Tokyo Comic Con 2025 Complete Guide: Events, Cosplay, Tickets & What to Do in Makuhari Messe
Japan is a country where pop culture such as anime and games thrives. Among them, Tokyo is the central city with many shops where you can purchase anime and game merchandise and video works, and pop culture events are frequently held on weekends.
In December, the American pop culture event "Tokyo Comic Con 2025" will be held. It's a global festival that fuses American and Japanese pop culture, attracting fans from around the world and creating great excitement. This time, I will introduce how to enjoy pop culture in Tokyo, focusing on the overview of Tokyo Comic Con and how to enjoy it.
Pop culture-related events are held in various places throughout Tokyo
Tokyo is the central city of Japanese pop culture. Among them, Akihabara is an area where shops that allow you to enjoy anime and game content and purchase merchandise are gathered, and for pop culture fans, it's like a sacred place.
Events are also frequently held at major convention centers representing Japan such as Tokyo Big Sight and Makuhari Messe, where you can experience the world of anime and games. For those who love Japanese pop culture, it's also recommended to check the events being held while organizing your travel schedule.
"Tokyo Comic Con" is a pop culture event where American and Japanese movies, comics, anime, and games gather
Source:Official website
Comic Con is one of the world's largest pop culture events. It's mainly an event centered on American movies, comics, and games such as Marvel, DC Comics, and Star Wars, but at Tokyo Comic Con 2025, Japanese anime and tokusatsu (special effects) are also added, allowing you to enjoy internationally rich pop culture.
At the venue, the latest information on movies and comics is released, props used in actual movies are exhibited, and stage events with actors are held. It's an event where fans can spend dream-like time, so please try to participate.
<Event Overview>
- Date: December 5-7
December 5 (Fri) 11:00–19
December 6 (Sat) 10:00–19:00
December 7 (Sun) 10:00–18:00
- Access: From JR Tokyo Station, take JR Keiyo line, get off at "Kaihin Makuhari - Station," 5-minute walk (Makuhari Messe, Halls 1-6)
- Entrance fee: Same-day ticket 5,900 yen / Advance ticket 5,500 yen
- Website: https://tokyocomiccon.jp/en/
- X: https://x.com/tokyocomiccon
The author explains each event held at Tokyo Comic Con 2025
"Exhibition" where you can see props from various works
Source:Official website
One of the highlights of Comic Con is the exhibition of costumes and set props used in actual movies.
At past Tokyo Comic Cons, bikes used in "Terminator 2," the DeLorean from "Back to the Future," "BATMAN" suits, and droids appearing in "Star Wars" such as R2-D2 were exhibited. By viewing items used in movies up close, you can experience feeling closer to the movie's world. You can also take photos together, so it's an irresistible corner for fans.
"Stage Event" where artists and actors appear
Source:PR TIMES
The corner that many visitors look forward to at Comic Con is the Stage Event where artists and actors appear. Talk shows by actors and voice actors who appeared in movies are valuable opportunities to feel the movie's world firsthand.
This year, over 10 celebrities are already scheduled to appear, including Elijah Wood from "Lord of the Rings" and Christopher Lloyd from "Back to the Future." As a "Star Trek" fan, I am very much looking forward to meeting Karl Urban.
There are also autograph sessions and photo sessions with the celebrities, so if you have a celebrity you support, please check this out as well.
"ARTIST ALLEY" where you can interact with various artists
Source:Official website
One of the real pleasures of Comic Con is the ARTIST ALLEY where you can purchase works directly from domestic and international artists. The ability to enjoy interactions with Japanese manga artists and creators is also a unique attraction of Tokyo Comic Con 2025. Since you can purchase works while interacting with artists, you can enjoy dream-like interactions such as getting autographs on purchased works or having them draw your favorite characters.
C.B. Cebulski, the editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, also participates every year, so if you're lucky, you might be able to meet him this year as well. Please enjoy interacting with creators you've wanted to meet at least once.
"Cosplay by visitors" that many fans eagerly await every year
Source:Official website
One of the elements that enliven Comic Con is the cosplay by visitors. There are many cosplayers with extremely high quality, and I can't help but be impressed, thinking "Is that real!?" Especially at Comic Con, there are many elaborate armors from Star Wars and Marvel heroes, and you can feel the visitors' passion for the works. When you talk to them, many have enthusiastic feelings about the works, so one of the attractions is that you can enjoy interactions through characters from works you love.
※When photographing cosplayers, be sure to get their permission before taking photos.
Original Goods Released by Famous Brands
Source:MARVEL Store
At Comic Con, you can purchase original goods that are available exclusively at the event venue. This year at Tokyo Comic Con 2025, limited edition items featuring characters from Marvel and DC Comics, as well as Warner Bros. franchises including Harry Potter and Star Wars, will be on sale.
