Your First Visit to Miyako Messe
Miyako Messe (officially: Kyoto City Kangyokan Miyakomesse) is a multi-purpose exhibition facility adjacent to Okazaki Park in Kyoto. It hosts a wide range of events — from trade fairs and exhibitions to academic conferences and concerts — making it one of the leading convention venues in the city. Its location near the historic Higashiyama district, surrounded by landmarks such as Heian Shrine and Nanzenji Temple, adds a distinctly Kyoto character to any visit.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Miyako Messe, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Access Guide to Miyako Messe
The nearest station to Miyako Messe is Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, approximately 8 minutes on foot. From Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), the most practical routes combine airport transfers with the subway.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- JR Haruka Limited Express + Subway: KIX → (Haruka, approx. 75 min) → Kyoto Station → (Subway Karasuma Line, transfer to Tozai Line at Karasuma Oike) → Higashiyama Station → 8-min walk. Total approx. 95 min / approx. ¥3,600. The most frequent and reliable option.
- KATE Limousine Bus + Subway: KIX → (KATE bus, approx. 85 min) → Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit → (Subway transfer) → Higashiyama Station → 8-min walk. Total approx. 110 min / approx. ¥3,020 (bus approx. ¥2,800 + subway approx. ¥220). A comfortable alternative with a reserved seat on the bus.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
- Hankyu Kanko Bus (Limousine) + Subway: ITM → (Hankyu bus, approx. 50 min) → Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit → (Subway transfer) → Higashiyama Station → 8-min walk. Total approx. 75 min / approx. ¥1,720 (bus approx. ¥1,500 + subway approx. ¥220). The most affordable option from Itami.
- Taxi (via expressway): ITM → (Hanshin Expressway / Meishin) → Miyako Messe. Approx. 55 min / approx. ¥8,000–12,000. Convenient for heavy luggage or group travel.
From the Nearest Station
- Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line) → approx. 8-min walk: Exit the station and head south along Jingu-michi (Shrine Road); Miyako Messe is visible along Okazaki Park. The entire route is outdoors — see “Tips” below for wet-weather alternatives.
Venue Information Summary
- Official Name: Kyoto City Kangyokan Miyakomesse
- Address: 9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8343, Japan
- Nearest Station: Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line), approx. 8-min walk
- Official Website: https://www.miyakomesse.jp/
- Hours & Contact: Please check the official website for the latest information.
Event Venues at Miyako Messe
Miyako Messe offers multiple exhibition halls and meeting rooms, accommodating events from large-scale trade shows to smaller conferences and workshops.
Exhibition Hall 3 (第3展示場)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,000 (theater-style) |
| Floor Area | 4,000 m² |
| Partition Options | Full / Half (2,000 m²) |
The largest hall at Miyako Messe, used for major trade exhibitions and international conferences. Theater-style seating accommodates up to 4,000 attendees.
Exhibition Hall 2 (第2展示場)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,600 |
| Floor Area | 3,800 m² |
| Partition Options | Full / Half (1,900 m²) / 4-booth split (900 per booth) |
Exhibition Hall 1 (第1展示場)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,400 |
| Floor Area | 1,480 m² |
| Partition Options | Full / Half (740 m²) / 2-booth split (700 per booth) |
Special Exhibition Hall (特別展示場)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 360 |
| Floor Area | 370 m² |
| Partition Options | Section A (200 m²) / Section B (170 m²) |
Large Conference Room (大会議室)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 120 |
| Floor Area | 182 m² |
Craft Demonstration Room (工芸実技室)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 48 |
| Floor Area | 104 m² |
Recommended Hotels Near Miyako Messe
The Okazaki area offers a selection of refined hotels that capture the atmosphere of the Higashiyama district. Here are five options within walking distance.
Higashiyama Hills, Kyoto
A highly regarded boutique hotel located approximately 4 minutes on foot from Miyako Messe. Its quiet setting in the Higashiyama area makes it a comfortable base for event attendees.
Shinsho-an
A small, invitation-only private hotel with just four rooms, located in front of Nanzenji Temple, approximately 4 minutes from Miyako Messe. Ideal for those seeking a serene and exclusive stay.
HOTEL MASTAY jingumichi
A boutique hotel on Jingu-michi (Shrine Road), approximately 5 minutes from Miyako Messe. Conveniently positioned for access to Heian Shrine and the surrounding area.
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU, A Pan Pacific Hotel
A Pan Pacific brand hotel situated in the historic Higashiyama district, approximately 6 minutes from Miyako Messe. Combines international service standards with a distinctly Kyoto setting.
Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei
A luxury all-suite hotel in a traditional Japanese architectural style, overlooking Heian Shrine, approximately 9 minutes from Miyako Messe. Well suited for VIP guests and special occasions.
Recommended Restaurants Near Miyako Messe
The Okazaki and Higashiyama area offers a variety of dining options. Here are highlights by category.
Upscale Japanese
Kappo Kyo Shogoin
A kappo (counter-style Japanese) restaurant established in 1960, housed in a renovated historic inn. Specializes in seasonal kaiseki and kappo cuisine — an excellent choice for formal dinners or business entertaining.
Casual Japanese
Usagi No Ippo
A popular set-meal and Japanese food restaurant in the Okazaki area, frequented by locals. Offers affordable, home-style Japanese cooking in a relaxed setting.
Western
bistro & wine En
A French bistro and wine bar tucked away in Okazaki. An intimate space for wine-paired dining, rare in this neighbourhood.
Asian
Lotus
Serving Southeast Asian (Indonesian-influenced) cuisine with well-regarded spice-forward dishes.
Café
Matinée Kyoto
A fully reservation-only breakfast café. Advance booking is required. Ideal for a special morning meal before an early conference session.
Bar
Yoru no Hayakawa
A back-alley stand bar serving wine and Western-style food at the counter. A low-key spot for unwinding after a long day at the venue.
Tips Before You Visit
Watch for Traffic Restrictions During Jidai Matsuri
Every year on October 22 (postponed to the next day in case of rain), the Jidai Matsuri procession passes through the Okazaki area, with traffic restrictions in effect from approximately 11:00 to 15:30. City buses experience significant delays during this window — use the Subway Tozai Line via Higashiyama Station instead.
Arrive Early for Vehicle Load-In on the First Saturday of the Month
The Okazaki Flea Market is held in Okazaki Park on the first Saturday of every month. If you are coordinating vehicle load-in to Miyako Messe on that day, plan for an early arrival to avoid congestion around the park entrance.
Use the City Bus Stop in Wet Weather
The walking route from Higashiyama Station to Miyako Messe is entirely outdoors. In rainy conditions, the city bus stop “Okazaki-koen Rohm Theatre Kyoto Miyakomesse-mae” is located directly in front of the venue entrance — a convenient wet-weather alternative.
Prioritize the Subway During Peak Tourist Seasons
In spring (March–April) and autumn (November), the Nanzenji and Okazaki area sees heavy tourist traffic. Taxis become difficult to find during these periods — plan your travel using the subway.
Check Neighboring Venues’ Schedules for Road Congestion
Miyako Messe shares the Okazaki area with the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Rohm Theatre Kyoto, and Kyoto City Zoo. On days when major events are held at these neighboring facilities, surrounding roads can become congested. Check each venue’s event schedule when planning your travel to the area.