Join us for ISM Japan 2027, the premier trade fair for sweets and snacks, from April 13-15 at Tokyo Big Sight.
Dates
13–15 Apr 2027
City / country
Tokyo, Japan
Venue
Tokyo Big Sight
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event overview
ISM Japan 2027 is the dedicated showcase for Sweets & Snacks in Japan, taking place from April 13 to 15, 2027, at Tokyo Big Sight.
This event serves as a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore the latest trends in the sweets and snacks sector.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain access to a wide range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and innovations in the sweets and snacks market.
Exhibiting at ISM Japan provides companies with unparalleled access to a targeted audience of buyers and decision-makers in the sweets and snacks sector. It is an opportunity to showcase products, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable market insights. ISM Japan is crucial for connecting industry professionals in the sweets and snacks sector, providing insights into market trends and facilitating networking opportunities. As the only dedicated trade fair for this.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
13-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Floor plans & maps
Attend
Event days & opening times
On-site registration
Free for pre-registered visitors
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
This edition
2027
Next edition
Not announced yet
Photos
Impact
ISM Japan 2027 is the dedicated showcase for Sweets & Snacks in Japan, taking place from April 13 to 15, 2027, at Tokyo Big Sight. This event serves as a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore the latest trends in the sweets and snacks sector. ISM Japan is crucial for connecting industry professionals in the sweets and snacks sector, providing insights into market trends and facilitating networking opportunities. As the.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Wholesalers and distributors in the food and beverage industry, Retailers including supermarkets and convenience stores, Foodservice operators including restaurants and catering services, Importers and exporters of food products. Dates: April 13-15, 2027. Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. Focus: Sweets and Snacks industry. Expected Attendance: Over 55,000 industry professionals. ISM Japan 2027 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibiting at ISM Japan provides companies with unparalleled access to a targeted audience of buyers and decision-makers in the sweets and snacks sector. It is an opportunity to showcase products, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable market insights. ISM Japan is crucial for connecting industry professionals in the sweets and snacks sector, providing insights into market trends and facilitating networking opportunities. As the only dedicated trade fair for this.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Japan is one of Asia's largest and most sophisticated confectionery and snack markets, with world-class convenience retail, intense seasonal gifting demand and a highly developed private-label sector. ISM Japan brings the global sweets & snacks supply chain — cocoa, ingredients, finished confectionery, snacks and packaging — directly to Tokyo, giving exporters a single venue to meet Japanese importers, distributors and convenience/supermarket buyers, and giving regional buyers an efficient view of international innovation without travelling to Europe.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Health, sugar reduction and functional snacking
Premium gifting and Japanese flavour cues
Plant-based and clean-label ingredients
Sustainable and recyclable packaging
Convenience retail and e-commerce channel shift
ISM Japan sits inside a global confectionery and snacks circuit anchored by ISM Cologne and complemented by US, European, Gulf and Chinese food fairs. Suppliers typically sequence ISM Cologne (global confectionery) in the first quarter, then regional events such as ISM Japan, Gulfood, Sweets & Snacks Expo, Bakery China and Salon du Chocolat to reach buyers in each trading bloc.
January–February
ISM Cologne and Gulfood anchor the first-quarter confectionery and food-trade calendar.
April–May
ISM Japan (Tokyo, April) and Sweet & Snacks Expo (US, May) cover the Asian and North American buyer cycles, with Bakery China in Shanghai in May.
October–November
Salon du Chocolat in Paris closes the year for premium chocolate and patisserie suppliers.
Peer events identified from sector context and listing signals; fair dates rotate year to year — verify current dates on each organiser's website before planning travel or stand bookings.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Primary international gateway serving Tokyo.
to venue
45–70 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 250–450 / night
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
airport_limousine_bus
Reserved-seat limousine bus; 70–100 min depending on traffic. Book online or at the airport counter — the most practical option with luggage.
train
Automated elevated line with direct service to the venue, ~20 min; the default route for visitors staying in central Tokyo. Expect queues at peak opening times.
taxi
70–100 min depending on traffic; use the limousine bus or rail if cost control matters.
