October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    7–9 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Chiba, Japan

    Venue

    Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center

    Time

    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    GARDEX 2026 is Japan's largest gardening and outdoor lifestyle show, taking place from October 7 to 9, 2026, at Makuhari Messe.

    This event showcases a wide range of products and services related to gardening, outdoor living, and space design, attracting industry professionals and buyers from various sectors.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Edition Dates: GARDEX 2026 runs October 7-9, 2026 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
    2. 2Venue Logistics: Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center is the Chiba host venue for all three show days.
    3. 3Show Scale: The fair brings together over 1,000 exhibitors across the gardening and outdoor lifestyle sector.
    4. 4Visitor Access: Registration is free until October 6, 2026, when on-site admission is JPY 5,500.
    5. 5Product Scope: Exhibits cover gardening tools, plants, outdoor furniture, and landscaping services.

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain access to a diverse range of exhibitors, showcasing the latest products and innovations in gardening and outdoor living. Edition Dates: GARDEX 2026 runs October 7-9, 2026 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Venue Logistics: Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center is the Chiba host venue for all three show days. Visitor Access: Registration is free until October 6, 2026, when on-site admission is JPY 5,500.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors can connect directly with key buyers and decision-makers, enhancing their visibility and market reach. Show Scale: The fair brings together over 1,000 exhibitors across the gardening and outdoor lifestyle sector. GARDEX serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, explore new products, and discover the latest trends in gardening and outdoor living. It plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the sector.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Retail buyers from home improvement stores
    Garden center owners and managers
    Landscape architects and designers
    Outdoor living product retailers
    Agricultural suppliers and distributors
    Government and municipal representatives

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of gardening tools and equipment
    Suppliers of outdoor furniture and decor
    Producers of plants and horticultural products
    Companies specializing in landscaping services
    Retailers of gardening supplies and accessories
    Innovators in sustainable gardening solutions

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Gardening tools and equipment
    Outdoor furniture and decor
    Plants and horticultural products
    Landscaping services and supplies
    Sustainable gardening solutions
    Outdoor living products and accessories

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    1
    4-8

    Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center

    2-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-city, Japan 261-8550

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Hall 4-8

    Floor plans & maps

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –5:00 PM
    • General Admission

      Free registration until October 6, 2026

      ¥5,500
    Register

    Ticket info

    Registration deadline

    2026-10-06

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    RX Japan Ltd.

    What's on

    Programme

    Co-located events

    Agricultural WEEK

    Separate ticket

    A concurrent event focusing on agriculture.

    Website

    TOOL JAPAN

    Separate ticket

    A concurrent event focusing on tools for professionals.

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 36,617 visitors · 851 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Exhibitors

    1,000

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    GARDEX 2026 is Japan's largest gardening and outdoor lifestyle show, taking place from October 7 to 9, 2026, at Makuhari Messe. This event showcases a wide range of products and services related to gardening, outdoor living, and space design, attracting industry professionals and buyers from various sectors. GARDEX serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, explore new products, and discover the latest trends in gardening and outdoor living. It.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Retail buyers from home improvement stores, Garden center owners and managers, Landscape architects and designers, Outdoor living product retailers. Edition Dates: GARDEX 2026 runs October 7-9, 2026 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Venue Logistics: Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center is the Chiba host venue for all three show days. Show Scale: The fair brings together over 1,000 exhibitors across the gardening and outdoor lifestyle sector. Visitor Access: Registration is free.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors can connect directly with key buyers and decision-makers, enhancing their visibility and market reach. GARDEX serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, explore new products, and discover the latest trends in gardening and outdoor living. It plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the sector. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of gardening tools and equipment, Suppliers of outdoor furniture and decor, Producers of plants and horticultural.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Greater Tokyo (Chiba), Japan — Asia-Pacific

