Table of Contents

1. MICE Strategy in Hyogo, including Kobe
2. The Meaning and Purpose of Unique Venues Recommended for MICE
3. Recommended Unique Venues in Hyogo
4. Utilizing Unique Venues for MICE in Hyogo

MICE Initiatives in Hyogo, Centered on Kobe

MICE is a collective term for business events expected to attract and facilitate extensive interaction among participants. Amid the global promotion of MICE attraction, Japan has been advancing its MICE strategy as a “Global MICE City” since 2015. One notable example is Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture.

Kobe can be regarded as a pioneering city in the MICE industry, having proactively promoted the attraction of conventions—a type of MICE event—across the country since the Port Island Expo held in 1981 (Showa 56). This initiative marked the beginning of Kobe’s emergence as an advanced hub for MICE activities.

What Are the Meaning and Purpose of Unique Venues Recommended for MICE?

Hyogo Prefecture, including Kobe City where MICE initiatives are actively promoted, is home to many unique venues. When organizing MICE events, unique venues are highly recommended as ideal locations for hosting.

A unique venue, as the name suggests, refers to a special venue that creates a distinctive atmosphere by hosting events in historical buildings, cultural facilities, and the like. Specifically, utilizing venues such as shrines, temples, castle ruins, and museums during MICE events allows guests to experience and appreciate Japan’s historical and regional characteristics.

Recommended Unique Venues in Hyogo

What kinds of unique venues are actually available in Hyogo Prefecture? Here, we introduce four venues, including those in Kobe.

-the Hillside Kobe

This venue features a minimalist art space designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.

With concrete, glass, and wood—the essential materials of Ando’s architecture—this unique venue showcases a highly refined simplicity and rich design.

The fan-shaped stylish and modern banquet hall allows for themed events to be held. The entire building can be rented exclusively and is suitable for exhibitions and training sessions.

Click here for venue details

-Kitano Ijinkan Former Kulpe Residence

Formerly built as the residence of German merchant Kruppé, the “Kitano Ijinkan Former Kruppé Residence” has a rich history as a members-only social club. The wood-toned interior, adorned with tartan-check carpets and retro furnishings, exudes an exotic and nostalgic atmosphere.

The ceremony space, filled with a sense of openness as sunlight streams through wall-to-wall windows, provides an ideal setting for celebratory events such as incentive award ceremonies.

Click here for venue details

-Kobe Guest House Former Nishio Residence

Built in 1919 (Taisho 8) on a vast site of approximately 10,000 square meters, the Kobe Guest House is designated as an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture. It was once cherished as a social venue visited by VIPs from around the world.

The VIP room on the first floor of the main building, surrounded by rich and elegant interiors, offers a private space with a dignified atmosphere. It is recommended for those considering hosting small-scale business events.

Click here for venue details

-Suma-dera Temle

Founded in 886 (Ninna 2), this temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect’s Sumadera branch. It became nationally famous as the site of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani during the Genpei War in 1184 (Juei 3).

Guests can enjoy a variety of experiential programs such as sutra copying, Buddha tracing, and Zen meditation. This venue is recommended for events aiming to convey Japan’s historical values through immersive experiences.

Click here for venue details

MICE Utilizing Unique Venues in Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture, including Kobe City, is actively promoting MICE attraction.

If you are interested in attracting MICE events, learning about unique venues, or organizing a MICE event, please feel free to contact us.

Contact us here