Wonder Festival; a one-day event that has something for everyone
Wonder Festival, the semiannual one day event at Makuhari Messe, originated from the sale of "garage kits", which are toys/figures/models that are similar to that of anime/manga/video games. Actually, it's very much like Comiket but in a more three-dimensional form. So, if you like photography as much as I do, Wonder Festival offers a lot for the camera.
It's not just the small toys, either. There are things here on display that you can actually get into (no pun intended)!
And then when you get to the parts where the anime/manga/video game companies also establish a presence at Wonder Festival alongside the garage kit sellers/exhibitors, it has the look and feel of Comiket. If you have the money, there is a lot available here, catering to interests as wide as anime, manga, video games, television shows/movies, military, art, cars, home furnishing/decoration, costumes/cosplay goods, books, and even "adult" goods.
And then, there are a lot cosplayers here as well. Not as many as at Comiket (I don't think any event will ever compete with Comiket in terms of volume) but they have a formidable presence at Wonder Festival.
The only negative I can think of regarding this event is that it's only for one day. Because of that, the line/crowds at the start of the event are pretty big (circling around the entire Makuhari Messe main building) and it can take a while to get in at that part of the day. Also, to prepare you for the unusual/unorthodox... when you pay for your admission to the event, they will give you a pretty big guide/catalog book. Don't lose it; that is your event ticket.
Wonder Festival is one of the best fan/shopping/photography events to go to in Japan, which is saying something considering how many events are held in this area (I've only blogged about a few so far). I'd recommend attending at least once; the event still manages to captivate a veteran like me every time and the day gets filled with meaningful sights and experiences.
Recommendations:
- If attending the winter event, keep the season in mind as February is pretty cold in Tokyo/Chiba!
- If attending the summer event, it is in the heat of summer (July) so prepare accordingly.
- If you want to avoid lines/crowds as much as possible but still allow for maximum time to see everything there, plan to arrive about one hour after event opening
- Bring a camera!
Specifics:
Wonder Festival
Held twice a year (in February and July) at Makuhari Messe
Cost: 2500 yen
Location:
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