By Harry Nara · Last updated
- Opening dayThursday 16 September 2027
- Respect for the Aged Day, a national holidayMonday 20 September 2027
- Where
- Makuhari Messe
- Tickets
- Ticketed
- Time of year
- September
- Dates
- Around the same dates every year
The organisers have announced Thursday 16 to Monday 20 September 2027 at Makuhari Messe, five days again. In 2026 the first two days were for the trade and the public came on the last three, and the 2027 split, expected to match with public days from Saturday 18 to Monday 20 September, is confirmed with ticket sales. In 2026 the fifth day was cancelled as a typhoon approached.
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Tokyo Game Show is one of the world’s largest video game exhibitions, held each September at Makuhari Messe, a convention centre in Chiba about half an hour from central Tokyo by train. The opening days have been for the trade only, with the public days following over a holiday weekend, when the big studios’ playable demos draw queues of hours. Tickets are bought in advance, around ¥3,000 for a public day in a recent year, and the organisers warn that same-day tickets may not be sold. The Family Game Park for children is free.
What Tokyo Game Show actually is
The show is run by CESA, the Japanese games industry association, and fills Makuhari Messe’s halls with the publishers’ stands, playable builds of unreleased games, an indie area, e-sports events and cosplay. It now runs for five days, the business days first and the public days after.
For a visitor, the public days are the show. Japanese and international studios bring demos you cannot play anywhere else yet, merchandise that sells out, and stage presentations streamed live; the halls are at their busiest in the first hours of each day.
It falls in typhoon season. In a recent year the last public day was called off as a typhoon approached, which is worth remembering when you book flights and hotels around it.
Where to go
- The big publisher stands. The flagship demos are here, and so are the longest queues, which are often closed once full for the day. Head for the one you care most about first thing.
- The indie area and e-sports stages. Smaller studios, shorter waits and the chance to talk to the people who made the game; the e-sports finals draw their own crowd.
- Family Game Park. A separate, free area for children of junior high school age and younger with their parents, with games chosen for them.
Tickets and what it costs
Tickets are sold ahead online and through Japanese retailers, by day: a standard public-day ticket cost around ¥3,000 in a recent year, with priority-entry and premium passes costing more. The organisers say same-day tickets may not be available, so buy before you travel.
Business days are for registered trade visitors only, and every visitor’s bag is checked at the entrance.
Official information and booking: tgs.cesa.or.jp/en
Getting there
Kaihin-Makuhari on the JR Keiyo Line is the station for Makuhari Messe, about 30 to 40 minutes from Tokyo Station; trains and the walk from the station are packed at opening time on public days.
Stay in central Tokyo and travel out, or book early near Makuhari: the public days fall on a national holiday weekend, when rooms around the venue fill.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Planning to buy a ticket at the door
Same-day tickets may not be sold. Buy online before the trip.
Trying to go on a business day
The opening days have been trade only. The public goes on the weekend days; check the ticket page.
Arriving at midday
The popular demos fill their queues within hours of opening. Be there before the doors open.
Booking flights around the last day
September is typhoon season, and a day can be cancelled. Leave slack in your plans.
Other Tokyo events
Frequently asked questions
When is Tokyo Game Show?
In September at Makuhari Messe, with trade days first and public days at the weekend; the dates card above shows this year’s.
How much are Tokyo Game Show tickets?
A standard public-day ticket cost around ¥3,000 in a recent year, bought in advance; priority and premium passes cost more.
Can you buy Tokyo Game Show tickets at the door?
Not reliably. The organisers say same-day tickets may not be available, so buy online beforehand.
How do I get to Tokyo Game Show from Tokyo?
Take the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Kaihin-Makuhari, about 30 to 40 minutes, then walk to Makuhari Messe.
Is Tokyo Game Show good for children?
Yes. The Family Game Park is free for children of junior high school age and younger with their parents, with games picked for them.
Sources
Dates on this page are checked against the organiser’s own listing and confirmed through 2027. Written and maintained by Harry Nara.