Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
CareTechnoloogy December 2026 is a premier trade show dedicated to the nursing care technology sector. Scheduled from December 16 to 18, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight, this event will gather industry leaders and innovators to showcase cutting-edge technologies that address the growing needs of nursing care services in Japan.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with key decision-makers and explore partnership opportunities. CareTechnoloogy December 2026 takes place in Koto, Japan.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: December 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake district of Koto, Tokyo - check the organiser schedule page for the exact show days before booking travel.
- 2Sector Focus: nursing care technology, care robotics, rehabilitation and assistive equipment, home-care services and care ICT aimed at Japan's long-term care and elderly welfare market.
- 3Entry: pre-registration is required, and the 5,000 yen visitor registration fee is waived for visitors who register in advance.
- 4Who Should Attend: nursing care facility operators, home care providers, hospital and public facility administrators, healthcare distributors and care-technology suppliers.
- 5Market Context: Japan's ageing population and care-labour shortage put staff-saving devices, monitoring sensors and transfer/mobility aids at the centre of the show floor, with buyers from care operators and public facilities walking the halls.
Why visit
Visitors will gain insights into the latest advancements in nursing care technology, network with industry leaders, and discover solutions tailored to their needs. Dates and Venue: CareTechnoloogy December 2026 runs from December 16 to 18, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from nursing care facilities, hospitals, and healthcare providers. Entry / Access: Pre-registration is required for entry, with a fee of 5,000 yen waived.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at CareTechnoloogy December 2026 offers companies the opportunity to showcase their innovations to a targeted audience of industry professionals. Scale and Focus: This event showcases the latest innovations in nursing care technology, attracting key industry players. Organiser: Hosted by Boutiques, Inc., a leading company in organizing trade shows for the nursing care sector. Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from nursing care facilities,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Nursing care facility managers and directors evaluating equipment for day-service and residential care units
Home care providers selecting transfer aids, monitoring sensors and care ICT for in-home visits
Hospital administrators and discharge planners sourcing rehabilitation and assistive devices
Healthcare distributors and trading houses looking for care-technology lines to add to their catalogue
Local government and public facility representatives involved in elderly welfare equipment procurement
Rehabilitation specialists and care workers assessing devices for hands-on use
Care ICT and system integrators scoping sensor, records and remote-monitoring deployments
Welfare equipment retailers and rental-service operators under Japan's long-term care insurance scheme
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Nursing care technology manufacturers of beds, lifts, transfer aids and bathing equipment
Care robotics developers showing transfer support, mobility and monitoring robots
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy equipment suppliers
Healthcare IT and sensor vendors for fall detection, vitals monitoring and care records
Medical and welfare equipment distributors seeking Japanese and Asian channel partners
Home-care service providers presenting managed-care service models
Materials and component suppliers serving care-equipment OEMs (actuators, sensors, upholstery, frames)
Consultancies and certification/testing services for care devices entering the Japanese market
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Rehabilitation robots and mobility aids
Communication robots
VR and AR applications for healthcare
E-learning and reskilling services
AI-driven healthcare solutions
Integrated nursing care systems
Location & Facilities
Venue
Tokyo Big Sight
Koto, Japan
Facilities
Parking
Tokyo Big Sight in Koto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Tokyo Big Sight in Koto typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Tokyo Big Sight for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
December 16 to 18, 2026:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
Boutiques, Inc.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Koto, Japan
Why it matters
Attending CareTechnoloogy December 2026 on 2026-12-16 to 2026-12-18 in Koto lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · JPY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Tokyo
Primary international gateway serving Koto.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel
midscale
Ariake, Koto - about 380 m from Tokyo Big SightThree-star bayside hotel listed as the closest option to the venue, with free Wi-Fi, paid parking, restaurant and accessible rooms. Walking distance to the halls makes it the default choice for show teams.
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake
midscale
Ariake, Koto - about 710 m from Tokyo Big SightThree-star hotel with free Wi-Fi, paid parking, restaurant and accessible rooms, a short walk from the venue and close to Ariake Garden and the Yurikamome line.
Far East Village Hotel Ariake, Tokyo
midscale
Ariake, Koto - about 1 km from Tokyo Big SightThree-star property rated around 3.9 by guests, with airport transfer service, free Wi-Fi, paid parking and restaurant; a slightly lower-priced option on the Ariake side.
Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside
upscale
Ariake, Koto - about 1 km from Tokyo Big SightFour-star hotel rated around 4.0 with free Wi-Fi, paid parking, restaurant and accessible rooms; a step up in room size and service for exhibitor teams.
Tokyo Prince Hotel
upscale
Shibakoen area, central Tokyo - transfer required toward Tokyo Big SightFour-star hotel rated around 4.1 and flagged as good value for its class, with transfer service and free Wi-Fi. Useful if you want central Tokyo evenings and a commute to the Ariake fairground.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
airport limousine bus
Estimated costApprox. JPY 3,000-3,300 one way per adult (estimate; confirm the live fare and stop name with the bus operator)
Best forNarita Airport (NRT) to Ariake / Tokyo Big Sight area
Limited-stop limousine coaches run from Narita terminals toward bayside hotel and Ariake stops; check whether your stop is a short walk or a taxi hop from the halls.
rail (Skyliner plus metro/Yurikamome)
Estimated costJPY 180-320 single metro journey
Best forNarita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo Big Sight via Ueno/Shimbashi
Keisei Skyliner into Ueno, then metro to Shimbashi and the Yurikamome to Tokyo Big Sight station. Fastest rail pattern but involves one or two changes with luggage.
Yurikamome
Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forShimbashi to Tokyo Big Sight station
Driverless elevated line across the bay with a station at the venue. Buy or tap an IC card and avoid peak commuter hours if carrying large bags.
Rinkai Line
Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOsaki / Shibuya side to Kokusai-Tenjijo station
Rinkai Line trains stop at Kokusai-Tenjijo, roughly a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight. Good option if your hotel is on the west side of Tokyo.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. JPY 3,000-6,000 depending on origin and traffic (metered; confirm before boarding)
Best forCentral Tokyo (Shimbashi, Ginza, Tokyo Station) to Tokyo Big Sight
Useful for exhibitor teams carrying demo equipment or for late arrivals after the halls close; traffic on the bayside approach can add time and fare.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. JPY 22,000-28,000 metered, expressway tolls extra (estimate; confirm fare and tolls before boarding)
Best forTokyo (NRT) to Tokyo Big Sight
The longest but most direct option with luggage or fragile devices. Rail plus Yurikamome is usually far cheaper for solo visitors.
parking
Estimated costApprox. JPY 1,500-2,500 for a half-day, with event-day rates varying by car park (confirm current rates on the venue site)
Best forTokyo Big Sight on-site car parks
Several paid car parks serve the halls; bayside roads and car parks fill early on opening mornings, so arrive before the doors open if driving.
Weather
December is one of Tokyo's drier, cooler months. Expect daytime temperatures around 10-13 C and night lows around 3-6 C, low humidity and only occasional rain, with a cold bay breeze in Ariake that makes waiting outdoors feel chillier. Halls are heated but large, so layered clothing works better than a single heavy coat.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Japan's mobile networks are fast and widely available; short-stay visitors can buy a data SIM or eSIM, rent a pocket Wi-Fi router at the airport, or use roaming if their home operator covers Japan. Tokyo Big Sight halls typically have paid or free Wi-Fi depending on the zone, but heavy exhibitor demos should not rely on public Wi-Fi - order a wired or dedicated connection with your stand services and test it during build-up.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business cards (meishi)
Exchange business cards with two hands and take a moment to read the card before putting it away. Cards in Japanese on one side make a strong impression with care-facility operators and distributors.
Punctuality and meetings
Appointments start on time, and booth meetings at Tokyo Big Sight are usually kept to a tight slot. Confirm the hall and booth number in advance and arrive a few minutes early.
Language on the show floor
Most exhibitors and visitors work in Japanese, and English support varies by booth. Japanese product one-pagers or an interpreter help when discussing device specifications and procurement.
Cash and payments
Cards are widely accepted in Tokyo, but some small restaurants and local shops still prefer cash. Convenience stores and station kiosks accept IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo.
No tipping and quiet public transport
Tipping is not customary in Japan, and service is included. Keep phone calls short and quiet on trains, and queue where marked on platforms.
