Your First Visit to Kobe International Conference Center
Kobe International Conference Center is one of the premier international conference facilities in the Kansai region, located on Port Island — an artificial island in Kobe Harbor. Since opening in 1981, it has hosted numerous large-scale international events including G7-related meetings and global conferences in medicine and engineering. The venue, the adjacent Kobe Portopia Hotel, and Kobe International Exhibition Hall are connected by covered indoor walkways, forming an integrated convention zone for meetings, exhibitions, and accommodation.
For international visitors, a standout feature is the direct Port Liner connection from Kobe Airport (UKB) — just approximately 8 minutes to the venue without any transfers. Since April 2025, international charter flights to Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and other cities have operated at Kobe Airport, making direct access from major Asian cities possible. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is also accessible in approximately 75 minutes via airport limousine bus and Port Liner.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kobe International Conference Center, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Getting to Kobe International Conference Center
Kobe International Conference Center is a 2-minute walk from Shimin Hiroba Station on the Kobe New Transit Port Liner line. Here is a summary of access routes from major airports and train stations in the Kobe and Kansai area.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Airport Limousine Bus + Port Liner (approx. 75 min / approx. ¥2,340): Take the airport limousine bus from KIX to Sannomiya (approx. ¥2,000), then transfer to the Port Liner at Sannomiya Station and alight at Shimin Hiroba (¥340).
- JR + Port Liner (approx. 90 min / approx. ¥2,050): Take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid to Osaka Station, transfer to the JR Kobe Line Shin-kaisoku to Sannomiya Station (approx. ¥1,710), then transfer to the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba (¥340).
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) / Kobe Airport (UKB)
- Itami Airport: Limousine Bus + Port Liner (approx. 50 min / approx. ¥1,610): Take the airport limousine bus from Osaka Itami Airport to Sannomiya (approx. ¥1,270), then transfer to the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba (¥340).
- Kobe Airport: Direct Port Liner (approx. 8 min / approx. ¥200): Board the Port Liner at Kobe Airport Station (UKB) and ride directly to Shimin Hiroba — no transfers required. International charter flights to Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai have been operating since April 2025.
From Nearby Train Stations
- Shimin Hiroba Station (Kobe New Transit Port Liner) (2-min walk): The closest station to the venue. The conference center and hotel are visible immediately upon exiting the station.
- Sannomiya Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Kobe Municipal Subway) (Port Liner transfer, approx. 10 min): Take the Port Liner bound for Kobe Airport from Sannomiya and alight at Shimin Hiroba.
- Shin-Kobe Station (JR Sanyo Shinkansen) (Subway → Sannomiya → Port Liner, approx. 15 min): Take the Kobe Municipal Subway from Shin-Kobe to Sannomiya, then transfer to the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba.
Venue Information Summary
- Venue Name: Kobe International Conference Center
- Address: 6-9-1 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0046
- Nearest Station: Shimin Hiroba Station (Kobe New Transit Port Liner), 2-min walk
- Official Website: kobe-cc.jp
Event Facilities at Kobe International Conference Center
The facility offers a range of halls and meeting rooms accommodating everything from large international conferences to smaller workshops and receptions.
Main Hall
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 692 seats |
| Floor Area | 575 m² |
Equipped with simultaneous interpretation in 6 languages and 18 wheelchair-accessible seats. Features a large stage (18.6 m wide × 12 m deep) along with a VIP room and rehearsal room. Ideal for large-scale international conferences and symposia.
International Conference Room (301)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 360 (theater layout) / 240 (banquet layout) |
| Floor Area | 387 m² |
A mid-to-large conference room accommodating up to 360 in theater layout and 240 in banquet style. Flexible configuration for various event formats.
Reception Hall
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 244 (party layout) |
| Floor Area | 272 m² |
Suitable for standing receptions and networking events. Often used for welcome receptions, cocktail parties, and post-conference gatherings.
Small and Medium Meeting Rooms (4F & 5F, 21 Rooms Total)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Capacity per Room | 214 |
| Room Size | 42–233 m² each |
21 meeting rooms across the 4th and 5th floors, all equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and modern AV equipment. Suitable for breakout sessions, workshops, and bilateral meetings. For detailed layouts and equipment options, please visit the official website.
Recommended Hotels Near Kobe International Conference Center
From directly connected hotels on Port Island to convenient business hotels in Sannomiya, there are accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets.
