Uniquely Japan

Meetings and Incentives in the Gateway to Asia

JapanJapan conjures up all sorts of images just at the mention of its name – everything from

geisha in beautiful kimono to skyscrapers covered in neon lights. While Japan means many

things to different people, no matter who you ask they will all be able to tell you that Japan

is a top global destination that has something to interest everyone. This certainly includes

meeting planners, who are utilizing Japan’s assets in ever-increasing numbers to plan amazing

events that draw in delegates and make lasting memories for everyone involved.

Property developers have taken note of this increased attention,

which has led to a boom in the number of hotels and meeting

venues available throughout the country. Whether it is 5 star

luxury or a well-equipped academic venue that is needed, Japan

now has more to offer, and in more price ranges, than ever

before. On top of this, management at historical and cultural

properties across Japan are opening their doors to meeting and

event planners, allowing for conferences, receptions and more

to take place in stunningly unique Japanese environments.

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Time Zone: JST (GMT + 9 hours)

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)

Exchange Rates as of March 2012

128 ¥ to 1 UK £

107 ¥ to 1 Euro

81 ¥ to 1 US $

Population: 127,690,000 (2011 estimate)

Capital: Tokyo (population 13,185,502 – 2011 estimate)

Electricity: 100V AC

Major International Airports:Narita (serving the Tokyo area)

Haneda (serving the central Tokyo area)

Centrair (serving the Nagoya area)

Kansai International Airport (serving the

Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe area)

Flight Times: London to Tokyo – 11 hours 30 minutes

New York to Tokyo – 14 hours

Singapore to Tokyo – 7 hours

Japan lies off the east coast

of the Asian Continent,

surrounded by sea in all

directions and consists of

four major islands and more

than 6,800 smaller islands.

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Culture plays an important part in any international event, and Japan

has more than its fair share available. Known as home to one of the

world’s most unique traditional cultures, Japan also is the birthplace of

modern cultural icons in technology, art and beyond. No matter

where the group is from, they are bound to find something new,

different and special during their time in Japan.

Although Japan itself is a series of islands, the country contains the

diversity of an entire continent. Geographically spread quite thinly

from North to South, Japan covers three climate zones and offers

meeting planners endless choices. From skiing in former Olympic

resorts in the northern island of Hokkaido, to exploring the ancient

culture of Kansai region and down to the beautiful beaches of

Okinawa at Japan’s southernmost tip, groups have opportunities to

suit any taste, all with developed infrastructure and hospitable locals.

In addition to this, meeting planners from Europe also save quite a

bit of their budget in unexpected ways. Bed taxes in hotels are either

very low or don’t exist throughout the country. Japan has absolutely

no tipping – so substantial amounts are saved on meals,

transportation and other services. Even without the extra taxes

or tips, service throughout Japan will very likely be some of the best

that the group has ever encountered.

While Japan is by no means a short-haul destination for European

groups, an ever-increasing number of direct flights from the continent

means that it’s a relatively quick journey. Flight times from Paris and

London are similar to going to South Africa or the West Coast of the

USA. If flying on either of Japan’s national carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL)

or All Nippon Airways (ANA), groups will experience fantastic levels

of service and comfort, making the journey a pleasure rather than an

endurance test. Tokyo’s city centre airport, Haneda, has also recently

opened to long-haul flights, making transportation into central Tokyo

a quick 15 minute journey.

Upon arriving in Japan at any of the country’s four major international

airports (Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda, Osaka’s Kansai or Nagoya’s

Centrair), delegates will experience Japanese efficiency first-hand,

with a speedy immigration service and access to domestic air and

shinkansen (Japan’s world-famous “bullet trains”) links to whisk them

away to other meeting and incentive locations throughout the

Japanese islands.

Many people who have never visited Japan are a bit nervous about

their first visit if they speak no Japanese. Certainly, the prospect of

being in a country where the writing system is completely different

from that in Europe is a bit daunting. These fears are completely

unnecessary, however, as English language tuition is a requirement

in all Japanese schools. Most tourism and MICE professionals will

be multi-lingual, and even many people on the street will be able to

assist groups with whatever they may need. While some people may

not be fluent English speakers, delegates will have no problem finding

a smiling face to help them out.

