Newsletter Vo.2_YOKOHAMA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

World's Best Convention Destination: Yokohama

For many years Yokohama has been through some transformative changes for the better. It is one of the main gateways to the western world and is exposed to many important commerce, western influence and more! With that, Yokohama has transformed into a thriving metropolis while holding on to its peaceful atmosphere influenced by it's wonderful history. Even though Yokohama is known to be a big city, it also has a wonderful outdoor experience for locals and foreigners to enjoy.

Because of Yokohama's regional location itself and their forward minded approach, many international corporations have offices in the city. It is a good place for corporations to network among other corporations and/or business persons to create powerful partnerships or a new company altogether. With this innovative corporate influence, Yokohama is a hotspot for international conferences.

Here is the video you can refer to :

https://business.yokohamajapan.com/media/en/tools/promotion/

Here are 8 reasons to consider Yokohama
a Top Convention destination in the world

1. Outstanding Accessibility: World-wide access

Yokohama is easily accessible from anywhere in the world thanks to the close proximity of two international airports.

Tokyo International Airport at Haneda and Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo. Together these two major airports handle more than 2,500 international flights with more than 80 airlines every week, meeting the needs of travelers from 112 cities in 45 nations. (As of Nov.2019)

That efficient and extensive network of air routes makes Yokohama an especially appealing venue for convention delegates from the nations of Asia, Europe and North America.

Additionally, the city of Yokohama is a good starting point for exploring Japan. Located in the center of Japan’s main island, Yokohama is a convenient starting point for excursions to nearby spots, like Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt Fuji, and Kyoto. On average, more than 34 million visit Yokohama each year.

2. Best Environment for Everything

So why are there conferences, meetings and big events happening frequently in Yokohama? It's because of its world class event spaces that make it an attractive city to do so. PACIFICO Yokohama opened in early 2020. It not only has an excellent space, but it also boasts a waterfront view of the Minato Mirai 21. Not only that, but Pacifico Yokohama is also walking distance from hotels, restaurants, entertainment and more!

PACIFICO Yokohama is the first MICE facility in Japan to have received “GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation” (here in after “GBAC STAR™ Accreditation”). This certifies that our facility meets international hygiene standards for infection prevention measures so that clients can use our facility safely and with peace of mind.

Yokohama’s environment will contribute to the success of your convention. The "Minato Mirai 21 Area" is within walking distance of all the conference facilities, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist facilities that are indispensable for holding conventions. The Bay area is a great place to take a break during the conference. Yokohama's hotels have no shortages to accommodate about 17,000 visitors. There are various hotels to choose from budget hotels all the way to 5 star hotels all closely located to the convention spaces in Yokohama. And approximately 7,000 rooms within walking distance from the main convention venue, PACIFICO Yokohama.

Since big business meetings can get busy, anybody attending these events can leave carbon trails via traveling. The Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau(YCVB) has recently announced that the 2nd ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Summit 2020 has put in place the Yokohama Blue Carbon offset System. What this means is that ICCA AP Summit 2020 has made their conference sustainable by tallying all the attendees that traveled to the event and calculated the total distance that they traveled. The carbon emissions from their travels are then calculated along with the amount of energy that generates the power for the venue. With everything summed up together, the amount of carbon dioxide generated is totaled. With that total, ICCA AP Summit 2020 takes a part of the attendees registration fees and invest it into programs supporting marine life that absorbs carbon dioxide.

3. Remarkable accomplishments

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, more than 40 virtual or hybrid meetings and events were held at PACIFICO Yokohama venue as the broadcast station for multiple sessions.

Having a proven track record enables us to hold successful conventions. Yokohama has a strong track record for hosting international conventions and for helping organizers to achieve their meetings’ goals.

Complementing that assistance is enthusiastic support from local businesses and citizens, who pride themselves on making visitors feel at home in Yokohama.

4. Clean and Safe Yokohama

Yokohama is a relaxing port city that retains an easy-going atmosphere that is unique in Japan. Less congested than other cities, delegates will be able to secure social distancing and to enjoy refreshing breezes off the Pacific Ocean. In addition, in order to reduce public health risks from the current COVID-19 situation, Yokohama has already set the city’s safe event guidelines. Moreover, the proposed convention center has implemented the measures to prevent the spread of infections.

5. Yokohama offers strong support

Any visitors in Yokohama can rest assured that convention events from small to large will run smoothly. With the valuable experience of YCVB, we make sure the goals of the convention will be met from the beginning of the event until the end. Not only that, YCVB works with the city of Yokohama to help support the event financially as well as provide assistance if needed. (Conditions may apply)

6. Add-up benefits: Tourism Opportunities Await You

Enjoy a stroll in the Japanese garden, Sankeien garden, and admire its expansive grounds, historical buildings, and various types of Japanese plants and explore Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Afterwards you can eat out in Chinatown and take a brief side trip to the Japanese medieval capital of Kamakura.

Yokohama rewards its visitors with sightseeing opportunities for any kind of interest from Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, Yokohama Landmark Tower, restaurants with a panoramic view of Yokohama and lastly, you can visit a pure Japanese-style reception at Sankeien garden with an amazing Japanese atmosphere. In the garden, there is a chance that you can enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts such as koto performances as well as popular jazz performances that originated in Yokohama.

From Yokohama, it takes 30 minutes to the ancient city of Kamakura and 90 minutes to the hot spring resorts in Hakone and Atami.

7. Future-oriented development

Development is constantly progressing mainly in the Minatomirai 21 district as well as hotels and music arenas. Many corporations are also in Yokohama for research and development purposes.

Yokohama continues to build upon its world-class business events facilities along with major hotels that are scheduled to open in the city by the spring of 2022, ranging from the largest hotel in Japan to international brand properties such as Westin Hotels & Resorts.

PACIFICO Yokohama North opened in April 2020, with a selection of new event venues including the PIA Music Arena, the K Arena and Music Park alongside the hotels and exhibition facilities in the area. With this, Yokohama is preparing a stadium full of people and the world.

8. Yokohama: a sustainable city

Clean air, water, and green spaces are among Yokohama's greatest attractions, and the city continues to strive to become the world's leading green smart city.