Kobe Portopia Hotel
Kobe’s largest convention hotel, directly connected to the conference center via a covered indoor walkway. With 737 rooms, guests can move between the hotel and the venue without going outdoors — particularly convenient in rainy weather. A top choice for conference attendees who want to stay as close to the venue as possible.
Centurion Hotel & Spa Vintage Kobe
Located on Port Island, this hotel features bath and sauna facilities. A short Port Liner ride connects guests to Shimin Hiroba Station, making it convenient for conference access while offering relaxation options after a full day of sessions.
Hotel Sui Kobe Sannomiya
A modern boutique hotel in the Sannomiya area, approximately 10 minutes from the conference center by Port Liner. Well-positioned for exploring Sannomiya’s restaurants and shopping after conference hours.
BRENZA HOTEL Kobe Sannomiya
A 2022-opening hotel close to Sannomiya Station, popular among conference attendees for its value. About 10 minutes from the venue by Port Liner from Sannomiya.
Hotel Okura Kobe
A well-established luxury hotel near Meriken Park with 462 rooms and views of Kobe Harbor. Travel time to the conference center is approximately 20 minutes via Port Liner and on foot. A fitting choice for VIP accommodation and high-level business entertaining.
Recommended Restaurants Near Kobe International Conference Center
The Sannomiya and Motomachi areas offer a diverse range of dining options for conference attendees.
Japanese Fine Dining
Kobe Washoku AND
An upscale Japanese restaurant in Sannomiya serving kaiseki-style course meals made with seasonal ingredients. Well-suited for business dinners and formal entertaining. Address: SHINMICHI BLD 5F, 2-10-4 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Casual Japanese
Japanese Bal SAKU Kobe Sannomiya
A casual Japanese bar and dining spot in Sannomiya with an extensive selection of sake. Approachable pricing makes it a relaxed option for group meals after conference sessions. Address: 4-3-1 Kotonocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Western / French
Entre Nous
A respected French bistro in Kobe Sannomiya, known for its course menu. A good choice for a more refined dinner experience. Address: 2F, La Dorlei Kobe Sannomiya Bldg, 1-25-6 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Asian Cuisine
Karin Mabo Restaurant Nankinmachi
A mapo tofu specialty restaurant in Kobe’s Chinatown (Nankinmachi), serving authentic Sichuan-style dishes. Accessible for a casual lunch or dinner near Motomachi. Address: 1-2-9 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Café
Comme Chinois
A long-established French patisserie in Kobe with a café space for coffee and light meals. Suitable for a break between sessions or for picking up baked goods as gifts. Address: B1, 7-1-15 Miyuki-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Bar
NOUAISON Wine & Music Bar
A cozy wine bar in Sannomiya with live music on select evenings. Open late, making it a fitting venue for post-conference networking or a relaxed wind-down after a full day. Address: 108, 2-13-8 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
Tips Before You Visit
Direct 8-Minute Ride from Kobe Airport
Kobe Airport (UKB) is connected to Shimin Hiroba Station via the Port Liner in approximately 8 minutes — one of the most direct airport-to-venue connections in western Japan. Since April 2025, international charter flights serving Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai have been operating at Kobe Airport. If arriving from Asia, check whether a Kobe Airport routing is available for your itinerary.
Covered Walkways Connect Venue, Hotel, and Exhibition Hall
Kobe International Conference Center, Kobe Portopia Hotel, and Kobe International Exhibition Hall are linked by covered indoor walkways. Even during heavy rain, you can move freely between all three facilities without stepping outside — a significant advantage for large conventions that span multiple buildings.
Board the Port Liner in the Right Direction
The Port Liner operates as a loop route, so the direction you board at Sannomiya matters. To reach Shimin Hiroba, take the train bound for Kobe Airport (神戸空港方面) — approximately 10 minutes. Boarding the train bound for Kita-Futo (北埠頭方面) takes you the long way around and adds approximately 5 extra minutes. Check the destination on the train’s front display or platform signboard before boarding at Sannomiya Station.
New Green Space on Port Island
The Port Island Phase 2 Central Green Axis reopened after renovation in May 2026. It provides a pleasant outdoor space on the island — useful for a short walk between sessions or for organizing offsite group activities during multi-day conferences.
Three Options from Sannomiya to the Venue
From Sannomiya to Kobe International Conference Center, there are three main options: ① Port Liner (direct, approx. 10 min, most affordable), ② Taxi (approx. 10 min, approx. ¥1,500–2,000), ③ Shuttle bus (available during large conventions — check the event’s official website for schedule). Under normal conditions, the Port Liner is the most reliable and cost-effective choice.