One Piece Day 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Ultimate Pirate Celebration

Thinking about flying to witness Tokyo’s One Piece Day of 2025? It is rare for an anime fan to not wish of attending this event irrespective of the landscape you belong to.  One Piece Day is the official annual celebration held in Tokyo as a tribute to the legendry journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates, a creation of Eiichiro Oda. As July 22 marks the anniversary of the manga publication, the annual celebration dedicated to it often comes around the months of July or August. As for 2025, the dates of the events are finally announced!!

Dates: August 9 – 10, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight South Exhibition Halls 1–3

What One Piece is for the fans?

          Being more of a cultural blast that brings together the anime fans it gives a few days off the boring tight gripping calendar and takes you into a world filled with colours, postures, live performances, anime and manga exhibitions, etc. Here is a list of heart filling experiences that are provided to the fans.

Elbaph Exhibit

• View installations and artwork with a focus on the present Elbaph Arc

Live Stage Shows

• Witness the live on-stage performances, interviews of casts, voice actors, behind the scene contents and queries regarding the future episodes and airing.

One Piece Knowledge Kings Battle

• Participate in the 7th annual quiz showdown to test your knowledge of trivia.

Game Zone

• Tournaments, demos, and themed challenges based on One Piece Card Game and One Piece Bounty Rush are available for you to try.

What to Expect at the Tokyo Event

Here is a quick reference to what you can expect during One Piece Day when you set foot in Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Hall. Day 1 and 2 are filled with marvellous activities and performances taking you to another level of artistic experience in an environment filled with aesthetic vibes.

• Opening Ceremony & “ONE PIECE” Live-Action Netflix Series Special Stage Event (10:15-11:15)

•  ONE PIECE CARD GAME Special Stage Event & Egghead Saga Voice Actors Special Stage Event (12:00-13:30)

• 7th ONE PIECE Knowledge King Battle “Paramount War” Finals (14:15-16:00)

• ONE PIECE DAY ’25 SPECIAL LIVE & Closing Ceremony (16:45-18:00)

Ticket Info, Entry Types & How to Get Them

Confused about tickets??? Not anymore!!!   Grab your tickets now!!!    Create a Bandai Namco ID and join BASE CREW.     

Price = ¥1,980 per day (tax included)

It should be taken into consideration that tickets provided would be personalized and it should match your ID. Tickets are available only to the Bandai Namco’s BASE CREW members so make sure you don’t miss it out. So grab your tickets now by becoming a member of Base Crew through their official website.

How to Get to Tokyo for One Piece Day

While planning your flight to Tokyo will you be confused where to land…like Narita or Haneda?? Haneda is much closer to the major parts of Tokyo, especially the central. Taking around 20-30 minutes to the city centre, Haneda airport (Tokyo International Airport) provides the best solution to travellers making the journey more convenient.

Here are some travel hacks which you could consider while planning to fly for One Piece Day

• Reserve Flights Early, if at all feasible
  Since August is the busiest travel month, prices are higher. Use applications like Hopper or Skyscanner to keep track of price reductions if you’re at the last minute.
• Try to Take a Midweek Flight
  Fares are frequently lower and there are less people on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Avoid Obon Week (August 13–16)

       This is when Japanese people travel en masse, so airports and trains get packed, and prices spike.

Getting to the Venue: Navigating Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba

The Yurikamome Line is an automated, driverless train line in Tokyo that connects the city to the futuristic and entertainment-filled Odaiba area. It runs from Shimbashi Station (central Tokyo) to Toyosu Station by passing over the white towers of the sleek, graceful and magnificent Rainbow Bridge. It also provides mesmerising views of the Tokyo Bay, skyscrapers and fine futuristic architecture.

Situated in a well connected corner there are a number of stations that can connect you to One Piece Day event.

• Tokyo Big Sight Station (U-11) is only a 3 minutes walk from the venue. This is the most direct and scenic route if you are already on the Yurikamome Line.
• Ariake Station (U-12) is about 7-10 minutes walk from the venue. This would be a great choice if you are staying in Ariake hotels or nearby.
• Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (R-03) is a 7 minutes walk from the venue. This station connects places like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Omiya.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels Near the Event

Choosing hotels during trips is a crucial part of any itinerary. Budget friendly or expensive, you deserve the best in what you search. Let’s check out a few budget friendly stays that you can look at while you visit Tokyo Big Sight.

• Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo – Bay Ariake – This hotel containing simple and clean style business rooms with comfortable bedding, free Wi-Fi and on site convenience store. It takes only a 5 minutes walk to Tokyo Big Sight and Kokusai Tenjijo Station.

• Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel – Basic but comfortable rooms often with bay views just 0.2-0.3 km from Tokyo Big Sight. Another perfect choice for a budget friendly stay when you decide to explore celebrations like One Piece Day.

• Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside – Incorporated with good value, stylish décor and on site dining, this hotel is available about 0.6 km away.

Now taking a quick glance at a few hotels where you can have a luxurious and comfortable stay.

• Hilton Tokyo Odaiba is situated directly on the waterfront of Odaiba Island offering spacious rooms with a unique taste of modern décor. Many rooms offer balcony view to the Rainbow Bridge thereby promising you a spectacular stay. Additional facilities like spa, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, restaurants and bars, executive lounge access etc will give you a splendid experience.
• Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, another luxurious option gives you an equally eminent experience during your staycation with their comfortable and spacious rooms providing one of the true comfortable services available.

Where to Eat: Food Spots for Hungry Pirates

• Sengyo Shunsai Uofuku– A seafood izakaya situated about 3 minutes from Kokusai Tenjijo Station, it offers banquet style seating and course meals with generous portions.

• Shunka Shuujitsu – Over 100 authentic Chinese dishes on the menu, there is high chance you will be bewildered. That too at an affordable cost!!

• Nirvanam – You want to try a vegetarian friendly South Indian menu? This is a perfect spot awaiting your presence to give you a mouth melting satisfying meal.

If you are into exploring the traditional Edo cuisine, Asakusa Kustasu – Tei Ariake Store is a perfect option for you. Offering a fully traditional Edo style multi course meals (kaiseki), this option stands out for your authentic cuisine exploration.

 Extend Your Trip: Must-Visit Anime Attractions in Tokyo

Getting your mind ready to explore the ultimate anime experience hits different. There are a few must visit anime experiences that any anime fan must indulge in. A few top anime attractions in Tokyo that can engage any anime fan:

a. Tokyo Anime Landmarks

1. Akihabara

• Often given the nicknames ‘Electric Town’ and ‘Otaku Paradise’ is Tokyo’s most famous neighbourhood for electronics, anime, manga, games and subcultural shopping.

• Located in Chiyoda Ward (central Tokyo), the area radiates out from Electronic Town Exit (west side) for anime and hobby shops, and the Showa – Dori Exit (east side) for electronics and office supply stores.  Being an anime & manga shopping heaven, also providing gaming arcades, themed cafes, themed events and pop – ups this side of Tokyo brings out ecstasy among fans.

2. Nakano Broadway

• This iconic shopping mall is a treasure trove of vintage anime goods, rare collectibles, rare manga, cosplay items, and Mandarake — the famed second‑hand seller. You can easily spend a full afternoon browsing here. More like being a quitter cousin of Akihabara, but for many anime collectors it is surely a treasure chest.
• Located near Nakano Station and Shijuku, it is truly easy-accessible making it entre the bucket list of many anime lovers.

3. Odaiba : Unicorn Gundam & Gundam Base

• An awe-inspiring full scale Unicorn Gundam statue?? That too which transforms and lights up? You can get to see it at Divercity Tokyo Plaza and adjacent there is Gundam Base Tokyo where you will find a massive retail and exhibition space model kits and limited merchandise.

4. Ghibli Museum (Mitaka)

• A whimsical, beautifully designed museum is a magical spot located in Inokashira Park, Mitaka, west of Central Tokyo. Time spent in the Saturn Theatre would be quite a spectacular experience when fans can go through a real visual experience of the authentic short Ghibli films.

5. Sanrio Puroland (Tama, Greater Tokyo)

• Who don’t remember Hello Kitty? Yes, the kitty dipped in pink!! Themed after Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, this indoor theme park features rides, parades, character meet-and-greet, live shows, cafes and all other extras that can keep fans hooked.

6. Pokemone Centre Shibuya

• How about getting greeted by life-size animatronic Mewtwo encased in a futuristic tank? Exciting right!! This is a true heaven for Pokemon fans where you can get printed Pokemon shirts and merchandise on-site. Located within Shibuya PARCO, it is a 5 minute walk from Shibuya station.

b. One Piece-Specific Attractions

• Tokyo One Piece Tower – Opened in March 2015, Tokyo One Piece Tower brought the world of One Piece to life across four floors with engaging attractions and games. However since July 31, 2020 this once a beloved indoor theme park is now permanently closed.

• Jump Shops –  Shopping and collecting merchandise is something that is inborn in anime and manga fans. Lets look into a short list of jump shops you can visit. Shibuya PARCO (6F), Tokyo Station Ichibangai (B1F), Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi (4F), Tokyo Dome CityYokohama Landmark Plaza, Sendai PARCO, Mugiwara, Kumamoto.

• Explore Kumamoto, heart of Kyushu: Rich in history, natural beauty and cultural icons Kumamoto provides an insight into the historical castle build in the 17^th century and Suizenji Joju-en Garden, a serene Edo period garden.

• Explore Shimotori Arcade, a bustling shopping street filled with nightlife to the brim.

• Kumamon, Kumamoto’s beloved bear mascot is often a mind capturing area for travel enthusiasts. Kumamon themed merchandise is available across the city.

Experiences Bookable on Thrillark

Universal Studios in Japan

Isn’t any simple typical studio… Universal Studios in Japan brings out the ultimate experience of thrilling rides, immersive world and seasonal events to you.

Wakayama Adventure World

• Wakayama Adventure World is located in Shirahama is a perfect spot in Tokyo if you are into marine and wildlife scenes.

Legoland Japan Nagoya

• Legoland Japan Nagoya is a perfect spot to see the miniature sponge bricks and create absolute fun and memories.  

Madam Tussauds Tokyo

• Grab your tickets to Madam Tussauds to engage in the century’s Hollywood pop culture.

Cosplay & Community: Join the Straw Hat Crew

Have you been imagining yourself walking about Tokyo in the attire of your favorite anime character?
Here’s the thing to consider before you grab your foam sword and wig: Cosplay is very popular in Japan, but it has its own culture and regulations, which will make your experience much better.

Where You Can Safely Cosplay in Tokyo:

In Japan, walking around the streets in full cosplay isn’t always a good idea (unless it’s Halloween in Shibuya).

Here’s where you can totally bring your character to life:

Anime Conventions – Think Comiket, AnimeJapan, Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest.

Cosplay Studios & Photo Spaces – Like Hacosta or Studio Crown, with professional sets.

Theme Parks on Special Days – Disneyland Tokyo or Tokyo Dome City during cosplay-friendly events.

Cosplay Cafés & Shops – Some Akihabara spots welcome cosplayers inside.

The Golden Rules of Cosplaying in Tokyo

1. Arrive in normal clothes – Most events have changing rooms. Train rides in cosplay? Not cool.

2. Props must be safe – No real weapons. Foam, plastic, or cardboard only. Guns need orange tips.

3. Respect the flow – Don’t block hallways for photos; follow staff directions.

4. Ask before you click – Always get permission before photographing someone. Not everyone can be snap friendly.

5. Check event-specific rules – Big events post detailed cosplay guidelines online… Make sure to go through them.

Where to rent or buy costumes:

Whether you want to channel your inner Luffy, dress like a fully armoured Demon Slayer, or transform into Sailor Moon for a day, there are plenty of options in the city to rent or purchase the ideal outfit. Let’s take a quick peek into a short list of bustling places unleash your inner stylist.

• ACOS Ikebukuro & Shinjuku
• Studio Crown
• Hacosta Cosplay Studios
• Harajuku Cosplay Rentals
• COSPA
• Anime Ikebukuro
• Closet Child (Harajuku & Shinjuku)

Whether you rent for a single magical day or splurge on a costume to treasure forever, Tokyo makes stepping into your favourite character’s shoes (or boots… or geta) an unforgettable part of your trip.

