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.
Dates |
Jan 9–11, 2026 |
Opening Hours |
Fri (Business Day): 9:00–19:00 (public from 14:00 with premium ticket) Sat: 9:00–19:00 Sun: 9:00–18:00 |
Location |
Makuhari Messe, Chiba (Halls 1–11 + Outdoor Arena) |
Admission |
¥3,000 Sat/Sun, ¥4,000 Fri PM (premium). Kids 12 & under free with adult. E-tickets only, no on-site sales. |
Official Website |
|
Nearest Station |
Kaihimmakuhari (JR Keiyō Line), ~5 min walk, ~30 min from Tokyo Station |
Organizer |
Tokyo Auto Salon Association (TASA) |
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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Tokyo Auto Salon is held once a year every January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, near Tokyo.
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