VENUE

ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL

LOCAL INFO

Welcome to

KOBE

JAPAN

A city of graceful contrasts, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. Nestled between the Rokko Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Kobe offers a balance of natural beauty and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Here, ancient temples stand alongside cutting-edge architecture, and centuries-old customs thrive in a forward-thinking, globally connected city. As a historic port and one of Japan’s most international cities, Kobe is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and flavors – from the world-renowned Kobe beef to vibrant local art scenes.

Kobe is located in the Kansai region of Japan, just a short journey from Osaka and Kyoto. Its excellent transportation network, including a major international airport and Shinkansen (bullet train) access, makes it an ideal and convenient meeting destination.

VENUE

All NCM sessions will be taking place at the

Portopia Hotel

Ideally located on scenic Port Island, the Portopia Hotel offers guests a luxurious and convenient retreat just minutes from the heart of Kobe. Surrounded by waterfront views and city attractions, the hotel provides easy access to Kobe’s cultural, shopping, and dining destinations—including Kobe Harborland and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Delegates can unwind in refined comfort, enjoying panoramic views of the Rokko Mountains, the city skyline, or Osaka Bay. With 745 elegant guest rooms and suites, world-class hospitality, and seamless access via the Port Liner, the Portopia Hotel is the perfect blend of business and relaxation.

Amenities

  • Full-service luxury spa and wellness center
  • Multiple on-site dining options, including Japanese, French, Chinese, and buffet-style restaurants
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment
  • Complimentary shuttle service to Sannomiya Station and Kobe Airport

Rates

Single or Twin Room Single Occupancy (1 person per room) – ¥26,000 JPY per day

Twin or Double Room Double Occupancy (2 people per room) – ¥36,000 JPY per day

Rate does not include applicable local taxes but does include a breakfast buffet

Interested in Roomshare?

Interested in finding fellow delegates to share hotel rooms with during NCM 2026? If so, please fill out our Roomshare form

TRAVEL

Getting to Kobe, Japan

Kobe is conveniently accessible via Kansai International Airport (KIX), a major international hub in western Japan. Kansai Airport provides direct connections to over 70 international cities and operates 24/7, with modern amenities and efficient transit links.

  • 1,400+ weekly international flights
  • 70+ direct destinations, including cities across North America, Europe, and Asia

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Alternatively, delegates can also fly into Kobe International Airport.  Kobe International Airport has multiple flights daily from other Japanese locations as well as from other Asian countries.

Access from Kansai International Airport to Portopia Hotel, Kobe

Portopia Hotel is a renowned convention and accommodation destination located on Port Island, just minutes from central Kobe. Travel from Kansai International Airport to Portopia Hotel is straightforward and offers multiple convenient options:

By Train

  1. JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service or Haruka Express to Sannomiya Station (approx. 65–75 minutes).
  2. Transfer to the Port Liner (monorail) bound for Port Island.
  3. Get off at Shimin Hiroba Station, directly adjacent to the Portopia Hotel.

Total travel time: Approx. 80–90 minutes
Estimated cost: Around ¥2,000–¥3,000 JPY (~$15–$22 USD)

By High Speed Ferry

  1. Take the High-Speed Ferry from Kansai International Airport to Kobe Airport via Kobe-Kansai Airport Bay Shuttle. (approx. 30 minutes on the ferry)
  2. Purchase a ticket at the ferry ticket counter in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
  3. High speed ferry runs every 45 – 60 minutes between 07:00 and 22:00
  4. After purchasing your ticket, take the free shuttle bus from Bus Stop #12 at Terminal 1 or from the designated shuttle stop at Terminal 2 to the ferry terminal. The ride takes about 6–7 minutes .

Estimated cost: ¥1,880 (adults), ¥940 (children)

    Upon Arrival at Kobe, Transfer to Portopia Hotel via Monorail

    1. Transfer via Port Liner Monorail at Kobe Airport Station
    2. Travel to Shimin Hiroba Station (approximately 8 minutes)
    3. Exit the station and walk 2 minutes to the Portopia Hotel

      Upon Arrival at Kobe, Transfer to Portopia Hotel via Taxi

      1. Taxis are available at Kobe Airport for hire
      2. Taxi transportation will take approximately 8 minutes and cost roughly ¥1,500

        By Airport Limousine Bus

        • Direct limousine buses run from Kansai Airport to Sannomiya Bus Terminal (approx. 65 minutes).
        • From Sannomiya, take a Port Liner train to Shimin Hiroba Station (10 minutes).

        Total travel time: Approx. 75–85 minutes
        Bus fare: Approx. ¥2,000 JPY

          By Taxi

            • Taxis are available at the airport, with service directly to the Portopia Hotel.
            • Approximate travel time: 60–75 minutes
            • Estimated fare: ¥20,000–¥25,000 JPY (~$140–$170 USD)

              Car Rentals

                Car rental services are available at Kansai Airport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers.

                  PASSPORTS & VISAS

                  To visit Japan, all delegates must meet the following requirements:

                  • A valid passport (minimum 6 months before expiration)
                  • Return or onward travel ticket
                  • Purpose of travel and hotel address

                  Visa Requirements

                  Japan offers visa waivers to citizens of many countries. Please verify your specific requirements through your local Japanese embassy or consulate or check the official Japanese Visa Guide.

                  Visa Support Letters

                  Support letters can be requested through the NCM Secretariat and Podium Conference Specialists upon full registration and payment.
                  Request by emailing: management@ncm-society.org

                  Request Letter

                  Getting Around

                  Kobe has a modern, reliable public transportation system:

                  • Port Liner Monorail – connects Sannomiya Station to Portopia Hotel in under 10 minutes.
                  • Trains and Subways – fast, safe, and foreigner-friendly.
                  • Taxis – Widely available and safe. Credit card payment is accepted in most cabs.
                  • Ride Share – Limited in Japan, but services like Uber operate in some areas.

                  Local Info

                  Learn More

                  If you’d like to learn more about the locale, please follow the link below to the Panama tourism site

                  Click Here

                  Tipping is expected in Panama City with the standard tip of 15% of the bill.

                  The currency in Panama City is the Panamanian Balboa but the US dollar is also accepted. The Balboa and US dollar are tied at 1:1 ratio.

                  Major credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments but it is suggested to always carry a small amount of cash and check before ordering.

                  Under Panamanian law, smoking is restricted.  You are not allowed to smoke or vape in public places, including public transportation, as well as at outdoor dining spaces and sports venues.

                  110 Volt electricity, 60 Hz

                  Panama operates on Eastern Standard Time all year round.