Comiket Guide for Foreigners: Ticket Exchange & Hall Entry Flow (East/West/South)

Comiket (Comic Market) is the world’s largest dōjinshi event. For international fans visiting for the first time, the movement of the crowd on the day is incredibly difficult to navigate. Specifically, you need to know:

• The exact location for ticket exchange
• Differences between waiting lines for East, West, and South Halls
• How to find the very end of the line (Saigo-bi)
• The unique wristband check right before entry
• The critical split point between West and South Halls
• The reality of the massive walking distances inside the venue

Comiket attracts over 100,000 people per day. Considering the event is open for less than 6 hours, managing this volume of people is a monumental task. The lines are so complex that even Japanese locals often get lost. This guide provides a complete walkthrough from arriving at the station to reaching the circle areas so you won't get lost on the day.

The Basic Flow of the Day

For international attendees, following this specific order is the key to success:

1. Arrive at the station.
2. Exchange your ticket for a wristband (Exclusive for international tickets).
3. Confirm the location of the waiting line for your target hall.
4. Move to the very end (last row) of the general waiting line.
5. Wait in line (expect several hours).
6. Enter the venue (Wristband check required).
7. Move to the circle area.
8. Start shopping.

Understanding this flow will drastically reduce your confusion. Please keep in mind that Comiket lines consist of tens of thousands of people—the scale is completely different from a standard anime convention.

Critical Must-Knows Before You Line Up

Restroom Strategy: Take care of business before arrival

The temporary toilets provided near the early morning waiting lines are often not very clean. If you prefer a hygienic restroom, finish your business before you leave for Comiket.

Also, once you join the waiting line, finding your way back after going to the toilet is a nightmare. If you are participating alone, returning to your original spot can be nearly impossible. The East Hall waiting area, in particular, has very few landmarks, making it extremely easy to get lost.

The restrooms at the nearest stations (Yurikamome Line: Tokyo Big Sight Station / Rinkai Line: Kokusai-Tenjijo Station) are incredibly crowded. The time lost here could result in being pushed back several hundred places in the entry line.

The Food Situation: Don’t plan on eating "lunch"

I strongly recommend not thinking about a proper meal while participating in Comiket. Most Japanese veterans either bring portable snacks or do not eat at all until they leave the venue. I personally eat a small snack in the morning line and then nothing until evening to stay focused on my goals.

While there are convenience stores near the stations, they become a "living hell" on event days:

• Extreme Crowds: It takes several minutes just to enter and several more to reach the register.
• The Cost of Time: Those few minutes in the store will put you hundreds of people further back in line.
• Sold Out: Most food items will be completely gone by the time you get in.

Conclusion: Buy your food and drinks the day before.

Understanding the 3 Types of Entry Tickets

There are three main ticket types. It is vital to understand that your "entry time" is just the start of the process—you won't walk in exactly at that time because thousands of others are in front of you.

① Early Entry Ticket

• Entry starts at 10:30 AM (earlier than others).
• High price and requires winning a lottery.
• Essential for those targeting popular circles or limited corporate goods.

② AM Ticket (Morning Entry)

• The standard choice for those who want to shop.
• Entry starts at 11:00 AM.
• These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Even though entry starts at 11:00, if you don't line up early, you may not get inside until nearly 12:00 PM.

③ PM Ticket (Afternoon Entry)

• Entry starts at 1:00 PM at a lower price.
• For those who just want to experience the atmosphere.
• Be warned: Most popular items will be sold out by this time. Since the event ends at 4:00 or 5:00 PM, your time inside will be very limited.

International Tickets Require "On-Site Exchange"

Comiket uses a wristband system. If you bought your ticket online from overseas, you must exchange it for a physical wristband on the day.

