First Time at Makuhari Messe | A Complete Guide for International Visitors
Makuhari Messe is a large-scale convention complex located in Makuhari New City, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, consisting of three facilities: the International Exhibition Hall, the International Conference Hall, and Makuhari Event Hall.
It hosts a wide variety of events, including international trade fairs, exhibitions, corporate conferences, music concerts, esports tournaments, and ceremonies, and it regularly welcomes large-scale events featuring overseas artists and companies.
This guide covers how to get to Makuhari Messe, along with nearby hotels, dining options, and practical tips for your visit.
Use this guide to get ready and make the most of your visit to an event at Makuhari Messe.
| Address | 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-8550, Japan |
| Phone Number | +81-43-296-0001 (Main) |
| Nearest Station | Approx. 5 minutes on foot from the South Exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line |
| Official Website | https://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/ |
Getting to Makuhari Messe
Makuhari Messe is about a 5-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line, and direct buses also operate from both Narita and Haneda airports, making it easy to reach from within Japan and from overseas. Start by checking how to get from your arrival point in Japan to the venue.
From Narita Airport to Makuhari Messe
- Highway Bus (Direct) Official : Approx. 60 minutes. Direct Keisei Bus services operate from Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Get off at the “Makuhari Messe Chuo” bus stop and the venue is right in front of you. With no transfers required, this is a comfortable option if you have a lot of luggage. For fares and timetables, please check the official Keisei Bus timetable for details.
- Train (JR Narita Line → JR Keiyo Line): Approx. 80–90 minutes. From Narita Airport Station, take the JR Narita Line to Chiba Station, transfer to the Sotobo Line to Soga Station, then take the JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station. The advantage of this route is its reliability, as it is unaffected by road traffic.
- By Car (via Higashi-Kanto Expressway) Official : Approx. 30 minutes. It is about 5 minutes from either Wangan-Chiba I.C. or Wangan-Narashino I.C. Actual travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
From Haneda Airport to Makuhari Messe
- Highway Bus (Direct) Official : Approx. 40 minutes. Highway buses run from each Haneda Airport terminal to either “Kaihin-Makuhari Station” or “Makuhari Messe Chuo.” With no transfers required, this is a direct and convenient way to reach the venue. For fares and timetables, please check the official Keisei Bus timetable for details.
- Train (Tokyo Monorail → Rinkai Line → JR Keiyo Line): Approx. 50 minutes. From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Isle Station, transfer to the Rinkai Line to Shin-Kiba Station, then take the JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station. The key benefit is that the route is not affected by traffic congestion.
- By Car (via Higashi-Kanto Expressway) Official : Approx. 40 minutes. It is about 5 minutes from Wangan-Narashino I.C. Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to Makuhari Messe 🚶
Makuhari Messe can be reached from the following three stations. On the day of your visit, it is usually easiest to follow the crowd from Kaihin-Makuhari Station, the nearest station, or from Makuhari-Hongo Station.
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JR Keiyo Line “Kaihin-Makuhari Station” On Foot Approx. 5 minutes
Highlights: This is the nearest and most direct route. As officially recommended, allow extra time because the venue is large. Exit from the South Exit, walk straight ahead, cross the Skyway pedestrian bridge, and follow the signs to the venue. From Tokyo Station, the rapid train takes about 30 minutes.
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JR Keiyo Line “Makuhari-Toyosuna Station” On Foot Approx. 20 minutes
Highlights: A newer station that opened in 2023. Because it is farther from Makuhari Messe, it is better suited to travelers with extra time.
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JR Sobu Line / Keisei Line “Makuhari-Hongo Station” → Keisei Bus Approx. 17 minutes
Highlights: Take a bus bound for “Makuhari Messe Chuo,” and the venue is right in front of you after getting off. This option is convenient if you are coming from areas served by the Sobu Line or Keisei Line.
Event Facilities at Makuhari Messe
Makuhari Messe consists of three facilities across four buildings, all connected by second-floor walkways. With movable partitions in the exhibition halls, layouts can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate everything from small meetings to large-scale exhibitions.
| Facility | Total Floor Area | Exhibition Area / Main Rooms | Ceiling Height | Main Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Exhibition Hall Exhibition Halls 1–8 | 99,134㎡ | 54,000㎡ (6,750㎡ × 8 halls, which can be divided with movable partitions) | Max 30m / Min 15m | Trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, ceremonies, parties |
| International Exhibition Hall Exhibition Halls 9–11 | 37,225㎡ | 18,000㎡ (Hall 9: 9,000㎡ / Halls 10 & 11: 4,500㎡ each) | Max 34m / Min 16m | Exhibitions, concerts, sports events (suitable for heavy exhibits) |
| International Conference Hall Convention Hall | 16,700㎡ (Building area: 6,846㎡) | 1,390㎡ (up to 1,664 people, theater-style) | 9.0〜7.5m | Ceremonies, symposiums, shareholders’ meetings, parties |
| International Conference Hall International Conference Room | 635㎡ (up to 688 people, theater-style) | 7.0m | International conferences, symposiums, presentations | |
| International Conference Hall Medium and Small Meeting Rooms (18 rooms) | 53–330㎡ per room; some rooms can be divided | 2.7〜6.5m | Training sessions, seminars, business meetings, exams, webinars | |
| Makuhari Event Hall | 15,598㎡ | Arena area: 3,098㎡ 3,948 fixed seats + 912 movable seats + approx. 3,000 temporary seats | Max 27m | Concerts, sports, esports, assemblies, ceremonies |
Sources: Exhibition Halls 1–8 ・ Exhibition Halls 9–11 ・ International Conference Hall ・ Makuhari Event Hall (all from Makuhari Messe’s official facility guide pages)
5 Recommended Hotels
Hotels in Makuhari New City
Starting with the official hotels listed in Makuhari Messe’s city guide, there are plenty of hotel options within walking distance. As rooms often sell out early during large events, it is best to book your hotel as soon as you secure your ticket.
