ICANN64 | Kobe
EVENT DETAILS
Event Dates: 9-14 March 2019
Event Location: Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center
Address: 10-1, 6 Chome, Minatojima Nakamachi Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0046 Japan
Telephone: +81 78 302 1111
Schedule & Mobile App: https://64.schedule.icann.org [Available 18 February 2019]
ABOUT THE HOST
ICANN64 Local Host Committee (LHC) is responsible in preparation of the ICANN64 Meeting and for fulfilling responsibilities of a local host. The LHC is constituted of domain name registries and registrars, as well as companies and associations from ICT industry in Japan. Also, The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications acts as an observer in the committee and provides full support to make ICANN64 Kobe meeting a success.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ICANN64 Prep Week
To better prepare the community ahead of ICANN Public Meetings, the Policy Development Support team is piloting a new initiative called Prep Week, that will consolidate all pre-ICANN Public Meeting webinars into one week. Starting with ICANN64, Prep Week will streamline the pre-meeting experience for the ICANN community and allow for better coordination throughout the ICANN organization.
4 February 2019
ATTENDANCE & FEES
All attendees will be required to present valid government-issued identification at the registration desk before receiving printed credentials. Register Now
Email validation is required to complete the registration process. Pre-registration is encouraged for all attendees.
Attendance at an ICANN meeting is free to the general public, although you will have to pay for your own travel and lodging. ICANN negotiates group discount rates with nearby hotels to help make the event more affordable. Get information to book your hotel.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION HOURS
- Friday, 08 March 08:00 - 17:30
- Saturday, 09 March 08:00 - 18:30
- Sunday, 10 March 08:00 - 18:30
- Monday, 11 March 08:00 - 18:30
- Tuesday, 12 March 08:00 - 18:30
- Wednesday, 13 March 08:00 - 18:30
- Thursday, 14 March 08:00 - 13:00
HOTEL & TRAVEL
VISA INFORMATION
IMPORTANT! Please note that Japan requires at least three (3) blank, unused pages in your passport for entry and 3 months validity remaining on your passport.
Do I need a Visa?
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html#visa1
Invitation Letter Request
Request an invitation letter https://invitationletters.icann.org
Visa Application Information
Information on visa requirements for entering Japan can be found here.
Please be advised: for authorized visas, the approval process may take up to 60 business days, depending on the verification and completion of your documents.
List of Countries that require a visa for entering Japan can be found here.
OFFICIAL HOTELS
ICANN has contracted with JTB Corporation to negotiate special group rates for the hotels listed below.
All rates are subject to availability and booking deadlines. Please confirm deposit and cancellation policies with JTB prior to booking.
Kobe Portopia Hotel
10-1, 6 Chome, Minatojima Nakamachi | Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0046 | Japan | Tel: +81 78 302 1111
Distance from Kobe International Conference Center: 200 Meters
Sorry, there are no rooms remaining in the group block for a particular night. Please check availability at another hotel.
The Portopia Hotel is the landmark of Port Island. With skyline vistas and views of nature's beauty, the Kobe Portopia Hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and facilities to fulfill a wide range of requests. Our friendly staff continue the hotel's tradition of providing warm and attentive service, aiming to offer each guest a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Designed in the image of a luxury ship, the hotel's north rooms offer spectacular views of the Rokko mountains and Kobe's waterfront, while the south rooms overlook the Kobe Airport and Osaka Bay.
Hotel Okura Kobe
650-8560 2-1 Hatoba-cho | Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo | Japan | tel: +81 78 333 0111
Distance from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center: 4 km
Shuttle service will be provided from 9-14 March 2019
Our guest rooms are located on between 5th to 33rd floors with the theme of "simplicity & elegance", offering our guests a relaxing and refined space. Each floor has a different theme. There are Western, Japanese, as well as Japanese-Western combination style guest rooms. Each room offers a different view of Kobe, depending on the direction of the windows.
Oriental Hotel
Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe Hyogo Prefecture 650-0034 | Japan | Tel: +81 78 326 1500
Distance from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center: 3.5 km
Shuttle service will be provided from 9-14 March 2019
Sorry, there are no rooms remaining in the group block for a particular night. Please check availability at another hotel.
Situated in what was claimed as the Orient's most beautiful cityscape, Oriental Hotel is Japan's oldest hotel. Echoes from the days of Kobe's port opening can still be felt over a century later in Kobe's elegant former foreign settlement, an integral part of the city's rich history.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe
1-Chome, Kitano-cho Chuo-ku Kobe, 650-0002 | Japan | Tel: +81 78 291 1121
Distance from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center: 5.3 km
Shuttle service will be provided from 9-14 March 2019
Located near Mt. Rokko, the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is a well-known local landmark. With a commanding view of Kobe Port, the hotel is perfect for savoring the unique charms of one of Japan's most international cities.
Directly accessible from the nearby Shinkansen and subway line the hotel is also a two-minute train ride from the heart of Kobe. With such excellent transportation access, the hotel is an ideal base for all of your business and leisure needs.
Hotel Pearl City Kobe
7-5-1 Nakamachi, Minato-jima, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi,Hyogo, 650-0046 | Japan | Tel: +81 78 303 0100
Distance from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center: 750 Meters
Hotel Pearl City Kobe is a luxurious property set in a prime location in the centre of Kobe. Hyogo is not far from the hotel.
Ariston Hotel
Minatojimanakamachi 6-1 Chuo-ku Kobe-shi, Hyogo 650-0046 | Japan | Tel: +81 78 303 5555
Distance from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center: 400 Meters
Our hotel's name comes from the word "aristocrat," meaning "the best of its kind." It reflects our desire to be the best hotels, situated in the best locations. The Ariston Hotels Group provides all guests with comfortable spaces and relaxation. Our hotels strive to always be places where guests can enjoy pleasant, peaceful stays.
Our philosophy of hospitality is one of action based not on thought, but on feeling. Ariston hotel staff act based on five customer-focused mentalities. Feeling and acting on these customer-focused concepts is Ariston's approach to hospitality.
TRANSPORTATION - GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Kobe offers excellent access, from both international and domestic locations. Kobe is linked to three airports in the Kansai area (Kansai International Airport, Itami (Osaka) Airport, and Kobe Airport). The Kansai International Airport is 60 minutes from the Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center. Itami (Osaka) Airport, about 45 minutes from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center, is linked to 27 cities across Japan, while Kobe Airport, located 5 minutes from Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center, offers flights to 7 cities around Japan.
KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Code: KIX
Kansai International Airport offers a full 24-hour operation service, with 1,260 flights per week to and from 82 cities in 24 countries around the world.
Kansai Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1, the main terminal, is housed in a long, modern building and serves both domestic and international flights by regular airlines. The railway station is located directly adjacent to it. Terminal 2 serves low-cost airlines. It has fewer bus connections and no train service, and is connected to terminal 1 and the railway station by a free shuttle bus.
There are several options for travel between Kansai International Airport and Kobe. Please find additional bus, train, taxi and ferry options here.
Two popular options for travel between Kansai International Airport and Kobe are the Bay Shuttle Ferry, or the Limousine Bus. The Bay Shuttle Ferry is a 30 minute boat ride to Kobe Airport, and the Limousine Bus is a 60 minute ride to Kobe city center.
Private Car Service:
The alternative mode of transportation between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and your hotel is a pre-booked, private car service through MK Taxi Services.
For private car service bookings through MK Taxi, email kobe-hire@mk-group.co.jp
Make sure you confirm final costs, cancellation policies, and the terms and conditions before booking.
Pricing:
Standard Sedan (up to 2 people): JPY 17.150 One Way
• Toll fees are not included VAT is included in the rate.
Van (up to 4 people): JPY 25.200 One Way
• VAT is included in the rate.
All major credit cards are accepted. The transfer fee will be paid to the driver directly.
ITAMI (OSAKA) AIRPORT
Airport Code: ITM
Itami Airport (formerly known as Osaka International Airport) handles a large number of domestic flights to more than 30 destinations across Japan. It is served by JAL and its subsidiary airlines, ANA and its subsidiary airlines, and IBEX Airlines.
There are a few options for travel between Kansai International Airport and Kobe. Please find additional bus, train, and taxi options here.