Venue-exclusive goods serve as great mementos of attending the event, so if you have a favorite content, you definitely want to purchase them. Popular items tend to sell out in the morning, so if there are specific goods you want, we recommend making your purchase in the morning.
Exhibitor Booths That Change Every Year
Source:Official website
Exhibitor booths are also essential to Comic Con. The content varies each time, from photo booths where you can take pictures while enjoying the world of Avengers heroes lined up, to booths like the major figure manufacturer "Hot Toys" that display and sell their latest products.
This year, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its Japanese release, a "Back to the Future" original shop booth will also be featured as one of the event's highlights at Tokyo Comic Con 2025.
Enjoy browsing the booths while shopping and experiencing the world of various works.
Comic Con Lottery with Luxurious Prizes
Source:Official X
If you're going to Comic Con, be sure to try the "Comic Con Lottery." Last time, for 660 yen per attempt, the prizes included tickets to photo sessions with celebrities, autographed bags, and seats at stage events—items that make the event even more enjoyable. At the previous Osaka Comic Con, the prizes were further upgraded with figures and apparel products added to the lineup.
This Lottery is sold online before the event. Why not participate and build up excitement before Tokyo Comic Con 2025? (Prize redemption takes place at the Comic Con venue.)
Food Corner with Various Delicious Cuisines
Source:Official X
Tokyo Comic Con 2025 is also committed to "aiming to be the most delicious Comic Con in the world!" Inside the venue, there are over 10 food trucks lined up, allowing you to enjoy meals like at a food festival. You can enjoy high-quality, hearty food including meat dishes like hamburgers, curry rice, and Seafood Bowl, satisfying both your stomach and heart.
This year, sweets will also be enhanced, so I'm looking forward to seeing what kinds of sweets will be available.
Tokyo Comic Con 2025 Ticket Information and Notes
[Ticket Prices]
- 3DAY PASS: ¥9,900 (limited quantity)
- 1-Day Ticket (advance): General ¥5,500 / U-18 ¥1,000 / U-15 ¥500
- 1-Day Ticket (same day): General ¥5,900 / U-18 ¥1,000 / U-15 ¥500
- Elementary school students and under: Free with guardian accompaniment (unaccompanied elementary school students and under cannot enter)
- Advance ticket sales period: From Monday, July 28, 2025, 12:00
If you want to fully enjoy the event, we recommend attending all three days. The 3DAY PASS is popular and sells out early, so we recommend purchasing as soon as your plans are confirmed.
Separate tickets are required for autograph sessions, photo sessions, and cosplay participation. Tickets cannot be reissued and entry on dates other than the specified date is not permitted, so when purchasing advance tickets, make sure to finalize your travel schedule before purchasing.
https://tokyocomiccon.jp/ticket
If You Love Japanese Pop Culture, Enjoy a Pilgrimage with a Guide Who Knows Akihabara Inside Out!
If you're interested in Japanese pop culture, why not go on a tour to enjoy "Akihabara," the representative pop culture district of Japan?
On Magical Trip's tour, you'll visit anime goods and Capsule Toys specialty stores with a local guide who loves pop culture, as well as a Maid cafe where you can enjoy interacting with adorable maids, which are essential to Akihabara.
Akihabara has a large area with many shops, so first-time visitors tend to get lost about where to go, but if you join the tour, you can sightsee efficiently as it picks out recommended spots for exploration.
Also, by participating in the tour and asking the guide about shops you want to visit, your individual exploration after the tour ends will lead to an even deeper experience. If you love pop culture, be sure to join the tour and fully enjoy the charm of Akihabara!
- Meeting point: In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR - Akihabara station
- Tour area: Akihabara
- Start time: 14:00
Introducing Events to Enjoy Alongside Tokyo Comic Con 2025 by Month
Pop Culture Events in November
Source:Mori Building
In November, two pop culture events featuring globally popular works will be held.
My first recommendation is "ALL OF EVANGELION" held at "Tokyo City View," the observation deck on the 52nd floor. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this work, production materials such as animation cels and original drawings will be exhibited, allowing you to experience the trajectory of how this world was born. The video presentation of Evangelion Unit 01 installed at the venue entrance, set against Tokyo's night view, is also a must-see.
Another recommendation is "FINAL FANTASY IX 25th ANNIVERSARY THE EXHIBITION" held in Yurakucho, the gateway to Ginza. In addition to exhibiting development materials being shown for the first time, original merchandise available only here will be sold, and original cards will be distributed.
Please visit together with Tokyo Comic Con 2025 and enjoy the world of Japanese pop culture through these works.