    Why it matters

    Japan is one of the world's most mature gardening and outdoor-living markets, backed by a dense home-centre retail channel (DCM, Cainz, Kohnan, NAFCO and regional chains) that sources heavily from both domestic and overseas suppliers. GARDEX at Makuhari Messe is the country's principal trade gathering for garden, horticulture and outdoor-living products, and its co-location with tool and DIY sections lets a single visit cover several adjacent categories. For exporters, the show is the most efficient way to test packaging, labelling and price-point expectations before committing to a Japanese distributor — while an ageing domestic grower base and a younger urban balcony-gardening audience create demand at both the traditional and the design-led ends of the range.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Two audiences, one market: ageing gardeners and urban balcony growers

    Japan's traditional home-garden customer base is skewing older and buying ergonomic, low-maintenance tools and smaller plant quantities, while younger urban households drive growth in balcony, container and small-space gardening products. Suppliers with dual-range catalogues are best positioned across both.

    02

    Cordless and labour-saving garden power

    Battery-platform garden power (trimmers, blowers, mowers, robotic mowers) continues to take share from petrol and corded equipment, with Japanese retailers favouring brands that offer a coherent battery ecosystem and Japanese-language product documentation.

    03

    Home-centre consolidation and private-label sourcing

    Large home-centre groups are consolidating supplier panels and expanding private label, which raises the bar on quality control, packaging, replenishment reliability and Japan-specific compliance. New entrants typically need a trading-company or importer partner for first listings.

    04

    Sustainability, plastic reduction and timber sourcing discipline

    Retailers and consumers increasingly screen for reduced plastic packaging, recycled materials and documented timber sourcing. Suppliers able to evidence FSC-style chain-of-custody and packaging-reduction plans gain an advantage in buyer conversations.

    05

    Inbound tourism lifts outdoor-living and garden-lifestyle retail

    Record inbound tourism into Greater Tokyo has expanded the garden-lifestyle and premium outdoor-goods retail segment, creating a design-led buyer audience alongside the traditional trade channel.

    Global garden, outdoor-living and hardware trade circuit

    Stand and sponsorship decisions are typically locked 6–9 months ahead of each show; visitor registration for Japan opens well in advance with free early registration.

    GARDEX sits inside a small global circuit of garden and hardware trade fairs that most exporters plan on an annual cycle. Japan's October window complements the European spring/summer fairs, so a supplier can test the Japanese market six months after presenting in Cologne, Essen or Birmingham.

    Northern-hemisphere spring–summer buying cycle; stand space is usually committed 6–9 months ahead

    Spoga+gafa (Cologne)IPM Essen (Essen)Glee (Birmingham)

    Europe

    Q1–Q2, ahead of the North American retail reset

    National Hardware Show (Las Vegas)

    North America

    Early October, ahead of the Japanese spring retail season

    GARDEX and Co-Located Shows (Makuhari Messe, Chiba)

    Asia-Pacific

    Peer events identified from established garden and hardware trade-fair circuit coverage. Dates and locations change — confirm each 2026 edition on the organiser's own website, and note GARDEX's exact dates for 2026 are the only ones confirmed from official sources here.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · JPY

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    NRT

    Narita International Airport

    Closest major international gateway to Makuhari Messe. Direct limousine buses serve Makuhari-area hotels; Keisei/JR rail options run to Kaihin-Makuhari via Tsudanuma in roughly 60–75 min.

    approx. 40 km

    to venue

    40–60 min by car or airport limousine bus off-peak; allow 75–90 min in weekday peak traffic

    by car

    HND

    Tokyo Haneda Airport

    Largest international gateway to Greater Tokyo with the widest long-haul network. Airport limousine buses run direct to Makuhari-area hotels in roughly 60–80 min depending on traffic.

    approx. 50 km

    to venue

    60–90 min by car (70–100 min in peak); about 75–90 min by train via Tokyo Station

    by car

    IBR

    Ibaraki Airport

    Small secondary gateway with limited domestic and a handful of international routes — only practical if a direct service matches your origin city.

    approx. 80 km

    to venue

    approx. 90–120 min by car

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Kaihin-Makuhari (5–10 min walk or short shuttle to Makuhari Messe)

