Utsunomiya, near Tokyo, hopes to welcome more international conventions in 2026 by capitalising on its location, a partnership with nearby cultural destination Nikko, and ongoing development to support business events.
The Tochigi prefectural capital has been increasingly attracting the attention of event organisers due to its proximity to Tokyo – 50 minutes’ away by Shinkansen – and the launch of several new venues.
For example, the 2022 opening of Light Cube Utsunomiya has resulted in a “significant increase” in the number of hosted events, including international conferences, according to the Utsunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau (UCVB). The space, which is connected directly to the station, comprises a hall for 2,000 pax, conference rooms, meeting rooms and three outdoor spaces.
The opening of unique venues such as Oya History Museum, located in a former underground stone quarry; Wakayama Farm, known for its vast bamboo forests; and Utsunomiya Futa-arayama Shrine, whose history dates back 1,600 years, has further stimulated interest.
In 2024, the economic impact of Utsunomiya-hosted business events reached 2.1 billion yen (US$13.7 million).
As such, UCVB aims to increase Utsunomiya’s global presence through greater representation at major tradeshows, and hosted fam trips for overseas industry associations. Staff are also working closely with Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, whose shrines and temples are UNESCO World Heritage-listed, to offer cultural programmes and excursions for business events attendees based in Utsunomiya.
“Our goal is to boost the local economy and create a vibrant, attractive city that continues to foster international exchange and growth for years to come,” Etsuyo Komaba of the UCVB told TTGmice.
