Tokyo Big Sight in Black and White
Tokyo Big Sight is an architectural beacon in Japan’s bustling capital. Futuristic glass and titanium structures hold expansive halls. It’s like entering a scene from a sci-fi epic. Join me as I capture its iconic conference tower. And I explore why this convention center is also a must-see photo spot.
Inside are the East, West, and South Exhibition Halls. They contain restaurants and business facilities. With a floor area of 230,873 m², it is Japan’s largest convention and exhibition center. Only Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture is close.
Tokyo Big Sight is mostly low set, as some exhibit halls are only three floors high. But, it has one standout feature. The glass and titanium-paneled conference tower! It has four inverted pyramids upon massive supports. The whole thing looks futuristic. It is iconic architecture.
A total of eight contracting companies worked on the site. Construction began in October 1992 and finished in October 1995. The contract was worth ¥40,392 million.
Tokyo Big Sight is great, but casual visitors are restricted to the entrance and outside. The exhibit halls are closed when there are no events. That is okay, as there is still much to photograph.
It is a great Tokyo photo spot. The conference tower is definitely worth your time. That part of the building is unique. It looks like something out of an Atlantis movie. I was disappointed with this visit, as it was a very cloudy day. So, I shot it in black and white.
Tokyo Big Sight is a great place to go, even though it is quite a long trip from my house. Walking around the halls during events is always an experience. It is so big. I’d love to see what goes on behind the scenes. How much is there that visitors can’t see? Sorry, but I can’t answer that question yet.
I hope Tokyo will get more similar structures. We are behind the times with our numerous standard glass and steel boxes. Many world-class cities overseas lead us. It’s a game of catchup. Let’s get moving!
More convention centers will be needed in the years to come. At this point (i.e. 18 Feb 2022), nothing here is in the world’s top 10. Do people overseas know of Tokyo Big Sight? It is something I very rarely hear discussed. If the government wants Tokyo to be a real-world player, it will need another bigger center soon. They are excellent sources of income.
There are many events held at Tokyo Big Sight. They include bridal expos, IT events, jewelry, and food fairs. Some of the biggest are Comiket, Japan Home and Building Show, and Caferes Japan. The complete list is extensive. I’ve been to some. They include:
- AnimeJapan 2024
- Design Festa 2016
- Tokyo Motor Show (2019 pics here)
- Tokyo Motorcycle Show (2025 pics here)
- All Japan Model and Hobby Show 2023
Where is Tokyo Big Sight?
Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
- Kokusai-Tenjijo on the Rinkai Line
- Tokyo Big Sight on the Yurikamome Line
Is parking available?
Yes, but it fills quickly on event days.
Opening hours
8 AM to 8 PM.
Conclusion
Tokyo Big Sight is a great place for architectural photography. I’d also like to shoot it on a sunny day in the future. When it lights up at night, that might be very interesting too. Anyway, more projects for my bucket list!
If you have any questions or comments about this article, leave them below. And I’d like to hear from people with experience in the convention/conference industry. That would be interesting.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
More architectural photography articles:
