Winter Comiket is also a contest against the cold.
C109 runs from December 29 through 31, 2026. At Tokyo Big Sight, you may spend a long time lining up outside, and heating inside the buildings is not necessarily sufficient. The official information also says it is often very cold in winter.
On top of that, more than 100,000 people gather there each day. Phone and Wi-Fi connections become difficult, while station ticket machines and convenience stores develop long lines. “I will sort it out when I get there” does not work. Prepare everything before you arrive. That is this article’s single message.
Cold Weather ― Tokyo Mornings Are Around 2°C During the Three Event Days
According to Japan Meteorological Agency averages for 1991–2020, Tokyo’s morning lows from December 29 through 31 are around 2°C (2.1°C on the 29th, 2.0°C on the 30th, and 1.9°C on the 31st). Even the daytime high is around 11°C. The average low for December as a whole is 3.8°C, so the event dates are colder. The morning line forms in this cold. Even for PM entry, use around 11°C at midday as a guide.
The official information from last time asked visitors to wear warm coats.
- You may spend a long time lining up outside
- Air conditioning is limited even inside the buildings
- If you feel ill, tell someone nearby or a staff member immediately
We recommend layers that are easy to put on and take off. Temperatures also vary by day: at the last winter event (C107), the high reached 16°C on one day. Dress warmly in the outdoor line, then remove one layer inside a crowded hall. Small items such as gloves and disposable hand warmers should also help in the line.
Umbrellas are not prohibited, but the information from last time says to close them in crowded places.
Cash ― Prepare Coins in Advance
The official information from last time makes one clear request: do not use a 10,000-yen bill at station ticket or charging machines to make change. The stations may run out of change. It asks visitors to prepare small change for spending at the venue in advance.
Are Doujinshi Cash Only?
We cannot give a definite answer here. Do circles (the people selling doujinshi) accept only cash, or can you use cards and phone payments? We could not find this stated in the official information through the last event. It is safest to assume that payment methods differ by circle.
That is why we bring plenty of cash in 1,000-yen bills and coins. When you do not know whether cards will be accepted, cash is the most reliable option.
The venue map also shows ATM and convenience-store symbols (last time). However, some convenience stores were marked “closed” or “under construction” last time. During our October 2026 reporting, a Lawson inside the venue had an ATM. Even so, it is more reassuring not to rely on withdrawing cash at the venue on the day.
IC Card ― Add Plenty of Money Before Reaching the Venue
Add enough money in advance to an IC card such as Suica or PASMO (official information).
- There are not many places to add money near Tokyo Big Sight
- Station ticket machines and convenience stores become extremely crowded
The easiest option is to add enough for the return train at a station near your hotel.
For how to reach the venue and how to buy a ticket if you cannot use an IC card, see 01 How to Get There.
Phone ― Assume It Will Not Connect
The official information from last time says that phones and Wi-Fi often cannot connect at the venue because there are too many people.
So decide on a meeting place before entering in case you get separated. If you are going with friends, this may be the most important thing to bring.
You still need a phone during the rest of your time in Tokyo: for the route to the station, transfers, and the location of your hotel. Preparing an eSIM that works from the day you arrive in Japan gives peace of mind. Congestion inside the venue affects every eSIM. This is preparation for the trip to and from Comiket and for days without Comiket.
See our eSIM article for how to choose one.
Luggage ― Enter Light and Ship the Books You Buy
Storing Luggage
Tokyo Big Sight coin lockers cost 400 yen for small, 500 yen for medium, and 700 yen for large per day (in the Conference Tower and East, West, and South Halls; the Conference Tower also has smaller 300-yen lockers). However, East Halls 4–6 are under construction for C109, and we do not know whether all lockers will be usable or available on the day.
For the venue’s paid luggage storage (cloakrooms), see 03 Cosplay Rules. It appeared in the information for cosplayers, and we could not tell from that information whether non-cosplayers could also use it.
When we visited on a weekday in October 2026, both the lockers outside Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (cashless payment only, according to the Rinkai Line’s official information) and those inside the venue showed “満” (Full) around midday. It seems best not to expect lockers to be available on a crowded Comiket day. Plan on not using a locker: leave large luggage at your hotel or send it ahead. This is why your accommodation location matters (see 04 Where to Stay).
If you can use one: your IC card does not serve as the key for venue lockers. The QR code on the printed receipt is the key (according to the venue notice). Taking a photo of the receipt on your phone gives extra peace of mind.
Shipping
If the books you buy become heavy, you can send them using the delivery services at the venue. Last time (C108), counters were open from the afternoon until 17:00. None of the companies accepted cash at the venue.
- Yu-Pack: In principle, collect on delivery (the recipient pays the shipping) or cashless payment (credit card, electronic money, and other methods)
- Sagawa Express: Credit card or electronic money (no cash)
- Yamato Transport: In principle, collect on delivery (the recipient pays the shipping)
The C109 delivery-service locations, hours, and payment methods have not yet been announced. For how to think about sending luggage to a hotel or airport, see our luggage shipping article.
Food ― Buy It Before Boarding the Train
Stores near the venue become crowded around lunchtime. This is our recommended order.
- The safest option is to buy food at a convenience store near your accommodation or a transfer station before boarding the train. Rice balls, bread, water, or tea. Food you can eat without heating is easiest.
- If you will eat near the venue, avoid the noon hour and use stores along the route. Two buildings on the way from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station to the venue have stores (confirmed during our October 2026 reporting).
- Ariake Park Building: McDonald’s, COCO’S
- Ariake Frontier Building: Saizeriya, Caffè Veloce, FamilyMart (24 hours)
- The last resort is a convenience store beside the venue. Assume it will often be crowded. The TFT Building near Yurikamome’s Tokyo Big Sight Station has a 7-Eleven on the first floor and a MINISTOP and Can Do 100-yen shop on the second floor (confirmed in the building directory). There is also a Lawson inside the venue.
The large shopping complex near the station, Ariake Garden, is not on the route to the venue (it is in the opposite direction from the station).
Store hours may change over the year-end period. Check with each store before you go.
Take your trash with you. One small bag in your day bag is useful.
Items You Could Not Bring Last Time
Three things travelers might accidentally do:
- Drink alcohol inside the venue
- Bring a large battery
- Ride on a rolling suitcase
There are also rules for fireworks, fuel, helium balloons, pets (assistance dogs are allowed), and other items. Baggage inspections may also take place. See all the rules in the official information (C108 カタログ英語抜粋).
And watch out for pickpockets. Keep your wallet and phone in front of your body.
Summary ― What to Prepare Before You Arrive
- Entry pass (wristband or ticket; for how to buy one, see 02 Tickets and Wristbands)
- A warm coat and layers that are easy to put on and take off
- 1,000-yen bills and coins (do not break a 10,000-yen bill at the station)
- An IC card with plenty of money added
- A working phone (eSIM) and a meeting place in case you get separated
- Compact luggage (leave large bags at your hotel)
- Food and drinks bought before boarding the train, plus one bag for trash
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