Makuhari Messe
A colossal convention center hosting major international events, from gaming expos to electrifying concerts and auto shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the buzz of large gatherings
Makuhari Messe
Best Time
Experience the buzz of large gatherings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal convention center hosting major international events, from gaming expos to electrifying concerts and auto shows.
"This is the perfect venue if you forgot your Fitbit steps for the day. Halls 1 through 9? Yeah, you’ll get your cardio in."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles! Halls are huge. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
📱 Stay Charged
Bring a power bank! Your phone will be busy capturing memories.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tokyo Game Show
Exhibition Halls
Experience the cutting edge of gaming with new releases, demos, and vibrant cosplay. A must-visit for any gamer.
Concert & Music Festivals
Event Hall & Exhibition Halls
Witness electrifying performances from J-rock bands to K-pop stars. A dynamic venue for live music.
+1Tokyo Auto Salon
Exhibition Halls
Feast your eyes on customized cars, performance vehicles, and aftermarket innovations. A paradise for car enthusiasts.
+1Anime & Pop Culture Events
Exhibition Halls
Immerse yourself in the world of anime, manga, and idol culture with events like Hololive Expo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vast Halls
Event-Specific Planning
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles! Halls are huge. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
📱 Stay Charged
Bring a power bank! Your phone will be busy capturing memories.
📍 Plan Your Route
Map out which halls you need to visit beforehand.
🥤 Snack Smart
Vending machines and Family Marts are your friends for quick fuel.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles! Halls are huge. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
📱 Stay Charged
Bring a power bank! Your phone will be busy capturing memories.
📍 Plan Your Route
Map out which halls you need to visit beforehand.
🥤 Snack Smart
Vending machines and Family Marts are your friends for quick fuel.
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is available, but can fill up during major events.
🚆 Easy Metro Access
Accessible via local trains from Tokyo Station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Makuhari Messe for its vast scale and excellent facilities, making it ideal for large-scale events. The ample parking, numerous restrooms, and convenient on-site amenities like Family Mart are frequently highlighted as positives. However, the sheer size can be overwhelming, requiring significant walking and careful planning to navigate effectively.
"This was my first time at Makuhari Messe and already planning my second trip because Star Wars Celebration is about to blow this place up like the Death Star (but, you know, more family-friendly).
Drove over 2 hours to get here and surprisingly didn’t have to engage in a Tokyo Drift-style battle for parking. There’s actually plenty of it. Props for that. Once inside, I quickly learned this is the perfect venue if you forgot your Fitbit steps for the day. Halls 1 through 9? Yeah, you’ll get your cardio in. Might even evolve into your final Pokémon form before reaching Hall 9.
There are bathrooms everywhere (seriously, you could probably do a bathroom crawl), vending machines every few steps, and even resting zones when your legs give out from the trek. Family Mart locations pop up like secret save points in a video game—snacks, drinks, even onigiri to fuel your journey.
Business centers are clutch too—lockers to stash your haul, charging stations for your dying phone (which will be crying after taking 1,000 Star Wars selfies), and seating areas if you need to pretend to be productive.
Overall? 11/10. Bring your walking shoes, your lightsaber, and maybe an extra phone battery. You’re gonna need all three."
Earl Jackson
"Hosted Star Wars celebration and with it being my first time attending Japan did it very well, definitely enjoyed the venues here and seeing all the different cosplayers!"
Angel Lucena-Johnson
"Great place for exhibition. It was Tokyo Auto Salon 2025. Very wonderful event in Makuhari Messe. It us easy to get their by metro (local train). Easy to find the place"
Victor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Makuhari Messe from Tokyo Station via a direct train on the JR Keiyo Line or JR Sobu Line, taking approximately 40-50 minutes with no transfers. Taxis are also an option but significantly more expensive.
Yes, Makuhari Messe offers ample parking facilities. However, during major events, it can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
The closest station is Kaihin-Makuhari Station, which is a short walk from the venue.
While trains are the most common method, some local bus routes may serve the area. It's best to check local transport schedules for specific routes.
Makuhari Messe is generally accessible, with facilities like elevators and accessible restrooms. It's advisable to check with the specific event organizer for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket purchasing methods vary by event. Most events sell tickets online through official ticketing sites or at the venue on the day of the event, if available.