Groups will also have no problems navigating even the largest of

Japanese metropolises, thanks to the extensive English-language

signposting that is throughout the country. Everything from subway

stations to bullet train platforms and airport terminals are clearly

marked in both Japanese characters and Western script. And, if ever

in doubt – ask! Japanese people are always happy to help visitors to

their country.

Japan is famous for its sprawling cities and amazing technology, but

not many people know about the rest of the country. With 78% of

Japan being rural, there is plenty to see outside of the major cities.

Using the country’s well developed high-speed rail network, groups

are never travelling very long to get to any destination in Japan.

The climate in Japan varies quite widely based on both season and

location.  Think of the variety seen in Europe between Oslo and the

Greek Islands and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what’s available

in Japan.  The majority of the country (especially the main island

of Honshu) has four distinct seasons, offering visitors a different

experience throughout the year.  Spring in Japan is iconic around

the world due to the pink explosion of cherry blossoms.  Japanese

summers offer an excellent opportunity to visit the beach and

indulge in some snorkelling or scuba diving off of the coast of

Okinawa. Autumn brings an amazing view of mountains up and down

the country turning red and orange as the leaves change colour.

Onsens (volcanic hot springs) and skiing down slopes covered in

Japan’s perfect powder are great ways to spend time in the winter.

Like most celebrated destinations, Japan has many misconceptions

among those who have never experienced it for themselves. Some

meeting planners may even shy away from organizing events in Japan

due to these old-fashioned or just plain false views. Those who have

experienced Japan first hand, or even just those who are well

informed, know better and identify Japan as Asia’s number one

meeting destination.

Long gone are the days when visitors to Japan would return home

to shock their friends and family with tales of a place so expensive

that they could barely believe it. Japan was at one time the most

expensive country in the world, but this is no longer even close to

the truth. With a lack of inflation for two decades, Japan is far more

affordable than it was in years past.

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Japan is famous all over the world for the level of service afforded to all of its visitors.

Throughout the country, participants of international events in Japan will be made to

feel special. From arrival at any of Japan’s four major international airports through to

their eventual departure, groups can be assured that they will be greeted by smiles and

world-class service wherever they go. Combined with the fact that Japan has again been

reaffirmed by the United Nations to be one of the world’s safest destinations, planners

can be assured that their groups will be well taken care of.

Culture plays an important part in anyinternational event, and Japan has morethan its fair share available.

Japan is famous for its sprawling cities andamazing technology, but not many peopleknow about the rest of the country.With78% of Japan being rural, there is plenty tosee outside of the major cities.

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For those looking to create an overall Japanese atmosphere with

their gathering, they can opt for one of many themed evenings

available. Meeting planners can opt for a “matsuri” theme, which is a

traditional Japanese summer festival. With this theme, delegates are

treated to processions of traditional floats carried by participants in

traditional matsuri costume, as well as festival music. Planners can also

opt to have traditional street stalls selling matsuri foods set up in the

venue, giving the event a very authentic atmosphere.

Planners looking for something a bit less all-encompassing can

certainly find something to fit their brief. A very popular option is to

feature a kimono show during the pre- or post-dinner period. The

performers will not only put on a demonstration showing how

beautiful these traditional Japanese garments are, but they do it with

a light-hearted explanation (in English) which gives deeper

understanding of the aesthetics involved. They finish off the evening

by selecting members of the audience to come and try on kimono

themselves.

Events can also feature taiko drummers with their mesmerizing

rhythms, professional Japanese dancers clad in dazzling and priceless

kimono, or martial arts and ninja shows with their amazing athletic

skills. With any of these options, delegates are sure to have an

experience that they will remember for a lifetime.

Delegates on a post-convention tour or an incentive programme

truly have all of Japan at their fingertips. Japanese DMCs can arrange

for groups to go anywhere in the country that they like, and can

tailor experiences around the group’s specific interests. The country’s

famous bullet train whisks groups around easily in complete comfort

and in no time at all, and at a very reasonable cost.

An excellent way to relax, either after a long day of meetings or

an exhausting day on the slopes, is by experiencing one of Japan’s

thousands of “onsen” – volcanic hot spring spas. These spas offer

tranquil bathing pools both indoor and out, often featuring

remarkable views of Japanese natural landscapes, and a variety of

other health and wellness treatments.

