Makuhari Messe

The buildings of Makuhari Messe are divided into three zones – the International Exhibition Hall, the International Conference Hall and the Makuhari Hall. The International Exhibition area – comprised of eight halls – was allegedly designed to resemble the peaks located in Chiba Prefecture’s Boso Peninsula. The site also includes a 9000-seat events hall, which is most noted for hosting perennially popular events such as Tokyo Auto Salon, Tokyo Game Show and Jump Festa. 

Makuhari Messe is also a popular venue for concerts. In the last three decades, it has welcomed acts as diverse as the Summer Sonic music festival, Australian singer Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and heavy-metal-themed OzzFest. The center even holds the distinction of having hosted the largest concert by a single act - the Japanese rock band Glay - in 1999, a feat that was memorialized in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Makuhari Messe is scheduled to host several sporting events during the Tokyo Olympics in the summer of 2020 – fencing, taekwondo, karate and wrestling. Several Paralympics events are also slated for this site, including wheelchair fencing and sitting volleyball.

Those who wish to explore more of the area will find no shortage of activities. The Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team play their home games at nearby Chiba Marine Stadium, while families enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Makuhari Seaside Park. Makuhari Messe is also just a short train ride from Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea. Near Kaihin-Makuhari station, the Mitsui Outlet Park makes a popular stop for those seeking top deals on discount goods.