metro_ic_card
Mobile Suica works on iPhone/Apple Wallet and covers the Yurikamome and Rinkai Line — the simplest way to pay for airport and venue travel.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free short-term stay (up to 90 days) | Citizens of around 70 countries and regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, EU/Schengen states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore and most Latin American countries. | — | Not applicable — entry granted on arrival with a valid passport and onward ticket; register details via Visit Japan Web. | |
| Short-term business visa (single entry) | Nationals of countries without a visa-exemption arrangement (including much of Africa, South Asia and parts of the Middle East), and visitors whose purpose or length of stay exceeds the exemption. | $20.00 | Typically 5–10 working days; allow 2–3 weeks including appointment and document review. |
Most business visitors from North America, Europe, Oceania and East Asia enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days — sufficient for ISM Japan attendance and business meetings.
Japan accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of goods, including exhibition materials and trade-fair samples. Confirm documentation and the organiser's appointed freight forwarder before shipping to Tokyo Big Sight.
Official visa pageWeather
Mid-April in Tokyo is mild and spring-like: typical daytime highs near 19°C and overnight lows around 10–11°C, with roughly 120–130 mm of rain spread across the month. Cherry-blossom season is finishing in early April, so expect a mix of clear days and occasional rain showers — light layers and a compact umbrella are worth packing.
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
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and payments
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion — service is included. Cash is still widely accepted, but Suica/PASMO IC cards and credit cards cover almost all transit, hotels and restaurants; place cash on the small tray at hotel and shop counters rather than handing it directly.
Business etiquette and punctuality
Exchange business cards (meishi) with both hands and a slight bow, and take a moment to read the card. Be punctual for meetings and stand appointments, keep phone calls away from the show floor, and keep conversations quiet and orderly on trains and in the halls.
Dress, dining and everyday manners
Business attire is standard on the show floor; smart casual with layers suits April's variable weather. Remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants or private rooms, avoid eating and drinking while walking on trains, and wait for the queue to board rather than pushing on.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: NRT
Book flights to NRT (Tokyo) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.
Japan grants visa-free short-term entry (up to 90 days) for most Western and East Asian passport holders — including the US, UK, EU/Schengen states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore — which covers trade-fair attendance and business meetings (no paid local work). Nationals without a visa-exemption agreement need a short-term business visa: apply at a Japanese embassy/consulate or via Japan eVisa where eligible; the consular fee is generally JPY 3,000 (~USD 20) for a single entry with about 5–10 working days processing, and some nationalities are charged higher reciprocal fees. Register immigration and customs details on Visit Japan Web before departure; ATA Carnets are accepted for temporary admission of trade-fair goods.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Covers business visits, trade-fair attendance and meetings; paid local employment is not permitted. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Apply at a Japanese embassy/consulate or via Japan eVisa where eligible. Consular fee is generally JPY 3,000 (~USD 20) for single entry — some nationalities are charged higher reciprocal fees. An invitation letter or stay schedule from the organiser/e
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Tokyo (NRT): Primary international gateway serving Tokyo.. 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, Shiomi and Shinkiba business hotels (Rinkai Line corridor): Toyoko Inn Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake), APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Shiomi; Ariake / Odaiba waterfront — 5–15 min from Tokyo Big Sight: Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel, Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside; Odaiba waterfront and central Tokyo (Shimbashi/Ginza) with direct Yurikamome or Rinkai Line access to the venue: Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake, Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Tokyo; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Tokyo Big Sight.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Tokyo Big Sight; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: 10–19°C typical April range in Tokyo (daily lows around 10–11°C, daytime highs near 19°C)
Seasonality: Spring season: moderate rainfall of roughly 120–130 mm across April with occasional showers rather than sustained rain; cherry-blossom season tapers off in early April, giving mild, changeable spring days.
Packing: Mid-April in Tokyo is mild and spring-like: typical daytime highs near 19°C and overnight lows around 10–11°C, with roughly 120–130 mm of rain spread across the month. Cherry-blossom season is finishing in early April, so expect a mix of clear days and occasional rain showers — light layers and a co
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 — Wednesday 14 April 2027
Mid-show days carry the fullest programme: exhibitors are fully set up after the opening rush, buyer traffic peaks, and seminar/category sessions and matchmaking meetings typically run across the middle day of the three-day run. Day 1 is dominated by registration queues and opening-ceremony traffic, while Day 3 thins out as exhibitors begin packing down ahead of the 17:00 close.