These spas are often part of ryokan – traditional Japanese-style inns

– which are an excellent experience in themselves. Groups staying in

a ryokan are treated to a truly Japanese experience. These properties

are often small and family-run, and provide excellent service in an

elegant and refined atmosphere. Guest rooms in ryokan feature

tatami (straw mat) floors, sliding rice-paper shoji screens, Zen-inspired

simplicity in design, and amazingly comfortable futons laid out by

maids each evening to complete a uniquely Japanese ambience. Most

ryokan feature nature as a integral part of their décor, so guestrooms

will have large windows giving guests the opportunity to truly

experience the seasonal beauty of Japan from the comfort of

their room.

Groups visiting Japan can also participate in special programmes that

help immerse them in Japanese culture. Multiple companies and

DMCs can arrange for courses teaching everything from ikebana

(Japanese flower arrangement) and calligraphy to making your own

sushi and even how to wield deadly samurai swords.

Technology often features highly on the “wish list” of things to see for

groups coming to Japan, and there is certainly no shortage of ways to

surround yourself with all things futuristic while there. Attendees can

explore the Akihabara district of Tokyo, where they can see the latest

in electronics and computer products, robots and anime. Car lovers

can experience the past and the future at Toyota’s headquarters in

Nagoya, or even drive a high-powered automobile on Toyota’s Mega

Web test course in Tokyo.

Art and architecture lovers will be in heaven in Japan. Cities around

the country are filled with museums featuring striking works from

Japan’s past, as well as contemporary pieces from the world over.

Architecturally, Japan is a global hotspot. Traditional Japanese

architecture continues to inspire architects around the world even

to today, with its clean lines and beautiful simplicity, and where better

to experience this than the source itself. UNESCO World Heritage

temples and shrines in Kyoto and Nara, Samurai houses in Kagoshima,

and traditional Ryukyu castles in Okinawa all offer a glimpse into the

Japan of old. Modern works by the likes of famous Japanese architects

such as Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban can be seen all over the

country, and many companies and DMCs can arrange for

architectural walking tours so that groups can soak in as many

sites as possible.

For groups interested in sporting activities, Japan offers world-class

opportunities of all varieties. From skiing in the north, to scuba diving

and snorkelling in the south, and golfing just about everywhere in

between, Japan is a sport-lover’s paradise. For those more interested

in watching than participating themselves, DMCs can arrange for

groups to attend a sumo tournament, or even visit sumo stables –

where wrestlers live and train – to watch a morning’s training session

close up and, if they’re lucky, have a meal with the sumo themselves.

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Entertainment at convention receptions and gala dinners is one of the ways in which many

meeting planners incorporate local flavour into their meetings. Japan has an abundance of

cultural traditions which can easily be worked into any part of a meeting’s programme, and

many companies who can arrange for this.

Planners looking for something a bit less all-encompassing can certainly find somethingto fit their brief. A very popular option is tofeature a kimono show during the pre- orpost-dinner period.

An excellent way to relax, either after along day of meetings or an exhausting dayon the slopes, is by experiencing one ofJapan’s thousands of “onsen” – volcanic hotspring spas.

Ryukyuan Dance – Okinawa Tanabata Festival – Sendai

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Sapporo

The largest city in northern Japan, Sapporo

has struck a fantastic balance between urban

sophistication and retention of its natural

beauty. A growing number of international

meeting planners are discovering the unique

charms of the city and its surrounding area

and are definitely not disappointed.

Most well-known internationally as home to

Sapporo Beer, groups can learn more about

the creation of this brand at the Sapporo

Beer Garden. Sapporo is also well known for

it's excellent seafood and ramen noodles.

In February of each year, the city is host to

the internationally renowned Sapporo Snow

Festival. During the festival, Sapporo

becomes an open-air gallery, with exquisite

snow sculptures on exhibition. With nearby

ski resorts, Sapporo truly shines in winter.

In summer, the city is equally active, with

excellent hiking and river sports on offer.

In 2008, Sapporo will be highly visible as a

global meeting destination while hosting the

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The meeting

will be held in the outskirts of the city at the

Windsor Hotel Toya in the beautiful Lake

Toya resort area.

www.conventionsapporo.jp

Sendai

Home to many universities, Sendai has

plenty of experience in hosting international

conferences. Located in the Tohoku region of

north eastern Honshu, the city is also known

for having the largest entertainment district

in Tohoku, which centres around the tree-

lined Aoba Avenue and has over 3,000 bars

and restaurants to keep visitors happy.

