Kobe is one of Japan’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. No surprise, then, that it is an important MICE destination for Japanese and international travellers.

At a short distance from downtown Kobe is Port Island, which houses the city’s massive convention centre — The Kobe Convention Center — which hosts all sorts of international meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

The site offers MICE travellers ease of access and amazing connectivity thanks to its proximity to Kobe Airport, which is 8 minutes away, and Kobe’s Sannomiya Station, which is 10 minutes away. Osaka’s Kansai International Airport is a short train ride away.

The Kobe Conventional Center is an island-based complex, and one of its main complexes is the Kobe International Conference Center (KICC), which is divided into different zones.

Main Conference Hall- The hall is ideal for numerous stage events and has a seating capacity of 692. It also boasts a six-language simultaneous translation capability.

International Conference- The room can be set in a horseshoe arrangement or theatre style, supporting 116 or 360 delegates respectively. It
is perfect for academic seminars or training sessions.

Meeting Rooms- There are a total of 7 rooms on the fourth floor with a seating capacity between 30 and 200 delegates. With 5 rooms on the fifth floor, supporting 80 to 250 participants, these spaces are ideal for exhibitions or parties.

Adjacent to the KICC, is the Kobe International Exhibition Hall which featuresthree exhibition venues:

Exhibition Hall No. 1- A combination of two floors, the building allows for multi-dimensional conventions.

Exhibition Hall No. 2- This space features an  interior that transforms from a large exhibit space to a grand theatre, with a capacity of  4,000 people.

Exhibition Hall No. 3- Creates an efficient and simplistic environment for both exhibitors and visitors, alike.

To support the city’s MICE infrastructure, a number of hotels in different budget segments, as well as an impressive public transport network have been put into place. Those wishing to extend their business trip to enjoy Kobe’s leisure offerings will find more than enough to do as well.

Prealene Khera