Your First Visit to Kyoto Research Park

Kyoto Research Park (KRP) is one of the largest private incubation and research complexes in western Japan, located in the Umekoji area of Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto. Home to approximately 200 tenant companies across its East and West areas, KRP serves as a major hub for business and research events — particularly in the IT, biotech, and environmental sectors. The site features Buzz Hall (Building 4), which accommodates up to 350 guests, and Science Hall (Building 1), equipped with three-language simultaneous interpretation booths, making it well-suited for international conferences, symposia, and startup-related events. Its location just five minutes on foot from JR Sagano Line’s Tambaguchi Station makes it one of the most accessible research and conference venues in the Kyoto area.

This guide covers practical information including how to get to Kyoto Research Park, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.

Access Guide to Kyoto Research Park

Kyoto Research Park is accessible from both Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (Itami) via Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line one stop to Tambaguchi Station (approximately 5 minutes), then walk 5 minutes to the venue.

From Kansai International Airport (KIX)

  • Haruka Express + JR Sagano Line: approx. 90 min, approx. ¥3,400 Board the JR Haruka Limited Express at Kansai Airport Station and ride to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the JR Sagano Line (Sonobe / Kameoka direction) and alight at Tambaguchi Station, followed by a 5-minute walk. This is the most straightforward route and is easy to manage with large luggage.

  • Airport Limousine Bus + JR Sagano Line: approx. 100 min, approx. ¥3,000 Take the Keihan Bus airport limousine from KIX to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (approx. 80 min), then transfer to the JR Sagano Line and alight at Tambaguchi Station, followed by a 5-minute walk. A comfortable option for those who prefer a seated bus journey.

From Osaka International Airport (Itami)

  • Airport Limousine Bus + JR Sagano Line: approx. 65 min, approx. ¥1,700 Take the Hankyu Kanko Bus limousine from Itami Airport to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (approx. 50 min), then transfer to the JR Sagano Line and alight at Tambaguchi Station, followed by a 5-minute walk. This is the most cost-effective route from the Kansai area.

  • Taxi: approx. 50 min, approx. ¥8,000–10,000 A direct taxi from Itami Airport to Kyoto Research Park. Convenient for travelers with heavy luggage, groups of three or more, or those arriving on early morning or late-night flights.

From Nearby Stations

  • Tambaguchi Station (JR Sagano Line): 5-minute walk Exit the station and head west to reach KRP’s West Area (Building 4, Buzz Hall). There is no covered walkway between the station and the venue, so carry an umbrella in wet weather.

  • Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station (JR Sagano Line): approx. 10-minute walk Opened in 2019, this station provides convenient access to KRP’s East Area (Building 1, Science Hall).

  • Kyoto Station (JR Lines, Kintetsu, Subway Karasuma Line): approx. 15 min via JR Sagano Line to Tambaguchi Kyoto Station is served by the Shinkansen and multiple rail lines from across Japan. When boarding the JR Sagano Line, look for trains heading toward Sonobe or Kameoka and verify the destination display before boarding.

Venue Summary

  • Name: Kyoto Research Park (KRP)
  • Address: 134 Chudoji Minami-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8813 (East Area) / 90-94 Chudoji Awata-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8815 (West Area)
  • Nearest Station: Tambaguchi Station (JR Sagano Line), 5-minute walk / Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station (JR Sagano Line), approx. 10-minute walk
  • Official Website: https://www.krp.co.jp/
  • Hours & Inquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information.

Event Venues at Kyoto Research Park

Kyoto Research Park offers a range of conference and event facilities suited for everything from large international conferences to seminars and networking receptions.

Buzz Hall (Building 4)

ItemDetails
CapacityUp to 350 (theater-style)
Floor Area365 m²
Ceiling HeightApprox. 10 m
Equipment2-language simultaneous interpretation booths; 225-inch screen (fixed)

KRP’s largest hall, ideal for major symposia and plenary sessions at international conferences. The high ceiling and permanent 225-inch screen create a spacious and well-equipped presentation environment. Two simultaneous interpretation booths are available for multilingual events.

Science Hall (Building 1)

ItemDetails
CapacityUp to 230 (theater-style)
Floor Area204 m²
Ceiling Height7 m
Equipment3-language simultaneous interpretation booths; 220-inch screen (fixed)

Equipped with three-language simultaneous interpretation facilities, Science Hall is well-suited for international academic conferences and events requiring multilingual support. The fixed 220-inch screen supports presentations and video displays.

