With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Kyoto is a prime example of an urban center of Japanese history.
However, Kyoto is also a hub of academia and manufacturing, with an impressive collection of universities, research institutions and companies involved in leading-edge pursuits on the global stage. The city hosts over 250 international conferences on science, technology and more each year.
Kyoto International Conference Center, which was Japan’s first full-fledged international conference venue, headlines the full slate of convention facilities in Kyoto, which also includes the Okazaki area, where ROHM Theatre Kyoto and Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyakomesse” can be combined to host even larger MICE. The city continues to add more unique venues that provide the premium feel for MICE that can only be found in Kyoto.
The Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau offers a wide range of support options from promotion to hosting for successful MICE.
Kansai International Airport→Kyoto Station：JR Airport Rapid Service (about 75 min.)
Kansai International Airport→Kyoto Station：Limousine bus (about 90 min.)
Itami Airport→Kyoto Station：Limousine bus (about 50 min.)
Tokyo Station→Kyoto Station：Shinkansen Nozomi Express (2 hr. 18 min.)
Nagoya Station→Kyoto Station：Shinkansen Nozomi Express (35 min.)
1. Financial Assistance for Conventions
[Subsidy Programs]
(i) For large-scale international conventions
Up to 10 million yen for the expense of hosting conventions that serve the public interest and last at least 3 days, draw at least 500 participants (of which 100 are from outside Japan) from at least 3 countries (applications are screened).
(ii) For large-scale international convention promotion
Up to 1 million yen for the expense of advertising and promoting events that satisfy the same requirements as the subsidy for large-scale international conventions (applications are screened).
(iii) For medium-/small-scale meetings, incentive tours and conventions
Up to 200,000 yen for conventions and incentive tours that last at least 2 days and draw 50-199 participants
Up to 500,000 yen for conventions and incentive tours that last at least 2 days and draw at least 200 participants (200-499 for conventions) (applications are screened)
(iv) For meetings, incentive tours, conventions and class reunions with the distinct flavor of Kyoto
Up to 300,000 yen for 70% of the expense of dance performances, Japanese taiko drum performances and other cultural programs with the distinct flavor of Kyoto for conventions and incentive tours that last at least 1 day and draw at least 30 participants (at least 100 participants for class reunions), and up to 300,000 yen for the full expense of purchasing the products of traditional industries as commemorative gifts (applications are screened).
Note that these subsidies can be combined for international events.
* Subsidy programs are subject to change.
Other subsidy programs exist for different types, scales and locations of MICE.
2. Other Support Services
[Before site finalization (promotion stage)]
•Providing Kyoto Convention Facility Guides
•Support for preparing written proposals (bids) for potential venues
•Providing presentation materials
•Lending image libraries
•Providing promotion tools (pins, picture postcards) free of charge
•Lending Kyoto MICE PR videos
•Lending Kyoto PR banners
•Reception for preliminary visits, and more
[After site finalization (during events)]
•Arranging the nominal support of the prefectural and municipal governments, commerce and industry association and KCVB
•Providing Japanese-English tourist maps and English guidebooks free of charge
•Lending PR videos and banners
•Arranging Kyoto convention passes (discounted tickets for the Kyoto City Subway and Bus), and more
Kimono dressing experience
Flower arrangement experience
The wellspring of Japanese tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh theater, traditional industrial arts and a wealth of other Japanese culture continues to run through Kyoto, the capital of Japan for a millennium.
Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau
| Facility | Rooms | |
| Hotel | 182 | 22,436 |
| Ryokan | 368 | 5,317 |
| Total | 550 | 27,753 |
Venues
