AnimeJapan 2025: The Complete Beginner's Guide – Tickets, Tips & How to Maximize Your Experience at Tokyo's Premier Anime Event
Anime is one of Japan's representative cultures, and its high quality has garnered strong support not only domestically but also overseas. In Japan, every March in Tokyo, a large-scale event themed around anime called Anime Japan is held.
This event is one of the world's largest anime events, and it's famous for attracting many anime fans from overseas who come to participate. In this article, we will explain in detail the highlights of Anime Japan and the events held during the festival.
Pop culture-related events are held at various locations in Tokyo
In Tokyo, pop culture-related events are held at the following locations:
- Tokyo Big Sight
- Makuhari Messe
- Akihabara
Tokyo Big Sight, known as the venue for Anime Japan, is a spot where an event called Family Anime Festa is held at the same time as Anime Japan. Makuhari Messe in Chiba hosts anime-related events and anime music concerts.
Akihabara, as a mecca for subculture, hosts events at various locations throughout the year.
Anime Japan is one of the world's largest comprehensive anime events
Source:Official website
Anime Japan, held at Tokyo Big Sight every March, is one of the world's largest comprehensive anime events. On the day of the event, enthusiastic anime fans come not only from within Japan but also from overseas, and the venue is filled with excitement.
On the day, anime-related merchandise is sold, and stage events related to anime works are held, with special events that can only be seen at the venue.
At the 2025 event, more than 100 booths and 5 stages were set up, with a total attendance of 150,000 visitors, significantly exceeding the 2024 attendance.
An event that Japan is proud of, said to have "everything about anime, right here"
Source:PR TIMES
Anime Japan, true to its catchphrase "Everything about anime, right here," is widely recognized as one of Japan's proudest events. Anime Japan, which started in 2014, has expanded in scale year by year, with a record 117 companies confirmed to exhibit in 2025.
The booths set up at the venue are all full of character. At the booths, you can not only view exhibitions but also experience talk shows and learn about the appeal of anime. Additionally, the shop area selling anime-related merchandise is extremely popular, with long queues forming from the morning.
Event Overview and Access
- Schedule: March 28-29, 2026
- Access: 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line / 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome Line
- Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-5530-1111
- Admission Fee: From 2,500 yen
- Website: https://anime-japan.jp/
What can you enjoy at Anime Japan? An easy-to-understand explanation for beginners
There are mainly three exhibitions, each with various booths set up
Source:Official website
At the Anime Japan venue, there are three exhibitions, with various booths set up in each space. The exhibiting booths are mainly from production companies and TV stations that produce anime, and special bonus footage that can only be seen at Anime Japan is popular.
In addition, advertising agencies involved in anime production and schools that train voice actors also have booths. These also showcase videos and valuable exhibits that can only be seen here, so those interested should not miss them.
Stage events are held featuring cast members and directors of popular anime
Source:PR TIMES
At Anime Japan, talk shows featuring cast members and directors of popular anime are popular.
The stages at the venue, RED STAGE and GREEN STAGE, have reserved seating, and you need to win a lottery to secure a seat. BLUE STAGE and WHITE STAGE can be viewed without advance tickets, but if you want to watch from the front, you need to purchase advance tickets beforehand.
Anime Japan admission tickets can be purchased from two months before the event at the following locations:
- CN Playguide (ticket purchasing site)
- FamilyMart (convenience store)
- AJ Ticket (Anime Japan official ticket sales site)
- Animate (specialty store selling anime goods)
At Animate, you can purchase tickets not only through the online shopping site but also at physical stores. To view all stages, you need a premium ticket limited to the first 100 people.
Ticket Site URLs:
- CN Playguide: https://www.cnplayguide.com/
- Animate: https://www.animate.co.jp/
- FamilyMart: https://www.family.co.jp/services/ticket/ticket_buy.html
- AJ Ticket: https://ticket.anime-japan.jp/s/ajt/?ima=0917
Anime Japan exclusive merchandise and collaboration goods are sold
Source:PR TIMES
At Anime Japan, exclusive merchandise and collaboration goods that can only be purchased at the venue are popular. In 2025, goods featuring collaborations between Japanese traditional crafts and anime characters, as well as goods from collaborations between different anime series, were sold and attracted attention.
Additionally, workshops where you can create original tin badges as commemorative souvenirs of your visit are also held, attracting many participants. Exclusive merchandise sells out quickly if you don't purchase it right away, so make sure to buy it as early as possible when you visit the venue.
Must-See for Beginners! Local's Tips to Enjoy Anime Japan Twice as Much
Understand the Features of Each Exhibition and Tour Booths Efficiently
If you want to enjoy Anime Japan, make sure to thoroughly understand the characteristics of each exhibition in advance and tour the booths efficiently.
From here, we will explain in detail how to enjoy each booth at Anime Japan.
Stage Area
Source:PR TIMES
There are four stages at the Anime Japan venue. Various events are held here, including introductions to the latest anime, talk shows with anime cast members and creators, and music performances.
RED STAGE and GREEN STAGE have completely reserved seating, so viewing requires a viewing ticket obtained by applying for and winning an advance lottery. For BLUE STAGE and WHITE STAGE, standing viewing from the back is possible, but seated viewing requires a viewing ticket obtained through an advance lottery, similar to the other stages.
To confirm which events will be held on which stage, check the timetable posted on the official website.
Exhibition Area
Source:PR TIMES
The exhibition area at Anime Japan is also called the Public Area. Starting in 2026, it has been decided that the Public Area will expand beyond last year, and in addition to the East Exhibition Hall, the South Exhibition Hall and Rooftop Exhibition Hall are also scheduled to be used as exhibition areas.
In the exhibition area, booths from anime-related companies such as anime production companies are gathered together, and information about works and valuable anime-related exhibits are displayed. The exhibits include panels, photos, VR, and other projects that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of anime.
Since popular exhibition areas are expected to be crowded, visit early once you decide where you want to go.
Merchandise Area
Source:PR TIMES
There are three merchandise areas at the venue where you can purchase limited goods and official goods that can only be purchased at the booths. Some of these goods are developed independently by exhibiting companies specifically for Anime Japan, and they attract attention among visitors every year.
Therefore, long lines form at the merchandise areas. Some goods may sell out quickly, so if you have something you're looking for, make sure to line up early.
If you can't get the goods you want on the day, depending on the item, you may be able to purchase them at the official online store called AJ store. However, you can only purchase goods at AJ store until April 9th, so purchase early.
Decide in Advance Whether to Prioritize Merchandise or Exhibitions and Stages
Source:PR TIMES
The Anime Japan venue is always crowded. Therefore, check the stage time schedule and merchandise sales schedule in advance, and decide the priority order of places to visit beforehand.
Long lines form at merchandise areas early in the morning, so popular goods have a risk of selling out. Therefore, if you're waiting in line to purchase goods, be careful as you may not be able to fully see the exhibitions and stages, or you may not be able to move around sufficiently due to crowds.
In 2025, crowds gradually began to build after midday, and popular booths had wait times of up to one hour. Therefore, research the booths you definitely want to visit in advance and try to visit as early as possible.
Thoroughly Review Precautions in Advance
To enjoy Anime Japan, you need to thoroughly check the precautions in advance. If you lose your ticket, it cannot be reissued, so manage it carefully so you don't lose it.
Additionally, disruptive behavior and unauthorized photography are also prohibited. Once you enter the venue, be sure to follow staff instructions.
Which Ticket Type is Best?
| Ticket Type | Price | AJ Stage Application Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Admission Ticket | ¥50,000 (tax included) | Eligible for all stages |
| Stage Application Admission Ticket | ¥2,500 (tax included) | Eligible |
| Admission Ticket with Merchandise & Stage Application | ¥3,200 (tax included) | Eligible |
| Advance Admission Ticket | ¥2,500 (tax included) | Not eligible |
| Same-day Ticket | ¥2,800 (tax included) | Not eligible |
| Fast Ticket | ¥3,900 (tax included) | Not eligible |
*As of October 25, 2025
- The Premium Admission Ticket, limited to 100 tickets per day at 50,000 yen each, allows you to view all stage events from seats.
- With the Stage Application Rights Admission Ticket, stage viewing is possible, but you cannot view from seats unless you win the stage viewing lottery.
- The Admission Ticket with Goods & Stage Application includes goods with the ticket.
- With the Advance Admission Ticket and Same-Day Ticket, you do not have the right to apply for the stage viewing lottery. However, viewing from the back is possible.
Also, when entering the venue, long lines form and it takes time to enter. However, if you purchase a Fast Ticket in advance, priority entry without waiting in line is possible.
Which Booths Require Waiting in Line?
The booths at Anime Japan, which are bustling with people all day long, are crowded everywhere. Long lines form at popular anime booths and booths with distributed goods, so we recommend arriving at the venue at 9 a.m., 30 minutes before general admission begins, if possible.
If you want to enjoy booths without waiting in line, we recommend avoiding crowded times. Especially after 3 p.m., crowds tend to ease, and booth wait times become relatively shorter.
Also, depending on the time of day, it may take time to enter. If you want to walk through the venue smoothly, purchase a Fast Ticket that allows priority entry.
For Pop Culture Lovers, a Walk with a Guide Who Knows Akihabara Inside and Out is Recommended!
If you want to fully enjoy Japanese subculture, join a tour around Akihabara, known as the holy land of subculture. On this tour, you'll visit anime shops and game shops in Akihabara under the guidance of your guide.
The tour also includes a visit to a Maid Cafe, where you can take commemorative photos with the maids and enjoy Omelette Rice decorated with original art drawn in ketchup. Finally, enjoy taking Purikura photos with your local guide to wrap up the tour.
If you want to experience a magical time immersed in Japanese subculture, why not join this tour?
- Meeting Point: JR Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit)
- Tour Area: Akihabara
- Start Time: 14:00
3 Selections of Japanese-style Events to Enjoy During the Anime Japan Period
Sumida Park Sakura Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
The Sumida Park Sakura Festival is held every year from late March to early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Sumida Park is home to approximately 343 cherry blossom trees and is famous as one of Tokyo's representative cherry blossom viewing spots.
At Sumida Park, you can enjoy Geisha dances performed on stage, as well as food stalls and vendors selling Tokyo specialty products. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a different beauty of the cherry blossoms than during the day.
If you want to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Sumida Park is a highly recommended location. Since it's located near Tokyo Big Sight where Anime Japan is held, why not visit after sightseeing?
<Event Details>
- Date: Late March to early April
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Asakusa Station (Tobu Railway, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway)
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
Jindaiji Daruma Fair
The Daruma Fair held at Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City, Tokyo, is the largest festival at Jindaiji. Daruma is a red Bodhidharma doll that is known in Japan as a good luck charm because it always stands back up no matter how many times it rolls over.
On the day of the festival, Daruma dolls of various sizes are sold on the temple grounds, and visitors purchase the Daruma they would like to buy. A Monk draws one eye on the purchased Daruma, and when the wish comes true, you draw the other eye yourself and dedicate it to Jindaiji.
Since many Daruma dolls are sold on the temple grounds, why not purchase one as a souvenir to commemorate your visit?
<Event Details>
- Date: March 3rd and 4th
- Access: 1 minute walk from the terminal after taking a bus bound for Jindaiji from Chofu Station on the Keio Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.jindaiji.or.jp/
Takao-san Fire Walking Festival
At Takao-san, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, a traditional event called the Fire Walking Festival is held every year on the second Sunday of March. The main highlight is watching Monks who train at Yakuouin Temple run barefoot across burning fire.
This festival is open to the general public who wish to participate, offering a special experience of running across burning fire. While the fire is quite hot, it is said that completing the crossing brings good fortune, so many people run across the fire every year.
Simply watching the blazing fire is said to bring blessings, so if you want to directly experience a traditional Japanese event during your visit for Anime Japan, why not participate?
<Event Details>
- Date: 2nd Sunday of March
- Access: 20 minutes walk from Takaosan Station on the cable car from Kiyotaki Station / 30 minutes walk from the upper station via Echo Lift from the base station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/
