Your First Visit to Makuhari Messe

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, nearby hotels and dining options, and practical points to know before your visit.

Access Guide 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. Below are the routes from the nearest station and from Narita and Haneda airports. Travel times and fares can change with timetable revisions, so please check each operator’s official website for the latest information.

Nearest Stations and Exits for Makuhari Messe

Makuhari Messe is a vast complex made up of three facilities across four buildings, and the nearest gate differs depending on which hall you are using. The official website states that the walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station to Makuhari Messe overall takes about 5 minutes, but reaching your specific gate may take a few minutes longer depending on the distance within the grounds. Checking which gate you need in advance will help you avoid getting lost.

From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to East Gate 3 and East Gate 4 (International Exhibition Hall, Exhibition Halls 9–11)

Exit via the South Exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station, proceed along the 2F Skyway, and head straight toward the Central Rotary (Messe Chuo). The Exhibition Halls 9–11 building will come into view on your right. Exhibition Halls 9–11 are the closest of the three facilities to the station, with East Gate 3 on the east side (loading space side) and East Gate 4 further to the east (Makuhari Messe layout map for Exhibition Halls 9–11).

Walking time: Approx. 5 minutes (Makuhari Messe official website)

From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to East Gate 1 and East Gate 2 (International Exhibition Hall, Exhibition Halls 1–8)

From the South Exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station, take the Skyway toward the Central Rotary as before, then continue past the Exhibition Halls 9–11 building further north to reach the Exhibition Halls 1–8 building. East Gate 1 is on the east side near the parking area, with East Gate 2 further to the north (Makuhari Messe layout map for Exhibition Halls 1–8). Since this is further than Exhibition Halls 9–11, allow around 8 minutes on foot.

Walking time: Approx. 8 minutes

From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to South Gate (South Gate 1 and South Gate 2)

South Gate 1 and South Gate 2 are located on the south plaza side of Exhibition Halls 1–8. The route continues from the Central Rotary toward Exhibition Halls 1–8, then loops around to the south side of the building (facing Messe Odori) (Makuhari Messe layout map for Exhibition Halls 1–8). As this is a slightly longer detour than the East Gate side, allow about 8–10 minutes on foot.

Walking time: Approx. 8–10 minutes

From Kaihin-Makuhari Station to North Gate (International Conference Hall / Makuhari Event Hall)

For the International Conference Hall and Makuhari Event Hall, continue past the Central Rotary and head west to the front plaza to reach North Gate. Since the front plaza sits directly across from the Central Rotary, following the signage makes this route easy to navigate (Makuhari Messe layout map for Exhibition Halls 1–8).

Walking time: Approx. 5 minutes (Makuhari Messe official website)

From Tokyo Station to Makuhari Messe

From JR Tokyo Station, a rapid service on the JR Keiyo Line takes about 30 minutes to Kaihin-Makuhari Station (Makuhari Messe official website). Since you can reach Makuhari Messe from Tokyo Station without transferring, this is also convenient if you are staying at a hotel in central Tokyo and visiting for the day. The Keiyo Line platforms are located some distance from the other lines within Tokyo Station, so allow extra time when transferring.

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.

Choosing Between Kaihin-Makuhari, Makuhari-Toyosuna, and Makuhari-Hongo Stations

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 (for detailed directions to your specific gate, see “Nearest Stations and Exits for Makuhari Messe” above).

  • 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.

  • 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.

Venue Information Summary

  • Official name: Makuhari Messe
  • Address: 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-8550, Japan
  • Nearest station: Approx. 5-minute walk from the South Exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station (JR Keiyo Line)
  • Official website: https://www.m-messe.co.jp/

This section contains affiliate links.

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.

Hotel New Otani Makuhari

Directly connected to Makuhari Messe via the Skyway, officially stated as a 1-minute walk. It is an official hotel listed in Makuhari Messe’s city guide, with multiple restaurants and bars serving teppanyaki, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, plus banquet facilities. It also features an all-weather pool and a spa resort club, making it well suited to long stays and group use.

APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari

Directly connected to Makuhari Messe via the Skyway, officially stated as a 1-minute walk. As 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. Pet-friendly cottage-style rooms are also available.

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, a good choice for travelers going back and forth between the airport and the venue.

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, with multiple restaurants serving Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine plus banquet facilities. Suited to business stays, sightseeing, and group travel alike.

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, with a marble bathroom in every room and multiple dining options including French, Japanese, and teppanyaki. A refined space suited to anniversaries and business entertaining.