<30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION">
Date: November 14, 2025 - January 12, 2026, 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:00)
Access: Get off at Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line → 0 minutes walk from Exit 1C → Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52nd floor)
Entrance fee: Advance ticket ¥2,200 / Same-day ticket ¥2,400
Website: https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp/
X: https://x.com/ao_eva30exhibit
<FINAL FANTASY IX 25th ANNIVERSARY THE EXHIBITION>
- Date: November 22, 2025 - December 7, 2025, 11:00-20:00
- Access: Get off at JR Yurakucho Station → 0 minutes walk from the central exit → Yurakucho Marui 8F SPACE1
- Admission: Advance ticket ¥1,800 / Same-day ticket ¥2,000
- Website: https://ffix25-exhibition.com/
- Official X: https://x.com/ffix25_EX
Pop Culture Events in December
Source:DENGEKI HOBBY WEB
In December, one of Japan's largest pop culture events will be held.
My first recommendation is "Comiket (Winter Comiket)." This is one of Japan's largest anime and game festivals, where fan-made secondary creation manga called "Doujinshi" are sold, and at corporate booths, limited edition goods are sold and distributed for free. Many cosplayers also participate, making it an event where you can feel the passionate enthusiasm of fans.
Another recommendation is "Jump Festa," a festival celebrating the manga magazine "Jump" that has brought popular manga such as "ONE PIECE" and "NARUTO" to the world. Stage shows by voice actors, exhibitions of original drawings, character greetings, and sales of limited edition goods will take place. This is an irresistible event for fans where you can experience the world of Jump manga firsthand.
If your schedule allows, please visit together with Tokyo Comic Con 2025 and experience the passion for Japanese pop culture.
<Comiket (Winter Comiket)>
- Date: December 30-31, 2025, 10:30～16:00
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
- Access: Get off at "Kokusai-Tenjijo" station on Rinkai Line (about 7 minutes walk), or "Tokyo Big Sight" station on Yurikamome Line (about 3 minutes walk)
- Admission: 5,000 yen (One accompanying child under junior high school age free)
- Website: https://www.comiket.co.jp/
<Jump Festa>
- Date: December 20-21, 2025, 9:00～17:00 (last admission16:30)
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall
- Access: Get off at "Kaihin-Makuhari" station on JR Keiyo Line (about 5 minutes walk)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.jumpfesta.com/
Three Tokyo Districts That Pop Culture Fans Should Definitely Visit
Akihabara
While Akihabara is famous as a district dealing with electrical appliances, in recent years it has become a pilgrimage destination visited by many customers from both inside and outside Japan as a holy land for Otaku, representing Japanese pop culture. It is a heaven-like area where you can fully enjoy Japanese pop culture, including anime and game goods shops, capsule toy specialty stores, card shops, game centers, and maid cafes.
As a representative store, "Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba Store," directly connected to Akihabara Station, is famous. In addition to electrical appliances, the sales area for anime goods, game software, and capsule toys is extensive, allowing you to enjoy shopping so much that you lose track of time.
- Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba Store: Directly connected to Akihabara Station
Ikebukuro
While Akihabara has many shops targeting men, Ikebukuro is an area with many shops targeting women. In particular, there are many shops dealing with secondary creation manga called "Doujinshi," where you can enjoy shopping with a treasure-hunting sensation.
When it comes to famous areas in Ikebukuro, there is "Otome Road," which extends 200m near the main store of "Animate," one of Japan's representative anime shops.
Additionally, anime events are regularly held at Sunshine City, the symbol of Ikebukuro. When visiting Ikebukuro, please be sure to visit there as well.
- Otome Road: 200m area near Animate main store
- Sunshine City: Regularly hosts anime events
Nakano
When discussing Japanese pop culture, Nakano cannot be overlooked. Compared to Akihabara and Ikebukuro, it has a deeper and more niche image, and visiting it together with Tokyo Comic Con will make your Japan trip even more memorable.
The center of Nakano's pop culture is a shopping mall called "Nakano Broadway." Many shops selling figures, plastic models, and used books are located there, and I often went there to look for Star Wars goods when I was a student. Among them, the presence of "Mandarake," a shop representing Japanese pop culture, is overwhelming, and it's enjoyable just to look around.
- Nakano Broadway: Shopping mall with many figure, plastic model, and used book shops
- Mandarake: Representative Japanese pop culture shop
If You Want to Enjoy Authentic Japan, Have a Local Guide Show You Around the City!
After enjoying Japanese pop culture, why not also experience the charms of Japanese history, culture, and food? Magical Trip offers tours where you can sightsee together with local guides knowledgeable about history and culture in 9 cities nationwide, centered around Tokyo.
The appeal of Magical Trip's tours is that they are held in small groups. You can enjoy sightseeing in a friendly manner with the guide and other members, making for a more memorable trip. As for tour content, we have prepared over 30 tours in Tokyo alone, ranging from major tourist spots to tours that visit deep spots. Please check them out and make your Japan trip even more fulfilling.
