Setouchi
The Seto Inland Sea, Japan's largest inland sea, lies at the heart of Western Japan, serving as a hub of economy and culture for many years. The landscape, peppered with islands, evokes Japan's pristine natural beauty and is a popular resort destination even among the Japanese. The area boasts three World Heritage sites of different eras and styles: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), Itsukushima Shrine, and Himeji Castle. Additionally, the international city of Kobe is known for its extensive track record in hosting medical conventions.
Special Experience
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, commonly known as the Genbaku Dome, stands as a somber reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons, having survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Today, it is a symbol of peace and a call to eliminate nuclear arms.
Official Website: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Shimanami Kaido Cycling
The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic cycling route in Japan that spans islands and bridges across the Seto Inland Sea, offering breathtaking views and a unique way to experience Japan's natural beauty and local culture.
Official Website: Shimanami Japan
Setouchi Triennale
The Setouchi Triennale is a contemporary art festival held on islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It celebrates local culture and community revitalization through international art installations and events.
Official Website: Art Setouchi
MICE Facilities
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, a distinguished hotel that has hosted the G7 Summit. It boasts 510 rooms, with a large hall that can accommodate up to 2,000 people (theater-style) and a reception area that can hold 2,000 guests (standing). The hotel features an excellent location with the Seto Inland Sea right in front and is just a 45-minute journey to the World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine.
Official Website
Himeji Castle's Sannomaru Square
Captivating many with its stunning silhouette against the blue sky, this famous castle was the first in Japan to be designated a World Heritage Site. Events such as receptions and press conferences can be held on the lawn square, with the main tower directly in view. This luxurious location promises a memorable experience for both attendees and organizers.
Official Website
Future of Setouchi
Hiroshima Station, the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea, is undergoing continual redevelopment with a station building reconstruction slated for 2025 and a plaza revamp by 2027. The station complex will feature a 350-room hotel, with top-floor views of the Seto Inland Sea and Itsukushima Shrine. Additionally, the next Setouchi Triennale is scheduled for 2025. With the Expo also happening in 2025 in Osaka, which is just 1-2 hours from the Seto Inland Sea, visiting during that year (if the crowds are manageable), could be the best timing.
MICE Case Study
Academic & International Conferences
Kobe, the largest city in the area, is aiming to be Japan's largest bio-cluster by accumulating research institutions. It also boasts a giant convention facility, which has led to a rich history of hosting medical conferences. In the 2023 G7, Hiroshima's Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima and Kagawa's Kagawa International Conference Hall were selected as venues from the area.
Corporate Meetings
In major cities like Kobe and Hiroshima, there are multiple luxury hotels with over 400 rooms, surrounded by historical and cultural spots, making large-scale events feasible. For small executive retreats, the 'Setouchi Retreat Aonagi' designed by Tadao Ando, the inn 'Azumi Setoda' built by the founder of Aman Resorts, and the luxurious Japanese-style cruise ship 'guntu' that tours the Seto Inland Sea are recommended.
Incentive Travel
Although not included in Japan's Golden Route, the area offers high-quality content with World Heritage sites, natural landscapes, art, and culinary experiences, ensuring a satisfying itinerary. For incentive trips that tend to be passive, adding a team cycling tour on the Shimanami Kaido is highly recommended.
Events & Exhibitions
Kobe is a popular venue where the "International Frontier Industry Messe," one of the largest industrial exhibitions in Western Japan, is held at the Kobe International Exhibition Hall. Additionally, other cities like Hiroshima, Matsuyama, and Takamatsu also have convention facilities that can accommodate 2,000 people.
DMO & Visitor Bureau
Shimanami Japan
Overview
"Shimanami Japan" is a Japanese DMO (Destination Management/Marketing Organization) centered around three municipalities along the Shimanami Kaido route: Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, and Kamijima Town in the same prefecture. It undertakes a wide range of initiatives to promote the allure of the Shimanami Kaido to the world, including disseminating tourist information, hosting experience tours, PR for cycling, and branding of local cuisine. Through this project, it aims to contribute to the enhancement of the Shimanami Kaido's value by attracting tourists not only from Japan but also from overseas, expanding the exchange population, and revitalizing the region.
Comprised of administrative, commercial, industrial, and tourism-related organizations in Onomichi City, Imabari City, and Kamiijima Town.
Website
Service
Shimanami Japan offers an array of services to showcase the Shimanami Kaido's charm. This includes sharing comprehensive tourist information, organizing unique experience tours, promoting cycling activities, and enhancing the branding of local gastronomy. These efforts aim to attract and delight visitors from both within Japan and around the globe, driving tourism and invigorating the local area through increased cultural exchange and economic activity.
Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau
Overview
There are a host of convention facilities and hotels, including the International Conference Center Hiroshima, centering on the Peace Memorial Park in the heart of the city. With its green and pleasant surroundings combined with easy access to everything you need for a successful convention, Hiroshima is the perfect location to satisfy both participants and organizers.
Website
Service
The Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau offers support for hosting a variety of convention-type events such as conferences, tournaments, and trade fairs for both domestic and international audiences. Additionally, it engages in activities to attract tourists and improve tourist attractions to promote Hiroshima as a convention destination and boost tourism in the city and its surroundings. These efforts are aimed at stimulating the local economy and fostering international understanding and cultural enrichment.