Fukuoka
Imagine Fukuoka, a city thriving without a single first-class river, turning its geographical challenges into a beacon of human connection through its waterfront heritage. Focusing on MICE seems almost destined for Fukuoka, which boldly launched its "Convention City Concept" back in 1987, ahead of any domestic counterpart.
Geographically blessed with excellent access from various Asian countries, Fukuoka boasts a remarkable convenience: a mere 10-minute journey from Fukuoka Airport to the city center, swiftly welcoming attendees from around the globe. The city is home to an array of convention facilities, including the Fukuoka Convention Center, versatile multipurpose halls, and luxurious accommodations, ready to flexibly cater to events of any size and format. Further sweetening the deal, Fukuoka offers up to 10 million yen in subsidies and a comprehensive support system, securing its spot as a national leader in hosting international conferences.
The city's prowess in hosting international conferences and business gatherings isn't just a feather in its cap; it's a magnet for startups and businesses, creating an ideal cycle of growth and innovation. In essence, Fukuoka embodies the perfect MICE city, where ancient pathways of human interaction pave the way for modern business and cultural exchanges.
Special Experience
Yatai Tour
Fukuoka's "yatai" (street food stalls) are the perfect spot for networking after MICE events. With over a hundred stalls crammed into narrow alleys, you can enjoy "tonkotsu" ramen or yakitori while easily mingling with participants worldwide. In Fukuoka's unique nighttime atmosphere, new business connections are bound to emerge.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a famous site in Fukuoka dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the year, the shrine is particularly breathtaking when the plum blossoms are in bloom. For MICE participants, it offers a valuable experience to calm their minds and immerse themselves in Japanese tradition and culture.
Official Website: Dazaifu Tenmangu
Festival Freak
Fukuoka is known for its love of festivals, with the Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku being particularly famous, drawing millions of visitors. These festivals offer a perfect opportunity to experience vibrant Japanese culture between MICE events. The festive atmosphere is sure to enhance team-building efforts.
Marine Activities
Since the dawn of the common era, Fukuoka has played a pivotal role as a port city, and today, it boasts a wide array of marine activities. Sailing, kayaking, and cruising parties offer ample refreshment opportunities and foster camaraderie between business engagements.
MICE Facilities
Fukuoka Convention Center
The Fukuoka Convention Center is the cornerstone facility in Fukuoka for supporting international MICE events. It is equipped with facilities suitable for large-scale exhibitions and international conferences, including the Fukuoka International Congress Center and Marine Messe Fukuoka. Its convenient location, approximately a 15-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport, also serves as a significant advantage in welcoming participants from both domestic and international locations.
Official Website
ACROS Fukuoka
ACROS Fukuoka is a cultural and artistic complex known for its unique, lush terraced rooftop garden. Located in the city center, it features a concert hall, exhibition spaces, and meeting rooms, accommodating various events. The main hall, which can hold up to 2,000 people, boasts excellent acoustic equipment, making it ideal for concerts and lectures. Additionally, as a space open to both citizens and visitors, it has become a cultural landmark of Fukuoka.
Official Website
The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka
Having opened its doors in June 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka emerges as a formidable new option for events catering to the executive class. Backed by a global brand, its guest rooms and restaurants are without saying top-notch. Additionally, equipped with a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 300 guests and sophisticated catering services, it is fully prepared for business events. Moreover, the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, where the hotel is located, includes a 3,000㎡ park, offering a splendid venue for outdoor events.
Official Website
Daimyo Conference
The Daimyo Conference is a modern conference facility that was established in 2022. It offers multifunctional meeting rooms ideal for business meetings, seminars, and private events. Equipped with the latest audiovisual equipment and high-speed internet connections, it can flexibly accommodate gatherings ranging from small groups to several hundred participants. The facility also excels in coordination with adjacent facilities, including The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, enabling a variety of events that combine multiple venues.
Official Website
Future of Fukuoka
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Fukuoka is one of the most vibrant cities in Japan today. In the heart of Fukuoka, Tenjin and Hakata are undergoing redevelopment projects that are said to occur once every 100 years, known as the "Tenjin Big Bang" and "Hakata Connected." These redevelopment efforts aim to enhance Fukuoka's role and function as a hub city in Asia. Furthermore, the expansion and renovation of Fukuoka Airport's international terminal are underway, with a new runway expected to be operational by 2025. The goal is to increase the number of international passengers from 6.9 million in 2018 to 16 million by 2048.
MICE Case Study
Asian-Pacific City Summit
The Asian-Pacific City Summit is an international conference aimed at fostering cooperation and development among cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, it includes participation from 15 countries and 33 cities across the region. Since Fukuoka hosted the inaugural event as the proposed city, there have been 13 mayoral meetings held to date, with five of them taking place in Fukuoka.
G20 Fukuoka Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting
In 2019, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held in Fukuoka. The Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk served as the main venue, welcoming dignitaries from various countries. The event was enriched with cultural programs, such as Yabusame (horseback archery), and social dinners at the Fukuoka City Art Museum, providing opportunities to experience Japanese culture while ensuring a meaningful gathering.
Sports Events
Fukuoka boasts a rich history of hosting international sports competitions, including the World Swimming Championships and the Fukuoka International Marathon. The city is home to top-class professional baseball and soccer teams. As the southernmost city in Japan with a population exceeding one million, its relatively warm climate makes it an ideal location for sporting events.
DMO & Visitor Bureau
FUKUOKA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Overview
The FUKUOKA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU is an organization that supports and promotes the MICE industry in Fukuoka City. Their roles include attracting and supporting event hosting, providing information, offering advice and materials for planning events in Fukuoka. Additionally, they aim to promote the appeal of Fukuoka to domestic and international buyers and planners, thereby enhancing the city's international presence.
Official Website
Service
Choosing a Location for the Event
- Provision and Rental of Media and Advertisement Materials
- Venue Inspection
- Compilation of Proposal and Estimates
- Subsidy System for Conventions
Preparations once Venues are Decided
- Supplying of Pamphlets and Other Relevant Materials
- Unique Party Options
- Volunteer Tour Guides and Interpreters
- Cooperation with Advertising Initiatives
- Support for Foreign Participants
- Assistance and Welcome Speeches
At Convention Time
- Welcome Signage and Traditional Performances
- Artist Referrals
- Dontaku Happi Coat Loans