▶ See 10 Recommended Hotels near 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.

Chinese Cuisine / Dim Sum

TAIKAN EN

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.

Western Cuisine / Buffet

SATSUKI All-day Dining

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.

French Cuisine

Manhattan Dining Bella Rusa

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.

Chinese Cuisine / Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Chakun Xiaolongbao Kaihin-Makuhari

Approx. 3 minutes on foot from the north exit of Kaihin-Makuhari Station, 7 minutes from Makuhari Messe (1F, Messe Amuse Mall). A Chinese restaurant known for its all-you-can-eat xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) plan. It also serves à la carte dishes such as seafood and mapo tofu in a casual setting, making it an easy option for a light meal before or after an event.

Lunch Buffet

La Veranda

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.

Seafood / Izakaya

Sandenmaru Kaihin-Makuhari

Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Makuhari Messe (1F, Messe Amuse Mall). 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.

Wi-Fi and Facilities at Makuhari Messe

  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi (“Messe_Free_Wi-Fi”) is provided. It is available inside the exhibition halls of the International Exhibition Hall and in shared areas on the 2nd floor (not available in the International Conference Hall or Makuhari Event Hall). Authenticate with an email address or an SNS account (Facebook, X, d Account, Yahoo!, Weibo, or LINE) to connect for up to 180 minutes per session, with unlimited connections per day (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Smoking Area: An outdoor smoking area is provided (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Parking: ¥1,000/day for standard and semi-medium vehicles, ¥4,100/day for large and medium vehicles, ¥200/day for motorcycles. Capacity is 5,000 standard, 120 large, and 50 motorcycle spaces. Free upon exit with presentation of a disability certificate (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Accessibility: Free wheelchair loans are available (limited stock, no advance reservation; ask a security guard on arrival). Ostomate-compatible accessible restrooms are provided throughout. 51 accessible parking spaces (no reservation; free with a disability certificate or Mirairo ID) (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Cloakroom: There is no permanent cloakroom inside the facility (event organizers may set up a temporary one) (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Coin lockers: Located around Exhibition Halls 1–11, the Central Rotary, and around Makuhari Event Hall. Available 8:00–20:00 (hours vary by event). Small ¥400 / Medium ¥500 / Large ¥700, accepting cash, transit IC cards, credit cards, and QR code payments (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • Convenience store: A New Yamazaki Daily Store is located at the Central Entrance (Makuhari Messe official website).
  • ATM: Aeon Bank and Seven Bank ATM branches are located at the Central Entrance. Available 8:00–20:00 (hours vary by event) (Makuhari Messe official website).

Tips Before You Visit

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.

Arrive with Plenty of Time (Official Recommendation)

Makuhari Messe’s official website advises visitors to allow extra time because the facility is large (Makuhari Messe official website). 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.

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 (Makuhari Messe official website states reservations are not possible). If you plan to drive, consider arriving well before opening time or using train or bus access instead.

Secure a Coin Locker Early

Coin lockers at Kaihin-Makuhari Station and inside the venue may fill up soon after opening during major events (Makuhari Messe official website). If you have large luggage, try to secure one early. Hotel luggage storage services can also be very helpful.

Event Venues 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.

FacilityTotal Floor AreaExhibition Area / Main RoomsCeiling HeightMain Uses
International Exhibition Hall Exhibition Halls 1–899,134㎡54,000㎡ (6,750㎡ × 8 halls, which can be divided with movable partitions)Max 30m / Min 15mTrade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, ceremonies, parties
International Exhibition Hall Exhibition Halls 9–1137,225㎡18,000㎡ (Hall 9: 9,000㎡ / Halls 10 & 11: 4,500㎡ each)Max 34m / Min 16mExhibitions, concerts, sports events (suitable for heavy exhibits)
International Conference Hall Convention Hall16,700㎡ (Building area: 6,846㎡)1,390㎡ (up to 1,664 people, theater-style)9.0〜7.5mCeremonies, symposiums, shareholders’ meetings, parties
International Conference Hall International Conference Room635㎡ (up to 688 people, theater-style)7.0mInternational conferences, symposiums, presentations
International Conference Hall Medium and Small Meeting Rooms (18 rooms)53–330㎡ per room; some rooms can be divided2.7〜6.5mTraining sessions, seminars, business meetings, exams, webinars
Makuhari Event Hall15,598㎡Arena area: 3,098㎡ 3,948 fixed seats + 912 movable seats + approx. 3,000 temporary seatsMax 27mConcerts, 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)