Discover the Spirit of Innovation in Kitakyushu!

As a proud “City of Manufacturing,” Kitakyushu has long supported Japan’s industrial growth and is now leading the way toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. Experience the city’s rich industrial heritage and forward-thinking spirit firsthand!

Tour suspended: Toyota-Motor-Kyushu, Inc.’s Miyata Plant

https://www.toyota-kyushu.com/english/

Notice: Following an official announcement from Toyota Motor Kyushu, the factory tour scheduled as part of our technical tour program has been suspended.

We regret any disappointment this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We will provide further updates if alternative arrangements are confirmed.

Kitakyushu Eco-Town Center

The city of Kitakyushu promotes the Eco-Town project, aiming for the construction of a resources-recycling economic society. Kitakyushu Eco-Town Center is the core facility of the project. Participants will observe Recycling Plants which participate in the project.

• Departure from the conference venue: 12:50
• Return to the conference venue: 16:00

Kitakyushu Science and Research Park + Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery, Izu-honten

The Kitakyushu Science and Research Park is a hub for R&D and industry–academia collaboration, bringing together universities, research institutes, and leading companies. On this tour, participants will visit the Technology Development and Exchange Center, which promotes the use of robots and digital transformation (DX) through IoT and related technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the Collaboration Center, which supports semiconductor prototyping and its verification.

In addition, at Fukuoka Munakata Sake Brewery (Izu Honten), participants can enjoy an opportunity to learn Japanese-sake brewing process and purchase various local specialties such as sake and sake steamed buns.

• Departure from the conference venue: 12:50
• Return to the conference venue: 17:30

Research Center for Hydrogen Industrial Use and Storage (HYDROGENIUS)

https://h2.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/

HYDROGENIUS has been conducting a wide range of research on various industrial materials and products used in a hydrogen environment, from fundamental to applied studies to ensure the reliability of hydrogen-using equipment for a hydrogen energy society toward the realization of carbon neutrality.

On this tour, participants will visit various experimental facilities used in hydrogen-related research, guided by the researchers.

• Departure from the conference venue: 12:00
• Return to the conference venue: 17:30

Shabondama Soap Co., Ltd. + Kitakyushu Natural History and Human History Museum

https://global.shabon.com/

Founded in 1910, Shabondama Soap Co., Ltd. manufactures soaps, body and hair products free from synthetic chemicals and additives. Participants will observe the artisanal production process and the line from machining to packing.

(note: Shabondama soap’s products contain beef tallow.)

Participants will also visit Kitakyushu Natural History and Human History Museum and learn about the natural history through 4.6 billion years and the cultural history in Japan.

• Departure from the conference venue: 12:45
• Return to the conference venue: 17:30

SightseeingTour (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine + Kyushu National Museum)

https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en/

On this tour, participants will visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, which has a history of over 1,100 years and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and the arts, as well as the Kyushu National Museum, which introduces the formation of Japanese culture with the philosophy of “mapping the formation of Japanese culture within the context of Asia’s history”.

• Departure from the conference venue: 12:10
• Return to the conference venue: 17:30-18:00

Cancelled: Yaskawa Electric Corporation