Miyako Messe Exhibition Center

Miyako Messe is Kyoto's premier convention and exhibition center, located in the Okazaki Park district in the Sakyo Ward. Opened in 1996, the facility was designed by architect Arata Isozaki and serves as a modern complement to Kyoto's traditional cultural landscape. The center was established to provide a world-class venue for international conferences, trade shows, and cultural exhibitions while maintaining harmony with the historic surroundings of Okazaki, an area known for its museums and cultural institutions.

The architectural significance of Miyako Messe lies in its innovative design that incorporates a rooftop garden, making it one of Japan's first buildings to feature extensive green roof technology. This 9,000 square meter rooftop park serves dual purposes as an environmental initiative and a public space offering views of the nearby Higashiyama mountains. The building's underground structure minimizes its visual impact on the surrounding parkland, demonstrating thoughtful urban planning that respects Kyoto's aesthetic heritage.

Visitors to Miyako Messe typically attend trade fairs, cultural exhibitions, or conferences, with events ranging from traditional crafts shows to technology expos. The Traditional Crafts Fureaikan Museum is permanently housed within the complex on the basement floor, displaying approximately 500 items representing Kyoto's 74 traditional craft industries, including textiles, ceramics, lacquerware, and metalwork. This museum provides year-round access to Kyoto's artisan heritage even when major exhibitions are not scheduled.

The center comprises three main exhibition halls with a total floor space of approximately 13,000 square meters, plus multiple conference rooms and event spaces. The largest hall can accommodate major trade shows and conventions, while smaller spaces host workshops and cultural demonstrations. The facility's event calendar varies significantly, so checking scheduled exhibitions before visiting is advisable for those interested in specific shows.

Miyako Messe is located within Okazaki Park, adjacent to the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art and near the famous Heian Shrine. Access is convenient via the Tozai Line subway to Higashiyama Station, approximately 8 minutes walk from the center. Alternatively, city bus routes 5, 32, 46, and 100 stop at nearby Okazaki Koen stops. Admission varies depending on scheduled events; the Traditional Crafts Museum typically charges 300 yen for adults, while trade shows and special exhibitions set their own admission prices.