Umeda Osaka
Osaka is currently buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 Japan World Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo) and Japan's inaugural Integrated Resort (IR) opening in 2030. At the heart of this excitement lies Umeda, the largest city in Western Japan. Opening in 2024, the "Grand Green Osaka" park is set to become the world's largest urban park directly connected to a train station, symbolizing the rapid internationalization of the city. With its exceptional location, it's the perfect hub for incentive travel. Just 10 minutes from the Shinkansen station and 60 minutes from the airport, it boasts excellent transportation access and is only a 30-minute journey to Kyoto.
Special Experience
Outdoor Extravaganzas at Grand Green Osaka
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, "Grand Green Osaka" offers a unique blend of nature and urban vitality right in the heart of the city. As one of the world's largest urban parks, sprawling over an impressive 4.5 hectares and seamlessly connected to a major terminal station, it stands as a global landmark. Its outdoor event space, combined with the adjacent grassy square, can accommodate gatherings of up to 10,000 people.
Official Website
Retail Bliss: Shopping in the Umeda District
Umeda is home to Osaka's renowned trio of department stores and an array of multi-purpose commercial complexes, offering a diverse shopping experience that spans from luxury brands to quirky finds. It's not just a shopping destination but also a recommendation for organizing fashion-related events, showcasing the latest trends through exhibitions and promotions.
Popular department stores:
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
Hankyu Umeda Department Store
Daimaru Umeda Store
Grand Front Osaka
LUCUA Osaka
HEP FIVE
Umeda Sky Building: A Sky-High Oasis
At 173 meters above ground, the Umeda Sky Building's observation deck provides an awe-inspiring view of Osaka city, particularly its enchanting nocturnal cityscape. Beyond being a viewing platform, it serves as a superb venue for hosting meetings, parties, seminars, and more. What sets it apart is the flexibility to enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring your events can go on regardless of weather conditions.
Official Website
Epicurean Delights in Umeda's Shopping Arcade and Underground Passages
No discussion about Umeda is complete without mentioning its gastronomic offerings. Whether you're craving the iconic flavors of Osaka, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, or seeking Japanese and multinational cuisine in the form of restaurants and izakayas, Umeda has it all. With a rich culinary tapestry, you're sure to find the perfect dining experience to suit the tastes of participants from different corners of the globe.
MICE Facilities
Knowledge Capital Convention Center
Linked seamlessly to JR Osaka Station and the bustling deck, this venue offers unbeatable accessibility. Featuring a main hall (1,700㎡, ceiling height 7.4m) that can be partitioned into two or three sections, nine conference rooms, and a wealth of facilities, it's primed to accommodate diverse requirements.
Official Website
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
This five-star hotel with 291 rooms is your gateway to luxury. Its conference area spans three floors, offering meeting rooms of various sizes, including a main room that can host up to 1,500 attendees. Explore a world of culinary delights, including Michelin-starred French cuisine and international flavors at the hotel's restaurants.
Official Website
Future of Umeda
In anticipation of the Japan International Expo 2025, the area around JR Osaka Station is buzzing with activity, thanks to the dynamic 'Umekita 2nd' redevelopment project. With skyscrapers soaring and massive commercial hubs in the making, this project also involves the undergrounding of rail tracks and the creation of new stations, all geared towards attracting tourism. Prioritizing sustainability, Umeda is embracing green spaces and eco-friendly facilities in its plans, demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment. The future of Umeda shines brightly as a new Western Japan landmark, poised to captivate both nationally and internationally.
MICE Case Study
Umeda Yukata Festival
Since 2012, Umeda has been painting the town colorful with its annual extravaganza—the Umeda Yukata Festival. Rooted in Japan's rich culture and lifestyle, it aims to be 'Umeda's Signature Summer Spectacle.' Festival attendees get to explore the history of yukatas, discover the joy of wearing them, and join in the festivities, including traditional fair games, Bon Odori dances, and Uchimizu (sprinkled water)—a splendid opportunity to embrace Japan's timeless traditions. With its blend of tradition and modernity, the local and international flavors, it exemplifies the essence of a MICE event.
DMO & Visitor Bureau
DMO Umeda
Overview
DMO Umeda is an organization that attracts and supports MICE events in the Umeda area, consisting of 34 businesses (at the time of establishment), including hotels, commercial facilities, halls, etc. It provides a one-stop contact service for organizers who are considering holding MICE events and coordinates the hospitality of participants in the invited MICE events in the entire area. It also coordinates the hospitality of the entire area for the participants of the invited MICE.
Official Website
Service
(1) Acceptance support for businesses holding MICE events in the Osaka-Umeda area
(2) Attracting businesses to hold MICE in the Osaka-Umeda area
(3) Dissemination of information on MICE facilities (hotels and conference facilities), MICE-related facilities (food and beverage, merchandise sales, entertainment) and ancillary services (such as contents available for receptions) in the Osaka-Umeda area to domestic and overseas visitors
(4) Operation of a one-stop contact point to handle inquiries from Japan and overseas
(5) Implementation of liaison meetings and study groups for the purpose of sharing information among "DMO Osaka-Umeda" members, and other activities necessary to achieve the objectives of "DMO Osaka-Umeda".