    USD 60–110 / night

    Large, efficient business hotels with compact rooms. GARDEX week is a high-demand period — book 2–3 months ahead. Indicative room rates, confirm live availability.

    source
    Mid-range
    Kaihin-Makuhari / World Business Garden district

    USD 110–190 / night

    Closest cluster of full-service hotels to the venue, walking distance to Kaihin-Makuhari Station and the show halls. Rates rise sharply on opening days.

    source
    Premium
    Adjacent to Makuhari Messe / central Tokyo alternative

    USD 200–380 / night

    Hotel New Otani Makuhari is the on-site option with direct access to the convention centre — book earliest. Central-Tokyo five-star stays add a daily commute but broaden dining and evening networking options.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Train (JR Keiyo Line)

    Estimated costJPY 590 one way (approx. USD 4)
    Best forTokyo Station → Kaihin-Makuhari Station (approx. 30–40 min), then 5–10 min walk or local bus to Makuhari Messe

    Fastest and most reliable option from central Tokyo; frequent services. Kaihin-Makuhari is the venue's nearest station.

    Taxi (local)

    Estimated costJPY 1,000–1,600 (approx. USD 7–11)
    Best forKaihin-Makuhari Station → Makuhari Messe or nearby hotels

    Only 5–10 min; useful in rain or with samples and luggage. Metered, cash and IC cards accepted.

    Rideshare / taxi app

    Estimated costJPY 1,500–3,000 (approx. USD 10–20) for short city trips
    Best forOn-demand licensed taxis via GO / Uber app across Chiba and Tokyo

    Japan's ride-hailing works through licensed taxi fleets rather than private drivers; availability is thinner around Kaihin-Makuhari than in central Tokyo, especially at show close.

    Local bus

    Estimated costJPY 100–220 (approx. USD 1–2)
    Best forKaihin-Makuhari Station → Makuhari Messe gates

    Keisei/Chiba-Sea local services connect the station to the venue gates; frequent at show opening and closing peaks, intermittent mid-afternoon.

    taxi

    Estimated costJPY 15,000–20,000 (taxi to Tokyo Big Sight)
    Best forNarita International Airport (NRT) to Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center

    Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then Yurikamome or taxi.

    taxi

    Estimated costJPY 6,000–9,000 (taxi estimate)
    Best forTokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center

    Haneda is closer for Tokyo Bay venue clusters.

    taxi

    Estimated costJPY 6,000–12,000 taxi to the venue district
    Best forIbaraki Airport (IBR) to Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Visa exemption (short-term stay)Nationals of visa-waiver countries/regions (including the US, UK, most EU/EEA states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore) visiting for business meetings, trade shows and market research—None — granted on arrival for up to 90 days
    Short-term business visa (single entry)Business travellers from countries without a Japanese visa-waiver agreement, or waiver nationals who need a formal invitation-backed entry$20.005–10 working days after a complete application (allow 2–3 weeks in peak season)
    Short-term business visa (multiple entry)Frequent business visitors to Japan from eligible countries, or companies with established Japanese trading ties$40.002–4 weeks

    Japan grants visa-free short stays (up to 90 days, some nationalities 15/30 days) to around 70 countries and regions; the majority of GARDEX's Western European, North American, Korean, Australian and Singaporean visitors travel visa-free. Always verify your own nationality against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-exemption list before booking.

    Japan is an ATA Carnet contracting party and Chinese Taipei/CPD-originating carnets are accepted for commercial samples and professional equipment at trade shows. Register the carnet with your national issuing chamber 4–6 weeks before travel and have the counterfoils stamped at Narita/Haneda customs.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Early October in Chiba/Tokyo Bay is mild and transitional: daytime highs of about 21–23 °C with overnight lows of 14–16 °C, and the last of the Pacific typhoon season can deliver a heavy rain day. Pack layers plus a compact umbrella — indoor halls are climate-controlled.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Japan.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping and payment

    Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause awkwardness; service charges are typically included. Carry some cash for small venues and taxis, and load a Suica/PASMO IC card (or mobile version) for trains, buses and convenience stores.

    Business cards and meeting etiquette

    Exchanging meishi (business cards) matters: offer and receive with both hands, read the card briefly before putting it away. Punctuality is treated as a signal of respect; bowing on greeting is standard, and a light handshake is fine with international-facing staff.

    Dress and on-site behaviour

    Business formal (dark suit) is the safe default for meetings and show-floor appointments. On trains and in hotel lobbies, keep phone calls and conversations quiet; litter bins are scarce, so carry your own waste and expect to sort recyclables at the venue.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: NRT

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Chiba; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Most GARDEX visitors from the US, UK, EU/EEA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore can enter Japan visa-free for short-term business (up to 90 days) covering trade-show attendance, exhibiting, meetings and market research. Nationals of non-waiver countries need a short-term business visa applied for in advance at a Japanese embassy or consulate, typically supported by an organiser invitation letter. Published single-entry fee is approx. JPY 3,000 (approx. USD 20; budget JPY 3,000–5,000 given signalled fee revisions), with 5–10 working-day processing. Verify your own nationality on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa pages before booking.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Covers attending and exhibiting at a trade show, meetings and contract negotiation. Paid employment or extended stays require the correct work/residence status. Published fee is JPY 3,000 (approx. USD 20); Japan has signalled fee revisions, so budget JPY 3,000–5,000 (approx. USD 20–35). Apply via the Japanese embassy/consulate for your jurisdiction, usually with an organiser invitation letter and

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Adjacent to Makuhari Messe / central Tokyo alternative · Kaihin-Makuhari (5–10 min walk or short shuttle to Makuhari Messe) · Kaihin-Makuhari / World Business Garden district

    budget

    $60-$110 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $110-$190 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $200-$380 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Narita International Airport (NRT): 40–60 min by car or airport limousine bus off-peak; allow 75–90 min in weekday peak traffic; Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): 60–90 min by car (70–100 min in peak); about 75–90 min by train via Tokyo Station; Ibaraki Airport (IBR): approx. 90–120 min by car. Allow road or rail time to Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center: Kaihin-Makuhari (5–10 min walk or short shuttle to Makuhari Messe): APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari, Hotel Francs; Kaihin-Makuhari / World Business Garden district: Hotel Springs Makuhari, Hotel The Manhattan; Adjacent to Makuhari Messe / central Tokyo alternative: Hotel New Otani Makuhari, Tokyo Station Hotel (central Tokyo, approx. 35–45 min by JR Keiyo Line).

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chiba; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Makuhari Messe - Nippon Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October 2026

    Temperature: 15–23 °C typical for early October (daytime highs 21–23 °C, overnight lows 14–16 °C)

    Seasonality: October averages roughly 180–200 mm of rain across ~10–12 rain days on Tokyo Bay, and the tail end of the Pacific typhoon season can produce one very wet, windy day in early October. The rest of the month is usually clear and mild — pack a compact umbrella, a light waterproof layer and comfortable walkable shoes for the halls.

    Packing: October averages roughly 180–200 mm of rain across ~10–12 rain days on Tokyo Bay, and the tail end of the Pacific typhoon season can produce one very wet, windy day in early October. The rest of the month is usually clear and mild — pack a compact umbrella, a light waterproof layer and comfortable w

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: 2026-10-08

    Day 2 of a three-day RX Japan trade show is normally the peak: exhibitor decision-makers are still fully staffed after opening day, pre-booked buyer meetings tend to cluster mid-show, and the show floor has filled without the departure-day thinning of Day 3. Attending Day 2 gives the widest supplier coverage in a single day; pair it with a short Day 1 arrival walk to orient yourself before the meeting schedule begins.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and Japan entry requirements — Check that your passport covers the full trip and review official Japan immigration guidance before booking.