KOBE AIRPORT
Airport Code: UKB
Kobe Airport is an airport on an artificial island just off the coast of Kobe, 8 km south of Sannomiya Station Japan and 5 km south of Kobe Portopia Hotel. Kobe Airport offers only domestic flights by multiple airlines, but no international flights. The closest international airport to Kobe is Osaka's Kansai Airport.
Access to Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center is available by the Port Liner (an elevated train), from the Kobe Airport, in less than 10 minutes. The one way fare is 330 yen.
A taxi ride to Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center from the Kobe airport costs about 1,000 to 2,000 yen.
ACCESS FROM JAPAN
Travel options between Tokyo and Kobe are available here.
Timelines and modes of transportation from other airports within Japan to Kobe city:
GETTING AROUND THE CITY - TRANSPORTATION
There are many public transportation options for getting around Japan and Kobe.
Taxis:
- Taxis are abundantly available throughout the city.
- Licensed taxis can be recognized by their green license plates, as opposed to the white and yellow license plates of regular cars. Taxis are often painted black.
- Licensed taxis accept cash in Yen or VISA and MasterCard. American Express needs to be confirmed before you take the taxi. Taxi drivers general carry minimal cash for change. Receipts are provided upon request for cash transactions. Stickers on the door often indicate accepted payment methods.
- Red signs or displays indicate an available taxi. Green indicates a current fare.
- To hail a taxi, go to a taxi stand (usually located in front of train stations) or flag one down at a location where it is safe for the taxi to stop.
- The taxi's left rear door is opened and closed remotely by the driver.
- If you do not speak Japanese or if your destination is not well-known, it is recommended to give your driver the address of your destination on a piece of paper or point it out on a map.
There are many public transportation options for getting around Japan and Kobe.
Rideshare Services:
Several rideshare services operate and are available in Kobe.
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
As a convenience to the community, ICANN provides links to reference information about traveling to Public Meeting locations. Please note that the links below come from third-party resources, are given for illustrative purposes, and have not been verified or reviewed by the ICANN organization. Sources include both private and government websites.
When visiting any host country, it is the responsibility of each traveler to learn about visa requirements and stay informed about all information specific to any ICANN meeting location. Check with your local government bureau responsible for international travel for additional information on local laws that may be different from your country or region of residence.
TRAVEL RESOURCES
The ICANN64 meeting website highlights important information, including visa information.
Many government bureaus responsible for international travel information publish traveler checklists (example here).
The Kobe Convention Bureau website contains useful information for travelers.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Both the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide valuable information for travelers to international destinations:
ICANN will implement a 24/7 Health and Safety Center (HSC) to assist with any safety, security, or health questions, concerns or incidents.
LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS
As a guest in any country, you are responsible for understanding and respecting the local laws and customs.
ICANN recommends checking with your local government bureau responsible for international travel for additional information on local laws that may be different from your country or region of residence.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
The japan-guide.com website provides useful information about traveller essentials, know before you go, and other cultural considerations.
ICANN encourages checking with your local government bureau responsible for international travel for additional information and recommendations for cultural considerations.
Various governments also provide this information – see examples here:
LOCATION
Event Location: Kobe Portopia Hotel & Kobe International Conference Center
Address: 10-1, 6 Chome, Minatojima Nakamachi Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0046 Japan
Telephone: +81 78 302 1111
Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST) – Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +9:00
Languages: Japanese
Currency: Yen ¥
International Call Code: +81
Emergency Contacts (Local):
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 119
- Police: 110
- Emergencies: 119
Business Workweek: Monday – Friday
Weather in March:
- Kobe weather in March is fairly cold, especially at night time, with average temperatures of 5°C to 13°C degrees. There are an average of 18 rainy days in Kobe for the month of March, which means the chances for rain are high, it is recommended to bring an umbrella with you.
MAPS
RESTAURANTS
SCHEDULE
BLOCK SCHEDULE (DRAFT SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
FULL SCHEDULE [POSTED 18 FEBRUARY 2019]
A preliminary block schedule is posted approximately eight weeks before all ICANN Public Meetings to facilitate schedule planning for ICANN's Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees (SO/ACs) and early awareness for all attendees traveling to the event. The outline provides a general overview of what to expect on each day of the meeting, as well as the timing for cross-community sessions on current topics of interest chosen by representatives of the community.
A comprehensive schedule will be published 15-working-days before the start of the event.