Dates

    20–22 May 2027

    City / country

    Kobe, Japan

    Venue

    Kobe International Exhibition Hall

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for 31st International Jewellery Kobe (IJK) 2027

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    Event overview

    Overview

    International Jewellery Kobe (IJK) is Western Japan's largest mid-year jewellery trade show, returning for its 31st edition from 20 to 22 May 2027 at Kobe International Exhibition Hall.

    Organised by RX Japan, the three-day B2B marketplace brings jewellery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and designers together with Japanese and Asian suppliers of fine and light jewellery, pearls, coloured gemstones, loose stones, and the tools and packaging behind them.

    Buyers use the show to compare collections, negotiate show pricing and place orders for the second half of the year, while overseas brands use Kobe as a focused gateway to Japan's third-largest jewellery market.

    TL;DR

    1. 131st edition runs 20-22 May 2027 at Kobe International Exhibition Hall
    2. 2Trade-only buying show for jewellery retailers, wholesalers, brands and designers
    3. 3Free visitor registration with photo ID; no general-consumer admission
    4. 4Fine jewellery, pearls, coloured stones, loose stones, tools and packaging under one roof
    5. 5Preliminary 2026 visitor count: 16,429 visits over three days

    Why visit

    IJK packs the Japanese mid-market into three days: you can compare finished collections, loose stones and packaging, negotiate show pricing and place second-half orders without travelling between Tokyo and Osaka. The trade-only floor keeps conversations with actual buyers and suppliers.

    Why exhibit

    Kobe gives overseas brands and manufacturers a focused, lower-cost entry to western Japan, with buyers from department stores, chains, boutiques and online sellers in one hall. The mid-year timing sits between Tokyo's January show and Yokohama's October edition.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Independent jewellery retailers and multi-store chains buying for the second half
    Jewellery wholesalers and distributors sourcing Japanese and Asian collections
    Designers, makers and SNS sellers looking for stones, parts and small-volume supply
    Department-store, bridal and online buyers comparing fine jewellery and pearls

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Japanese jewellery manufacturers and pearl specialists
    Coloured-gemstone and loose-stone dealers
    Asian fine and light jewellery brands seeking Japanese distribution
    Suppliers of tools, packaging, displays, security and retail IT

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Fine jewellery and bridal collections
    Light, fashion and designer jewellery
    Pearls: Akoya, South Sea, freshwater, Keshi and Mabe
    Coloured gemstones, diamonds and loose stones
    Re-jewellery, pre-owned luxury and repair services
    Tools, packaging, displays and retail technology

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Kobe International Exhibition Hall

    6-11-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0046, Japan

    Facilities

    Food options

    Portopia Hotel restaurants, Shimin Hiroba convenience stores

    On-site dining

    Parking: Port Island has paid parking near the hall and Shimin Hiroba Station; allow extra time on show mornings and confirm the current tariff on the venue site.

    Gate: Enter through the main hall entrance facing Shimin Hiroba Station; have your printed badge and photo ID ready for the security check.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –6:00 PM daily
    final day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Trade visitor registration

      Online visitor registration is free; admission is restricted to trade and business visitors.

    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Register online before the show, print the badge in A4 colour and present it with an original photo ID (passport or residence card) at the entrance.

    Ticket notes

    Admission is for purchasing and business negotiation; general consumers buying for personal use are not admitted. Registration covers all three show days and each visitor must register individually.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    RX Japan GK

    Organiser

    EmailCallWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    Topic tracks

    Fine and Bridal JewelleryPearls and Coloured GemstonesCraft, Re-Jewellery and Retail Solutions

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2026

    Completed

    Visitors: 16,429

    Exhibitors: 480

    Edition #: 30

    This edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors: 17,000

    Exhibitors: 500

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Edition recap

    The 30th International Jewellery Kobe ran 14-16 May 2026 at Kobe International Exhibition Hall as the show's largest edition, with a preliminary three-day visitor count of 16,429.

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    IJK is the mid-year anchor for western Japan's jewellery trade. The 30th edition drew a preliminary 16,429 visits across three days, roughly 5,500 a day, from a buyer base concentrated in Kansai retailers, wholesalers and department-store teams, with additional buyers from China and elsewhere in Asia. The show's compact footprint makes it efficient for buyers who want to cover pearls, coloured stones and finished collections in one trip rather than travelling between Tokyo and Osaka.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    The audience is trade-only: jewellery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, designers and related businesses, with general consumers excluded. That keeps stand conversations focused on sourcing and pricing. The presence of department stores, chains, boutiques, online sellers and handmade creators means exhibitors meet a mix of volume buyers and smaller design-led accounts, which suits suppliers offering both production capacity and differentiated pieces.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    ROI depends on follow-up rather than footfall alone. A 9 sqm shell stand is the realistic entry point for a first-time overseas exhibitor, and lead quality is highest where the product matches Japanese tastes in pearls, coloured stones or light jewellery. Exhibitors should budget for a Japanese-speaking team, freight and a same-week follow-up process; no audited rebooking or satisfaction data was published, so ROI should be modelled from your own pipeline rather than the organiser's visitor totals.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Japan / Kansai