Yes, Makuhari Messe has multiple exhibition halls (Halls 1-9), an international conference hall, and an event hall, each used for different types of events.
Event hours vary greatly depending on the specific event. Always check the official event website for the most accurate timings.
Entry to Makuhari Messe is generally restricted to ticket holders for specific events. The public areas outside of ticketed events may be accessible.
Re-entry policies differ per event. Some events allow re-entry, while others do not. It's crucial to confirm this with the event organizer before leaving the venue.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Makuhari Messe offers numerous restrooms, vending machines, Family Mart convenience stores, business centers with lockers and charging stations, and seating areas.
Wi-Fi availability can vary by event and hall. Some events may offer free Wi-Fi, while others might require a separate purchase or have limited access.
Yes, there are various food options including convenience stores like Family Mart and sometimes food stalls or cafes within the exhibition halls or event spaces.
Photography and videography policies depend on the specific event. Many events allow personal use, but professional recording or commercial use is often restricted.
Lost and found services are typically available. Inquire at the nearest information desk or event staff for assistance.
📸 📸 Photography
The large open spaces between halls, the main entrance areas, and any themed decorations for specific events offer great photo opportunities. Cosplayers at events like Tokyo Game Show are also popular subjects.
Generally, personal photography is allowed at Tokyo Game Show, but always check the event's official rules. Professional photography or filming may require special permits.
Cosplay photography is very popular during anime and gaming events. Car enthusiasts also capture detailed shots at auto shows.
Tripod usage policies vary by event. Some may restrict them due to space constraints or crowd flow, especially during busy periods.
While not a single landmark, the sheer scale of the exhibition halls and the diverse event setups provide unique photographic backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, check the specific event's schedule for any kid-focused programming or activities. The sheer scale of some events means there's always something visually stimulating for children.
🎵 Music Enthusiasts
+3 If you're attending a concert, aim to arrive early to secure good spots and soak in the pre-show atmosphere. Check the venue's schedule for upcoming music events and book tickets well in advance, as popular shows sell out quickly.
Be prepared for large crowds and consider the best transport options to and from the venue, as public transport can get busy post-event. 🚗 Car Aficionados
+1 Expect to see a dazzling array of modified vehicles, from sleek sports cars to rugged off-roaders. Arrive early to get the best views and photos, as the exhibition halls can get crowded, especially on weekends. Beyond the Auto Salon, Makuhari Messe occasionally hosts other automotive-related events. If you're driving to the venue, the ample parking is a significant advantage, though it can fill up during major shows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Makuhari Messe: A Guide to Its Vast Spaces
Beyond the exhibition halls, the International Conference Hall offers a more formal setting for seminars and meetings, while the Event Hall is designed for live performances and concerts, accommodating thousands of attendees.
Understanding which part of Makuhari Messe your event is in is crucial for planning your arrival and movement within the complex. Many visitors recommend using the venue maps provided by event organizers or available on the Makuhari Messe website to orient themselves before arrival. For those attending large-scale events like the Tokyo Game Show or music festivals, expect significant crowds and potentially long queues. Planning your itinerary, identifying key areas of interest, and factoring in travel time between halls will significantly enhance your experience.
The venue's extensive facilities, including numerous restrooms, vending machines, and convenience stores, are strategically placed to support the large influx of visitors, making it manageable even during peak times. Events Galore: From Gaming to Global Exhibitions
+1 The Tokyo Auto Salon is another highlight, showcasing cutting-edge automotive designs and aftermarket modifications, drawing in car aficionados from around the world. +1Music lovers flock to Makuhari Messe for large-scale concerts and festivals, featuring prominent artists from J-rock and J-pop scenes, as well as international acts. Bands like BABYMETAL and L'Arc-en-Ciel have held memorable performances here.
+3 The venue also hosts significant anime and idol culture events, such as the Hololive Expo, bringing together fans for celebrations of their favorite virtual talents. Beyond entertainment, Makuhari Messe serves as a critical hub for international trade fairs and conferences, including defense exhibitions like DSEI Japan.
Its versatile spaces and modern facilities make it a top choice for organizers looking to host large-scale events that require extensive exhibition areas and performance venues. 
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