Your First Visit to Kobe Fashion Mart
Kobe Fashion Mart (KFM) is a multi-purpose convention and event complex located on Rokko Island in Kobe’s Higashinada Ward. Originally built as a fashion and textile trade hub, KFM today hosts international conferences, academic symposia, trade shows, concerts, and fashion shows. The circular KFM Hall “Io” seats up to 700 guests under an 8-meter-high ceiling, while the central Atrium Plaza — topped by a dramatic 40-meter dome — is available for large-scale receptions and events.
The venue is directly connected to Rokko Liner Island Center Station via a covered walkway, and a direct limousine bus runs from Kansai International Airport to Rokko Island. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping are all available on the island itself, allowing attendees to complete their entire visit in one area.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kobe Fashion Mart, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Getting to Kobe Fashion Mart
Kobe Fashion Mart is accessible by direct limousine bus from Kansai International Airport, as well as by train and local bus from both airports and central Kobe and Osaka.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Limousine Bus (direct)：KIX → Rokko Island (Kobe Bay Sheraton stop) direct, approx. 75 min (¥2,200). A 2-min walk to KFM after alighting. All seats are reservation-only — advance booking is required.
- Train (JR Haruka + Rokko Liner)：KIX → JR Limited Express Haruka → Shin-Osaka → JR Kobe Line → Sumiyoshi Station → Rokko Liner → Island Center Station, approx. 90 min (approx. ¥3,000).
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
- Limousine Bus + Local Bus：Itami Airport → Limousine bus → Sannomiya → Shinki Bus Route 21 → Kobe Fashion Mart stop, approx. 65 min (approx. ¥1,500).
- Taxi：Itami Airport → Rokko Island (Kobe Fashion Mart), approx. 50 min (approx. ¥8,000–10,000).
From Nearby Stations
- Island Center Station (Rokko Liner)：Direct connection via covered walkway, approx. 1 min. No umbrella needed even in rain.
- Sumiyoshi Station (JR Kobe Line + Rokko Liner)：Transfer to Rokko Liner, total approx. 8 min.
- Uozaki Station (Hanshin Railway + Rokko Liner)：Transfer to Rokko Liner, total approx. 6 min.
Venue Information
- Official Name：Kobe Fashion Mart (KFM)
- Address：6-9 Mukaijima-cho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032
- Nearest Station：Rokko Liner Island Center Station, direct connection (approx. 1 min)
- Official Website：https://www.kfm.or.jp/
- Contact：Please check the official website for the latest information.
Event Spaces at Kobe Fashion Mart
KFM offers a range of spaces, from large-capacity halls to conference rooms and VIP suites.
KFM Hall “Io”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 700 (theater-style) / Up to 400 (with tables) |
| Area | 707 m² |
| Ceiling Height | 8.0 m |
The flagship circular hall of KFM. Suitable for concerts, fashion shows, lectures, and academic symposia.
Atrium Plaza
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Please check the official website for details. |
| Area | 2,100 m² |
| Dome Height | 40 m |
The central multi-purpose space of KFM, featuring a striking 40-meter dome atrium. Frequently used for receptions, fashion shows, and exhibitions.
Exhibition Space (EX)
A flexible, divisible exhibition space with large cargo access facilities. Suitable for trade shows and large-scale exhibitions. For capacity and area details, please check the official website.
Convention Rooms (CON)
| Room | Capacity (Theater-style) |
|---|---|
| Large | 153 |
| Medium | 72 |
| Small | 45 |
Equipped with projectors and audio systems. Suitable for meetings, training sessions, and seminars.
VIP Rooms
Three rooms available for small-group meetings. Please check the official website for details.
Recommended Hotels Near Kobe Fashion Mart
Rokko Island and Kobe city offer a range of hotels convenient for KFM visitors.
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
The closest upscale hotel to KFM, located a 2-minute walk away on Rokko Island. Features in-house banquet and MICE facilities, making it a popular choice for event attendees.
Hotel Plaza Kobe
Located on Rokko Island, approximately a 4-minute walk from KFM. Popular with conference attendees, with a variety of breakfast-included plans available.
Kobe Portopia Hotel
A large-scale MICE hotel on Port Island, representing one of Kobe’s premier conference hotel options. Features in-house banquet facilities for events of all sizes.
Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
A resort-style design hotel located in Kobe’s Harborland area. Known for its stylish interiors and views of Kobe Port.
Hotel Königs Krone Kobe
Located in the Sannomiya area, this hotel is popular with business travelers and well-regarded for its breakfast offerings.
Recommended Restaurants Near Kobe Fashion Mart
Within Rokko Island and the Kobe Bay Sheraton, a variety of dining options are available before and after events at KFM.
Upscale Japanese
Kobe Grill Teppanyaki
Located on the 21st floor of the Kobe Bay Sheraton, this teppanyaki restaurant serves premium Kobe beef with panoramic views of the bay.
Casual Japanese
Hibiya
A Japanese restaurant in the River Mall East shopping area on Rokko Island. Open for lunch only, 11:30-14:00 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), making it a convenient option during event days.
Western
Restaurant Inoue-san no Tedukuri
A home-style Western restaurant on the second floor of River Mall West on Rokko Island. A popular lunch spot with warm, handmade cooking.
Asian
Chinese Restaurant Suikyoen
Located on the 2nd floor of the Kobe Bay Sheraton, this Cantonese restaurant offers dim sum and banquet course menus, suitable for group dining.
Café
MOYO COFFEE
A specialty coffee shop on Rokko Island. Ideal for a break between sessions or before catching transport.
Bar
Cocktail Bar Margo
A cocktail bar in River Mall West on Rokko Island. A great spot for networking drinks after an evening event.
Tips Before You Visit
No Umbrella Needed to Enter
KFM is directly connected to Rokko Liner Island Center Station via a covered walkway. You can walk from the station to the venue without an umbrella, even in heavy rain.
Plan Your Departure from the Rokko Liner
The last Rokko Liner train departs Marine Park at 24:07 (toward Sumiyoshi), which is relatively late. However, trains become crowded immediately after large events end, so build in extra time when planning your departure.
Book the KIX Limousine Bus in Advance
The limousine bus from Kansai International Airport to Rokko Island operates on a reservation-only, seat-limited basis. For conferences and exhibitions with many attendees, organizers should advise participants to book seats in advance.
Expanded Dining and Shopping on Rokko Island
The adjacent Kobe Fashion Plaza (now ROKKO i Park) completed a full renovation and reopened in spring 2024, adding more dining and retail options within easy reach of KFM.
Parking
The Rokko Island parking facility has 581 spaces across basement floors B1 and B2 (¥220/60 min, max ¥550/day). If attendees are arriving by large vehicle or bus, confirm the cargo entrance location with KFM in advance.