    Why it matters

    Kobe sits at the centre of western Japan's jewellery retail and manufacturing belt, with easy access from Osaka, Kyoto and Kansai International Airport. IJK's mid-May timing lets retailers commit to autumn and year-end stock after the Tokyo January show, and its pearl and coloured-stone strength reflects Japanese consumer tastes.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Pearls move from classic strands to design-led pieces

    Japanese pearl houses are widening the category into baroque, Keshi and mixed-material designs aimed at younger buyers and SNS-led retail.

    What it changes: Buyers can secure differentiated pearl collections at source rather than competing on identical classic strands.

    02

    Coloured stones and provenance take centre stage

    Retailers are asking for traceable sapphires, rubies, emeralds and Paraiba tourmalines, with colour consistency and certification becoming part of the buying conversation.

    What it changes: A compact show with Asian stone dealers lets buyers compare colour, certification and price in one day.

    03

    Re-jewellery and circular luxury gain shelf space

    Pre-owned, repair and restyling services are moving from niche to mainstream as Japanese consumers value longevity and craftsmanship.

    What it changes: Retailers can add a margin-rich service line and tap suppliers who handle authentication, repair and restyling.

    The IJT Series and adjacent buying windows

    Book Kobe in the first quarter; the Tokyo edition follows in January and Yokohama in October.

    RX Japan runs a three-city jewellery circuit: Tokyo in January, Kobe in May and Yokohama in October. Buyers often combine Kobe with the Tokyo and Yokohama editions to cover the full Japanese calendar.

    28–30 Oct 2026

    International Jewellery Autumn (IJT Autumn) 2026

    Yokohama, Japan

    Held at Pacifico Yokohama; the October edition of the same circuit.

    website
    27–29 Jan 2027

    International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) 2027

    Chiba, Japan

    Held at Makuhari Messe; the January anchor of the IJT Series.

    website

    Japan jewellery buying calendar

    International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) 2027International Jewellery Kobe (IJK) 2027International Jewellery Autumn (IJT Autumn) 2026

    Tokyo in January, Kobe in May, Yokohama in October.

    Circuit dates from the official IJT Series outline; treat individual stand availability as an estimate until the organiser's exhibitor manual is issued.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · JPY

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    UKB

    Kobe Airport

    Closest airport; domestic and limited regional flights, with a direct Port Liner link to Shimin Hiroba.

    about 2 km

    to venue

    8 minutes by Port Liner

    by car

    KIX

    Kansai International Airport

    Main international gateway; limousine buses and the Bay Shuttle connect to Kobe.

    about 40 km

    to venue

    65-80 minutes by shuttle bus or car

    by car

    ITM

    Osaka Itami Airport

    Useful for domestic connections; buses run to Sannomiya and Osaka.

    about 35 km

    to venue

    50-65 minutes by car or bus

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    budget
    Sannomiya

    USD 70–110 / night

    Simple business hotels near Sannomiya Station, 10 minutes by Port Liner to the venue.

    mid
    Port Island / Sannomiya

    USD 140–220 / night

    Best balance for exhibitors: Portopia is on Port Island and walkable to the hall; Okura is on the waterfront near Sannomiya.

    premium
    Port Island / Kobe waterfront

    USD 250–450 / night

    Larger rooms and bay views for senior buyers or hosting meetings; book early in May.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Port Liner

    Estimated costJPY 210-330
    Best forSannomiya or Kobe Airport to Shimin Hiroba

    Driverless transit; the venue is directly in front of Shimin Hiroba Station.

    Taxi

    Estimated costJPY 1,800-2,500
    Best forSannomiya to Kobe International Exhibition Hall

    15-20 minutes depending on traffic; taxis queue at Sannomiya Station and the hall.

    City bus

    Estimated costJPY 210-300
    Best forSannomiya bus terminal to Port Island

    Local buses supplement the Port Liner but are slower at peak times.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Short-term business visaVisitors from countries without a visa-exemption arrangement for business visits$20.005-10 business days

    Many EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian, Korean and other passports can enter Japan visa-free for short business trips; check the latest MOFA list before booking.

    Japan accepts ATA carnets for temporary admission of exhibition goods; list every item and carry the carnet with the freight documents.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Mid-May in Kobe is mild and often dry, with daytime highs around 22-23 C and lows near 14-16 C; a light jacket and a compact umbrella are sensible.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Buy a Japanese eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi at KIX or UKB before reaching the hall; public Wi-Fi is limited, so exhibitors should arrange a dedicated connection for badge scanning and payments.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business cards and introductions

    Bring plenty of meishi and present them with both hands; a short self-introduction before product discussion is standard.