Venue etiquette
Ask before photographing a booth or a device demo, especially where a person is being shown using care equipment. Food and drink are typically limited to designated areas in the halls.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NRT
For a mid-December arrival, Google Flights results show Narita (NRT) served nonstop from Dubai by Emirates in about 9 hr 25 min, while Seoul ICN rotations on ZIPAIR, Air Premia, Air Seoul, EASTAR JET and Peach run roughly 2 hr 15 min to 2 hr 30 min. Singapore-Tokyo nonstops appear at around 6 hr 40 min. From London and New York the December searches return one-stop routings via Zurich, Helsinki, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Taipei or Seattle, and Sydney connections route through Brisbane, Cairns or Incheon. Prices for the December window were flagged as high from Dubai, New York and London, so book early and compare Haneda (HND) arrivals, which are closer to the Ariake venue.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Tokyo (NRT): Primary international gateway serving Koto.. Allow road or rail time to Tokyo Big Sight; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Tokyo Big Sight: Ariake, Koto - about 380 m from Tokyo Big Sight: Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel; Ariake, Koto - about 710 m from Tokyo Big Sight: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake; Ariake, Koto - about 1 km from Tokyo Big Sight: Far East Village Hotel Ariake, Tokyo.
Ride-hail: Taxi-hailing apps including GO, S.RIDE and Uber's Japanese taxi-dispatch service operate in Tokyo and can be used from Ariake, with licensed taxis rather than private cars. Wait times can stretch after the halls close on show days, and the Yurikamome or Rinkai Line is usually faster and cheaper for the bay area. Set your pickup point at a hotel or station entrance rather than the venue road, where traffic is restricted.
Public transit: The venue is served by two rail options. The Yurikamome elevated line runs from Shimbashi to Tokyo Big Sight station, right at the halls; the Rinkai Line stops at Kokusai-Tenjijo station about a 7-minute walk away and connects to Osaki, Shibuya and Shin-Kiba. Tap a Suica or Pasmo IC card on all services. Trains are frequent and punctual but packed during morning and evening commuter peaks, so allow extra time with luggage or demo equipment.
Parking: Tokyo Big Sight has several paid on-site car parks serving the exhibition halls, with event-day rates and capacities that vary by gate and hall. Bayside roads and car parks fill early on opening mornings, so arrive well before the doors open if you are driving or arriving by taxi drop-off. Confirm current rates and which car park serves your hall on the venue website before travelling.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Daytime around 10-13 C, night lows around 3-6 C (Tokyo December climatology as an approximate band - check the forecast in the final week)
Seasonality: December is one of Tokyo's drier months, with occasional light rain rather than a rainy season. The main seasonal factor is the cold bay wind in Ariake, which makes the walk between station, hotels and halls feel chillier than the thermometer suggests.
Packing: Pack layers: a warm mid-layer, a windproof outer jacket for the bayside walk, and comfortable shoes for long days on the concrete halls. Add a compact umbrella, a scarf and gloves for evenings, and a small bag for catalogues. Halls are heated but large, so a single heavy coat is less practical than a removable layer.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at CareTechnoloogy December 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14-10 days out: pre-register on the CareTech Japan organiser site so the 5,000 yen visitor fee is waived, and save the confirmation QR or PDF on your phone.
T-2
14-10 days out: book an Ariake or Koto bayside hotel within walking distance of Tokyo Big Sight - December availability tightens quickly.
T-3
10 days out: map your route from the hotel to the venue via Yurikamome or Rinkai Line and note the first and last train times for your show days.
T-4
7 days out: download the exhibitor list and hall map, then shortlist the care robotics, transfer aids and monitoring sensor booths you must visit.
T-5
7 days out: request English or Japanese product catalogues and quotation sheets from priority exhibitors in advance.
T-6
5 days out: arrange airport transfer - limousine bus, Skyliner plus Yurikamome, or taxi - and confirm the terminal and stop names.
T-7
5 days out: check the weather forecast and pack layers, a compact umbrella and comfortable walking shoes for the halls.
T-8
3 days out: top up a Suica or Pasmo IC card (physical or in Apple/Google Wallet) for trains, buses and convenience stores.
T-9
3 days out: print or save bilingual business cards (meishi) with your company name and role in Japanese if possible.
T-10
2 days out: confirm any exhibitor meetings in writing, including booth number and hall.
T-11
1 day out: arrive in Tokyo early enough to absorb jet lag and check the venue access route in daylight.
T-12
Show day: arrive at opening for a quieter hall walk and to see demonstrations before the aisles fill.
T-13
Show day: keep a note of device model numbers, insurance/rental eligibility and follow-up contacts for each promising product.
T-14
After the show: send follow-up emails within 48 hours while exhibitors still remember your requirements.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Tokyo Big Sight
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2CareTechnoloogy December 2026 registration concourse
Tokyo Big Sight
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Tokyo Big Sight
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights¥190
- Per diem × 2¥150
Estimated total¥340
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether CareTechnoloogy December 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is CareTech Japan and what is shown at Tokyo Big Sight?