Best photo-op spots during the event

The anime events of Tokyo are not just meant for the meet of anime fans but also there is a huge playground for your camera. Finding the perfect costume, perfect backdrop and perfect angle gives you a perfect Pintresty shot making it look like you have popped out of an anime show. Here are a few must hit spots to make your cosplay shots pop:

• Ikebukuro Sunshine City Plaza – Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
• Tokyo Big Sight Waterfront – Comiket & AnimeJapan
• Harajuku Takeshita Street Side Alleys – Street Fashion Meets Anime
• Odaiba Seaside Park – Odaiba Cosplay & Outdoor Shoots

Cosplay in Tokyo is not just for exhibitions and live performances. Filling your Instagram feed and anime loving heart is also a major part that Tokyo’s Cosplay focuses on. So grab your outfit and camera with a well-planned idea regarding the perfect pose, candid, makeup, everything on the list.

Must-Have Merchandise & Exclusive Drops

For anime fans, treasure hunt is a must have event even it comes to anime related events. Yes, Tokyo have got your backs. It’s time to fill your pockets. Here are a few must haves that each fan should look out for:

• Attendee Pass & Fan Card

Let’s take a quick glance at the exclusive merchandise you can expect at One Piece Day ’25.

Stylized credential featuring the event’s August 9–10 date and special artwork

• Promotional One Piece Card Game Card – “Elbaph” – A rare, event-only promo card given in advance—must-have for TCG collectors.
• CHOPPER’s Bundle  – Includes themed folder, coloring sheets, and character card—all branded with One Piece Day ’25 visuals. 
• Kuma & Bonney Message Card – Special dual-design print featuring Kuma and Bonney; ideal for framing or collection
• Event Fan (Uchiwa) – Souvenir handheld fan featuring the official One Piece Day ’25 art—functional in Tokyo’s August heat.
• Official Tote Bag – Sturdy tote bag printed with vibrant One Piece Day ’25 visuals—perfect for carrying merch or everyday use.
• Brag Men Mini Notebook – Compact notebook with exclusive One Piece Day design—great for sketches, notes, or collectible journaling. 
•  Gashapon Corner Exclusive Pin Badge Collection – 18 unique pin badges themed around the festival—spin for random exclusives.

Don’t worry, international fans! You could also easy grab your favourite exclusive pieces by preordering it overseas.

• Premium Bandai (Tamashii Web Shop) – This Japan online shop opens internationally on August 8, 2025 at 16:00 JST for purchasing exclusive items like the limited “Elbaph” Luffy figure and Premium Card collection.
• Proxy or Purchase Services – Many global fans trust using proxy services like Tenso, Buyee or ZenMarket.

Itinerary: 5-Day Anime Fan Tour Around One Piece Day

Still confused on how to spend your time in Tokyo around the One Piece Day event? Not anymore!! We will help you plan our days in Tokyo through a sample idea.

Day 1 : Arrival in Tokyo & Akihabara Visit

• Arrive in Tokyo and check in to your hotel.  A quick fresh up can cool that tired body and mind.
• Head straight to Akihabara Electric Town, the heart of anime shopping.
• Exploring Mandarake, Kotobukiya and retro games can clearly make you excited.

Day 2 :  Attend Day 1 of One Piece Day ‘25

• Arrive early at Tokyo Big Sight for check in.
• Watch the main stage program like the voice actor talks, live music, exclusive reveals etc.
• Pose in official photo zones – plus sneak over to Odaiba waterfront for Rainbow Bridge shots.
• Try out dinner in Odaiba especially the Aqua City’s themed eateries or Gundam Café Odaiba.

Day 3 : Attend Day 2 of One Piece Day ‘25

• Catch any panels, cosplay showcases or fan activities that you missed on Day 1.
• Dive into the Odaiba shopping by exploring Divercity Tokyo Plaza and witness the life size Unicorn Gundam, shop themed stores. Walk through Aqua City Odaiba and Venus Fort for themed shopping and character goods.

Day 4 : Explore Nakano Broadway

• Step in to hunt treasure at Nakano Broadway for rare One Piece merch, vintage figures, and doujinshi.
• Head to a jump shop , for example, Tokyo Dome City or Tokyo Station) for exclusive One Piece and other series based goods.
• Evening could be handled with a casual dinner at any local izakaya before returning to the hotel. 

Day 5 : Explore the finale in USJ or Kumamoto

• Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka and spend the day in Universal Studio Japan exploring One Piece Premier Show, Super Nintendo World and movie themed rides.
• When the sun sets down, return to Tokyo or stay back at Osaka.

