Kyoto continues to fascinate the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market by balancing 1,200 years of tradition in perfect harmony with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Yoshiaki Matsui, Director of the Department of Convention and Tourism at the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau (KCVB), identifies this fusion of tradition and modern excellence as the city’s strongest differentiator.
Making its first debut at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025, KCVB (Stand J10) is promoting Kyoto’s dynamic aspects, encouraging event planners to consider the city as a leading MICE destination.
“With its unique combination of heritage and contemporary facilities, Kyoto has been successfully hosting a variety of MICE events, gaining the confidence of the organisers and becoming the destination of choice for many,” Matsui disclosed.
Uplifting Sustainability and Cultural Heritage
A pioneer in eco-friendly conference activities, KCVB has undertaken efforts to encourage event organizers towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2023, the bureau became one of Japan’s first movers to an overall support system for decarbonization initiatives and local community engagement.
This pledge includes the rollout of official guidelines and a CO₂ emissions calculator, ensuring environmentally friendly event planning. In addition to sustainability, KCVB encourages the use of “unique venues” — culturally and historically significant venues that provide delegates with real, memorable experiences. These preserved sites not only make events better but also help preserve Kyoto’s cultural heritage by generating positive economic impacts.
“This project also ensures sustainability through a virtuous economic cycle that leads to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage,” Matsui further commented.
Increased Luxury Hospitality
Kyoto’s hospitality sector is developing along with its MICE industry, as several of the world’s leading hotel brands have opened hotels in the city. Among recent high-profile openings are Six Senses Kyoto — the company’s first in Japan — Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, and Hilton Kyoto.
Looking to 2025 and 2026, the city will welcome even more celebrated names. Singapore-based luxury hotel group Capella is opening its first Japanese location, Capella Kyoto, in the summer of 2025. Likewise, Shangri-La Kyoto Nijo Castle, a high-end property owned by a Hong Kong-based company, will add to the city’s growing range of upscale accommodations.
As Kyoto continues to honour its tradition while embracing the future, it is the definition of how tradition and innovation can go hand-in-hand to create an experience that will forever be remembered in the global MICE industry.
