San Japan FAQs

Question Answer
I absolutely must know if someone can pick up my convention pass for me.If the person has the registration QR code, they can pick up the pass on your behalf. This is the only way possible. This question is also answered in our Registration FAQ, which we highly implore you to please read for any other registration questions.
Does San Japan / HBG Convention Center have in & out privileges once I receive my pass?The convention center does not have the same restrictions as a stadium sporting event. You can leave and return all you'd like. You must wear your San Japan pass at all times to enter San Japan sanctioned sections of the convention center and at the San Antonio Grand Hyatt.
Why doesn't San Japan take place on the Monday of Labor Day Weekend?San Japan will always be a Thursday evening - Sunday evening convention. We do not take place on Labor Day Monday as it is cost-prohibitive to contract services and function space on Labor Day.

Our staff also think it's a great perk as they can recover on Monday before returning to their everyday life. We do not plan to ever expand into Labor Day Monday.
If I cosplay at San Japan, am I required to enter the Cosplay Show?No, we do not require cosplayers to enter the Cosplay Show or cosplay events. You may show up in a costume if you'd like and no further action is required besides having fun.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to San Japan?You are perfectly allowed to bring your own food to San Japan. You can store it in a bag or in your hotel. Water bottles of any kind are allowed. The only restriction is that you can't sell food on the convention floor in the hotel or convention center.
Is there a minimum age in order to attend San Japan?San Japan is an all-ages convention. However, if you are under the age of 13, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian who is 18 or above with you at all times.
Do I need to dress up in a costume in order to attend San Japan?It is not required at all. You will see a lot of people who will be dressed up but all we ask is to bring yourself and try to have fun at San Japan.
What is San Japan? Who are you? Why should I attend? What should I expect?

 

The above video, created by TWC News in 2015, does an excellent job answering those burning questions. We couldn't even write out a better description. We had over 24,000 attendees for our 2023 convention.

Do I need to bring an ID? When is an ID required? What kind of ID will be acceptable?

Your ID is only necessary if you plan to pick up your pre-registration badge by showing your ID OR if you plan to attend any 18+ events. It must be a government-issued ID for all 18+ events. You do not have to show your ID to purchase a badge at the convention OR if you have the registration QR Code. The electronic dance is an all-ages event and does not require ID to enter.

 

All 18+ events will require a convention badge, which will be checked at all events. We will only accept government-issued ID with a picture ID such as a driver's license, Texas State ID, or USA USA-issued passport. We will not get school IDs, birth certificates, or social security cards. If you plan to attend any 18+ events, you must have an ID.

 

We will not make any exceptions if you do not have a government-issued picture ID and attempt to enter an 18+, as we check everyone's ID upon allowing entry. An expired ID is okay if the birth date and photo are recent. We will not allow an underage person, even with parent or guardian permission, into an 18+ panel. No government-issued picture ID = No admission to an 18+ panel, even if you look 60.

If I buy a convention badge, does it cost extra to enter the Cosplay Show, go to a certain event, go to the late night electronic dance, or go to the concert?Your convention badge is your ticket. We will make announcements if an event will cost an extra amount. We do not charge extra to attend a panel. We want everyone to enjoy all the fun they can with just their badge. The only times a panel or event will cost extra will be if we absolutely need to charge extra. This applies to panels which include additional materials, like workshops, Masquerade Dance, or the Maid Cafe. We will inform attendees about this ahead of time.
Which event will require a ticket beyond my convention badge?The Formal Masquerade Dance will require a separate purchase in addition to your badge. We have switched the Formal Masquerade Dance to being an electronic purchase only. The Maid Cafe will require a separately purchased ticket to enter. We do not require a separate purchase in attending concerts or electronic dance events held at the Grand Hyatt.
What is the San Japan room party policy?

It is the policy of San Japan that what goes on in the privacy of a hotel room is not of the convention's concern. However, if a noise complaint is issued then hotel security will break up parties that receive complaints and may ask the person to vacate the hotel.



However, if San Japan and Hotel safety personnel have reason to believe that illegal activities or activities that could threaten the welfare of the convention are taking place at a room party, they have a duty and a responsibility to act to ensure the safety of all involved. All patrons staying in the San Antonio Grand Hyatt will be required to wear a wristband in order to access their hotel room. Please put this into consideration. This policy will always be enacted for all years that San Japan uses them as their main host hotel. The Marriott Riverwalk does not currently enact a wristband policy but this may change at any point.

Does San Japan require a bag check to attend? Is my backpack allowed? Do you offer lockers?San Japan does not perform bag checks inside the convention center. All bags, including backpacks, are allowed at the convention. We do not have a clear bag policy at our venues, unlike the Alamodome or AT&T Center. The only time bags are not allowed is after 11 PM in our Main Stage Ballroom on Saturday of the convention weekend. The Hyatt and Marriott hotel will not bag check any bags so be prepared for this. There is a paid service for lockers which will be $15 to $20.

What is the convention theme?

The San Japan theme changes every year. The 2023 Theme is Quinceañera - Coming Of Age. You are not required to adhere or adjust your cosplay to this theme.
Does San Japan allow strollers and wagons?Yes, we do allow strollers and wagons.
What time does things start at San Japan?The convention officially starts at 10:00 AM on Friday of the convention year at the start of Labor Day Weekend. We will be posting schedules on the San Japan website beginning on August 22nd when panels & events will be happening. The digital Guidebook will be released on August 25th.
When & Where is San Japan happening this year? Is San Japan ever moving to a different location?

San Japan is happening on August 30th - September 1st, 2024 in downtown San Antonio, Texas at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel. We take place at the center of the famous River Walk. It is located right by the Rivercenter Mall.



Address: 900 E. Market St. San Antonio, Texas 78205. This is our permanent convention location. We are not planning to move to a different venue within San Antonio. If you are looking for the dates for the next San Japan we will always take place on Labor Day Weekend forever. If you don't know when Labor Day is for a particular year then click here.