Full Programme Itinerary
1–6 December 2026
DAY 1 · 1 DECEMBER
Arrival & Welcome Reception
Arrive at Kansai International Airport (Osaka) and transfer to Kobe via private chartered coach at the designated timing, before enjoying a warm Welcome Reception.
WELCOME RECEPTION DINNER
Venue: ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe, Sky Banquet (Lvl 35)
Time: 6:30pm
PROGRAMME
The programme commences with a warm Welcome Reception in Kobe to honour the full Singapore delegation, from youths and artists to business delegates. The Ambassador of Singapore to Japan will grace the evening, anchoring a night of vibrant community bonding.
DAY 2 · 2 DECEMBER
City Tour & Unveiling of Mural
Discover Kobe’s charm as an international port city, where historic neighbourhoods, waterfront landmarks, cultural districts and modern city life come together. Witness the unveiling of the Friendship Mural, a collaboration between Japanese and Singaporean artists, before ending the day with a spectacular fireworks display presented by the City of Kobe.
CITY TOUR OF KOBE (AM)
Ikuta Shrine · Kitanocho Historic District · Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi) · Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street · Former Foreign Settlement (Kyu-Kyoryuchi)
FRIENDSHIP MURAL UNVEILING
Venue: Fish Dance Music Place & Outdoor
Time: 3:30pm
Unveiling of the Japan-Singapore Friendship Mural. The reveal features the Kobe Taiko Club, led by Mr Yuichi Kimura, together with Japan and Singapore youth dancers.
CELEBRATORY RECEPTION
Venue: LA SUITE LE PAN Building, La Terrace Hall (Lvl 3)
Time: 4:15pm
A gathering for Singapore and Japan guests, delegation members and partners to connect, concluding with a fireworks display presented by the City of Kobe.
DAY 3 · 3 DECEMBER
Official Opening & Business Programme
Celebrate the opening of Spotlight Singapore in Kobe with cultural performances by artists from Japan and Singapore, highlighting the friendship, creativity and cultural exchange between both countries, before taking part in a full-day business programme headlined by Mr Heng Swee Keat, featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, fireside chat and a MOU signing ceremony. End the day with a Sundown Cultural Showcase with Artisanal Pairings & Drinks.
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
Venue: Kobe Portopia Hotel, Ohwada Ballroom (Lvl 1 – South Wing)
Time: 9:30am (registration from 8:45am onwards)
BUSINESS PROGRAMME (Full-day)
8:45 am – Registration
9:30 am – Opening Performance
9:50 am – Speeches & Remarks
10:30 am – Fireside Chat: Investing in Tomorrow- Innovation and Global Partnership
11:15 am – Panel Discussion I: Innovation- Where Industries Meet: Singapore, Japan, and the Next Wave of Innovation
12:15 pm – Lunch & Networking
1:50 pm – Cultural Performance
2:00 pm – Closing Keynote
2:45 pm – Panel Discussion II: Redefining Prosperity- Built to Last: Evolving Strategies for Sustainable Growth Across Generations
3:45 pm – Signing Ceremony of MOUs
4:30 pm – The Sundown Cultural Showcase with Artisanal Pairings & Drinks
DAY 4 · 4 DECEMBER
Industry Visits & Closing Programme
Gain access to Kobe’s leading companies, innovation hubs and specialist institutions through curated industry visit tracks across four focus sectors. End the day with an evening programme overlooking Kobe’s scenic night skyline.
Business Industry Visits (AM)
Biomedical & HealthTech · Advanced Manufacturing · Lifestyle & Creative Industries · Circular Economy & Sustainability
CLOSING PROGRAMME
Venue: Kitano Club Sola, Grace Villa
Time: 6pm
Conclude Spotlight Singapore in Kobe with a memorable evening and panoramic views of Kobe’s glittering city skyline with an exclusive live music performance.
DAY 5 · 5 DECEMBER
Cultural Immersion Tour
Experience Kobe’s local culture and heritage through a choice of morning programme, followed by Arima Onsen and RENEST Kobe on Mount Rokko.
Café Kyū Shōyugura · 10:00am (option 1)
Visit the newly opened Charcoal Roastery Café Kyū Shōyugura by Hagihara Coffee, restored from a 54-year-old former soy sauce storehouse. Meet CEO and fourth-generation leader Mr Hideharu Hagihara and hear the story behind the café’s transformation, coffee heritage and community vision.
Limited to a maximum of 25 participants.
Eat local Kobe Farmers’ Market · 9:30am (option 2)
Experience Kobe’s farm-to-table culinary culture and connect with local farmers and artisans showcasing fresh, seasonal regional produce while enjoying a popular community breakfast outdoors.
Arima Onsen · 12:30pm
Explore one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns. Enjoy free-and-easy time to stroll through its quaint streets, browse local shops, relax at the hot springs and savour lunch at your own pace before departing for RENEST at 3:30pm.
RENEST · 4:00pm
Conclude the day at a private log-house retreat nestled within Mount Rokko, owned by Singaporean Mr Fisher. Enjoy a spectacular sunset and the warmth of Japanese hospitality in a unique setting away from the city.
DAY 6 · 6 DECEMBER
Departure
Depart Portopia Hotel via chartered coach at the designated timing and travel to Osaka for the flight back to Singapore.
Any part of the itinerary, including featured sightseeing locations, activities and scheduling, is subject to change due to weather, traffic conditions, local operating hours or other unforeseen circumstances. Alternative arrangements of equal value will be made whenever necessary.