coloured springs have different
healing properties, such as the iron-rich waters of the ‘Gold
Spring’ and the carbonate and radium waters of the ‘Silver
Spring’. Some resort properties allow non-staying visitors to
visit and use their baths, but the best authentic Japan
experience comes from an overnight stay – bathing,
banqueting, then sleeping in a futon bed on a tatami floor.
Access: approx.. 45 min. from Sannomiya Stn. by special bus.
10 Million dollar view
Nada and Higashi-Nada (Sake Industry, East of City:
A cultural and educational zone dotted with universities and
art museums this is an area historically famous for Japanese
sake production. The many breweries within the ‘Nada Gogo’
area, create exceptional varieties of sake thanks to the unique
properties of Rokko mountain spring water, specially grown
rice strains, and the centuries-honed skills of the ‘toji’ (master
brewers). Several older breweries have opened museums on
their premises with tours and tastings provided by a resident
sommelier. You would never know that sake comes in so many
tastes, even a bubbly champagne product.
Access: approx.. 15 mins from Sannomiya Stn. by JR train, etc.
Maiko area towards Akashi Straits Bridge
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-Moving at Light-Speed with SPring-8
Managed by Japan’s RIKEN, SPring-8 is the world’s largest
third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, and serves
scientists working in the nanotechnology, biotechnology and
other fields. Over 150,000 local and international researchers
needing powerful electromagnetic radiation in their research
have signed up for “beam time” since the facility opened in
1997. The name refers to the “Super Photon ring-8 GeV”, a
circular chamber around which electron beams at almost the
speed of light are fired.
-The Drama of Earthquake Disasters
After recovering from the devastating Kobe Earthquake of
1995, the city has developed a number of study facilities for
engineers, seismologists, emergency professionals, and the
general public. The Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research
Center (E-Defense) just north of Kobe is home to the world’s
largest ‘shaking-table’. Here researchers examine how real
buildings can cope with sudden and intense ground motion.
Near downtown Kobe, the Disaster Reduction and Human
Renovation Institution provides the human story and lessons
for the future. On Awaji Island, the Nojima Fault Museum
houses evidence of the seismic drama that ripped apart the
Earth’s crust on that fateful morning in January 1995.
-Super-Data Crunching by the K-Computer
This extraordinary super-computer, completed in 2012, held
the prize of world’s fastest computer until very recently. Built
by Fujitsu, the K-Computer is located next door to the Kobe
Convention Center and sits as a prize jewel within the array of
several hundred medical-industry related laboratories and
facilities on Kobe’s Port Island.
-Building a Medical Industry City
Not only is the Kobe Convention Center adjacent to an airport
island, a supercomputer and several university campuses but
some new neighbours have recently moved in. Over the last
few years a new ‘Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster’ (KBIC)
has brought more than 250 research and development
facilities together on Port Island. The cluster is focused on
developing new medical devices, supporting clinical trials,
and creating clinical applications for regenerative medicine.
These facilities belong to academic and government
institutions as well as private companies, many of which are
small and medium sized companies.
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-A Head for Heights Atop Engineering Marvels
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s longest suspension
bridge spanning the straits between Kobe and Awaji Island.
The Bridge Exhibition Center (on the Kobe side) provides
visitors with the story of how the bridge was planned and
constructed. For those with the time and energy to spare,
‘Bridge World’ is a guided tour walk and climb along the
maintenance gantries eventually reaching a height of 300m
above the sea, atop one of the towers.
© RIKEN/JASRI
Kobe is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network which aims to celebrate, preserve and enrich the local heritage and cultural
identity of member cities by focusing on their primary area of creative excellence. In 2008 Kobe was officially recognised as a
creative hub for ‘design’ which is apparent in its landscape design, industrial design, and fashion industry. These are the
industries which give Kobe its ultra-modern and hi-tech image. World Heritage preservation is UNESCO’s better known
activity and, with Kobe in a central part of the Kansai Region, it is one of the most convenient cities for visiting the best of
Japan’s heritage and treasures. Thanks to the Shinkansen Kobe has easy access to Kyoto (and Nara) by going eastwards or to
Himeji and Hiroshima going westwards.