Confirm passport validity and Japan entry requirements — Check that your passport is valid for the full stay and confirm short-stay visa or visa-waiver status for Japan before booking travel to Tokyo.
Book flights to Tokyo (NRT) — Tokyo Narita (NRT) is the listed gateway for ISM Japan 2027; compare fares early for the 13-15 April 2027 dates.
Reserve a hotel near Tokyo Big Sight — Book a free-cancellation room close to Tokyo Big Sight or with easy rail access to the venue for the show nights.
Register online for a visitor badge — Complete visitor registration via the official ISM Japan site (ismjapan.com) and save the confirmation for on-site badge collection.
Download the hall plan and programme — Review the Tokyo Big Sight floor plan and the ISM Japan session schedule to plan efficient hall routes.
Pre-schedule B2B meetings with exhibitors — Contact target sweets, snack and packaging suppliers to arrange meetings across 13-15 April 2027.
Shortlist sessions and product zones — Mark priority conference sessions and product zones (confectionery, snacks, packaging) to cover during the show.
Plan airport-to-venue transport — Allow enough time from NRT to Tokyo Big Sight by train or taxi and confirm the fastest route for your arrival window.
Arrange payment and connectivity — Carry a card for cashless payments in Tokyo and set up mobile data or a local SIM or eSIM for the trip.
Prepare packing and meeting materials — Pack business cards, printed meeting documents and layered clothing for Tokyo weather in April.
Reconfirm meetings and badge pickup — Reconfirm B2B appointments and the badge collection hours for the first show day at Tokyo Big Sight.
Travel and arrive for Day 1 — Arrive in Tokyo, collect your badge and orient at Tokyo Big Sight before the 13 April 2027 opening.
Odaiba waterfront & Rainbow Bridge
Asakusa & Senso-ji temple district
Tokyo Big Sight West Hall exhibition aisles and buyer/matchmaking lounge
Seminar and conference rooms, Tokyo Big Sight
Ariake/Odaiba hotel lobbies and bars (Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel, Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake)
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · On-site registration
JPY 5000 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · Short-term business visa (single entry)
USD 20 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | On-site registration | JPY 5000 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Short-term business visa (single entry) | USD 20 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need supplier discovery, tastings and trend intelligence, or you are validating the Japanese market before committing stand space.
Best for
Buyers, distributors, retail/private-label sourcing teams and food-industry analysts who need to meet Japanese and international sweets & snacks suppliers in one trip.
Min. budget
$5,300.00
Timeline
6–10 weeks (flight booking, hotel near Ariake/Odaiba, badge registration — free for pre-registered visitors vs JPY 5,000 on site)
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals (ticket, hotel/per-diem, visa) — confirm live rates.
Tokyo April hotel rates spike with cherry-blossom season; Ariake/Odaiba rooms near Tokyo Big Sight book out early.
Visa-free entry covers business visits only — paid activity or extended stays require the correct visa status.
exhibit
You have Japan/Asia distribution ambitions, a portfolio of confectionery or snack products, and are ready to staff a stand with Japanese-speaking or interpreter support.
Best for
Confectionery, snack, ingredient and packaging suppliers targeting Japanese importers, convenience-retail buyers and Asian distribution partners.
Min. budget
$23,850.00
Timeline
6–9 months (stand space selection and contract, booth design/build, freight and customs, ATA Carnet, staff travel)
Risks
Budget estimate from stand/travel cost signals in the listing — confirm booth pricing and shell-scheme rates with Koelnmesse/ISM Japan.
Sample import and food-labelling rules for Japan must be cleared before shipping product.
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates for freight, stand build and staffing.
skip
Travel budget or visa lead time cannot be met, or the product categories on show do not match your sourcing or sales brief.
Best for
Teams with no Japan/Asia sourcing mandate, or those already covered by ISM Cologne, Sweets & Snacks Expo or a regional Asian fair.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
No major risks listed.
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
Koelnmesse GmbH
ISM Japan
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