Comiket Winter 2026 (C109): December 29–31 Guide

Winter Comiket is Japan's year-end ritual for doujinshi culture. In 2026 it returns to a three-day format for the first time since 2017, running December 29–31 at Tokyo Big Sight. Here is how to plan a visit around New Year closures, pass sales, and freezing early-morning queues.

Quick facts: Comic Market 109 (Winter 2026)

Why Winter Comiket matters

Winter Comiket closes the fiscal year for most doujinshi circles — many release their biggest annual work in time for it, so expect premiere drops of long-anticipated series. Expectation of year-end release means circle application volumes outstripped the usual two-day format, and organizers restored the pre-COVID three-day schedule for 2026 as a one-time measure. The East Halls 4–6 remain closed because Tokyo Big Sight is undergoing major renovation through 2027.

• ●Year-end exclusives — many circles' biggest annual print run drops here.
• ●Vocaloid music — the main CD release window for indie electronic music is Winter Comiket, not summer.
• ●Corporate hall limited goods — anime studios time end-of-year collector drops to C109.
• ●Cold weather survival — bring hand warmers and layered clothing; morning queues happen outdoors at 5°C.

Getting there

• ●Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo — 7-minute walk to the venue. Transfers from JR Osaki or Shinjuku (Saikyo Line).
• ●Yurikamome to [Tokyo](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Tokyo&aid=8095781&label=auto-tokyo-autolink&nflt=review_score%3D80&order=popularity) Big Sight Station — scenic from Shimbashi, usually less crowded than Rinkai.
• ●Avoid buses — year-end traffic along Rainbow Bridge is slow.

Pass strategy

Comic Market has not sold tickets at the door since 2020. Wristband passes are sold through Melonbooks, Toranoana, and the official webshop in early November for the winter event — catalog goes live November 6, 2026. Early-entry wristbands run out within hours of release; set a calendar reminder and buy as soon as sales open. Day-1 (December 29) is the busiest at the corporate hall.

Bookable experiences during Comiket + New Year

Combine C109 with the Tokyo year-end-to-new-year window: Shibuya's Scramble Crossing countdown, Meiji Shrine hatsumode, and Senso-ji's new-year lights. These are once-a-year rituals, not weekly tours.

• ●Akihabara and Nakano otaku crawl — pre-Comiket preview day in the vintage shops.
• ●Shibuya New Year countdown viewing — organized tours stake out a Hachiko-side spot in advance.
• ●Meiji Shrine hatsumode guided visit — bypass the midnight-to-3 AM peak queue with a 7 AM guided slot on January 1.

FAQ

• ●Is the East Hall closed? East Halls 4–6 are shut for renovation; West and South halls host C109. Expect denser crowding.
• ●How cold is it? 3–8°C typical; wind off Tokyo Bay bites. Hand warmers from any konbini are essential.
• ●Can I buy a wristband at the venue? No — advance online purchase only.
• ●What time should I arrive? For corporate hall limited goods, 6 AM. For general doujinshi, 9 AM is fine.
• ●Will shops be open on December 31? Most Tokyo attractions close early on New Year's Eve; convenience stores stay open.
• ●Is Yurikamome running on New Year's Eve? Yes, with extended hours for Shibuya and Odaiba countdown events.
• ●Can I cosplay in freezing weather? Yes, but changing-room queues double. Many cosplayers bring thermal layers under costumes.
• ●Credit cards or cash? Cash for circles; cards work in the corporate hall and venue konbini.
• ●How do I return home on January 1? Shinkansen runs; Narita Express runs on reduced schedule — book now.
• ●Any family-friendly days? The corporate hall on December 31 is relatively calm after 1 PM.