★ Official Hotel / Directly Connected
Hotel New Otani Makuhari
Directly connected to Makuhari Messe via the Skyway (officially stated as a 1-minute walk)
An official hotel listed in Makuhari Messe’s city guide. It features multiple restaurants and bars serving teppanyaki, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, as well as banquet facilities, an all-weather pool, and a spa resort club. It is well suited to long stays and group use.
Official Hotel / Directly Connected
APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari
Directly connected to Makuhari Messe via the Skyway (officially stated as a 1-minute walk)
An official hotel and large-scale resort property. The Central Tower offers ocean views from every room. Guests can use the large public bath free of charge, even late at night, and there are multiple restaurants on-site. Cottage-style rooms for guests traveling with pets are also available.
Recommended
Hotel Francs
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Kaihin-Makuhari Station and 8 minutes from Makuhari Messe
The limousine bus stop for Narita and Haneda airports is right in front of the hotel, making airport access especially convenient. All rooms are non-smoking, and the hotel is well equipped, making it a good choice for travelers going back and forth between the airport and the venue.
Recommended
Hotel Green Tower Makuhari
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from the South Exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station
A city hotel in the heart of Makuhari New City. It offers multiple restaurants serving Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, along with banquet facilities, making it suitable for business stays, sightseeing, and group travel.
Recommended
Hotel The Manhattan
Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Kaihin-Makuhari Station and 9 minutes from Makuhari Messe
A luxury hotel distinguished by its art deco interiors. Every guest room has a marble bathroom, and the hotel offers multiple dining options including French, Japanese, and teppanyaki restaurants. The refined atmosphere also makes it suitable for anniversaries and business entertaining.
* Room availability and rates vary by season. Please check the official websites or booking platforms for the latest information.
Recommended Places to Eat
Streetscape around Makuhari Messe
There is a wide variety of dining options around Makuhari Messe. As restaurants can get crowded during major events, it is a good idea to pick out a few favorites in advance.
TAIKAN EN
Chinese Cuisine / Dim Sum Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe (1F, Hotel New Otani Makuhari)
An authentic Chinese restaurant with beautiful garden views through its large windows. It offers dim sum and shark fin courses in an elegant setting suited to everything from casual meals to business dining and entertaining.
SATSUKI All-day Dining
Western Cuisine / Buffet Approx. 8 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe (inside Hotel New Otani Makuhari)
A spacious all-day dining restaurant open from breakfast through dinner. You can also enjoy freshly made hotel breads and pastries here.
Manhattan Dining Bella Rusa
French Cuisine Approx. 9 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe (2F, Hotel The Manhattan)
A French restaurant with high ceilings and an open, airy atmosphere. It offers course meals made with carefully selected ingredients and an extensive wine list, making it a good choice for special occasions and business dinners.
Chin-Tan-Tan Kaihin-Makuhari Ekimae
Chinese Cuisine Approx. 6 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe (4F, aune Makuhari)
A large Chinese restaurant with private rooms. Popular dishes include the shrimp mapo tofu set meal and hot-and-sour noodles, and you can enjoy authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices. Its size also makes it well suited to group dining.
La Veranda
Lunch Buffet Approx. 1 minute on foot from Makuhari Messe (inside APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari)
One of the closest dining options to the venue. This buffet-style restaurant serves items such as roast beef and tempura, and its location makes it easy to use before or after an event.
Sandenmaru Kaihin-Makuhari
Seafood / Izakaya Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe
A seafood izakaya offering fresh seafood dishes and a wide selection of drinks. It is spacious enough for dinner after an event or a group gathering, and because reservations are available, checking in advance is recommended for large parties.
Important Tips
Here are some useful points to keep in mind based on the unique characteristics of the Makuhari area. If this is your first time visiting Makuhari Messe, this section is especially worth a read.
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Arrive with Plenty of Time (Official Recommendation) Makuhari Messe’s official website advises visitors to allow extra time because the facility is large. Even when following the guide signs, it can take around 10 minutes from Kaihin-Makuhari Station to your destination hall, so it is wise to plan to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before the doors open.
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Be Aware of Crowding on the JR Keiyo Line During Major Events Makuhari Messe regularly hosts events that attract tens of thousands of people. Right after an event ends, the platforms and ticket gates at JR Kaihin-Makuhari Station can become extremely crowded, and boarding may take time. When heading back, it helps to leave extra time and avoid the peak rush by waiting a little while inside the venue, for example.
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If You Are Driving, Be Prepared for Parking Congestion Makuhari Messe’s parking lot is first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved, so it may fill up early in the morning on major event days. If you plan to drive, consider arriving well before opening time or using train or bus access instead.
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Book Your Hotel Early When a major event is scheduled at Makuhari Messe, nearby hotels may sell out weeks or even months in advance. Once you secure your ticket, it is strongly recommended that you book your hotel at the same time.
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Prepare a Transit IC Card (Suica / PASMO) Transit IC cards are accepted on the JR Keiyo Line and many buses. After arriving in Japan, it will make your travel smoother if you purchase and top up a Suica card at the airport or a major JR station as soon as possible. More lines are also beginning to accept contactless credit card payments.
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Secure a Coin Locker Early Coin lockers at Kaihin-Makuhari Station and inside the venue may fill up soon after opening during major events. If you have large luggage, try to secure one early. Hotel luggage storage services can also be very helpful.
* The information in this article is based on official websites and other sources available at the time of writing in 2025. Facility specifications are quoted from the official Makuhari Messe facility guide page . Access information, hotel rates, and restaurant opening hours may change, so please check each official website for the latest details.