Introduction
Koriyama is a bustling city of 320,000 people that is located at the heart of Fukushima Prefecture. Around 1878 the national government launched the Asaka Land Development and Asaka Canal Project with the goal of transporting water from Lake Inawashiro to the surrounding land. As a result, agriculture and industries flourished, rapidly turning Koriyama into the second-largest economic cluster in Tohoku.
Nowadays Koriyama is home to the world’s highest planetarium from the ground, countless delicious ramen restaurants, cozy cafes, shopping centers, as well as many outdoor activities and beautiful places to visit. Popular tourist attractions include the recently renewed Kaiseizan Park and the nearby Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine, Lake Inawashiro, and the Bandai-Atami Hot Springs. Our experienced team is happy to help you organize your next meeting.
10 Reasons to Book Koriyama for Your Next Meeting
1. MICE Facilities and Unique Venues
Our available locations include local landmarks, open gardens, large hotels, convention centers, and more.
2. Accommodations
Attendees can stay at one of the many available hotels in downtown Koriyama or at the many ryokan inns at Bandai-Atami Hot Springs. The downtown area can accommodate up to 3,600 people and is near most facilities and venues. The Bandai-Atami Hot Springs can accommodate up to 3,000 people, and is an excellent option for attendees that want a little more luxurious and more traditional Japanese place to stay during their visit.
List of hotels in downtown Koriyama
List of ryokan inns at the Bandai-Atami Hot Springs
3. Support
1) A variety of subsidies are available for planners looking to host their meeting in Koriyama.
- International Conventions: Up to a maximum of ¥7,500,000.
- Excursions: Up to a maximum of ¥600,000.
- Shuttle Busses: Up to a maximum of ¥100,000.
2) A large network of local contractors and businesses that are eager to help you manage your meeting from start to finish, and are happy to help with urgent requests
3) Free rental of basic materials, such as:
- Projectors, screens, and recorders
- Nametags, badges, and cards
- Stands, lights, and welcome signs
4) Japanese cultural performances at openings or banquets.
4. Additional Support for International Conventions
We are aware of the many different needs that foreign attendees may have. That is why we can arrange for the following additional support.
- Halal and vegetarian food options
- Free Wi-Fi
- Interpretation, and more
5. Sustainability and the Revitalization of Fukushima
Designated a "SDGs Future City" by the national government, the City of Koriyama is undertaking numerous initiatives to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, hosting your meeting in Koriyama will have a large economic ripple effect on the region and greatly contributes to the revitalization of Fukushima after the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011..
1) Renewable Energy: The City is participating in the International Urban and Regional Cooperation Program of the European Union and has signed a cooperation agreement with the City of Essen (Germany) in the fields of renewable energy and healthcare.
2) Recycling and circular economy: The City promotes the five R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair), and is actively separating garbage.
3) Paperless: in order to save paper, we try to provide as much information in a digital format as possible.
6. Experience and Testimonials
International Youth Nuclear Conference 2022 (IYNC2022)
November 27, 2022 - December 2, 2022
"The IYNC2023, an international conference for young professionals under 39 years of age involved in nuclear and radiation applications worldwide, was held in Japan for the first time. The situation in Ukraine forced a sudden change of venue, and the PCO was reluctant to host the conference with only four months to prepare, so the Koriyama Convention Bureau formed a consortium of local companies to organize the conference. The conference was a success thanks to the attentive support provided by the experienced staff of the Koriyama Convention Bureau." - Kota Kawai, President of Japan Atomic Energy Society Young generation Network.
IYNC2022 received the "Award for Contribution to Attracting and Hosting International Conferences" sponsored by JNTO in 2023.
Asian-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting 2023 (APRIM2023)
August 7, 2023 - August 12, 2023
"One of the main purposes of holding this conference in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, was to deepen the understanding of the current situation in Fukushima regarding safety and reconstruction. The Koriyama Convention Bureau provided a variety of support for the conference, including the preparation of local information at the time of the bid, introductions and meetings with local vendors, material support, provision of attractions to experience Japanese culture, and grants." - Junichi Watanabe, APRIM 2023 Organizational Committee Chairman.
The 5th RD20 Conference 2023 (RD20 2023)
October 4, 2023 – October 6, 2023
"RD20 is an international initiative that aims to promote innovation by strengthening collaboration among major research institutions in G20 countries and regions to achieve carbon neutrality. The Koriyama Convention Bureau provided a lot of support, including coordination with the venue and local businesses, guidance at the station, and arrangements for local entertainment." - Dr. Noriko Yoshizawa, Secretary-General RD20, Global Zero Emission Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
7. Pre-Event and Post-Event Programs
1) A walk through "Samurai City" Aizu-Wakamatsu
2) A Tour of the Triple Disaster-Affected Area: Learn about the Revitalization of Fukushima
8. Discover Koriyama: Tourist Attractions
Mt. Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, Nunobiki Plateau, Kaiseizan Park, and more. There are countless beautiful places to visit in and near Koriyama!
There are also many activities to enjoy during your stay in Koriyama.
As well as many places to shop.
Department store: Usui
Shopping center: S-Pal, Molti, ATi, AEON Town, The Mall
9. Taste Koriyama: Food and Drinks
Local specialties: Ramen, Creambox, Mamador, confections and carp cuisine.
Alcohol: Sake, whiskies. and wines.
10. Access to other parts of Japan
Koriyama is connected to the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and it only takes 76 minutes to get to Tokyo or 40 minutes to get to Sendai. In addition, you can get to Osaka and Sapporo by plane from the nearby Fukushima Airport.