Tourism EXPO Japan 2026: Tokyo public-days guide for international residents

Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 opens to the public at Tokyo Big Sight on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. For international residents, it is a practical way to explore destinations from across Japan and overseas in one place, with travel information, cultural performances, food and experiential exhibits.

The first two days, 24 and 25 September, are trade and press days and are not open to the general public.

What are the Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 public opening times?

• Saturday 26 September: 10:00–18:00
• Sunday 27 September: 10:00–17:00

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The venue is Tokyo Big Sight, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo.

These details are confirmed on the official Tourism EXPO Japan public information page.

How much are tickets?

The official ticket page lists advance adult admission at ¥1,200 and same-day adult admission at ¥1,500. One ticket covers one day, so anyone attending both public days needs two tickets.

Children of primary-school age and younger can enter free when accompanied by a guardian. Students with a valid student ID can also enter free after completing the required visitor registration. A discounted ¥1,000 rate is available for eligible disability-certificate holders, with conditions applying to accompanying carers.

Advance tickets are sold through the official site until 23:59 on 25 September. The on-site ticket counter is cashless. Check the official ticket page for the latest conditions before buying.

What is worth seeing for international residents?

Tourism EXPO Japan brings destinations from Japan and around the world into one large exhibition. The organisers describe the event as a mix of tourism information, new travel trends, hands-on experiences, traditional performing arts and food.

For people already living in Japan, the value is not only planning an overseas trip. It is also a chance to discover regions of Japan you may not yet know, compare destinations in one visit and find ideas for weekends and longer domestic trips.

The 2026 theme is “The Changing Nature of Travel”, with a focus on how technology, culture and changing values are shaping travel.

How do you get to Tokyo Big Sight?

The official access page gives two particularly simple rail options:

• Yurikamome: about a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station.
• Rinkai Line: about a 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station.

There are also direct and connecting bus services, including Tokyo BRT from Shinbashi. See the official access guide for current routes.

When is the best time to go?

The organiser warns that the opening period can be especially busy and asks visitors to consider avoiding the initial rush. If your schedule is flexible, arriving after the first wave may make it easier to move around the exhibition.

If you want the longest possible visit, Saturday gives you an extra hour because the event closes at 18:00 rather than 17:00.

Practical tips before you go

• Buy in advance if you are paying adult admission: the advance ticket is cheaper than the same-day price.
• Bring your smartphone. Official e-tickets are designed to be displayed on a phone, and printed versions are not accepted for that ticket type.
• Bring a student ID if relevant. Students can qualify for free admission after registration.
• Plan your priorities. The expo covers many destinations and exhibits, so shortlist the regions or countries you most want to explore.
• Respect photo rules. The organiser asks visitors not to photograph identifiable people without consent and notes that some exhibitors may restrict photography.

Is Tourism EXPO Japan useful if you already live in Japan?

Yes. For an international resident, the expo can work as a large-scale travel-planning day: you can compare Japanese regions, discover cultural experiences and speak to destination representatives without making separate research trips. It is especially useful if you are new to Japan and want ideas beyond the best-known cities.

Last verified: 22 September 2026. Official sources: Tourism EXPO Japan organisers. Photo credit: Florencia Gonzalez Bazzano/Unsplash.