    2

    Book flights to reach Chiba by October 6, 2026 — Plan to arrive the day before GARDEX 2026 opens on October 7 and allow time for the transfer to Makuhari Messe.

    3

    Reserve accommodation near Makuhari Messe — Choose a hotel within easy reach of the venue to shorten daily travel across the October 7-9 show days.

    4

    Complete online visitor registration for GARDEX 2026 — Register free via gardex.jp before October 6, 2026; on-site admission is JPY 5,500 after that.

    5

    Download the hall plan and conference programme — Review the exhibitor list and sessions on the official site to plan which halls to cover.

    6

    Shortlist exhibitors and pre-book B2B meetings — Request meetings with target gardening and outdoor lifestyle suppliers ahead of the show.

    7

    Plan local transport between hotel and venue — Map the route to Makuhari Messe and confirm daily timings for the October 7-9 schedule.

    8

    Shortlist conference sessions and product zones — Block time for priority sessions and product categories across the three show days.

    9

    Arrange travel insurance and payment methods — Confirm insurance covers the trip and plan card and cash options for spending in Japan.

    10

    Pack business attire and show materials — Prepare business cards, a notepad, and comfortable shoes for long days on the exhibition floor.

    11

    Prepare meeting documents and buyer requirements — Bring specifications, target price points, and a meeting agenda for supplier discussions.

    12

    Confirm arrival, badge collection, and Day 1 plan — Reach Chiba, collect your badge, and set an early start for the October 7 opening at Makuhari Messe.

    Side trips

    2

    Central Tokyo (Ginza, Asakusa, Akihabara)

    Narita-san Shinsho-ji and Narita Old Town

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General Admission

    JPY 5500 / per person

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Short-term business visa (single entry)

    USD 20 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Short-term business visa (multiple entry)

    USD 40 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether GARDEX 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 aligns with the GARDEX halls or the co-located tool/DIY and outdoor-living zones, and you can commit two to three days on the floor.

    Best for

    Buyers, importers, retailers and product developers sourcing garden, outdoor-living, horticultural and DIY categories for the Japanese market.

    Min. budget

    $480.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before opening day for free/advance visitor registration, hotel booking and flights.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Makuhari-area hotels sell out and price up during show week; early booking is essential.

    Early-October typhoon-tail weather can disrupt one travel day — build in slack.

    exhibit

    You have a defined Japanese distribution, listing or joint-venture goal and can staff the stand with Japanese-speaking or interpreter-supported personnel.

    Best for

    Suppliers, brands and distributors seeking qualified meetings with Japanese home-centre chains, garden retailers, importers and specifiers.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    4–6 months for stand booking, space-only or package build, freight, ATA Carnet, interpreter and marketing preparation.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Booth and stand pricing is not published in captured sources — request the current RX Japan exhibitor rate card before committing.

    Japanese packaging, labelling and compliance expectations can add cost and lead time to first shipments.

    English-language sales support is limited on some Japanese visitor stands — budget for bilingual staff.

    skip

    Your commercial goals are served by European or North American circuits (spoga+gafa, IPM Essen, Glee, National Hardware Show) instead, or Japan market entry is not resourced this cycle.

    Best for

    Teams whose product category, price architecture or region fit does not match the Japanese garden, outdoor-living and DIY channel this edition.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    GARDEX
    Japan's largest gardening and outdoor lifestyle exhibition.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products at the event.
    3
    Visitor
    An individual who attends the event to explore products and network.
    4
    Registration
    The process of signing up to attend the event.
    5
    Admission Fee
    The cost to enter the event after the free registration period.
    6
    Networking
    The act of interacting with other professionals to exchange information and develop contacts.
    7
    Sustainable Gardening
    Gardening practices that are environmentally friendly and promote biodiversity.
    8
    Outdoor Living
    Products and services that enhance outdoor spaces for leisure and enjoyment.
    9
    Horticulture
    The art and science of growing plants for food, beauty, and environmental benefits.
    10
    Landscape Design
    The art of arranging land and plants to create aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    4

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    RX Japan Ltd.

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