Room 1

ItemDetails
CapacityUp to 170 (theater-style)
Floor Area168 m²

A flexible meeting room for mid-sized conferences and seminars. Please refer to the official website for full details.

Room 2

ItemDetails
CapacityUp to 120 (theater-style)
Floor Area146 m²
FeatureCan be split into two sections

This room can be divided into two separate sections, making it useful for running parallel sessions at different scales simultaneously.

Banquet Hall B

ItemDetails
CapacityUp to 110
Floor Area150 m²
PurposeReceptions and networking events

A hall designed for post-conference receptions and networking events. Please refer to the official website for full details.

Hotels in the Umekoji and Tambaguchi area, closest to the venue, are listed below.

Hotel Emion KYOTO

A modern hotel a 2-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station. The rooftop offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Kyoto, and the hotel is adjacent to Umekoji Park. It provides easy access to KRP’s East Area (Building 1).

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Umekoji

An upper-midscale hotel just 1 minute on foot from Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station — the closest hotel to KRP in the area. Located next to the Kyoto Aquarium and Railway Museum, it is also convenient for leisure visits.

Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho

A hotel in the style of a traditional Japanese inn, operated by Kyoritsu Resort. Features open-air hot spring baths and private baths. Particularly recommended for those looking to unwind after a full day of business events.

S-Peria Hotel Kyoto

A business hotel with a large communal bath and sauna. The breakfast buffet featuring Kyoto-sourced ingredients is well regarded — a good option for recovering from a long journey.

Stay SAKURA Kyoto Tambaguchi

An apartment hotel close to Tambaguchi Station, offering rooms with kitchen facilities suited for extended stays. Also practical for groups or multi-day visits.

A selection of dining spots by genre in the Shimogyo and Umekoji areas surrounding KRP.

Upscale Japanese

Iharada

A high-end kappo-style Japanese restaurant, reservation-only with private rooms available. Well-suited for formal business dinners and client entertaining, with seasonal Kyoto ingredients at the center of the menu.

Casual Japanese

Naka-ei

A beloved local izakaya and set-meal restaurant offering affordable, home-style Japanese cooking. A familiar spot for many in the KRP community.

Western

rivière

A French bistro with a relaxed atmosphere serving course-style French cuisine. Well-suited for small gatherings or casual business dining.

Asian

Korean Restaurant AYAN

A Korean barbecue and cuisine restaurant located close to the KRP premises. Open for lunch as well, making it convenient for a meal between sessions.

Café

Hygge

A café set inside a 150-year-old machiya townhouse, renovated to create a calm and welcoming space in the Shimabara district. Morning service begins at 7:30.

Bar

BAR Ouch & Oops

An authentic bar in the Saiin area with an extensive selection of whisky and cocktails. Open late into the night — a solid option for an after-event drink.

Tips Before You Visit

Ongoing Construction in the Umekoji Area

Redevelopment of the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market in the Umekoji area is underway and expected to continue through approximately 2027. Expect possible road congestion and detours nearby — plan your travel with extra time.

Bring an Umbrella in Wet Weather

The 5-minute walk from Tambaguchi Station to KRP’s West Area (Building 4, Buzz Hall) is not covered. There is no sheltered walkway between the station and the venue, so carry an umbrella when rain is expected.

Weekend Crowding at Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station

Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station can be busy on weekends due to visitors heading to the Kyoto Aquarium and the Railway Museum. If you plan to use this station to access KRP’s East Area, allow extra travel time on weekends.

Check Parking Availability in Advance

KRP has an on-site parking lot that accommodates both passenger cars and large buses (paid). It fills up quickly during major events, so contact the venue in advance if you plan to arrive by car.

Verify the Platform at Kyoto Station

When boarding the JR Sagano Line at Kyoto Station, use the platform for trains heading toward Sonobe or Kameoka. In some cases, trains to Saga-Arashiyama use the same platform — always check the destination display before boarding. Tambaguchi is one stop from Kyoto Station (approximately 5 minutes).

Confirm Which Building Your Event Is In

Kyoto Research Park’s East Area (home to Building 1 / Science Hall) and West Area (home to Building 4 / Buzz Hall) are separate sections of the campus. Confirm with the event organizer in advance which building your event is held in to avoid confusion on arrival.