AnimeJapan 2025: Tickets, Info & Nearby Attractions

AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world's premier anime conventions, is set to take place at Tokyo Big Sight from March 22 to 25, 2025. This annual event has been a cornerstone of the anime industry since its inception in 2014, bringing together fans, creators and industry professionals to celebrate Japanese animation. 

If you’re thinking about going, here’s everything you need to know!

AnimeJapan is an annual convention that showcases the latest in anime, offering attendees a chance to experience premieres, panels, exhibitions and exclusive merchandise from their favorite anime and manga series. 

It was established in 2014 through the merger of the Tokyo International Anime Fair and the Anime Contents Expo, aiming to create a unified platform for the anime industry — and it definitely delivered. 

The event is organized by the AnimeJapan Executive Committee, which includes major industry players such as Aniplex, Bandai Namco Arts, Kadokawa Corporation and Toei Animation. 

Ticket prices for AnimeJapan 2025 vary based on the type of pass and the days of attendance. 

General admission tickets: For public days (March 22-23), tickets are priced at ¥2,300 per day when purchased in advance and ¥2,600 on the day of the event. 

Business admission tickets: For business days (March 24 and 25), intended for industry professionals, tickets cost ¥5,000 per day. 

Premium passes: There are also premium passes available, offering additional perks such as early entry and exclusive merchandise, priced at ¥7,800.

Tickets for AnimeJapan 2025 can be purchased through the official website's ticketing page. Advance tickets are recommended, as they offer a discount compared to on-the-day purchases and ensure entry, given the event's popularity. 

For international attendees, the website provides an English-language ticketing service. It's advisable to purchase tickets early, as certain passes, especially premium ones, tend to sell out quickly.

Online tickets can be purchased on the Rakuten page and be issued via two methods:

At a 7-Eleven store in Japan: You will receive a number upon your purchase. Show the number at the register in any 7-Eleven store in Japan to print out your ticket.

As a digital ticket: The ticket will be accessible in a web browser through a link received upon your purchase. You will need a device with access to the internet* to show your ticket at the entrance. *There is no free Wi-Fi at the venue.

There are also different venues for purchasing for:

• Korean visitors

• Taiwanese visitors

• People using Trip.com 

For more information on AnimeJapan 2025 tickets, check their official website.

Note: At the time of writing, all tickets that include the Stage Lottery are sold out.

AnimeJapan 2025 will take place at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan’s largest convention and exhibition center. Tokyo Big Sight is located in Ariake, Tokyo, a major hub for events, exhibitions and conventions near Tokyo Bay.

Address: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center), 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan. Check directions to Tokyo Big Sight.

There are multiple ways to reach Tokyo Big Sight via public transportation:

By train:

Yurikamome Line: Get off at Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Station, then walk about 3 minutes.

Rinkai Line: Get off at Kokusai-Tenjijo Station, then walk about 7 minutes.

By bus: Several Tokyo city buses (Toei buses) stop near Tokyo Big Sight.

From the airport: If you're traveling from Narita or Haneda Airport, limousine buses and express trains connect to central Tokyo, where you can transfer to the Yurikamome or Rinkai Line.

Attendees of AnimeJapan 2025 can look forward to a diverse array of events and attractions:

Exhibition booths: Over 150 exhibitors, including major anime studios, production companies and merchandise vendors will showcase their latest projects and products. Attendees can explore interactive displays, participate in games and get exclusive insights into upcoming anime releases.

Stage events: Multiple stages, such as the RED, GREEN, BLUE, and WHITE stages, will host panels, live performances and talk shows featuring voice actors, directors and industry experts. These events provide fans with behind-the-scenes stories and the latest news from the anime world.

Production works gallery: This gallery offers a deep dive into the anime production process, showcasing original artwork, storyboards and concept designs from popular anime. It's an excellent opportunity for aspiring artists and curious fans to understand the intricacies of the animation industry.

Cosplayer’s World: A dedicated area for cosplayers to showcase their creativity, participate in photoshoots and engage with fellow enthusiasts. There will also be cosplay shows and contests, highlighting some of the best costumes and performances.

The “Manga We Want To See Animated” ranking: An exhibition highlighting popular manga titles that fans wish to see adapted into anime. This ranking is based on fan votes and showcases emerging trends in the manga world.

Food Park: A selection of food stalls offering a variety of cuisines, including themed dishes inspired by popular anime series. It's a perfect spot to relax and refuel between events, but we have a few better spots to eat near AnimeJapan 2025 coming up...

AnimeJapan 2025 will feature a vast array of merchandise, catering to both casual fans and dedicated collectors:

Exclusive items: Limited-edition products, such as figurines, posters, apparel and accessories will be available exclusively at the event. These items often feature unique designs or commemorate specific series’ anniversaries.

Studio merchandise: Major studios like Aniplex, Sunrise and Toei Animation will have booths selling official merchandise from their latest (or classic) series. This includes Blu-rays, art books and character goods.

