
Ariake Arena
A state-of-the-art waterfront arena, built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, now hosting major concerts and sports.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Concerts and shows

Ariake Arena
Best Time
Concerts and shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A state-of-the-art waterfront arena, built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, now hosting major concerts and sports.
"New, clean facilities, but expect long food queues and potentially obstructed views."

🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Food lines are long & options sell out fast. Grab a bite before entering!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a decent walk from stations. Be prepared for some exploring!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Olympic Legacy Venue
Entire Arena
Experience a state-of-the-art venue that hosted major events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

K-Pop & International Artist Hub
Main Stage
Catch electrifying performances from top K-pop groups and international stars like aespa, BABYMONSTER, and Kylie Minogue.

Volleyball & Sports Spectacles
Main Arena
Witness thrilling volleyball matches and other sporting events in this world-class facility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Ariake Arena
Concert & Event Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Food lines are long & options sell out fast. Grab a bite before entering!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a decent walk from stations. Be prepared for some exploring!
👀 Check Your Seat View
Some seats have obstructed views due to railings.
📱 Download Event App
May help with navigation & event info.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Food lines are long & options sell out fast. Grab a bite before entering!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a decent walk from stations. Be prepared for some exploring!
👀 Check Your Seat View
Some seats have obstructed views due to railings.
📱 Download Event App
May help with navigation & event info.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle if allowed, or be prepared for pricey drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ariake Arena is a modern, clean venue that hosted significant Olympic events, offering a good experience for concerts and sports. However, visitors frequently point out issues with overpriced and limited food options, potential sightline obstructions from seats, and challenging crowd management after events. The walk from nearby stations is also a common point of mention.
"Very nice Arena. My husband and I went to see STING in concert September 14th, 2025 for our early Anniversary gift to us. The only downfall to this Arena was after the concert. They only had two exit’s opened. That was the only terrible part of this experience. They should’ve opened at least another door. Also they closed off the toilets outside of the arena."
Dana Zupan
"New, clean facilities, easy to understand layout. The food was overpriced and not so good, which is to be expected, but there are a few other options in the area.
It is definitely a far walk from the train stations but the area outside has a lot of free seating options for when you wait for the event to start.
I like this location a lot so I hope artists I like continue to book this venue!"
アンダーソンG.M.
"A beautiful-looking arena — from the outside. But once inside, expect:
– 🍔 Long food queues for bland frankfurters and limited options (most sold out early, no signage)
– 👀 Poor sightlines due to low seat incline and railings blocking the view
– 🚌 Underwhelming transport capacity — Toei buses leave crowds stranded
– 🧭 Excessive detours even in extreme heat or pouring rain — staff enforce long routes with no shelter
I attended the volleyball match in April and the basketball game in July.
In both cases, waited over 20 minutes for food, only to find most items sold out.
Walked nearly 1km in 35°C heat just to enter the venue.
And from my seat, the railing cut off half the court.
This is the worst-designed arena I’ve visited in the past five years.
Built to impress on paper, not to serve real fans. A regrettable use of taxpayer money."
Yuya Watanabe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ariake Arena is accessible via public transport. The closest stations are Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (Rinkai Line) and Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome Line). Both require a walk of approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the arena.
Consider using local buses for a potentially shorter walk.While the arena was built for major events, specific parking availability for public events can vary. It's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion and limited parking. Check the specific event's information for any parking details.
For concerts, public transport is highly recommended. The Rinkai Line and Yurikamome Line are your best bets, but be prepared for a walk.
Some attendees have noted that buses can also be an option, though crowd control can be an issue post-event.Taxis are generally available in major Tokyo hubs, but after large events at Ariake Arena, demand can be very high, leading to long wait times. It's advisable to pre-book a taxi or have a backup transportation plan.
Ariake Arena is located in the Odaiba area, which is a bit east of central Tokyo. Travel time by train can range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on your starting point in central Tokyo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at Ariake Arena are typically sold through official ticketing platforms for each specific event. Check the artist's or organizer's website for direct links.
Opening hours for Ariake Arena vary greatly depending on the event. Doors usually open 1-2 hours before the scheduled start time for concerts and sports events. Always check your ticket for specific entry times.
Restrictions can vary by event, but generally, large bags, outside food and drinks, and professional cameras are not allowed. Check the specific event's policy for detailed information.
Refund policies are determined by the ticket vendor and the event organizer. Typically, refunds are only issued for canceled events. Review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
Yes, seating charts are usually available on ticketing websites when you purchase tickets. It's recommended to check the seating chart to understand your view from different sections.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Ariake Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 for concerts and sporting events, making it a significant venue for large-scale performances and competitions.
Food options inside Ariake Arena are often described as overpriced with limited choices, and many items sell out early.
Some reviewers suggest eating before arriving or exploring options in the surrounding area.The view from seats can be inconsistent. Some reviewers have reported poor sightlines due to low seat incline and railings blocking the view, especially for sports events.
It's best to check the seating chart when booking.As a modern Olympic venue, Ariake Arena is designed with accessibility in mind, offering accessible seating and facilities. It's recommended to contact the venue or event organizer in advance for specific needs.
Ariake Arena hosts a wide range of events, including major concerts by international and K-pop artists, professional sports like volleyball and basketball, and other large-scale performances.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography policies vary by event. Generally, personal use photos without flash are often permitted, but professional cameras and video recording are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's guidelines.
The exterior of the arena, especially with the waterfront backdrop, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, focus on capturing the atmosphere of the event, but be mindful of any photography restrictions.
While the arena was a key Olympic venue, specific dedicated photo spots might not be permanent. However, the architecture itself and any remaining Olympic signage can serve as great backdrops.
Lighting conditions will vary greatly depending on the event. Concerts and shows typically have dynamic stage lighting, which can be challenging for photography. Sports events usually have bright, consistent arena lighting.
If permitted, a versatile zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm or 70-200mm) can be useful for capturing both wide stage shots and performer details. However, always prioritize checking the venue's camera policy first.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎤 Concert-Goers
🏅 Sports Fans
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Olympic Legacy of Ariake Arena
Post-Olympics, the arena has been repurposed for a variety of public events, ensuring its continued use and contribution to Tokyo's cultural and entertainment landscape. This transition from an Olympic venue to a vibrant public space highlights its enduring value.
Navigating Ariake Arena: A Fan's Perspective
Inside the arena, reviews suggest that while the facilities are new and clean, the food and beverage experience can be a letdown. Long queues, limited options, and early sell-outs are common complaints. Furthermore, some attendees have experienced issues with sightlines, where railings or the arena's design can obstruct the view of the stage or court, particularly for sports. Clearer signage for sections and seating areas would also be beneficial, as some visitors have found it challenging to locate their seats.
A Hub for K-Pop and Global Music
Beyond K-pop, the arena has also welcomed global superstars such as Kylie Minogue and Sting, underscoring its international appeal. The buzz surrounding these performances is palpable on social media, with fans sharing clips and excitement from their experiences at the venue.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit