1) What is Tokyo Big Sight?

Tokyo Big Sight (officially Tokyo International Exhibition Center) is Japan’s largest convention and event venue, located in Ariake / Odaiba on Tokyo’s waterfront.

In simple terms, it’s:

  • A major expo hub for tech, anime, gaming, automobiles, travel, and more
  • The iconic home of Comiket(Comic Market) and other fan events
  • A venue for concerts, conferences, and large-scale shows
  • Famous for its distinctive inverted-pyramid Conference Tower—you’ve probably seen it in photos

Nearest stations (most useful to know)

  • Yurikamome Line: Tokyo Big Sight Station (the easiest to understand)
  • Rinkai Line: Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (walkable)

2) How far is Tokyo Big Sight from central Tokyo?

Travel time depends on what you consider “central,” but these are solid planning estimates (including transfers and waiting time):

  • Tokyo Station → Big Sight: ~30–45 min
  • Shinjuku → Big Sight: ~35–55 min
  • Shibuya → Big Sight: ~35–55 min
  • Shinagawa → Big Sight: ~25–40 min
  • Haneda Airport → Big Sight: ~35–60 min

The key takeaway: it’s not far, but it often involves a transfer, so choosing the right hotel base makes a big difference—especially on event days.

3) Best areas to stay (ranked for event trips)

If you’re visiting for Comiket or any event where you want to arrive early and avoid the post-event crowd, choose based on simplicity + crowd control.

1) Top priority: Ariake / Toyosu / Odaiba (closest to the venue)

Best for: early starts, conserving energy, traveling with large luggage
Why it works: shortest commute + fastest “back to bed” after a long day
Watch out: prices rise quickly and rooms sell out early for major events

2) Best balance: Tokyo Station / Ginza / Shinbashi (easy + familiar)

Best for: first-time Tokyo, mixing sightseeing with event days, Shinkansen/airport transfers
Why it works: huge hotel selection + stable routes + excellent food options
Watch out: plan for ~30–45 minutes to the venue

3) Fewer transfers, less stress: Shinagawa / Oimachi (practical + crowd-avoidance)

Best for: minimizing transfers, avoiding busy hubs, luggage-heavy travel
Why it works: routes are efficient and the area feels less chaotic
Watch out: nightlife/late dining is quieter than Ginza or Shibuya

Quick decision guide

  • Early-start priority + lots of luggage: Ariake / Odaiba
  • First time in Tokyo (want the safest choice): Tokyo Station / Ginza / Shinbashi
  • Hate crowds + want fewer transfers: Shinagawa / Oimachi

4) 6 Recommended hotels (by area) — with easy routes to Big Sight

Prices can swing dramatically depending on weekends and event dates. Once your event day is set, it’s smart to check availability early—ideally booking a flexible/cancellable rate.

(A) Closest to the venue: Ariake / Odaiba

1) Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake

What it’s like
A large, modern hotel built for event trips—newer feel, simple navigation, and a smooth check-in flow that works well for international guests. Great for multi-night stays.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★★ (5/5)
No taxi needed in most cases. Walkable from stations with plenty of covered/structured walkways—very realistic even with a suitcase.

Luxury level — ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Comfort-forward, reliable “upper-mid” rather than ultra-luxury.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • On foot: often walkable (especially if you’re comfortable with a short walk)
  • By train: Rinkai Line Kokusai-Tenjijo or Yurikamome Ariake → walk to Big Sight
Check availability

2) Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (Odaiba)

What it’s like
A classic Odaiba stay with strong views, a glamorous lobby feel, and excellent on-site dining—ideal if you want your hotel to feel like part of the trip, not just a place to sleep.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Generally walkable from the Yurikamome station. If it’s heavy rain + a large suitcase, a short taxi ride can be a comfort upgrade, but it’s not required.

Luxury level — ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A clear step up in atmosphere and “treat-yourself” value.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • Yurikamome from the Daiba area → (Big Sight area station, often Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon) → walk
  • Alternative route: via Rinkai Line Tokyo Teleport if that fits your plan better
See rooms

(B) Best balance base: Tokyo Station / Ginza / Shinbashi

3) Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

What it’s like
A polished, grown-up stay in the Shinbashi–Ginza zone. Often appreciated for skyline views and a clean, smart atmosphere that works well for short stays.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Walkable from Shinbashi area stations. The only “gotcha” is station size—confirm your exit once and you’ll be fine.

Luxury level — ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
High-quality and refined, closer to upscale business / upper-mid than full luxury.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • Shinbashi → Yurikamome → Big Sight area station → walk (simple and easy to follow)
  • Alternative: Shinbashi → JR to Osaki → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo → walk
Check dates

4) Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi

What it’s like
A top-tier base for efficiency. Close to Tokyo Station with a calm, understated vibe—excellent if you’re juggling event days with Shinkansen, airport transfers, or tight schedules.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★★ (5/5)
No taxi needed. Strong station-connected walkability and good in bad weather.

Luxury level — ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Quiet, elevated comfort—more “refined and practical” than flashy.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • Tokyo Station → JR to Osaki → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo → walk
  • Other routes exist, but the above tends to be straightforward
View availability

(C) Fewer transfers + less crowd stress: Shinagawa / Oimachi

5) Shinagawa Prince Hotel

What it’s like
A massive, dependable hotel right by Shinagawa Station—great “capacity” and stability. Especially useful if you have early mornings, late nights, or want a base that won’t fall apart on busy dates.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★★ (5/5)
No taxi needed. Station-adjacent and very manageable with a suitcase.

Luxury level — ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Convenience-first. Not ultra-luxury, but reliable.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • Shinagawa → JR to Osaki → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo → walk
Check availability

6) Ours Inn Hankyu (Oimachi)

What it’s like
A highly practical choice with strong value. Ideal as a “sleep well, move efficiently” base—especially for event-focused itineraries.

Public transport access (with luggage) — ★★★★★ (5/5)
No taxi needed. Very close to the station and easy with luggage.

Luxury level — ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Simple and functional—perfect when the priority is commuting and budget control.

How to get to Tokyo Big Sight

  • Oimachi → Rinkai Line → Kokusai-Tenjijo → walk (few transfers, very easy)
See prices

5) Final takeaway: Big Sight trips are won by your hotel location

For Comiket and major expo weekends, hotels around Tokyo Big Sight and key transfer hubs sell out fast—and prices jump early.

Best rule: book as soon as your dates are fixed.
If possible, choose a flexible/cancellable plan so you can lock in a good base without stress.