Japan’s most famous city of heritage worldwide, the former capital
Kyoto is just 25 minutes away from Kobe by bullet train. So
excursions are convenient for convention-goers who can look
forward to visiting 4 or more must-see sites at leisure within a
single day-trip. For first-timers, a day course might include the
Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Zen Garden, and Heian Shrine while still
allowing time to shop along the crafts street leading up to Kiyomizu
Temple.
Nara is located further away from Kobe than Kyoto, taking about 80
minutes, but most of its must-see sites are conveniently located
around one central scenic area. By walking all around Nara Park the
day-visitor will encounter tame (but ever-hungry) deer, the huge
bronze statue of Buddha under the vast wooden roof of Todaiji Temple,
and later the moss-covered walkway of lanterns leading to the
vermillion pillars of Kasuga Grand Shrine. There should still be time
leftover to meet the dramatic statues of the ‘Twelve Heavenly
Generals’ at Yakushiji Temple.
Himeji Castle is less than 20 minutes down the tracks from Kobe.
This ‘White Herron’ is Japan’s most beautiful and complete feudal
castle surviving today. While it may only be a single property, a
good half-day can be spent exploring its maze-like fortifications and
climbing up to its secret floors and deceptive passages. The myths
and legends are worth studying, and identifying the places used in
famous Hollywood samurai movies soon eats up visit time. As part
of a full day trip, Himeji is another 20 minutes or so from the
charming old town of Kurashiki, distinct for its canals, weeping
willows and picturesque town-houses.
For a more sobering type of World Heritage a 70-minute train ride
from Shin-Kobe station to Hiroshima may feel like an industrial-age
pilgrimage. After looking around the Peace Memorial Park and its
iconic A-Bomb Dome, no visitor will fail to be deeply moved by the
stories told by the Peace Museum. Some aspects of Hiroshima’s
ancient heritage did survive the A-Bomb and one of these is a short
boat ride away across the inland sea - the Itsukushima Shrine.
Fronted by the instantly recognizable ‘torii’ gate, the shrine is just off
the shore of the sacred Miyajima island and appears to float on
water at high tide. From Kobe, allow a full day for visiting both the
Peace Park and Itsukushima.
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‘Omotenashi’ refers to a Japanese propensity towards especially generous hospitality. Superb catering can be
provided within a variety of unusual venues around Kobe to lubricate the participants’ networking experience.
Kobe shows why ‘washoku’ Japanese cuisine has been recognized as an intangible world cultural heritage.
The beautiful glass-houses of Kachoen Flower and Bird
park are just a few minutes away from the Kobe
Convention Center and has capacity for over 800 people
for a sit-down dinner. With hundreds of plants spilling like
a waterfall rainbow from the ceiling, Kachoen lends itself
to colourful theme parties reflecting the fragrance and
beauty of Japan’s ancient court life (imagine The Tale of
Genji). The sumptuous colours can also complement a
theme reminiscent of movies such as Sayuri or even nature
fantasies such as Princess Mononoke.
Dress up in festival ‘happi’ coats and break a barrel the theme is sake! Shushinkan Brewery has been
producing sake rice wine since 1751 and now has a
private events hall, courtyard and restaurant for
private parties. There is also an ‘educational’
experience to accompany the merriment - guests
receive a pre-party factory tour and tasting reception
to learn almost 300 years of sake history .
As a historical port Kobe offers a number of options for
cruise-style dining. With cuisine ranging from Chinese
to French, there are a number of ships (such as
Concerto or Luminous) and a variety of restaurants and
private spaces to hire. Private party areas can be
decorated in nautical themes of discovery and treasure
to reflect your organizational goals and aspirations, or
simply just for fun!
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After an afternoon excursion to nearby Himeji Castle
what better way to dine than to dress as a feudal Lord
and entertain your guests in a traditional villa.
Sorakuen Villa and Garden is an oasis in the busy heart
of downtown Kobe. Alternatively, a group might visit
the Arima Hot-Springs resort and enjoy a multi-course
banquet with traditional fun and games provided by
Arima Geiko ladies.
The ‘Shimin-Hiroba’ public square between the
Portopia Hotel and International Conference
Center can be used for private evening functions,
or simply as an outdoor terrace to support picnicstyle ‘obento’ lunches and breaks. Alternatively,
the ocean-front Meriken Park provides a perfect
backdrop for a large outdoor ‘matsuri’ festival or
disco party, for more than 1000 guests.
