ATC HOCKEY JAPAN 2027
The International ATC Hockey Tournament is coming to Kobe, Japan in 2027
In 2027, air traffic controllers and aviation professionals from around the world will gather in Kobe for a week of hockey, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
Kobe is one of Japan’s most international port cities, known for its welcoming atmosphere and long history as a gateway connecting Japan with the world.
In 2025, the city launched a new professional hockey team, bringing fresh excitement to the sport and helping establish Kobe as one of Japan’s emerging hockey destinations.
Bringing together teams united by their passion for hockey and aviation, the tournament continues its tradition of great competition, global friendship, and lifelong connections.
With Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo all within easy reach, Kobe 2027 promises an unforgettable experience both on and off the ice.
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Welcome to Kobe, Japan
Kobe is one of Japan’s most international and accessible cities — a beautiful port where mountains meet the sea.
Our tournament hotel is located just three minutes by pedestrian bridge from the Shinkansen (bullet train) station, making travel extremely easy. From Kobe, you can also visit some of Japan’s most famous destinations, including Kyoto’s historic temples, the vibrant city of Osaka, and the magnificent Himeji Castle.
Kobe is also the heart of Japan’s famous sake brewing region in the Nada district, where visitors can tour breweries and enjoy tastings — a relaxed cultural experience popular with players’ families and guests.
The city is home to one of Japan’s most famous Chinatowns and is world-renowned for Kobe beef, offering many outstanding dining experiences.
After the games, a short 15-minute walk brings you to Sannomiya, one of the Kansai region’s most lively bar and dining districts.
Kobe 2027 is more than a hockey tournament — it’s a week to experience Japan.
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Official Tournament Hotel
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe
The ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe will serve as the Official Tournament Hotel for the event.
The hotel enjoys an excellent location just a three-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, the Shinkansen (bullet train) station, and is directly connected to the station by pedestrian bridge.
All participants will stay at this hotel during the tournament. Shuttle buses to the ice arena will depart from and return to the hotel, making transportation to the games simple and convenient.
In addition, both the Opening Party and the Closing Banquet will be held in the hotel’s grand ballroom, allowing everyone to enjoy the tournament events without worrying about additional travel.
Access to the
Tournament Hotel
From Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen)
The hotel is located just a three-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station, the Shinkansen (bullet train) station. A pedestrian bridge directly connects the station to the hotel, making arrival extremely easy and convenient.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Kobe Airport is the closest airport to the hotel and handles domestic flights within Japan. It provides convenient access to the city.
A taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 20 minutes.
Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)
Osaka Itami Airport is the largest domestic airport in the Kansai region and serves as a major hub for flights throughout Japan. Numerous flights arrive daily from Tokyo Haneda Airport.
From Itami Airport, the hotel can be reached in approximately one hour by airport bus and taxi.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport is the main international gateway to the Kansai region.
From the airport, the hotel can be reached in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by airport bus and taxi.
Luggage Delivery
We recommend sending your hockey bag from the airport to the official hotel using Japan’s easy and reliable delivery service.Kuroneko Yamato Transport is the most popular option.Details will be provided closer to the tournament.
Ice Arenas
Games will be played at two ice arenas located within convenient distance of the tournament hotel.
Amagasaki Sports Forest Ice Arena
Located approximately 35 minutes by bus from the tournament hotel, this arena is one of the venues used for games in the Asia League Ice Hockey, Japan’s top professional hockey league.
Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus
Located about 15 minutes by bus from the hotel, this is a new ice arena completed in 2025. It serves as the home rink of Olympic figure skater Kaori Sakamoto, and is also used as a practice facility for Stars Kobe, the city’s new professional hockey team.
Transportation
Shuttle buses will run regularly from the tournament hotel to both arenas, making transportation simple and convenient for all participants.
HOT SPRING FACILITY – awa awa
On the return trip from the games, shuttle buses will stop at a nearby hot spring facility called awa awa, located close to Sysmex Ice Campus. The facility features an on-site brewery, where draft beer is produced, adding to the unique local atmosphere. Participants can relax after the games and experience a traditional Japanese hot spring bath before returning to the hotel.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
■ Tuesday,April 13,2027
■ Wednesday,April 14,2027
■ Thursday,April 15,2027
■ Friday,April 16,2027
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EVENT SCHEDULE
Get ready for an unforgettable week of hockey, friendship, and Japanese hospitality at the ATC International Hockey Tournament Japan 2027.
■ Sunday, April 11, 2027
• Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Players and guests arrive in Kobe and check in at the tournament hotel.
■ Monday, April 12, 2027
• Optional Day Tours / Free Time
Enjoy sightseeing in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, or nearby areas.
•Japan Welcome Night – Opening Party
Location: Hotel Grand Ballroom
Time: 6:00 PM
Kick off the tournament with a relaxed evening featuring Japanese food, drinks, and the traditional sake barrel ceremony (Kagami-biraki) as we welcome players from around the world.
■ Tuesday, April 13, 2027
• Tournament Games – Day 1
• Hospitality Suite Open
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
A casual gathering place for players and guests to relax, socialize, and enjoy the evening after the games.
■ Wednesday, April 14, 2027
• Tournament Games – Day 2
• Hospitality Suite Open
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
■ Thursday, April 15, 2027
• Tournament Games – Day 3
• Hospitality Suite Open
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
■ Friday, April 16, 2027
• Final Tournament Games
• Awards & Celebration Banquet
Location: Hotel Grand Ballroom
Time: 6:00 PM
Celebrate the tournament, recognize outstanding teams and players, and enjoy a memorable final evening together.
■ Saturday, April 17, 2027
• Hotel Check-out & Departures
<Schedule subject to change>
OPTION TOUR
Explore Japan
Before the puck drops in Kobe… explore a little of Japan.
While the focus of the week is great hockey, great friends, and unforgettable tournament nights, we are also offering a few optional opportunities to explore the region during your visit.
Day Experiences
On Monday, April 12, the day of the Japan Welcome Night Opening Party, we will offer several optional daytime experiences from Kobe.
These tours return in time for the evening welcome party.
Himeji Castle Tour
Visit Japan’s most beautiful castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the White Heron Castle for its elegant white appearance.
A short ride on the Shinkansen bullet train takes you to Himeji in no time.
Osaka Food Experience
Discover Osaka, widely known as Japan’s food capital.
This tour is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Japan and experience Osaka’s lively food culture.
Kobe Sake Brewery Tour
Visit traditional sake breweries in Kobe’s famous Nada district and discover sake as an important part of Japanese culture and tradition.
Extend Your Stay in Japan
For guests who wish to arrive earlier or stay a little longer in Japan, we have arranged optional stays in Tokyo and Kyoto, featuring carefully selected hotels suited for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
These stays offer a relaxed way to experience more of Japan before or after the tournament.
Before the Tournament in Tokyo
(4 Nights)
Arrive early before the tournament and experience Tokyo — a vibrant city where tradition and innovation come together.
After the Tournament in Kyoto
(3 Nights)
Continue your journey in Japan after the final games and unwind in Kyoto — a timeless city of historic streets, peaceful temples, and traditional charm.