Osaka is part of the Osaka Prefecture, which is Japan's second most popular prefecture after Tokyo. Known for its strong economy, safe and friendly surroundings, culture and cuisine, Osaka is also one of Japan's top meeting destinations. Located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan, the city is celebrated for its fusion of modernity and tradition, which can be seen in its many attractions and enjoyed in a multitude of Osaka event venues.
Osaka is served by the Kansai International Airport, which provides direct service to 73 cities in 30 countries and regions. This Asia-oriented air travel hub serves a large number of flights to Asian-Pacific cities and is just 30 minutes outside of downtown Osaka via train.
Among the many convention venues in Osaka is the Osaka International Convention Center, or "Grand Cube Osaka." The sprawling, architecturally stunning center features such meeting spaces as a 2,574-seat-capacity Main Hall, 2,600-square-meter column-free Event Hall, elegant circular Conference Hall with a 16.8-meter-high domed ceiling and 25 conference rooms accommodating 10 to 1,000 guests. Located in the center of Osaka, the convention center is convenient to a variety of transportation options.
Additional Osaka meeting venues include INTEX Osaka, which features 70,000 square meters of exhibition space throughout its Center Building and six exhibition halls. The 13,000-square-meter Kyocera Dome Osaka serves as the home baseball stadium for the ORIX Buffaloes, as well as a large concert and event venue that can accommodate smaller meetings and events throughout the arena. The Osaka City Central Public Hall is a neo-Renaissance building that features a multitude of assembly halls and conference spaces, while Osaka's International House, a focal point for international exchange activities and exhibitions on Japanese history and culture, offers private event space. Built 90 years ago in the traditional Japanese style, Taiko-en is a multi-purpose event facility that features 12 banquet halls, on-site restaurants and five acres of Japanese gardens, located in the center of Osaka.
Hotel venues in Osaka include the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, which can accommodate up to 3,000 guests; the Imperial Hotel, Osaka, with 5,110 square meters of space; and the 575-room Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Osaka, with 3,716 square meters of space.
Osaka's celebrated dining scene includes many fine restaurants and more casual ones with private group space. Mimiu Honten is known for founding the celebrated udon-suki cuisine, as well as for its peaceful, two-story, authentic Japanese setting amid the center of cosmopolitan Osaka. Okonomiyaki Restaurant Chibo specializes in okonomiyaki, or savory pancakes, as well as multi-course menus for groups. Established in 1881, the tranquil Sukiyaki Kitamura is one of Osaka's favorite sukiyaki eateries. Savory, rich French cuisine can also be found in Osaka; located in the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, La Baie is a Michelin Star-recipient French restaurant with a stunning private dining room, while the popular Le Pont de Ciel serves innovative French fare.
