Kyoto Smart City Expo 2026

Why You Should Visit

Kyoto Smart City Expo is an international smart-city event held every year since 2014 in Keihanna Science City. The 2026 edition runs on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October at Keihanna Plaza, with exhibits from companies, local governments and research institutes alongside keynotes and panel sessions. This year's special focus is 'physical AI' — autonomous driving and robotics — and self-driving taxis, buses and trucks being shown in Japan for the first time will be on site. Admission is free with advance registration. The programme leans towards business and government visitors, but the general public is welcome too, making it a good chance to see self-driving vehicles and robots up close.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Keihanna Plaza

period

October 8, 2026 (Thu) - October 9, 2026 (Fri)

Time

10:00–17:00

cost

Free (advance registration required)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

From Kintetsu Shin-Hosono or JR Hosono station, take Nara Kotsu bus routes 36 or 59 (about 10 min) to the ATR stop; the venue is right there. During the expo, free shuttle buses also run from Hosono station (JR west exit) and Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka station.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

Advance registration (free) is required — register via 'Visitor registration' on the Kyoto Smart City Expo 2026 official site. Guided company booth tours are booked separately on the booth tour page.

NOTE

Exhibit highlights

Self-driving taxis, buses and trucks on show in Japan for the first time
Hands-on displays of cutting-edge robots
Cybersecurity awareness booth by Kyoto Prefectural Police
Overseas smart-city case studies and exhibitors, plus an industry–academia–government poster session

Held at the same time

ATR Open House 2026: research exhibits and talks on brain science, robotics and wireless communication at the neighbouring ATR (registration required)
Keihanna Open Lab Tech Tour 2026: free guided tours of research facilities normally closed to the public (advance booking, 15–20 per tour, deadline 5 Oct 17:00)
Part of 'Keihanna Mirai Fes', the successor to Keihanna Expo 2025

* About 11,000 people attended over two days in 2025

FAQ

Can members of the public attend?

Yes. Alongside companies, local governments and public agencies, the general public is also welcome. Admission is free, but you need to register in advance on the official site.

Can I go by car?

During the expo, the car parks at MEGA Don Quijote UNY Seikadai and Keihanna Commemorative Park are available free of charge for visitors.

What hours does the free shuttle bus run?

Buses leave Hosono station (JR west exit) from 8:30 to 18:10, and buses from the venue (ATR / Keihanna Plaza) back to Hosono run from 8:40 to 18:55, roughly every 20 minutes. There is also a service to and from Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka station. Shuttles run on 8 and 9 October only.

Calendar

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