Kyoto, Japan is continuing to grow its offering to the conference, events and incentives market with the launch of a new venue. The Fortune Garden, Kyoto, is located in the centre of the city and will open in early 2012.

The building dates back to 1927 and was designed by Takeda Goichi, who played a role in the development of modern Japanese architecture. The Fortune Garden was built for one of Kyoto’s global leaders Shimadzu who used the venue as its headquarters until 1986.

The Fortune Garden is still owned by hi-tech manufacturer Shimadzu and as part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the company wanted to breathe new life into the historic building by opening it up for use for corporate events including incentive parties, company commemorations, networking receptions and exhibitions. The Fortune Garden provides four floors of event space, each with a capacity of 130 people with first class French and Japanese cuisine available.

James Kent, Kyoto Convention Bureau’s international marketing manager welcomes the news of the new venue. He says: “The addition of The Fortune Garden as a new venue in Kyoto shows the strength of facilities available to the meetings and conference market. Its central location, excellent transport links and accessibility to a range of high quality hotels – including the under construction Ritz Carlton - makes it ideal for a variety of international events.

“Kyoto is increasingly becoming an important centre for global events and conferences because of the wide range of modern meeting facilities, unrivalled international access, high-quality service, stunning special venues, and plethora of sightseeing and cultural attractions. New venues such as the Fortune Garden will only help make Kyoto a more attractive place to do business.”