Tokyo Big Sight, also known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center, is the largest convention and exhibition center in Japan. It is in the Odaiba area of Tokyo and hosts numerous conferences, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.
The first thing you’ll notice about Big Sight is the unique architecture of its 58-meter high eight-story Conference Tower. The center is situated on the shore of Tokyo Bay, about 30 minutes by rail from Tokyo Station.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, Tokyo Big Sight has become a popular destination for both domestic and international events.
Location and History
Tokyo Big Sight is an international convention center in the Odaiba district of Tokyo that was opened in 1996 and has since become one of the largest and most well-known event venues in Japan. Its most distinctive feature is the unique architecture of its 58 meters (190 ft) high eight-storey Conference Tower, which has become an iconic landmark of the Odaiba area.
Over the years, Tokyo Big Sight has hosted a wide range of events, including international conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and concerts. Some of the most notable events held at the center include the Tokyo Motor Show, the Tokyo Game Show, and the Tokyo International Anime Fair.
It offers some great facilities and services to ensure that events run smoothly, including state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, interpretation services, and on-site catering. The center also has a dedicated team of staff who are experienced in event management and can provide support and guidance to organizers.
Overall, Tokyo Big Sight is a world-class event venue that has played an important role in promoting international exchange and fostering cultural understanding. Its convenient location, modern facilities, and commitment to excellence make it a top choice for both event organizers and visitors.
Facilities and Features
The International Exhibition Halls are the main attraction of Tokyo Big Sight, providing over 100,000 square meters of exhibition space. The halls are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, audio-visual equipment, and lighting systems that can be customized to meet the needs of any event. Additionally, the halls are designed to be modular, allowing for flexible configurations that can be adapted to suit any exhibition or conference.
The Conference Tower is another iconic feature of Tokyo Big Sight, with its glass and titanium-paneled design and unique inverted pyramid shape. The tower houses a range of conference rooms, including a 1,100-seat reception hall and four conference rooms of varying sizes. The tower also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a popular venue for corporate events and private functions.
For outdoor events, the Open Exhibition Space gives you a versatile and picturesque setting. The space is surrounded by water and greenery and can accommodate up to 20,000 people. The space is equipped with power and water facilities, making it ideal for outdoor exhibitions, concerts, and festivals.
Other features of Tokyo Big Sight include a range of restaurants and cafes, a business center, and a range of support services, including security, cleaning, and technical support. The center is also conveniently in the Odaiba area of Tokyo, with easy access to public transport and a range of hotels and accommodation options.
Events and Exhibitions
With its 16 exhibition halls and 24 conference rooms, it hosts around 300 various events each year.
The center is known for its flexibility in accommodating different types of events, from trade shows and exhibitions to concerts and sports events. Some of the notable events that have been held at Tokyo Big Sight include Tokyo Motor Show, Tokyo Game Show, and AnimeJapan.
One of the most popular events held at Tokyo Big Sight is the Comiket, also known as the Comic Market, which is the world’s largest self-published comic book fair. It is held twice a year, in summer and winter, and attracts more than half a million visitors each time.
Aside from the big events, Tokyo Big Sight also hosts many smaller events and exhibitions that cater to different interests and industries. You can check the center’s website for a detailed schedule of upcoming events and exhibitions, and purchase tickets online.
Accessibility and Transportation
Tokyo Big Sight is well-connected to various modes of transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors from all over the world. The convention center is in the Ariake district of Tokyo’s Koto ward and is within walking distance of Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Yurikamome Line. This station is also wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for visitors with mobility issues.
For those arriving from Narita International Airport, the convention center is just a 60-minute train ride away. You can take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, and then transfer to the Yurikamome Line to reach Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. Alternatively, you can take a limousine bus directly from the airport to Tokyo Big Sight.
If arriving from Haneda Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, and then transfer to the Yamanote Line to reach Tokyo Station. From there, you can take the Yurikamome Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. There is also a direct limousine bus from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Big Sight.
For visitors arriving by car, there are several parking areas available at Tokyo Big Sight. However, parking can be quite expensive, with rates starting at ¥1,500 for the first two hours.
Overall, Tokyo Big Sight’s convenient location and accessibility options make it a great choice for visitors looking to attend events and exhibitions in Tokyo.
Future Plans
Tokyo Big Sight has announced plans to become a sustainable city of the future. The municipal government of Tokyo plans to build a high-tech, sustainable city on reclaimed land in its bay area. New technologies will be used to make the city carbon-neutral and better able to withstand future climate and health crises. It’s hoped the project will provide a blueprint of what global cities of the future should look like.
The project will feature various sustainable technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and rainwater harvesting systems. The city will also have a network of electric vehicles and smart traffic management systems. The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to 2000 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The new sustainable city will also have a focus on improving the quality of life for its residents. The city will have parks, green spaces, and other amenities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The city will also have a strong emphasis on community, with spaces for people to gather and interact.
