Intro to Makuhari Messe walkway route
This guide covers the Makuhari Messe walkway route from APA Tokyo Bay Hotel. Start on the main ground floor of the APA Tokyo Bay Hotel and go to the escalators or lift. Take them up to the mezzanine level. At the top, turn left, walk about 15 metres, then turn right to enter the long covered walkway. Follow the walkway as it continues to a covered outdoor section and leads to the upper level concourse entrance at Makuhari Messe Exhibition Centre. Visitors use this route for concerts, trade shows, exhibitions, and other events.
About Makuhari Messe Exhibition Centre
Makuhari Messe is a large exhibition and events complex located in Chiba City, just east of Tokyo. The venue regularly hosts major trade shows, business exhibitions, concerts, and live entertainment events, and it attracts visitors from across Japan and overseas. I personally attended a trade show at Makuhari Messe, and the size of the venue makes planning your route in advance especially useful on busy event days.
The complex is best known for hosting large-scale events such as exhibitions, conventions, and well-known shows including the Tokyo Auto Salon. It also hosts concerts and live entertainment events throughout the year, which can significantly increase foot traffic around the venue. Because of the scale of the site, visitors often need to walk longer distances inside the venue itself, so arriving with extra time is recommended.
Makuhari Messe sits within the Makuhari area of Chiba, and is located close to Tokyo Disneyland Resort. The name Messe reflecting the German word for trade fair. The venue benefits from strong transport connections to central Tokyo. This makes it a popular choice for large events that require extensive exhibition space.
Official Website: https://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/
Getting to Makuhari Messe by Train
Makuhari Messe is accessible via several rail stations on the JR Keiyō Line and nearby bus routes. Many visitors travel via Kaihimmakuhari Station, which is the closest station to the venue. From Kaihimmakuhari Station, the walk to Makuhari Messe takes approximately five minutes. It follows a clearly signed flat pedestrianised route.
Makuharitoyosuna Station on the JR Keiyō Line also provides access to the area. Although the walk from this station takes around twenty minutes. Some visitors may choose to travel via Makuharihongō Station on the JR Sōbu Line or Keisei Line. They can then continue by bus to the Makuhari Messe Chuo stop. The bus journey typically takes around seventeen minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Due to the size of the venue and the number of events hosted, it is sensible to allow additional time when planning your journey. Particularly during major exhibitions or concerts.
To make the most of your transport in Japan, check out this Guide to Japan Rail Passes and Suica Cards before you plan your journey to Japan as you cannot buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan, you can buy the Suica Cards on arrival.
Makuhari Messe walkway route tips for event visitors
If you are attending a full-day exhibition or trade show, carrying your tech comfortably makes a big difference. I use a compact tech organiser for events and travel, which I have covered in my Stubble & Co Tech Bag review.
With the size of Makuhari Messe and the amount of walking involved, it is also important to plan for regular breaks and hydration, especially during busy events. I have written a separate guide on staying hydrated while travelling which covers practical tips for long days on your feet.