    Tipping and queues

    Tipping is not customary in Japan, and queuing is orderly; allow extra time at station gates and the venue security check.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kobe Airport (UKB)

    Book KIX for international arrivals and UKB for domestic connections; allow 90 minutes between a KIX arrival and the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba.

    Visa

    Most short-term business visitors from Europe, North America, Korea, Australia and much of Asia can enter Japan visa-free; other passports need a short-term business visa.

    Estimated cost: USD 0-25 depending on nationality

    Processing: 5-10 business days if a visa is required

    Carry a passport valid for the stay, proof of accommodation and a return ticket; business visas may require an invitation letter from the Japanese host.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: From KIX take the limousine bus or Bay Shuttle to Kobe, then the Port Liner to Shimin Hiroba; from UKB the Port Liner takes about 8 minutes.

    Hotel → venue: Sannomiya hotels connect by Port Liner in about 10 minutes; Port Island hotels are a short walk or taxi ride.

    Ride-hail: Taxis are metered and reliable; ride-hailing apps have limited coverage, so use station taxi ranks.

    Public transit: The Port Liner is the main line; a rechargeable IC card (ICOCA or Suica) works on trains and buses.

    Parking: Paid parking is available around Port Island; the hall does not reserve spaces for visitors.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May

    Temperature: 14-23 C

    Seasonality: Mild spring weather with occasional rain; the rainy season typically starts later in June.

    Packing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for the hall, a compact umbrella and a power bank for long days.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Friday, 21 May 2027

    The middle day gives the fullest exhibitor attendance and the best chance of unhurried meetings, while leaving Saturday morning for follow-ups before the 17:00 close.

    T-14

    Register online and print the A4 badge — Each visitor needs a separate registration; check the passport name matches.

    T-10

    Book flights and a refundable hotel in Sannomiya or Port Island — May is busy; aim for check-in 19 May and check-out 23 May.

    T-7

    Build a target exhibitor list and request meetings — Use the exhibitor directory and note booth numbers for a zone-based route.

    T-3

    Confirm appointments, business cards and buying budget — Prepare a short brief for each supplier and decide your order ceiling.

    T-1

    Check the Port Liner route, weather and photo ID — Allow 30 minutes for security; carry an original passport or residence card.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:30

    Arrive at Shimin Hiroba, collect badge and clear security

    Kobe International Exhibition Hall main entrance
    10:00

    Priority supplier meetings in the fine jewellery and pearl zones

    Main exhibition halls
    13:00

    Lunch and informal buyer networking

    Portopia Hotel or venue food area
    14:30

    Coloured-stone and packaging sourcing, then second-pass negotiations

    Gemstone and related-products zones

    Side trips

    2

    Kitano Ijinkan and Kobe Harborland

    Half-Day City Walk

    20-25 minutes from Sannomiya by train or taxi

    Historic foreign residences, harbour views and a easy evening walk after the show.

    Himeji Castle

    Day Trip

    About 45 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Kobe

    Japan's best-preserved castle and a UNESCO site; pair with a stop in Himeji before flying home.

    Networking spots

    2

    Kobe Portopia Hotel lobby lounge

    Hotel bar/lounge

    Convenient for buyer meetings within walking distance of the hall.

    Sannomiya izakaya district

    Casual dining

    A broad choice of small restaurants and bars for group dinners 10 minutes away by Port Liner.

    First-timer guide

    Follow-up playbook

    1. Log every conversation and business card on the day.
    2. Send a short thank-you email within 48 hours with the specific product reference.
    3. Attach your company profile and a clear next step, such as a sample request or quote.
    4. Qualify leads by budget, volume and decision timeline before adding them to the CRM.
    5. Book a follow-up call for the week after the show and record the outcome.

    IJK is a compact three-day show, so most serious conversations happen in short bursts. A disciplined same-week follow-up separates a useful contact list from a folder of business cards.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    JPY 33000–52000 / m²

    Raw space

    JPY 22000–38000 / m²

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    Band derived from comparable Japanese trade-show rates; RX Japan had not published a 2027 tariff on the public pages reviewed. Request the official cost plan before committing.

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Booth 9 m² × $285.00/m²$2,565.00
    • Hotel × 3 nights$270.00
    • Per diem × 3$195.00
    • Visa$25.00
    • Insurance$60.00
    • Flight — Seoul to Kobe$260.00
    Estimated total$3,375.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    booth_shell

    exhibitor · standard

    USD 220–350 / per sqm

    estimateAs of 2026-10-31

    hotel

    both · mid

    USD 140–220 / per night

    estimateAs of 2026-10-31

    per_diem

    both · standard

    USD 50–80 / per day

    estimateAs of 2026-10-31

    flight

    both · economy

    USD 260–950 / return

    estimateAs of 2026-10-31

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Six quick questions to see whether IJK 2027 is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for your business.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    How close is IJK to your core business?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You have a target supplier list and can commit at least one full day.

