The Tokyo International Mineral Expo-Shinjuku Exhibition
The Tokyo International Mineral Expo, also known as the Shinjuku Exhibition, is a highly international event held twice a year in Tokyo's Shinjuku Station area. This time it features over 150 exhibitors from 30+ countries showcasing minerals, fossils, gemstones, and more under natural sunlight. The expo aims to share the joy of natural science and facilitate affordable trading of specimens in Japan. Visit our website for more details and highlights of this unique event!
Explore the 37th Spring Shinjuku Exhibition
The Shinjuku Exhibition is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. This time, we are participating in the spring exhibition from May 24th to May 27th, 2024.🌸
🎟️Tickets are sold for single-day entry at ¥1000 each and can be purchased online or on-site during the event. Each ticket includes a complimentary exhibition guidebook. The tickets are non-refundable once purchased.
▲ Single-day ticket.
🏢The exhibition takes place at Triangle Square, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building (2-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023), centrally located near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It's easily accessible by car or public transport. Triangle Square features a large glass-roofed open-air space, ensuring events proceed unaffected by weather. It connects directly to Tocho-mae Station and offers a variety of shops and dining options, perfect for enjoying both the exhibition and shopping or dining.😋
▲ Venue Map
Anna would like to mention that this venue is one of the coolest among where we've been to. Sunlight fills the space, making it really comfortable to stroll around and check out the specimens in natural light!
▲ The venue is great! High ceilings and excellent natural lighting.
▲ The sun shines on hard-working Anna.😛
💰At the event, transactions are most common in cash, so it's better for you to have smaller bills like the ¥1000 notes. We initially exchanged in the form of the ¥5000 note and almost couldn't get change! Card payments are accepted but in cash you might be offered more discounts.😉
Due to the low yen exchange rate, local stone specimens are cheaper, while those from overseas dealers in US dollars are not~
The exhibition is international, attracting many foreign exhibitors and visitors. Besides minerals, there are fossils and various mineral-related items like flashlights and specimen boxes in less obvious spots.😆
▲ Because it's an international mineral exhibition, there are also many overseas mineral dealers at the venue!
This year, in the Year of the Dragon, the Shinjuku Exhibition's mascot is dressed as a dragon, and there are long lines of people waiting to take photos with it!📸😍
▲ There's a mascot for free photos at the event! Looks like the organizers are really pushing their marketing efforts.😆
▲ The mascot is also celebrating its 30th anniversary!
In Japan, it's important to ask politely before taking photos at exhibitions. Most exhibitors welcome it, but some may have restrictions marked with signs. 🚫Let's be respectful visitors together!🫡
Shinjuku Exhibition Highlights
▲ Japan's Unique Sakura Stone
In addition to Japan's domestic minerals, the exquisite minerals from various countries overseas are also stunning!
That’s it for a short recap on this year's Spring Shinjuku Exhibition in May in Tokyo! The autumn session is set for October 4th-7th, so if you're interested, start planning your trip!😆
Event website: http://tima.co.jp/
By late June, we're off to Europe for the lovely Sainte-Marie Mineral Show in France again. Based on our experience in past trips, all we can say to you is: "Goodbye money, but I really need those cool finds!"💸
