Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is Asia's largest game event, where the latest games from around the world gather. 2025 is sure to be another festival that excites game fans from both Japan and abroad. We've put together detailed information to help international visitors participate smoothly.
1. Dates and Times
Business Days:
- Thursday, September 25, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST
- Friday, September 26, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST
Business Days are for game industry professionals and press only. General admission is not permitted. There is a possibility of general public admission in the afternoon. Details will be announced later.
Public Exhibition Days:
- Saturday, September 27, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST
- Sunday, September 28, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JST
The venue may open at 9:30 AM JST depending on the situation.
2. Location
Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 1-11, International Conference Hall, Event Hall
2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-8550, Japan
Makuhari Messe Official Website
3. Ticket Purchase (for Overseas Visitors)
Tickets for Tokyo Game Show are usually sold online several months before the event. International visitors will likely be able to purchase them through the following methods:
Official Online Ticket Sales Website:
You can often purchase tickets via credit card through the Tokyo Game Show official website. It may also support multiple languages.
Major Online Ticket Agents:
Tickets may be available on international travel activity booking sites like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator. These sites support multiple languages and are typically easier for overseas credit cards to use.
Convenience Store Purchase (After arriving in Japan):
Once you arrive in Japan, you may be able to purchase same-day or advance tickets at multimedia terminals in major Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.). However, this is only an option after you've arrived in Japan.
Important Notes for Purchase:
- Sales Start Date: Sales usually begin 2-3 months before the event. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- Ticket Types: There are various ticket types, including advance tickets, same-day tickets, and special invitation tickets. Advance tickets are often cheaper.
- Entry Method: Confirm the entry method, such as QR code tickets or paper tickets.
- Non-Refundable: Once purchased, tickets are generally non-refundable, so please be careful.
4. Exhibiting Manufacturers (Expected)
Typically, major domestic and international game manufacturers exhibit. The following manufacturers are expected to exhibit in 2025 (this is an expectation and not confirmed information):
Major Japanese Manufacturers:
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)
- Nintendo (Nintendo Switch, though often does not exhibit directly at TGS)
- Capcom
- Square Enix
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Sega
- Koei Tecmo Games
- KONAMI
- Atlus
- FromSoftware
- MiHoYo (HoYoverse)
- Cygames
- GREE
- DeNA
- GungHo Online Entertainment
- and more
International Manufacturers:
- Microsoft (Xbox)
- Ubisoft
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Activision Blizzard
- Epic Games
- and more
5. Exhibited Game Titles (Expected)
With a wide range of exhibiting manufacturers, a diverse array of game titles will be showcased. This includes new releases, unannounced titles, sequels to popular series, VR/AR games, and indie games.
- Console Games: Latest titles for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S
- PC Games: New titles and esports-focused games
- Smartphone Games: Latest information on popular apps and unannounced titles
- VR/AR Games: Experiential games compatible with the latest VR devices
- Indie Games: Unique games by independent developers
- Esports: Demonstrations and tournaments by professional players
Specific titles will be announced by each manufacturer and the Tokyo Game Show official website as the event approaches.
6. Main Events
Beyond game exhibits, Tokyo Game Show hosts a variety of events:
- Latest Game Playtesting: Be among the first to try out unreleased new games.
- Stage Events: Presentations by developers, talk shows with voice actors and celebrities, announcements of the latest information, and esports tournaments.
- Esports Tournaments: Watch thrilling matches by professional gamers.
- Merchandise Sales Corner: Sales of TGS-exclusive goods and game-related merchandise.
- Indie Game Corner: Exhibition of unique games by independent game developers.
- VR/AR Corner: Booths where you can experience the latest VR/AR technology.
- Family Game Park: Games and events that families with small children can enjoy.
7. Cosplay Area
Tokyo Game Show is also a world-renowned cosplay event.
- Cosplay Area: A dedicated cosplay area will be set up within the venue. Many cosplayers participate dressed as characters, and photography is allowed (it's polite to ask permission before taking a photo).
- Changing Rooms: Changing rooms will be available for cosplayers.
- Photography Rules: Specific rules for photography may be in place, so please be sure to check and follow them.
8. Transportation Access
Public transportation is the most convenient way to get to Makuhari Messe.
Train:
- Get off at JR Keiyo Line "Kaihin Makuhari" Station, approximately a 5-minute walk.
- Approximately 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kaihin Makuhari Station (using limited express or rapid trains).
- Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Sobu Line / Keisei Line "Makuhari Hongo" Station.
Access from Airports:
- From Narita Airport (NRT): Take the JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the JR Keiyo Line. Alternatively, there may be direct highway buses to Makuhari Messe.
- From Haneda Airport (HND): Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station, and transfer to the JR Keiyo Line. Alternatively, there may be direct highway buses to Makuhari Messe.
9. Accommodation
There are several hotels around Makuhari Messe. We recommend booking early.
Hotels around Makuhari Messe:
- Hotel New Otani Makuhari
- APA Hotel & Resort
- Hotel Green Tower Makuhari
- Hotel Springs Makuhari
- and more
Accommodation in Tokyo:
Areas around major stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, and Shibuya are also good options as they are easily accessible by train.
Accommodation Booking Tips:
- Hotel bookings tend to concentrate and prices tend to increase during the event period. Book as early as possible.
- It's convenient to use major hotel booking sites (Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, etc.).
10. Important Notes
Important points for international visitors to enjoy Tokyo Game Show:
- It gets extremely crowded: Especially on public exhibition days, the venue will be very busy. There might be long lines even before opening, so arrive with plenty of time.
- Health Management: You'll be walking around a vast venue, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and stay hydrated.
- Luggage: The venue can be crowded, so avoid large luggage and bring only essential items. Station lockers and coin lockers may also be crowded.
- Photography: There may be restrictions on taking photos and videos at each booth and stage event. Please check for photography permission signs and be considerate of others.
- Trial Play Waiting Times: Waiting times for popular titles can be several hours long. It's efficient to decide which titles you want to try in advance.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi may be provided at the venue, but connections can be unstable during peak times. It's recommended to have your own mobile Wi-Fi router or SIM card for stable internet.
- Prepare Japanese Yen: Some merchandise corners and food stalls may only accept cash. It's convenient to have some Japanese Yen. Credit cards are also accepted at many places.
- Heatstroke Prevention (if lingering summer heat): Even in late September, it can sometimes be hot. Consider bringing a hat or parasol and staying hydrated.
11. Useful Information
Official Guidebook/App:
An official guidebook with a venue map, exhibitor list, and event schedule is sold every year. A smartphone app may also be available, allowing you to check the latest information in real-time.
TGS Official SNS:
Following the Tokyo Game Show's official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts will help you get the latest news and urgent announcements quickly.
Multilingual Support:
In recent years, Tokyo Game Show has been improving its multilingual support for international visitors. There will likely be English and other language support at venue information desks and some booths.
Translation App:
If you're unsure about communicating in Japanese, having a translation app on your smartphone can be very helpful.
Tokyo Game Show 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to experience Japan's latest game culture. We hope this information helps international visitors fully enjoy Tokyo Game Show. Please be sure to check the latest information announced on the official website.
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