It is a Tokyo trade exhibition for nursing care and elderly welfare technology. Exhibits cover care robotics, transfer and mobility aids, bathing and toilet equipment, rehabilitation devices, monitoring sensors and care ICT systems, aimed at facility operators, home care providers and distributors.
Who is the show open to - trade visitors only or the general public?
The visitor profile is professional: nursing care facility managers, home care providers, hospital and public facility administrators, distributors and care-technology suppliers. Pre-registration is required before you arrive at Tokyo Big Sight.
Is there a visitor registration fee?
Yes, the listed visitor registration fee is 5,000 yen, and it is waived for visitors who pre-register. Register online through the organiser site before travelling and carry your registration confirmation.
How do I get to Tokyo Big Sight by public transport?
Take the Yurikamome line from Shimbashi to Tokyo Big Sight station, or the Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo station and walk roughly 7 minutes to the halls. Both lines connect to central Tokyo rail and metro networks.
Which airport should I fly into for the show?
Narita (NRT) handles most international long-haul arrivals and Haneda (HND) is closer to the city. Airport limousine buses, trains plus the Yurikamome, and taxis all reach the Ariake fairground - confirm current routes and fares before travel.
Where should I stay near Tokyo Big Sight?
Ariake and the surrounding Koto bayside district has a cluster of midscale and upscale hotels within roughly 1 km of the venue, including Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel and Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake. Book early because December is a busy Tokyo period.
Will exhibitors speak English at the show?
The working language of the show floor and conference is predominantly Japanese. Bring Japanese-language product one-pagers or an interpreter if you are sourcing devices, and pre-book meetings with exhibitors where possible.
What is the weather like in Tokyo during the show?
December in Tokyo is cool and mostly dry: daytime around 10-13 C with night lows around 3-6 C, and occasional windy days on the bay. Halls are heated, so layers and comfortable shoes work better than heavy outerwear for a full day of walking.
Glossary
- Kaigo Hoken (long-term care insurance)
- Japan's public long-term care insurance system, funded by premiums and taxes, which assesses elderly residents for a care-need level and funds services such as day care, home help and equipment rental. It shapes which devices care operators can rent or buy, so it drives the product mix shown at care-technology fairs.
- Care robotics
- Devices that assist or substitute for physical caregiving work - transfer robots, lift-assist suits, mobility platforms and monitoring robots - typically developed to reduce lifting load on staff amid Japan's care-labour shortage.
- Assistive technology
- Products that help a person with physical or cognitive limitations perform daily activities: specialised seating, walking aids, communication devices, adapted cutlery and environmental controls.
- Welfare equipment (fukushi yogu)
- The Japanese category covering beds, wheelchairs, walking frames, handrails and bathing aids supplied to care facilities and to individuals under public insurance or rental schemes.
- Care-need certification (yokaigo nintei)
- The municipal assessment that ranks an elderly person's support needs from 'support required' through care levels 1 to 5, determining eligibility for insurance-funded services and equipment rental.
- Monitoring sensor /见守り (mimamori) system
- Non-wearable or wearable sensors - bed mats, motion sensors, nurse-call add-ons - that alert staff to wandering, falls or night-time activity, a fast-growing care ICT segment in Japanese facilities facing night-shift staff shortages.
- Transfer aid
- Equipment such as ceiling lifts, standing hoists and sliding boards used to move a person between bed, chair and bath while protecting both the care worker's back and the resident's safety.
- Day service (day care) centre
- A facility providing daytime rehabilitation, bathing and meals so family carers can keep working; day-service operators are major buyers of compact bathing, exercise and transport equipment.
- Care ICT
- Software and connected hardware for care records, shift planning, vitals and sensor data, medication reminders and family communication, increasingly procured alongside physical equipment.
- Robotic care device certification / safety guidelines
- Japan has published safety and development guidelines for nursing-care robots; exhibitors often reference compliance when pitching devices to facility operators and public procurement officers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Tokyo Big Sight
- nursing care technology expo
- CareTechnoloogy December 2026 Koto 2026
- CareTechnoloogy December Koto 2026
- Koto Japan
- Healthcare Koto 2026
- Nursing Care Technology Koto 2026
- Healthcare Technology Exhibition Trade Show Koto
- Rehabilitation robots and mobility aids
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.