Exchange starts at 8:00 AM at a dedicated counter

The exchange point is located outside Tokyo Big Sight. Since the locations for East and West/South exchanges can be the same, you must check the latest official map. (Reference example: C107 International Map)

ID Verification is mandatory

To prove you are an international visitor, you must present one of the following:

• Passport (with entry stamp)
• Residence ID or Government ID from your home country
• Visa

English-speaking staff are available

The staff at the international counter usually speak better English than the general volunteers. This is your best chance to ask: "Where is the line for East/West/South Hall?"

Where to Line Up (East, West, and South)

East Hall Waiting Line

• Formed in the "East Parking Lot," a vast open space next to the halls.
• This is a zigzag line in a completely outdoor area near the sea. In winter, you must endure brutal cold.

West & South Hall Waiting Line

• Gather at the main plaza in front of Tokyo Big Sight.
• The line stretches long toward the "Yume-no-Ohashi" bridge. Because it is squeezed between buildings, it feels very long.

From the Line to Entry: What to Expect

Waiting in the line

Once you get your wristband, you will be guided to the "end of the line" (Saigo-bi). Once the line stabilizes, you can sit down. Try to keep your space compact but comfortable. If you are on the edge of a row (usually 10 people wide), you’ll have a bit more breathing room.

The move begins

Lines usually start moving around 9:30 AM. Once the move begins, you cannot leave. If you are alone, stay in the line at all costs. If you are with friends, use your phones to stay in touch because the crowd is so dense that finding your spot again is nearly impossible.

When the line starts moving toward the doors, it moves fast. Running is strictly forbidden, but you are expected to walk as fast as a power-walking athlete. Do not use your phone while walking. If you drop something, the pressure of the crowd behind you makes it impossible to stop and pick it up.

The Wristband Check: "The High-Speed Entry System"

As you approach the hall, you will pass through a checkpoint. This is a unique Comiket culture:

• Raise your arm as you walk past the staff.
• Turn the wristband outward so it is clearly visible.
• Keep walking—do not stop.

This system allows Comiket to process tens of thousands of people in a short time. It relies entirely on the goodwill and cooperation of the participants. Showing your wristband while walking is the "Comiket Way" of keeping everyone moving safely and quickly.

Real Arrival Times

Even though the doors open at 11:00 AM, you likely won't enter immediately. If you join the line at 8:00 AM, you might finally enter around 11:20–11:40 AM. Don't be surprised; this is the reality of 100,000 people entering in order.

Entry Routes (East vs. West vs. South)

East Hall (1–6,7-8)

Entry is between Hall 6 and 7.

Once you pass the check, the line dissolves and you can head to the circles.

West Hall (1–2)

You enter through the main front entrance.

These halls are primarily for circle booths.

South Hall (3-4)

South 3 & 4 are usually for corporate booths and are reached via the large outdoor stairs. South 1 & 2 are accessed through the West Hall area.

The Critical Split (West vs. South)

The line for West and South Halls is often the same initially, but it splits into Left and Right as you move. Staff will be directing the flow, but because of the walking speed, you must stay alert. Stopping suddenly is dangerous. Make sure you know which side you need before the split happens.

Since moving around the venue takes time, choosing your first line is crucial.

Moving between the East and West Halls can take 10-20 minutes or more.
Running is prohibited within Tokyo Big Sight due to safety concerns.

It will be especially crowded immediately after the doors open, so choosing the wrong line will delay your arrival at your desired circle.

When exchanging for your wristband, be sure to check the waiting line for your destination before heading to the line.

Summary: Key Points to Remember

That's the process for what to do on the morning of Comiket, from arriving at your nearest station to entering the venue.
Let's briefly summarize it.

• Get your wristband first: You cannot join a line without it.
• Confirm your hall line: Ask at the exchange counter before you start walking.
• Preparation: Use the restroom early and buy food the day before.
• The Entry Check: Raise your arm and show your wristband while walking.
• Plan your start: Moving between East and West takes 20 minutes—pick your first hall carefully!

Bonus: The "East Parking Lot" where you wait in line is actually used as the pit area for the Formula E Tokyo E-Prix. It’s cool to think that the same ground you’re standing on is where world-class racing teams set up their garages!