Event Overview: Dates, Times, and Venues
KYO-MAF2025 is western Japan’s largest manga, anime, and gaming event, taking place this year on September 20th (Sat) and 21st (Sun), 2025 in Kyoto. The main venues are Miyakomesse (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall) and ROHM Theatre Kyoto, with an additional satellite venue at the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
- Main Event Hours: 9:00am–5:00pm (until 4:00pm on the 21st). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- Manga Museum Hours: 10:00am–7:00pm
Main Exhibitions, Featured Titles, and Booth Highlights
Expect a world-class selection of anime, manga, and games at KYO-MAF2025! Here are some highlights:
- Featured Works:
- Blue Exorcist
- Ao no Hako(Blue Box)
- The Eccentric Family
- Angel Beats!
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Bocchi the Rock!
- Tokyo Revengers
- The Quintessential Quintuplets
- Brand-new popular games such as “Brown Dust 2”
- Hands-on Live2D character and VTuber experiences by up-and-coming creators
- Exclusive goods, first-look screenings of new titles, stage shows, and interactive mini-games are also planned.
Check the official website for updates and the full list of exhibitors.
Cosplay Area & How to Participate
Cosplay is a major part of KYO-MAF! With official organization by "acosta!", designated cosplay zones and photo spots are set up both inside and outside Miyakomesse.
- Cosplay Ticket: Required for all those wishing to cosplay. Purchase in advance online.
- Changing Rooms & Luggage: Only accessible with a Cosplay Ticket. Arriving already in costume from your hotel or the street is prohibited.
- Events: Cosplay contests and stage performances (entry required, some paid, certain in-venue benefits available).
- Rules: Costumes must respect copyright, avoid excessive revealing, and follow restrictions on prop and weapon-like items. Always use designated changing areas.
Tickets: Types, Prices, and How to Get Them
| Type | Price (JPY) | Description / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| KYO-MAF “Okoshiyasu” Ticket | 15,000 | 2-day entry + priority access + admission to all stage events + exclusive goods |
| KYO-MAF Fast Pass | 2,300 | Priority entry (regular entry ticket required, sold separately) |
| Advance Admission Ticket (1-day) | 1,800 | Entry for one day, eligible for stage lottery up to the 20th |
| Combined Advance Ticket | 2,700 | Includes both Miyakomesse and Manga Museum entry |
| Same-day Ticket | 2,300 | Limited availability at the venue (can sell out!) |
- Children up to elementary school (approx. 12 years) may enter free with a guardian.
- Purchase tickets via the official ticket website and major ticketing outlets such as Lawson, L-Tike, and Seven Ticket. Limited on-site sales (beware of sellouts!).
- “Okoshiyasu” Ticket is advance lottery and strictly limited (120 available; on sale from July 17).
- Fast Pass: Advance lottery 8/21-9/3; general sales 9/11-19.
- Payment accepted by credit card, carrier billing, and e-money.
Access & Transportation
Main Venue: Miyakomesse
9-1 Seishoji-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8343, Japan- From Kyoto Station:
- Subway Karasuma Line: Get off at “Karasuma Oike,” transfer to Tozai Line, get off at “Higashiyama.” 8 min walk to venue.
- Kyoto City Bus: Get off at “Okazaki Park/Bijutsukan Heian Jingu-mae.” Right by the venue.
- Taxi: Around 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.
- No private parking available (public transport strongly recommended).
- ROHM Theatre Kyoto: Next to Miyakomesse.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
- 2 min walk from Subway “Karasuma Oike” Station.
- Easy transfers between venues by subway or city bus.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
- Book early! Hotels fill up quickly during event periods.
- Staying in the city center (Okazaki, Higashiyama, Kawaramachi areas) offers best access to venues.
- Plenty of capsule hotels, hostels, and guesthouses welcome international travelers.
- Some official event hotel packages may be available—check the official website for details.
- Confirm with your accommodations about the availability of changing rooms and luggage storage if cosplaying.
Dining & Local Food
- Onsite food area, cafes, and snack stands (limited-edition anime/manga collaboration items available).
- Outside the venues, enjoy a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, cafes, ramen, sweets, and famous restaurants—particularly around Heian Shrine.
- Food carry-in rules depend on each venue (generally allowed; please take your trash with you).
- Multilingual menus, vegan/vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options available at some locations.
Important Rules, Manners, and Precautions
- Check latest official announcements for re-entry, baggage checks, or safety protocols in effect.
- Cosplayers must use onsite changing rooms—changing on public transport or hotel is not permitted.
- Always ask permission before photographing or posting images of other attendees, especially cosplayers.
- Follow all directions for crowd control, lineup, and one-way flows during busy times.
- Reselling tickets or goods, causing disruptions, or aggressive scouting is strictly prohibited.
- Respect general tourists and local residents, as the area hosts many other visitors.
- Maintain peace and good manners at all venues, surrounding facilities, and hotels.
- Multilingual staff and overseas guest support desks are available—check venue maps and pamphlets for emergency info and help points.
Travel Tips for Overseas Anime & Manga Fans
- Take advantage of official multilingual guides, pamphlets, and social media for updates and navigation help.
- Lottery entry for limited edition merchandise and stage events is highly recommended—apply early!
- Kyoto’s weather in September varies: prepare for both heat and humidity; hydrate frequently and adjust clothing as needed.
- Purchase an IC card (like Suica, ICOCA) in advance for easy travel on local buses and subways—machines offer English menus.
- Onsite volunteers and staff are especially welcoming to guests from around the world.
- Plan a flexible itinerary so you can enjoy both the event and world-famous Kyoto sightseeing attractions.
Conclusion
KYO-MAF2025 offers a dreamlike two days at the frontier of Japanese manga and anime culture. It’s a priceless chance for fans from all over the world to meet, discover new favorites, enjoy the latest tech, and experience Kyoto’s unique blend of tradition and creativity. Prepare well, and have an unforgettable manga & anime journey in Kyoto!
