Tokyo Big Sight: A Monster of a Convention Center

Japan's largest convention center is a sight to behold

Ran Matsumoto Jul 22, 2013 - 1 min read

The 58-meter Conference Tower consists of four inverted pyramids and is an iconic feature of Tokyo Big Sight.

The high-tech, unique architecture of Tokyo Big Sight uses steel frame with reinforced concrete construction, glass, and titanium to create a modern, jagged effect.

The convention center is comprised of the iconic Conference Tower, the East Exhibition Hall, and the West Exhibition Hall. Many areas overlook Tokyo Bay, including the outdoor exhibition area adjacent to the West Exhibition Hall.

There are 15 restaurants and cafes inside Tokyo Big Sight, including but not limited to Tully's Coffee (photo center) and Pronto. Most are reasonably priced and spread out within the 3 buildings. See http://www.bigsight.jp/english/general/shop/index.html

When I went to Big Sight, the big event of the day was Tokyo Career Forum, a job-hunting event for graduating college students and recruiting companies interested in bilingual college graduates. As a result, the area was full of college students.

The banner on the left mentions the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, for which Tokyo is a candidate city. If Tokyo is selected, Tokyo Big Sight will host certain events like wrestling, powerlifting, boccia, Taekwondo, and fencing.

Tokyo International Exhibition Center, commonly referred to as Tokyo Big Sight, is a convention center in Odaiba where events like the world-famous Comiket (Comic Market) and Tokyo International Anime Fair are held.

Even if you don't plan to attend the Comiket (August and December) or Anime Fair (February or March), Big Sight is worth a visit. There's always an interesting event hosted at some corner of the vast Tokyo International Exhibition Center, whether it has to do with anime, pottery, food, or job-hunting.

Fans of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, Michael Craig-Martin and Lee U-Fan shouldn't miss their artwork on display, either.

Tokyo International Exhibition Center a.k.a Tokyo Big Sight is 3 minutes on foot from Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Station on the Yurikamome, 7 minutes on foot from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line.

More info

Find out more about Tokyo Big Sight.

Ran Matsumoto @ran.matsumoto

Originally from Tokyo, I now divide half my time between attending college in the U.S. and the other half in Japan. I'm excited about this opportunity to introduce interesting places in Japan to the English-speaking world!