Plan a picturesque incentive itinerary to Daigoji Temple, a World Heritage Site. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/f11photo
For an immersive take of Japan, no other city offers a more transcendent experience than Kyoto. Here, towering skyscrapers are replaced by a living tapestry of tradition, heritage and culture. It is against this backdrop that the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau (KCVB) invites guests to host events in its city, all while celebrating its commitment to sustainability.
“Kyoto’s 1,200 years of cultural heritage gives MICE participants the opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture,” says Yoshiaki Matsui, director of the Department of Convention and Tourism at KCVB. “Modern MICE infrastructure has been thoughtfully developed to preserve the city’s scenic beauty while integrating advanced technologies for today’s events. This combination makes Kyoto a preferred destination for many organisers.”
Udit Mathur of JTB India shares the same sentiments. “Japan has always been a favourite destination for MICE. The recent depreciation of the Japanese yen and the Expo 2025 Osaka have made Kyoto an even more attractive proposition.”
Modern MICE infrastructure has been thoughtfully developed to preserve the city’s scenic beauty…
Yoshiaki Matsui, director, Department of Convention and tourism, Kyoto CVB
Sustainability in every step
Beyond memorable events, the KCVB champions sustainable business tourism that benefits both locals and organisers. The bureau is dedicated to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, supporting traditional industries and heritage, and was the first in Japan to implement a support system for these efforts in 2024. It also supports and promotes Kyoto City’s environmental movement “Do You Kyoto” to ensure events meet the city’s sustainable guidelines.
Through its “Sustainable Meetings Kyoto” programme, KCVB empowers planners with practical tools such as sustainability checklists and local vendor recommendations. These efforts aim to create events that are responsible and meaningful.
Planners can enhance their programmes with culture-rich, eco-conscious activities – from woodworking with sustainably-grown Kitayama cedar to learning about manga’s history at the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Planners can enhance their programmes in Kyoto with culture-rich, eco-conscious activities such as folding fan making.
The bureau also champions the use of “unique venues” – culturally and historically significant sites that offer a distinctive experience. These locations are not only carefully preserved but also serve as venues for conferences and receptions that highlight Kyoto’s local charm and heritage.
“Offering these culturally and historically significant sites for conferences and receptions promote a deepened understanding of Kyoto’s history and culture,” Matsui explains. “It also supports sustainability by creating a positive economic cycle that contributes to the preservation and restoration of Kyoto’s cultural assets.”
Where heritage shines
At The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 in Singapore recently, KCVB’s Yasuhiro Umeda was actively sharing the city’s distinctive venues. Centuries-old castles, historic villas and former samurai residences are some of the examples of one-of-a-kind venues planners can choose from.
“Whether it’s Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or other culturally significant venues, KCVB is able to facilitate access to venues that are not typically open to the public,” Umeda shared.
In Kyoto,i incorporate Zen meditation workshops to add a touch of serenity and rejuvenation for incentive delegates.
Complementing these scenic backdrops are immersive and authentic Japanese experiences that allow delegates to blend business with culture and tradition. Home to over 1,000 artisan workshops and 74 official traditional industries, KCVB partners many local craftsmen to infuse a touch of Kyoto to MICE experiences.
Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to traditional theatre performances or to the hidden world of the Japanese maiko can be integrated as incentive trips or post-meeting excursions. At opening ceremonies or elsewhere, delegates can sip matcha whisked by a tea master in a tatami-floored room, nibble on dainty wagashis, or even don a kimono before stepping onto the streets of Gion.
A stellar achievement
In recognition of its unwavering dedication to service, sustainability and authentic cultural immersion, the KCVB was honoured with a 2024 M&C Asia Stella Award. The accolade celebrates the best of the best in the business events industry, and Kyoto certainly deserves its place among the stellar achievers.
This article was first published in the April-June 2025 issue of M&C Asia as the “Kyoto: Where meetings touch the soul” feature. _Click here to read more from this issue.
AloJapan.com