The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau said Dec. 19 Yokohama has successfully landed the contracts to host two major international conventions. The port city south of Tokyo is known as an international city focusing on MICE -- meeting, incentive travel, convention, and exhibition/event.

In 2017, it will host the 24th ICO General Congress of the International Commission for Optics, an international academic coalition aiming to contribute to the progress of the fields of optics and photonics. More than 1,000 scientists from around the world are expected to attend.

In 2022, the 8th Asian Congress of Dietetics (ACD2022) , with some 3,000 attendees, will be held. The selection this time as the host city derived from the high evaluation of Yokohama in hosting the 15th International Congress of Dietetics (ICD2008) in 2008.

Making it a strong candidate for hosting international events, Yokohama possesses functions crucial for a convention city and an extensive system to provide hospitality and support for event organizers and participants.

The waterfront Minato Mirai 21 area, featuring event facilities such as the world-class convention complex Pacifico Yokohama with a capacity of 5,000 people, as well as hotels and art museums, and the Yokohama Noh Theater nearby, offers great convenience and accessibility. In 2020, new facilities and hotels are planned to be constructed in the vicinity of Pacifico Yokohama to boost the city's functions as a MICE city.

Visitors can also enjoy Yokohama as a tourist city since numerous attractive spots, such as parks boasting beautiful scenic seaside views and its Chinatown, exist within walking distance from convention facilities.

The Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau has been supporting international conferences in various aspects based on its abundant experiences. Its comprehensive support system covering the preparation process to acceptance of participants is a significant factor for selecting Yokohama as a host site.

Yokohama has easy access to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) -- about 22 minutes by train and about 30 minutes by car -- as well as direct access to Narita International Airport.

An outline of the Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau and information on its convention support services are available on the websites.

http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/convention/

Yokohama Visitors Guide

http://www.yokohamajapan.com/