Instead of USJ if you are planning to visit Kumamoto before you leave Tokyo, here is a quick itinerary for you :

• Fly to take the Shinkansen
• Visit Kumamoto Castle to experience the richness in history and culture. You can also witness the One Piece statues of the Straw Hat crew scattered across the prefecture.
• Evening could be spent in Kumamoto or take a flight back to Tokyo.

 

Tips for First-Time Visitors

August in Japan is not simply something festive. The summer won’t miss it’s magic on you. Amidst the outdoor cosplay shoots, queuing for merch and jumping from one anime hotspot to the next, it is necessary to keep you cool through out the warm bright days. Here are some tips for you to be magically cool at the same time cute for the shoots.

Hydrate like a true Tokyo Local

• It’s quite a piece of cake to find salvation in every corner store. Chilled icy bottles of green tea, Pocari Sweat or Aquarius are your true friends here. Make sure you carry one all the time.

Dress for the Heatwave

• Block all those sticky tight uncomfortable synthetic garments because cotton and linen are your best friends here. Bonus points if you carry a UV – blocking umbrella.

Track the noon villain

• Tokyo’s sun has the tendency to play villain when the clock is around 11AM till 3AM. So it is important to show him what you can do. Save the scenic strolls and epic cosplays for the dawn or the golden even time.

Eat the Cool

• Japan’s snacks are made to love your body. Shaved ice piled high with syrup and condensed milk, matcha soft cream cones, or chilled noodle bowls (hiyashi chuka) refresh you as much as needed.
• Don’t forget to stay focused on hydration throughout your trip. The more hydrated you are, the longer you can keep exploring without feeling like you have just stepped out of a sauna.

• It is equally important to know how you can connect with other fans to keep you away from shores of solitude and enjoy the event within companionship. Online social spaces like Discord groups, Reddit, Twitter/X will help you get connected with people who share your same enthusiasm.

Wait! You are packing your bag to fly overseas, right? From square one you will need online apps or sites to help you get your trip go through a smooth passage. Here is a short list of such apps that would be useful for any wanderlust.

For routs and navigation:

• Google Maps
• Japan Travel by NAVITIME
• JR East Train Info

For language assistance:

• Google Translator
• Yomiwa – Scan Japanese texts for pronunciation and meaning

For cashless payments & tickets:

• Suica/Pasmo App – Virtual train card for tap‑and‑go travel (also works in convenience stores).
• Klook / KKday – Book attraction tickets and skip queues.

For Event & Shopping:

• PayPay – Popular QR‑code payment app in Japan.
• Mercari – Second‑hand treasure hunting for anime goods.

Let’s now look on to some cultural etiquettes so that you can enjoy your time while blending in perfectly with the locals.

Respect Cosplayers

• Capturing them without their consent? Absolutely no. Avoid touching costumes and props without permission.

Be a Polite Shopper

• Japan loves order and proper mannerisms. So be sure that you are in queue wherever necessary and is not caught pulling or pushing anyone or anything in a hurry. It will definitely seem rude.

Keep it Clean

• Visiting a country known for its cleanliness and not getting along with it. How does that sound? Bad right? So avoid littering around.

Ticket and pass

• Have your entry pass ready before reaching the gate. Avoid the last-minute hustle.

Keep a face of gratitude

• Staffs, vendors or volunteers… They love seeing you being grateful to their service.

 

Final Thoughts: Why This Is a Bucket-List Trip for One Piece Fans

There’s something magical about One Piece Day that goes beyond the merch, the panels, or even the jaw‑dropping cosplay. It’s the feeling of being part of a massive, happy crew, strangers who instantly feel like friends because you share the same love for this story. For two days, the world of Oda’s creation comes alive around you, the laughter, the music, the excitement of spotting your favourite character in the crowd. The feeling of getting surrounded by anime and forgetting the busy world behind hits different. You’ll leave with a suitcase full of treasures, sure, but most importantly, with moments you’ll replay in your mind for years. For any fan, this isn’t just a trip. It’s a chapter of your own adventure.  Book your Japan experiences now on Thrillark. No regrets, no doubts, just a whole blast of adventure.