    Best for

    Retailers, wholesalers and designers with an active 2027 buying plan

    Min. budget

    $1,500.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks to plan and book

    Risks

    May hotel rates rise late

    Limited English at some stands

    exhibit

    You can staff a three-day stand and follow up leads within a week.

    Best for

    Brands and suppliers ready to enter or expand in Japan

    Min. budget

    $8,000.00

    Timeline

    90 days for stand, freight and approvals

    Risks

    High build and freight cost

    Need for Japanese-language support

    skip

    The show does not match your category, budget or calendar.

    Best for

    Businesses outside jewellery or with no 2027 sourcing plan

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    Missing the Japan mid-year buying window

    Book with

    Partners

    Kobe International Exhibition Hall

    Venue

    The Port Island convention complex that hosts IJK, directly in front of Shimin Hiroba Station.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Venue named on the official show outline.

    Kobe Convention Bureau

    Destination and convention support

    Local convention and visitor support for venue, hotel and programme enquiries.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Public destination body; not named as a show partner.

    Japan Jewellery Association

    Industry association

    National jewellery trade body representing retailers, manufacturers and related businesses.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Industry association relevant to the show's buyer base; not named as a partner.

    Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    Chamber of commerce

    Regional business chamber supporting trade and investment in Kobe and Hyogo.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Public business body; not named as a show partner.

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

    Check the visa-exemption list and short-term business visa requirements.

    Hotels

    Kobe Portopia Hotel

    Closest full-service hotel to the hall; book a refundable rate early.

    Flights

    All Nippon Airways (ANA)

    Direct and connecting services to KIX and UKB; compare with Skyscanner for fares.

    Freight & shipping

    Nippon Express (NX Group)

    Exhibition freight and customs brokerage; request a door-to-stand quote.

    Insurance

    Sompo Japan Insurance

    Travel and exhibition liability cover; confirm the organiser's requirements.

    Side trips

    Kobe Convention & Visitors Association

    Official city sightseeing information for Kitano, Harborland and Himeji add-ons.

    Lead capture

    RX Japan / IJK Show Management

    Confirm whether badge-scanning devices are provided in the 2027 exhibitor manual.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Buyers and exhibitors on the IJK show floor
    Buyers and exhibitors on the IJK show floor

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is IJK 2027?
    The 31st International Jewellery Kobe runs 20-22 May 2027 at Kobe International Exhibition Hall on Port Island, Kobe. Doors open 10:00-18:00, with a 17:00 close on the final day.
    Who is allowed to attend?
    IJK is a trade-only buying show for jewellery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, designers and related businesses. General consumers buying for personal use are not admitted, and visitors should bring business cards.
    Is visitor registration free?
    Yes. Visitor registration is free online, covers all three show days, and each visitor must register individually. Print the badge in A4 colour and present it with an original photo ID at the entrance.
    What can buyers source at the show?
    The floor covers fine and light jewellery, diamonds, coloured gemstones, loose stones, Akoya and other pearls, chains and mountings, plus production machinery, tools, showcases, packaging, security and retail IT.
    How do I reach the venue?
    Kobe International Exhibition Hall is directly in front of Shimin Hiroba Station on the Port Liner: about 8 minutes from Kobe Airport and 10 minutes from Sannomiya Station. Kansai International Airport is the main long-haul gateway.

    Glossary

    1
    Akoya pearl
    The classic Japanese saltwater cultured pearl, known for its tight lustre and round shape; a core category at IJK.
    2
    Keshi pearl
    A small, often irregular pearl formed without a nucleus; sold as a design material and a value alternative to classic strands.
    3
    Loose stone
    A polished gemstone sold unmounted, letting a buyer or designer set it in a custom piece.
    4
    Re-jewellery
    The trade in pre-owned, repaired or restyled jewellery, a growing zone at IJK reflecting circular luxury demand.
    5
    Findings
    The functional components of jewellery such as clasps, chains, mountings and empty frames, shown alongside finished pieces.
    6
    B2B trade show
    An exhibition open to business buyers and suppliers rather than the general public, focused on sourcing, negotiation and orders.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • International Jewellery Kobe
    • IJK 2027
    • Kobe jewellery show
    • Japan jewellery trade show
    • Kobe International Exhibition Hall
    • jewellery buyers Japan
    • pearl trade show Japan
    • coloured gemstones Kobe
    • loose stones Japan
    • fine jewellery exhibition

    5 more alternate names hidden

    Trust footer

    Sources

    6

    References

    2

    Publishers

    6

    Date checked

    1

    RX Japan GK

    2

    PR Newswire / The Manila Times

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