Everything You Need to Know About the Tokyo Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show is an annual event organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), which serves as a comprehensive exhibition for computer entertainment, including computer games. It is one of the largest gaming events in the world, alongside Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. In 2024, the event attracted 87,000 attendees during the business days and a total of 274,397 people, including the general public.
At the Tokyo Game Show, attendees can experience a wide range of games, from popular titles to indie games, and even those created by students. In addition to games, the event also features peripheral devices for gaming, technologies used in games, and other technologies supporting the gaming industry, making it a gathering of a massive array of “content” that appeals to both gaming enthusiasts and professionals in development and sales.
Tokyo Game Show Schedule:
- Every year in September or October
- The first two days (usually Thursday and Friday) are designated as business days, where only industry professionals, media, and distribution personnel are allowed entry. The remaining two days (usually Saturday and Sunday) are open to the general public.
2025 Schedule:
- Business Days:
- September 26 (Thursday) 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- September 27 (Friday) 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Public Days:
- September 28 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- September 29 (Sunday) 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tokyo Game Show Tickets:
There are four main types of tickets for TGS 2024. Each ticket type has different prices and purchasing requirements, so you should select the one that suits you best.
- 1-Day Ticket: ¥3,000 (Elementary school children and under enter for free)
- Supporters Club Ticket: ¥6,000
- Special Ticket: ¥100
- Business Day Ticket
Cosplay:
Cosplay is allowed at the event, but attendees cannot wear cosplay when entering, leaving, or going home. Cosplayers must complete a cosplay registration in addition to purchasing an entry ticket. Before cosplaying, you must fill out a registration form and complete the registration at the cosplay reception located in Hall 9.
There is a ¥1,000 fee for cosplay registration (which includes the changing room and cloakroom usage). Once registered, you will receive a “Cosplay Registration Sticker” and guidelines. Without this sticker, you will not be allowed to cosplay within the event. Costumes that cause discomfort or distress to others, or those with excessive skin exposure, are prohibited. For more details, please refer to the official website.
Prohibited Items at Tokyo Game Show:
A variety of items are prohibited from being brought into the venue. Below is a list of prohibited items:
- Items longer than 50 cm (excluding umbrellas in rainy weather)
- Items like umbrellas, canes, rackets, or any object longer than 50 cm used for cosplay
- Weapons such as guns, swords, arrows, chains, and other weaponry
- Model guns, airguns, knives, ice picks, sharp objects, scissors, etc.
- Toxic substances, drugs, or harmful chemicals
- Fuel, flares, fireworks, explosives, large quantities of lighters/matches, and other highly flammable materials
- Hammers, screwdrivers, and other items that could be used as weapons
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pets or animals (except for service animals like guide dogs)
- Items that pose a danger to others
- Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards
- Objects that can be thrown, such as yoyos, balls, frisbees, etc.
- Any other items deemed dangerous by staff
Tokyo Game Show Venue:
- Venue Name: Makuhari Messe
- Address: 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-8550
- URL: https://www.m-messe.co.jp/
- Access:
- 5-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line “Kaihin-Makuhari Station” (approximately 30 minutes from Tokyo by express train)
- 20-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line “Makuhari-Hongo Station”
- 17-minute bus ride from JR Sobu Line or Keisei Line “Makuhari Hongo Station” to “Makuhari Messe Chuo”
Hotels Near Tokyo Game Show:
- Hotel New Otani Makuhari
A luxurious hotel featuring spacious rooms and excellent facilities. It offers large-scale venues suitable for conferences and events, and its convenient access to Makuhari Messe makes it perfect for attending Tokyo Game Show.- Address: 2-120-3 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
- URL: https://www.newotani.co.jp/makuhari/
- Room Rate: Approx. ¥15,000 for a standard room (single)
- Hotel Okura Chiba
A hotel with a calm atmosphere, ideal for both business and leisure stays. With high-quality service and beautiful surroundings, it provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay.- Address: 2-3 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
- URL: https://www.okura-chiba.com/
- Room Rate: Approx. ¥12,000 for a standard twin room
- Hotel Springs Makuhari
Known for its cozy rooms and warm service, this hotel offers a convenient location for both business and leisure. It is easily accessible to Makuhari Messe, making it perfect for event-goers.- Address: 1-11 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
- URL: https://www.springseasons.com/makuhari/
- Room Rate: Approx. ¥10,000 for a standard double room
- APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari
A modern hotel with affordable prices, offering a resort-like atmosphere. It’s easy to access the Tokyo Game Show venue while enjoying the resort facilities.- Address: 2-3-20 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
- URL: https://www.apahotel.com/hotel/kanto/07_tokyobaymakuhari/
- Room Rate: Approx. ¥8,000 for a standard single room
- Hotel Green Tower Makuhari
A hotel offering a comfortable and clean environment. Located near the station, it provides convenient access and is an ideal choice for attendees of events at Makuhari Messe.- Address: 2-10-3 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
- URL: https://www.hotelgt.co.jp/
- Room Rate: Approx. ¥9,000 for a standard twin room
That’s all the information about the Tokyo Game Show. For gaming fans, it’s an event you can’t miss. You can try out new games, or have fun walking around in cosplay. It might even be a great opportunity to make new gaming friends that you can’t meet anywhere else!