There are several annual events held in

Sendai which are excellent opportunities

for groups to soak up the local atmosphere.

August’s Tanabata Festival is a celebration of

the story of two legendary lovers, and treats

participants to an amazing firework display

and a street party mood. In December,

groups going to Sendai can look forward to

the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, when

Sendai’s leafy avenues are illuminated by

thousands of lights.

Sendai was in the news recently for being

directly hit by the March 11th tsunami, but

the city has already rebuilt, with the airport

and trains up almost immediately and new

convention venues on the horizon. Sendai is

more than ready to welcome international

groups.

www.stcb.or.jp/eng/index.html

Yamagata

For groups that are looking to get away from

it all, Yamagata is the perfect place. Tranquil

and remote, Yamagata is an important

agricultural region for Japan, and the site of

some of the best hiking in the country. Hiking

the trail towards the three peaks of Dewa,

surrounded by immense cedar trees, is

meant to have healing qualities. There are

onsens abound to relax sore bodies after

a long day’s trek.

In the winter, Yamagata’s Mt. Zao has what

is considered to be the best skiing in the

northeast, and at very reasonable prices when

compared to comparable resorts in Europe.

In the summer, Yamagata holds the Hanagasa

Matsuri, where thousands of dancers gather

for a festival of safflower blossoms (the official

flower of the prefecture).

www.convention.or.jp

Tokyo

Tokyo is never exactly what a first time visitor expects. No matter how

much one knows about the city, before visiting it’s impossible to imagine

how the modern, sophisticated veneer mixes so flawlessly mixes with

centuries of Japanese tradition. Meeting planners are often shocked by

how well this city of 12 million just seems to “work” – the city is spotlessly

clean, with an efficient transportation system that you can set a watch by,

and everything seems to be available 24 hours a day.

Congress organizers are spoilt for choices here when looking for venues,

both for the meetings themselves and evening receptions. The Tokyo

International Forum, Tokyo Big Sight and others, along with countless hotel

venues are available in the city. Tokyo also has museums, private member

clubs, and historic buildings that can be used by planners.

Visitors to Tokyo have the chance to see “Modern Japan” at its finest.

The city offers unparalleled experiences in dining, shopping and urban-

chic. The recently released Michelin Guide for Tokyo has confirmed that

Tokyo is now the culinary capital of the world, with more starred

restaurants than any city in the world, even Paris. High-end dining isn’t the

only option, however, as local restaurants specializing in everything from

noodles to yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and everything in between

offer fantastic food and service at very reasonable prices.

Large-scale dining, shopping and entertainment complexes are currently

en vogue in Tokyo, and the most recent development is Tokyo Midtown.

Located in the Roppongi district of the city, Tokyo Midtown contains

countless restaurants and bars, upscale shopping outlets, and museums.

The Omotesando neighbourhood is home to the Omotesando Hills

development, designed by internationally fêted architect Tadao Ando.

Similar in content to Tokyo Midtown, this complex is located in one of the

most fashionable districts in Tokyo, surrounded by hip boutiques and very

near to the famous youth fashion area of Harajuku.

Groups coming to Tokyo looking for a window into traditional Japan don’t

need to look far for what they are after. Just behind the façade of glass

skyscrapers lies the spirit of Edo, or Old Tokyo. Perhaps the best place to

experience old Japan within the city is Asakusa, where visitors can find

Senso-ji, a 7th century Buddhist temple with the iconic Kaminarimon

Gate, complete with giant paper lantern.

Near to Omotesando Hills, tucked away in a forest oasis and surrounded

by urban sprawl, is Meiji Shrine. Built to honour the Emperor and Empress

Meiji, Japan’s first sovereign of the modern era. Featuring enormous

grounds including a Japanese Iris field as well as the shrine itself, spending

an hour or so here is a great way to escape the hustle of the city.

Visiting Tokyo has also just become even more convenient with the recent

opening of the previously domestic-only Haneda Airport to long-haul

international flights. Now groups can get from the airport to central Tokyo

in just 15 minutes by monorail or less than 30 minutes by taxi. Several

airlines are offering non-stop flights between Haneda and destinations

throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

www.tcvb.or.jp/en/convention

Japan is a country with regions

that have their own traditions,

culture, food and atmosphere.

