#Japan #Kobe #Okayama University #Universal Tourism #Accessible Outdoor

Kobe Universal Tourism Symposium: Creating Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

On February 7, 2026, Okayama University, in partnership with the Kobe Tourism Bureau, will orchestrate the Kobe Universal Tourism Symposium. The event will be held at the Kobe City Central Culture Center, focusing on the theme of developing outdoor tourism that is inclusive and accessible to all.

As the United Nations advocates for tourism that allows everyone to participate, the principles of universal tourism are gaining traction globally. This symposium serves as a platform to discuss these vital issues based on Okayama University's ongoing research in making outdoor activities accessible. Important topics such as disaster prevention and reduction will also be explored, stressing the significance of inclusive tourism in our society.

Event Details

Date: February 7, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:10 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
Venue: Kobe City Central Culture Center, 10th Floor Meeting Room
Address: 115 Higashimachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0031, Japan

Schedule of Events

1. Keynote Speech
- Professor Kumi Kato, Wakayama University, Faculty of Tourism
2. Presentations
- Overview of Local Initiatives by Kobe City Economic and Tourism Bureau
- Corporate Efforts by Yoshida Mountain Company, President Ryoichi Matsumoto
- Implementation Efforts by the NPO Suma Universal Beach Project, Representative Shunsuke Kido
3. Panel Discussion (Further details can be found in the event flyer)

The symposium has a limited capacity of 100 attendees, operating on a first-come-first-served basis, and participation is free.

Registration Information

To attend, please register through the application form below by February 1, 2026.
Application Form
Note: Sign language and text interpretation will be available. Please inform us of any other necessary accommodations during registration.

Sponsored by

• - Okayama University
• - Kobe City
• - Kobe Tourism Bureau

Collaborators

• - Okayama University UNESCO Chair
• - University of Tokyo, Advanced Molecular Research Institute, Social Inclusion Systems Division
• - Kyoto University, Disability Inclusion Center
• - Yoshida Mountain Company

Supported by

• - Hyogo Prefecture
• - Faculty of Tourism, Wakayama University

Additional Information

• - Okayama University
• - Kobe City
• - Kobe Tourism Bureau

Okayama University promotes the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has received accolades such as the Special Award at the First Japan SDGs Award. This symposium reflects the university's commitment to education and community engagement.

For inquiries regarding the symposium and research content, contact:

• - Kousuke Iketani, Deputy Chair of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair

E-mail: iketani◎okayama-u.ac.jp
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For registration inquiries, please contact:

• - Kobe City Tourism Planning Division

E-mail: kobe_tourism◎city.kobe.lg.jp
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