A couple of years ago, we got the chance to attend Tokyo Game Show. The experience was incredibly enjoyable, but I picked up a few lessons that I think will help us (and you!) have an even better time. So I’d like to share a few tips that might help you get more out of the event.

Get the Tokyo Game Show Early Entry Ticket If You Can

During that time, the regular ticket cost ¥2,300, while the Supporters Club ticket cost ¥4,000. The latter included a TGS t-shirt, a sticker (which varies annually), and, most importantly, a 30-minute early entry advantage. This early access lets you beat the crowd and snag event freebies more easily.

It took us just 10 minutes to enter the venue despite being near the back of the dedicated line. Meanwhile, a friend in the regular line waited 1.5 hours.

Tokyo Game Show Supporters Club tickets for international attendees are limited and sell out fast, as ours were gone within an hour. Be vigilant for announcements and buy online as soon as they go live! We mistakenly bought the Japanese-local version through a friend’s account, but those tickets are tied to the purchaser and require their presence. Because our friend was in Osaka, we had to re-purchase tickets for international access.

It is highly likely that for Tokyo Game Show this year, ticket prices and perks may change, but if you have the chance to do so, choose the one that allows for early entry!

Arrive Early

Even with the Tokyo Game Show Supporters Club ticket, we were at the back of the line since we arrived around 9:00 AM and the gates opened at 9:30 AM. If it weren’t obvious already, arriving early puts you closer to the entrance. Thankfully, bag and ticket checks happen before the event opens, so once the doors swing open, the entry rush is smooth and fast.

Those 30 minutes are crucial to get a huge headstart, so use it wisely!

Bring Food

The Tokyo Game Show venue offers plenty of food options, but expect long lines due to the crowd size! You can’t eat inside the main halls, but you can enjoy meals outside while comparing merch hauls with other attendees.

Drinks are allowed in, and the many vending machines around the venue rarely have lines, so that’s a relief, at least.

Free Merch

Tokyo Game Show is great for free merch! There’s a lot to sort through, and you can get a wide range of stuff, from pamphlets to fans and even shirts. There are four main ways to get them:

• Some are handed to you outright. No effort required!
• Others require playing a demo. For instance, we played 15 minutes of YS X to get a tumbler. Popular games tend to have long lines, so be wary!
• Some booths offer stamp runs. Square Enix is a notable example where you collect digital stamps around the venue. It takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
• Others ask you to download their game and show proof. One even required reaching a score threshold before awarding the item. For these, a pocket Wi-Fi or Japanese SIM is essential.

Generally, the more effort required, the better the reward. Plan ahead for the merch you want and prioritize booths. If something runs out, check back later! One attendee we met returned to the Atlus booth five times before scoring a freebie.

Schedule Demo Games

One thing we didn’t know beforehand is that you can request time slots for demo games. Booth staff will give you a stub with your scheduled time, and for example, we were given a 10:00 AM stub to play YS X at 11:50 AM. These lines move faster than general queues.

You can request specific times too, allowing you to plan your day strategically. Grab stubs at multiple booths early to maximize your 30-minute head start if you have an early entry ticket.

Bring Items for Signing

You never know who you’ll run into in Tokyo Game Show! For instance, Naoki Yoshida/Yoshi-P made an unannounced appearance at the Square Enix booth. We had him sign a catalog they were handing out, but it would’ve been nice to have brought a memento from a game he’d worked on. I recommend bringing cards or blank shikishis to keep things light, though anything meaningful works.

Check Schedules for Presentations (You’ll Need Stubs for These Too)

Major publishers often host stage presentations that include trailers and live interviews. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, it’s exciting to see developers and artists up close.

We saw Junko Kawano and Yoshitaka Murayama talk about Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, but couldn’t get closer or join the raffle for a signed poster since we didn’t have a ticket stub. The stubs are free, but limited, and only given out at the booth, so check schedules a few days before or during the event.

Consider a Two-Day Plan: One for Playing, One for Merch

One day wasn’t enough for us to complete our Tokyo Game Show experience. By the time we reached the Square Enix music booth, the signed albums I wanted were sold out. They were restocking the next day, but I couldn’t return.

My advice: use Day 1 to explore, track giveaways and merch you missed, then prioritize the merch area first on Day 2 before revisiting the halls.

Prioritize Your Must-See Booths

It’s nearly impossible to hit every Tokyo Game Show booth and fully enjoy them all in one or two days. Focus on the upcoming games you’re most excited about. They release the floor plan about a week or two before the event, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

Organize Your Freebies Before Heading Home

Sort through your merch and brochures before you leave the venue. If you don’t, you’ll probably end up lugging a bulky bag around. Most items can fit into a compact bag, which makes your trip back, whether by train or bus, far more manageable.

I hope these tips help you make the most of future Tokyo Game Show visits!