The best way to really see what

really makes up “Japan” is not only

to visit the major cities of Tokyo

and Kyoto, but also to explore

places that aren’t as high on the

international radar. Most meeting

and incentive planners are

surprised to find out that Japan

has so much to offer.

A Wealth of NatureNorthern Japan, made up of the large island of Hokkaido and the northernmost section of Honshu

(known as Tohoku), is an absolute haven for nature lovers. The northern area of Japan is blessed with

excellent skiing, breathtaking scenery and hot springs that dot the landscape. It’s relatively off the beaten track

for international travellers – making it all the more worthwhile to explore. Some highlights of the area are:

The Gatewayto Japan

Centring around the Tokyo

metropolitan area, Eastern and

Central Japan truly does have it all.

From the economic, cultural and

political powerhouse that is Tokyo

to the traditional culture and natural

beauty of the Japanese Alps, this

region is the most popular MICE

destination in Japan.

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Sapporo Snow Festival

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

Roppongi Hills

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Osaka

Osaka has been one of Japan’s economic

centres for hundreds of years. A fast-paced

city where “Are you making money?” is

a standard greeting, business is first and

foremost in Osaka – and it shows in the

professionalism of the city’s meeting

professionals. All of this work, however,

doesn’t detract from the fun. Osaka’s people

work hard, but they also play hard, and

groups can see this in the restaurants, bars,

shops and nightclubs that fill the city.

Convention and meeting organizers have the

choice of many dedicated meeting facilities,

including the Osaka International Convention

Center (known locally as the “Grand Cube”

due to it’s innovative design), the

International House Osaka, INTEX Osaka

and more. Very large congresses can make

use of Osaka-jo Hall, an indoor stadium

located on the grounds of Osaka Castle.

An excellent base for groups, Osaka offers

plenty of attractions within the city, and is

also a fantastic transport hub for exploring

Western Japan and beyond. In Osaka itself,

visitors can visit Osaka Castle, which houses

a fantastic museum outlining the city’s

historic importance. Shoppers can

experience the world’s largest underground

shopping mall, the designer boutiques of

Shinsaibashi, or the independent shops of

Doton Bori.

Osaka is the location in Japan for food-lovers.

Known as the “kitchen of Japan”, Osaka has

everything from street-stall food like takoyaki

(dough balls with octopus) to okonomiyaki

(a Japanese pancake made with cabbage and

seafood) and international food all presented

with real passion and pride.

At the centre of the historic Kansai region

of Japan, Osaka a short train ride away from

the rest of the sites in Western Japan.

www.osaka-info.jp/en/convention/

Nagoya

Between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is an

important business hub with ties to the

automotive industry. Home of Toyota and

many other large companies, the city is also

an artistic Centre, famous for its Noh and

Kabuki theatre, as well as ceramic production.

Groups visiting Nagoya can get a taste for

both the modern and the traditional by

visiting the Toyota Commemorative Museum

of Industry and Technology, where they can

see the history of the automobile firsthand,

and taking in a uniquely Japanese experience

by holding a reception at Tokugawa-en, the

mansion of Japan's most famous Shogun.

The Nagoya Congress Center has

outstanding facilities which can cater to

groups with expertise. Nagoya also has a

broad spectrum of accommodation options,

both western and Japanese, and in all price

ranges.

www.ncvb.or.jp/en/convention

Chiba

Positioned directly between Narita Airport

and central Tokyo, Chiba offers spectacular

facilities and supreme ease of access. Chiba is

home to Makuhari Messe, one of the biggest

exhibition and meeting complexes in Japan

and site of the world-famous Tokyo Motor

Show. Tokyo Disney Resort is located in

Chiba, making it an ideal base for groups

interested in visiting Japan’s most popular

theme park.

www.ccb.or.jp/e/

Yokohama

As the site of Japan’s opening to the West

in the 19th Century, Yokohama is a natural

choice for international exchanges. Just 30

minutes from Tokyo by train, this lively port

city takes pride in its cosmopolitan

atmosphere and cultural, historical and

recreational attractions, including Japan’s

largest Chinatown.

Planners can take advantage of any of

Yokohama’s excellent meeting facilities, the

largest of which is the Pacifico Yokohama,

which has a capacity of more than 5,000 in

its largest hall. The Pacifico Yokohama also

offers multiple accommodation options fitting

all budgets on-site.

Groups can take in Yokohama's distinct

atmosphere by strolling the seafront in the

harbour, or spending the day at Minato Mirai

21, a shopping and amusement complex with

scenic views. Groups can also easily access

the Hakone resort area at the base of Mt.

Fuji or the feudal temple town of Kamakura

www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/

Considered by the Japanese to be the “heartland” of Japan and the source of Japanese culture, Western

Japan contains all of the elements for a perfect meeting or incentive trip. From the cosmopolitan business

centre of Osaka, famous for having Japan’s friendliest and most outspoken locals, to the two ancient capitals

of nearby Kyoto and Nara with their awe-inspiring temples, MICE groups can get a crash-course on Japan

without ever leaving the region. Making it even easier, Western Japan is easily accessed from all over the

world via Kansai International Airport (KIX), which has direct flights from many European and North

American cities.

The Ancient and the Contemporary

Pacifico Yokohama

Yokohama's Chinatown

Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Kobe's Meriken Park

Nagoya Castle

Tea plantations and Mt. Fuji

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Kyoto

The capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and site of 14 UNESCO

World Heritage Sites, Kyoto is an marvellous backdrop for meetings

and incentives. As the epicentre of Japanese traditional culture, Kyoto

is one of the largest tourist draws in Asia, bringing in culture-lovers

who want to soak in the hundreds of shrines, temples, Zen gardens

and traditional ryokan.

The Kyoto International Conference Centre, located just outside of

the city itself, offers meeting space in an idyllic setting. Nestled in the

base of the mountains surrounded by lakes, the facility is immensely

popular with domestic and international planners alike, and certainly

has the experience to deal with any event, having hosted more than

12,000 events. The Kyoto Convention Bureau can also offer amazing

value to planners by helping to negotiate the use of the city’s temples

and shrines as evening reception venues.

Fukuoka

The largest city in Southern Japan, Fukuoka

was recently voted the “Most Liveable City

in Asia” by a major business magazine. The

combination of excellent infrastructure,

cultural offerings, beautiful climate and

friendly locals not only makes it incredibly

liveable, but also makes it a great meeting

destination.

Home to major convention facilities like

ACROS Fukuoka, Marine Messe Fukuoka and

Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the city has plenty

of meeting space to choose from. The

seaside location and favourable climate make

outdoor receptions a popular specialty of

Fukuoka.

Tourists come to Fukuoka to soak in the

cosmopolitan layout of the city, with beautiful

canals and open-air dining in the Tenjin

district. Famous for Hakata ramen noodles,

visitors should also try some of the freshest

sushi they’ll ever come across. Another

popular spot is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine,

famous for its beautiful grounds full of plum

trees which blossom in the spring.

www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/english/

Miyazaki

A resort city on the south-eastern coast of

Kyushu, Miyazaki is a subtropical resort with

activities for everyone.

Active groups can hike along the Nichinan

coastline and take in the beautiful views and

historic sites that line the seafront. The

Phoenix Seagaia resort has a Tom Watson-

designed public golf course, and there are

more than 10 other courses within thirty

minutes of Miyazaki.

Exceptional meetings can be held in any of

the city’s convention facilities, including the

World Convention Center “Summit” and the

Miyazaki International Convention Center.

www.kanko-miyazaki.jp/english/index.html

Okinawa

On the same latitude as Hawaii and the

Bahamas, it’s easy to imagine the beautiful

climate that groups can expect when they

visit the stunning islands of Okinawa. A quick

two and a half hours by air from Tokyo, it’s a

world away from the built-up modernity of

the capital.

Meeting planners were introduced to

Okinawa in 2000, when the Bankoku

Shinryokan Hall was the site of the annual

G8 Summit. That facility is available to

international planners, and is a tranquil spot

for any type of meeting, being adjacent to

the beach and with a marina and seaside

park on the property.