The Kobe Convention & Visitors Association (KCVA) was founded by the City Government with a mission to promote the
holding of conventions within Kobe and tourism to Kobe. At its disposal are various incentive packages, both financial and ‘inkind’, to support both organisers and participants. As city-owned properties the fees for the International Conference Center
are typically 50~70% less than similar venues elsewhere in Japan, while fees for the 15,000 m² of International Exhibition Hall
space are typically 60~80% less expensive than at comparable venues. There are various other ways that Kobe City helps to
keep costs down.
1) GENEROUS PUBLIC & PRIVATE SUBSIDIES
Kobe offers not one but two subsidy packages,
one being from the city’s Portopia ’81 Memorial
Fund and the other offered by the private
Nakauchi Foundation. In combination these two
funds, together with various other forms of
support, are called the “Meet in Kobe 21”
Package. Large conventions fulfilling the “Type-A”
criteria are eligible for the higher level of awards.
a) THE A-OK TEST (PORTOPIA ’81) – UP TO 5M Yen
Organisers of international conferences, meeting the A-type Conference Criteria
are eligible for a generous financial subsidy from the KCVA. (See table above for
the criteria). In principle, the fund will cover up to 5% of an Organiser’s total
convention costs (including venue fees, operational costs, food and beverage, etc.).
This is paid up to a maximum of 5,000,000 Yen, (whichever is the smaller sum).
Eligible Organisers submit their application by end of November in the fiscal year
prior to the year the convention will be held. The award amount is only determined
after this deadline. Type B category conferences are eligible for smaller sums.
b) THE A-OK TEST (NAKAUCHI FOUNDATION) – UP TO 10M Yen
Organisers of international conferences that meet the following criteria are eligible
for a second generous financial subsidy from the Tsutomu Nakauchi Foundation.
The criteria are that a conference must – i) be held in Kobe or Hyogo, ii) be on a
subject of high public interest, iii) have participants from other countries,and iv)
have more than 50 participants.
This Nakauchi fund will provide up to 10 million yen, depending on the scale and
nature of the convention. The amount is determined within the budget of the
appropriate fiscal year that the convention event is held.
2)INTEREST FREE LOAN
-The KCVA also provides an interest free loan of 3 million yen available for preparations
3) COMPLIMENTARY SITE INSPECTION
-The KCVA will also cover the main costs of a site inspection for one person, namely, a round-trip
Shinkansen ticket between Tokyo and Kobe, hotel and breakfast (at a supporting hotel).
4) COMPLIMENTARY JAPANESE SAKE
-The KCVA will provide barrels of Kobe’s own Japanese sake or local Kobe Wine for the convention
welcome reception toast.
5) MISCELLANEOUS IN-KIND SUPPORT & CONSULTING
-The KCVA will provide a range of generic cost items including the main convention title banner or
signboard (above the plenary session stage), congress bags, souvenirs for overseas guests, and
promotional collaterals about visiting Kobe.
-The KCVA also provides general advice regarding calendar dates to avoid, recommendations for local
entertainment options etc., and will introduce volunteer local interpreters (non-professional).
6) TRANSPORT SUBSIDIES, etc.
-The KCVA will provide delegates with discounted tickets for the Port Liner rail system and a half-price
subsidy for two convention excursion buses around Kobe.
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The Kobe Convention and Visitors
Association (KCVA) is a semi autonomous part of Kobe City
Government and supervised by the
Mayor’s Office. Our duties include the
operations and management of the
Kobe Convention Center and assisting
International Meeting Organizers and
Planners. For this we offer venue-hire
coordination, financial incentives, and
PCO services (as a consortium with
Japan Convention Services, Inc.). Please
invite the KCVA team to submit an
attractive set of solutions that fully
meet the needs of your next event in
Kobe, Japan.
Convention Promotion & Marketing Department
Kobe Convention & Visitors Association
6-9-1, Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0046
Tel: +81-78-303-0090 Fax: +81-78-302-6475
Email: info@kcva.or.jp
Website: http: //www.kobe-convention.jp/english/index.html
International Conference Center: Tel: +81-78-302-5200
International Exhibition Halls: Tel: +81-78-302-1020
Portopia Hotel & Hall: Tel: +81-78-302-1123