Tokyo Auto Salon

Cars, culture & pure horsepower

Venue: Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Greater Tokyo)

When: January 9–11, 2026

If you love cars even half as much as we love them, the Tokyo Auto Salon is your dream runway. This isn’t just another Tokyo car show, it’s where Japan’s finest custom rides, wild concepts, and cutting-edge tech strut their stuff under the spotlights. From January 9–11, 2025, Makuhari Messe became the world’s hottest showroom, where “shiny” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Whether you call it the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Tokyo car salon, or simply the Japan auto show of the year, it’s one spectacle you’ll want to mark in your calendar.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 Key Details

What to Expect at Tokyo Auto Salon

Imagine it as automobile fashion week: glitzy debuts, elegant designs, and aftermarket components that are so well-polished that you can see your reflection. As you stroll through the corridors, you'll discover:

• Custom cars & concept reveals from global brands and local legends (check out the images below for an example of the futuristic concept cars you can see at the Tokyo event)

• Stage shows & live performances—yes, even cars deserve a soundtrack

• Outdoor action with demo runs and high-octane displays

• Crowds, lots of them (258,000+ people in 2025!)

Who Is Tokyo Auto Salon For?

• Gearheads & car photographers - Instagram heaven, darling

• Shoppers & builders - aftermarket paradise: wheels, parts, accessories
  Families - kids under 12 are free (though Saturday crowds can test anyone’s patience)

• Industry insiders & press - Friday morning is your stage; general fans can join from 14:00

If cars are your guilty pleasure, or your religion, this event is designed for you.

Pro Tips

• Buy tickets early: E-tickets only, no walk-ups at the door.

• Pick your day wisely: Friday PM is calmer, Saturday is packed, Sunday mellows by late afternoon.

• Eat smart: No food stalls inside, so plan meals at Makuhari Messe cafés or the nearby Aeon Mall.

• Pack essentials: Power bank, comfy shoes, layers (January drafts sneak into those halls).

• Accessibility: Discounts/refunds for visitors with disabilities, check at the info desk.

What to Wear at Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo in January? Cool but stylish. For the outdoor demonstration area, choose layers, sneakers that you can wear all day, and perhaps a chic jacket. And believe me when I say that striking colors contrast well with chrome if you're planning selfies with the vehicles.

How to Get to Tokyo Auto Salon

• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Keiyō Line to Kaihimmakuhari (~30 min). Walk 5 minutes to Makuhari Messe.
  
  

• From Haneda Airport: Limousine bus (~50 min) or Monorail/Keikyū - JR Keiyō Line - Kaihimmakuhari.
  
  

• From Narita Airport: Airport bus (~40 min) or Narita Express to Tokyo, then JR Keiyō Line - Kaihimmakuhari.
  
  

Insider tip: The Keiyō platforms at Tokyo Station are a long walk from the Shinkansen, so budget extra transfer time.

And if you’re city-hopping? Do it in style with a JR Pass. Keep your maps and translations flowing with Pocket Wi-Fi, and glide past airport stress with an Airport Meet & Greet.

Nearby Recommendations

• Food: Grab a bite at Makuhari Messe cafés or head to Aeon Mall for more options.

• Attractions: Tokyo Bay waterfront strolls or a quick train back into central Tokyo for nightlife.

• Hotels: Skip the commute, book hotels near Makuhari Messe or go for luxe Tokyo stays.

More About Tokyo Auto Salon

Since its inception in 1983, this event has developed into the premier event for the Japanese auto show industry. The fact that more than 258,000 people visited in three days in 2025 is evidence that custom culture is still very much alive and well. TAS is more than simply automobiles; it's also about performance, community, and Japan's distinctive approach to transforming industry into art.

Planning Your Visit

• Book early - hotels near Kaihimmakuhari sell out fast.

• Lock in transport - JR Pass for intercity travel, IC cards for local lines.

• Stay connected - reserve Pocket Wi-Fi.

• Arrive stress-free - try Meet & Greet at Narita or Haneda.

FAQs About Tokyo Auto Salon

Q. Do I need a ticket?

A. Yes, E-tickets only, no on-site sales.

Q. Is it kid-friendly?

A. Yes, kids 12 & under enter free with an adult.

Q. Where is it held?

A. Makuhari Messe, Chiba, 5 minutes from Kaihimmakuhari Station.

Q. What are the 2025 dates & times?

A. January 9–11, 2025. Fri (public from 14:00), Sat 9:00–19:00, Sun 9:00–18:00.

People Also Ask

Where is the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025?

Makuhari Messe in Chiba, which is approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo and a 5-minute walk from Kaihimmakuhari Station (JR Keiyō Line), is the venue for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

Is Tokyo Auto Salon open to the public?

Yes, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and Sunday, January 12, 2025, the Tokyo Auto Salon will be accessible to the general public. On Friday, January 10, the public can access starting at 2:00 PM with a premium ticket, but the morning is reserved for industry.

How often is the Tokyo Auto Salon?

The Tokyo Auto Salon is held once a year every January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, near Tokyo.