Winter Comiket
Doujin dreams, year-end magic
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo)
When: December 30–31 (winter edition, held every year)
Pssst, if you've heard whispers about the "winter comiket in Kyoto," consider this your narrative twist: the festival is always held in Tokyo. And it's wonderful. Think enormous halls at Tokyo Big Sight, aisles of self-published manga (dōjinshi), wall-to-wall cosplay, and an end-of-year excitement that seems like New Year's Eve for anime and game fans. If summer Comiket is a hot-weather romance, winter Comiket is the calm, collected crush you carry home. Come for the dōjinshi, stay for the inventiveness, and depart with a tote full of treasure and a camera roll filled with world-class cosplay.
Dates |
December 30–31, 2025. |
Opening Hours |
General entry typically begins around 10:00 AM with wave-based admission (Early/AM/PM entry windows). Closing is usually mid-to-late afternoon (around 4:00–5:00 PM). Exact times are confirmed closer to the event; follow the official guidance. |
Location |
Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo. Pictured below. |
Admission |
Admission now uses timed-entry wristbands/e-tickets (AM/PM entry). International visitors typically purchase e-tickets (exchanged on-site for wristbands). Availability, sales windows, and prices are announced by the organizers each edition. |
Official Website |
|
Nearest Station |
Kokusai-Tenjijō (Rinkai Line) / Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome). (Venue confirmed in official materials; rail access details vary by route planners.) |
Organizer |
Comic Market Preparatory Committee. |
Winter Comiket is a two-day fan-first marketplace where independent creators (dōjin circles) sell directly to fans. Imagine holding a map in your palm, your heart pumping, and following your circle wishlist like a treasure hunt. There are industry booths, cosplay zones, and a social vibe that resembles a million fandom reunions, which it almost certainly is.
Highlights you’ll love:
Dōjinshi aisles sorted by genre/fandom—come early for popular circles.
Cosplay done with runway-level care; photo etiquette matters (ask before shooting).
Industry areas with merch and promos, often with limited goodies.
Line choreography—staff guide massive queues like calm conductors.
Cash-first reality—many circles are cash-only. Consider small bills.
Crowds are intense, but the vibe is generous. Think less “con crunch” and more “organized enthusiasm.”
Hardcore fans & collectors: You know your circles; you’ve set alarms. Go Early/AM entry if you must-have limited books.
First-timers & casual fans: PM entry is gentler; stroll, sample, and soak in the spectacle.
Cosplayers & photographers: Heaven, just follow the cosplay registration and photo etiquette rules (posted on-site each edition).
Families: It’s safe and well run, but expect long lines; bring snacks and a game plan.
International travelers: English support exists on official info pages; signage is mostly JP with icons.
If you follow the flow and do your research, you will receive a high tourist friendliness score.
Ticket strategy: Decide Early vs AM vs PM entry based on priorities; popular dōjinshi sell out fast.
Arrive early, queue smart: Entry is in waves. Staff will guide you. Just follow instructions and markings.
Bring cash & a power bank: Many circles are cash-only; maps and message apps drain batteries.
Pack light + tote: You’ll be walking for hours. A foldable tote for loot is essential.
Breaks = sanity: Use rest zones, hydrate, and snack.
Etiquette: Always ask before photographing cosplayers; be mindful of crowd flow.
Accessibility: The venue is modern; however, peak crowds can be challenging, consider PM entry for more space
It’s winter by the bay, darling. Layer up. You’ll line up outdoors, then walk indoors for hours.
Outer: Warm coat you can unbutton quickly.
Core: Breathable layers; the halls get warm.
Feet: Supportive sneakers because fashion can wait; your arches can’t.
Cosplay: Check this edition’s cosplay policies in advance and plan for warm-up pieces between shoots.
From Tokyo Station: JR to Shin-Kiba - Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijō, or JR to Shimbashi - Yurikamome to Tokyo Big Sight.
From Shinjuku/Shibuya: Rinkai Line via Osaki to Kokusai-Tenjijō, or connect to Yurikamome.
Airport routes: From Haneda, monorail/JR or Keikyu to central Tokyo, then transfer as above. From Narita, JR or Keisei to the city, then Rinkai/Yurikamome.
(Always confirm your exact route on the day, rail works and crowd controls can adjust station flows during mega-events.)
Food & Drink (quick wins): Convenience stores and food courts inside/near the venue keep you moving; for a proper meal, explore Toyosu/Ariake after you’ve bagged your circles.
Attractions: TeamLab Borderless (Ariake), Odaiba’s waterfront parks, and shopping at DiverCity for a cooldown stroll post-hall marathon.
Hotels: Stay in Ariake/Toyosu/Odaiba for walkable mornings. Use JapanDen Hotels near Ariake to compare properties with early breakfasts and easy rail access.
A few manga fans met in a little community hall in December 1975 to exchange hand-drawn tales and photocopied dreams during a winter in Tokyo. Even though there were only a few hundred fans and thirty-two creators, something incredible was created that day.
Comiket, the center of Japanese fan culture, was born out of that spark. Tokyo Big Sight becomes a living manga metropolis twice a year, in the summer and the winter. With papers fluting like snowflakes, cosplayers posing everywhere, and artists scrawling signatures with anxious pride, the atmosphere is teeming with creation.
It's no little gathering today. With the same fervor that ignited it all, hundreds of thousands of people rush through its doors. Every winter, on December 30 and 31, there are two days where fandom is like family and art is money.
Stay: Book early with JapanDen Hotels near Ariake for easy access and late check-outs.
Transport: Traveling beyond Tokyo? The JR Pass saves on Shinkansen trips nationwide. Exploring only the Kanto region? Opt for a Regional Pass for shorter journeys.
Connectivity: Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi or add a SIM card to your JR Pass order for translation and navigation on the go.
Meet & Greet: Upgrade your arrival with Meet & Greet Service, a friendly assistant to guide you from airport to hotel so you can skip the jet-lag confusion.
Cultural Notes: Cash rules, queues are sacred, and courtesy is queen. Follow signs and staff directions, and Japan will love you for it.
Q. Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Admission uses timed-entry wristbands or e-tickets (Early / AM / PM slots).
Q. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, with supervision. PM entry is less crowded and easier for families.
Q. Is there shelter from rain?
The event is indoors, but entry lines may extend outside so bring an umbrella or hooded coat.
Q. Are pets allowed?
No, except for service animals.
Q. Are there English signs?
Yes. Most major instructions include English translations or clear icons.
Winter Comiket is held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo
Comiket 2025 (Winter Edition) will take place on December 30 and 31, 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo.
Yes, foreigners are absolutely welcome at Comiket. Many signs include English, volunteers can assist international visitors, and tickets can be bought online in advance.
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