Doujin goods: Independent creators and circles will offer fan-made products, including fanzines, artwork and crafts. These unique items provide a glimpse into the fan community's creativity and passion.

Gacha machines: Various capsule toy machines will be scattered throughout the venue, allowing attendees to try their luck at obtaining mini-figures, keychains and other collectibles related to their favorite anime series.

Sure, AnimeJapan will have a wide range of food vendors, but do you really want to waste money on overpriced, lukewarm options when you could enjoy some of the best Japanese foods?

Yakiniku Heijoen specializes in authentic A5-grade wagyu, offering a rich dining experience for meat lovers. Since 1970, its founder has been dedicated to wagyu, inspired by its tender ribs. Now in Aqua City Odaiba, the restaurant makes premium wagyu accessible to all. 

Their high-quality ingredients ensure exceptional flavors, with set meals designed for affordability. A standout dish is nikusuki, blending savory sirloin with rich egg. 

Just two minutes from Odaiba Station, the spacious, stylish eatery welcomes families and small groups. For tender yakiniku after a day of nerding out at AnimeJapan, there’s nowhere better.

Find out more: Beginner’s Guide to Wagyu

If you haven’t spent your entire travel budget on merch at AnimeJapan, why not treat yourself to dinner with breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay? The Grill on 30th, perched atop the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, offers diners this stunning panorama of Rainbow Bridge. 

Yet, its appeal goes beyond the view — seasonal ingredients from across Japan are expertly grilled, blending Japanese precision with French finesse. The steak selection features top-tier Japanese wagyu, American and Australian cuts, complemented by an international wine cellar.

A rotating menu keeps guests returning, and with bilingual staff and an English menu, The Grill on 30th welcomes visitors from around the world for an unforgettable dining experience.

For a special occasion or a lavish meal — as you deserve after fighting through the cosplay crowds of Japan’s biggest anime convention — Teppanyaki Icho promises an unforgettable dining experience. 

Begin with beautifully presented appetizers before witnessing a fiery teppanyaki spectacle featuring Waoh beef from Kumamoto, a rare Tokyo delicacy. Fresh abalone, sourced live daily, is another highlight. The full-course meal includes lobster, akadashi red miso soup, pickles and other Japanese specialties.

Also located on the 30th floor of the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, pair your meal with breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge.

It may seem surprising, but some of Tokyo’s finest Chinese cuisine can be found at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba. Chinese Restaurant Toh-Lee, a renowned name in Cantonese dining, embraces the concept of “explored and evolved” culinary techniques. 

While rooted in traditional Cantonese flavors, the menu is ever-refined, offering nourishing dishes that comfort both stomach and soul. Signature dishes include Shantung soup and tender braised pork ribs in black vinegar. Their XO sauce, enriched with Jinhua ham, is also a standout. 

The elegant interior blends modern and traditional elements, with five private rooms perfect for gatherings of any size — ideal if you’re meeting up with friends at the exhibition.

Captain’s Bar at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba evokes the feel of a ship captain unwinding after a long voyage. Intimate and sultry, this speakeasy features dark wood, mid-century tones and an elegant sea-green granite bar. 

Windowless by design, it enhances the nautical ambiance, transporting guests to a luxurious ocean liner cabin. The bar boasts an extensive selection of over 80 spirits, including rare Japanese single malts and craft gins. 

Perfect for couples, solo drinkers, or refined anime lovers seeking an escape, it offers tapas, mixed nuts and sausages to complement its exquisite drinks. Chic cocktails and curated music complete the sophisticated experience.

For attendees looking to explore the area around Tokyo Big Sight — or those who didn’t manage to get tickets on the day — there are several attractions and points of interest:

A popular entertainment district located nearby, Odaiba offers shopping centers like DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, which houses the famous life-sized Gundam statue. The area also features the Oedo-Onsen Monogatari hot springs and the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.

Find out more: Best Things to Do in Odaiba

As the tallest structure in Japan, Tokyo Skytree provides panoramic views of the city. The surrounding area, known as Tokyo Solamachi, offers shopping, dining and an aquarium.

Find out more: Where to Eat in Tokyo Skytree

Known as the mecca for anime, manga and electronics enthusiasts, Akihabara is a short train ride away. Visitors can explore numerous shops, themed cafes and arcades dedicated to anime culture.

Find out more: Things To Do in Akihabara

Located in Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum showcases the works of Studio Ghibli, offering exhibits, short films and a peek into the studio's creative process. Advance reservations are required — normally reserved at least a month ahead of your visit. Alternatively, plan to visit Studio Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture!

Find out more: Studio Ghibli food

After more anime goods? Find out where to eat in Akihabara, things to do in Ikebukuro (a famous spot for anime merch!), as well as tasty food in anime and Japanese food-related movies and anime worth watching.