Makuhari Messe

Makuhari Messe is a representative multipurpose convention complex in Japan, located in Makuhari New City in Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. Its official name is the “Japan Convention Center,” and it opened in 1989. It consists of three facilities—the International Exhibition Hall, the International Conference Hall, and the Makuhari Event Hall—and is widely known as one of Asia’s leading international trade fair venues and MICE facilities (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition). It is operated by Makuhari Messe, Inc.

🏢 Facility Composition
1. International Exhibition Hall
Total exhibition area: approximately 72,000 m² (11 halls in total)
Halls 1–8 (approximately 54,000 m²): Flexible layouts are possible thanks to movable partition walls.
Halls 9–11 (approximately 18,000 m²): Designed to accommodate heavy exhibits.
This is the core facility of Makuhari Messe, where many events are held throughout the year, including domestic and international trade fairs, exhibitions, and sales events.

2. International Conference Hall
Number of conference rooms: 22
Suitable for a wide range of uses, including large-, medium-, and small-scale conferences, seminars, receptions, and symposiums.
It is equipped with four simultaneous interpretation booths, making it suitable for international conferences.

3. Makuhari Event Hall
Maximum capacity: approximately 9,000 people
Can be used for concerts, academic conferences, graduation ceremonies, commemorative events, and more.
With its arena-style structure, it is also highly popular as a venue for music live performances and sports events.

📍 Location and Access

Makuhari Messe is located in the center of Makuhari New City, surrounded by shopping facilities, hotels, parks, and more.
Nearest station: Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Keiyo Line’s Kaihin-Makuhari Station
Access from Tokyo Station: Approximately 23 minutes at minimum via Keiyo Line rapid or limited express trains
Access from airports: Direct limousine bus services operate from both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, offering excellent accessibility from both within Japan and abroad.

🎪 Events Held
A wide variety of events are held throughout the year, regardless of genre.
Large-scale international trade fairs and exhibitions (e.g., Tokyo Game Show, Tokyo Auto Salon)
Music festivals and live concerts (e.g., Summer Sonic, GirlsAward)
Public participation events (e.g., Nico Nico Chokaigi, Tokyo Comic Convention)
Official events such as academic conferences, entrance examinations, and ceremonies
The latest schedule can be checked on Makuhari Messe’s official website via the “Event Calendar.”

🏆 Architecture and Awards
Makuhari Messe is also highly regarded for its advanced architectural design.
It has received the 32nd and 40th BCS Awards (Building Contractors Society Award)
IATIA Quaternalio Award
5th Chiba Prefecture Architectural Culture Award
As an architectural work that combines aesthetic beauty and functionality, it holds an important place in Japanese architecture.

🏙 Surroundings and Tourism

There are many attractions around Makuhari Messe that visitors can enjoy alongside event attendance.
Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari (a large outlet mall)
Hotels such as APA Hotel & Resort
ZOZO Marine Stadium (formerly Chiba Marine Stadium)
Mihamaen, a Japanese garden
Thanks to its futuristic appearance, Makuhari Messe is also popular as a filming location for movies, dramas, and TV commercials.

🚶‍♀️ Features and Appeal
The three main facilities are connected at the second-floor level, making movement between venues smooth.
With a vast site of approximately 210,000 m² and extensive facilities, it can be operated flexibly according to the scale and type of event.
It is highly regarded as a place that “connects people and information,” and is used for a diverse range of purposes, from family-oriented events to business events and international conferences.

As one of Japan’s leading international convention facilities, Makuhari Messe serves as a hub for economics, culture, and entertainment. With its excellent accessibility, state-of-the-art facilities, and ability to accommodate a wide variety of events, it attracts many visitors from both Japan and overseas. In addition to attending events, combining a visit with nearby sightseeing and shopping makes this an area where you can enjoy a fulfilling day from start to finish.