After the meeting, delegates can see

traditional Ryukyu (the traditional inhabitants

of the Okinawa islands) culture on display at

Shuri Castle. It’s all too easy to spend the

entire day on Okinawa’s pristine beaches or

in the clear blue waters that surround the

island chain. Those after a bit of action can

partake in snorkelling, scuba diving, or any of

the other water sports on offer.

www.ocvb.or.jp/en/

Made up of the island of Kyushu and the Okinawan Islands, Southern Japan has a more tropical and laid-

back atmosphere which many planners love. This “island life” tone doesn’t come at the expense of meeting

acumen though, and there are multiple cities in the region that can deliver meetings and incentives of the

highest standard.

Business and Beaches

There are enough historical locations scattered around the city to

keep groups busy for months. Some of the most popular are Kinkaku-

ji (the Golden Pavilion), which is a stunning gold-leaf encrusted

temple on a gorgeous lake, and Kiyomizu Temple, which dates from

the 8th century and features a sacred waterfall in its cliff-side grounds.

The best way to finish a day in the city is to experience the food

that Kyoto is famous for – kaiseki. The Japanese equivalent of haute

cuisine, kaiseki is a multi-course meal created of seasonal ingredients

used in such a way that the presentation is paramount. Placement,

colour, taste and texture are all of great importance in kaiseki, and

the artistry involved in this culinary form is a once in a lifetime

experience, and one which is best had in Kyoto.

www.hellokcb.or.jp/eng/index.html

Kobe

Kobe is a city which has specialized in international meetings for

hundreds of years. As one of the first ports opened to the rest of the

world, Kobe has a distinctly international atmosphere. As a major

centre of biomedical research, Kobe is a perfect venue for meetings

with a medical focus.

The world’ s first manmade island, Port Island, is in Kobe and is where

the International Conference Center Kobe is located. A modern

facility, the ICC has hosted thousands of conferences since opening,

and is just minutes from the newly-opened Kobe Airport. Evening

receptions in Kobe are made special by the unique settings offered

by Kobe Kacho-en – a recently opened bird and flower park. Set on

a Manmade island off of Kobe Harbour, the park offers a chance for

a tropical reception year-round, where delegates can have cocktails

or dinner underneath a canopy of thousands of blooming plants,

and come into contact with any of the free-roaming parrots, penguins

and other species of birds.

The Nada district in Kobe offers groups the supremely Japanese

experience of a visit to one of the area’s sake breweries. Visitors

can see how sake is made, with the expert instruction of a sake

sommelier, and can taste some of the endless varieties of sake made

in the area. At the end of a long day of meetings or exploring, groups

can relax in a hot spring near Arima, or indulge in luxurious Kobe

beef.

www.kcva.or.jp/convention/english/conv/index.html

12

Kifune Shrine, Kyoto Reception at Kobe Kacho-enUdo Jingu Shrine – Miyazaki

Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki

1514

The Japan Convention Bureau is a government organization

dedicated to assisting international meeting planners in the

organization of events in Japan. Staffed by experts in meeting

planning, the JCB offers its services free of charge, and can help with

everything from deciding on the best cities and venues in Japan for

your specific meeting, liaising with local Japanese suppliers, or almost

anything else that a planner could need when working with Japan.

The Japan Convention Bureau can also put planners in contact with

local convention bureaus in any of Japan’s many International

Convention Cities. These cities have been designated by the Japanese

Government as having the capabilities to host major international

meetings. Local convention bureaus are able to offer planners

individual incentives to host their meetings, ranging from

complementary transfers to monetary grants.

www.jnto.go.jp

For planners from Europe, the Middle East and Africa:

Mr. Chad R. Shiver

Japan National Tourism Organization – London Office

T: +44 207 283 2130

E: chad@jnto.co.uk

For planners from the Americas:

Mr. Gil Cardon

Japan National Tourism Organization – NYC Office

T: +1 212 757 5640

E: cardon@jntonyc.org

For any MICE enquiries, please contact the following JNTO offices

For planners from other regions, please contactone of the following offices:

Japan National Tourism Organization – Head Office

T: +81 3 3216 2905

E: convention@jnto.go.jp

Japan National Tourism Organization – Bangkok Office

T: +66 (02) 261-3525

E: info@japantourist.org

Japan National Tourism Organization – Singapore Office

T: +65 6223 8205

E: mice@jnto.org.sg

Japan National Tourism Organization – Sydney Office

T: +61 (02) 9279 3177

E: jntoinfo@jnto.org.au

Meeting in Japan has never been easier, and the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)

and its specialist MICE department, the Japan Convention Bureau (JCB), are there to help.