Kyoto International Conference Center – Spring Special Opening

⭐ At the foot of Mount Hiei, Japan’s first international conference venue, Kyoto International Conference Center, opens its doors to the public for a special three-day event. Surrounded by water and greenery, this modernist architecture gem features a Japanese garden with up to 150 cherry trees. Don't miss your chance to see a hidden cherry blossom spot in Kyoto that is usually off-limits.

Highlights
🌸 Enjoy a sea of cherry blossoms in the Japanese garden with 150 trees .*
🌲 Stroll through the circular Japanese garden surrounded by water and greenery
📚 Special access to the main hall, usually not open to the public
☕ Special menus at the on-site cafe and restaurant

General Info
📅 Dates: March 27 (Fri) – 29 (Sun)
⏳ Duration: 1–2 hours
📍 Location: Kyoto International Conference Center, 422 Iwakura Oosagi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0001
🍽️ Admission with special lunch
   ・27: Two sessions 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
  ・28 & 29: Two sessions 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, 12:30 PM–2:00 PM
  ・20 people per session
  ・On sale until March 23 (Mon)
🍱 Admission with cherry blossom viewing bento
  ・Bentos can be redeemed between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
  ・200 people per day
  ・On sale until March 23 (Mon)
👤 Age: All ages (children under 5 free)
♿ Wheelchair accessible
🍙 No outside food or drinks allowed
❓ Please read the FAQs for this experience here

Highlights
During the special spring opening at Kyoto International Conference Center, you can walk through the Japanese garden and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Mount Hiei and Houji Pond. The garden has about 150 cherry trees, making it a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. You’ll also get to see the main hall, which is usually not open to the public. This hall has hosted various international conferences, including COP3, where the Kyoto Protocol was signed. The modernist architecture, representative of postwar Japan, is also a major attraction. To celebrate the special spring opening, the on-site cafe and restaurant offer special menus. At NIWA café, run by the long-established Kyoto coffee shop Maeda Coffee, you can enjoy a special cherry blossom parfait and have a meal or coffee on the terrace with views of the Japanese garden. The Grill restaurant, which has been open since 1966, serves a special cherry blossom viewing bento and special lunch for one day only.*

It’s easy to get there, just 20 minutes by subway from Kyoto Station. Get away from the city and enjoy the beautiful自然Japanese garden at the foot of Mount Hiei.