FAQFAQ

About the venue

Q.What is TMC?
A.Tokyo Mystery Circus - or TMC for short - is packed with fun games and events that you can participate in! All games are available in Japanese and some select games are also available in English. We offer several different types of games, such as our Real Escape Game, Real Stealth Game, and a projection map table game! We also have a goods shop where you can purchase TMC original merchandise, and a cafe which offers a limited edition menu depending on what games we are currently hosting.
Q.What are the opening and closing hours?
A.Opening hours are weekdays 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and weekends 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The starting time for each game varies, so please check the website for more information.
Q.Is it possible to enter the venue without buying a ticket beforehand?
A.It is completely free to enter the venue. However, for guests who wish to participate in any of our games or events, it is necessary to purchase a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or at the facility itself.
Q.Are there any physical or age limitations?
A.This varies between games, so please check the individual information for each game. There are no limitations for anyone that just wishes to enter the building.
Q.Can I enter the cafe and/or merchandise shop even if I am not participating in a game?
A.Yes. They are in the "free entry" area, so please feel free to visit either of them.
Q.Can I bring my own food and drinks into the building?
A.Please refrain from bringing outside food and drinks into the building.
Q.Is there anywhere to store luggage?
A.You can leave your belongings at the 1st floor ticket counter for a fee of 500 yen. However, there is limited capacity. If you are playing the Real Stealth Game on the 3rd floor, there are free coin lockers to store your belongings. Please refrain from leaving large baggage such as suitcases in the game area. You can also use the public coin lockers outside the facility.
Q.Can we leave a baby stroller or wheelchair with you?
A.Unfortunately we have nowhere to store a baby stroller or wheelchair.
Q.What are the rules for bringing a baby stroller into the building?
A.It is possible to bring a baby stroller into the building. However, please check each game's details in advance to confirm whether or not it is possible to bring a baby stroller to the game itself.
Q.Is there a smoking area?
A.There is no smoking area in the building. Please use a public smoking area elsewhere.
Q.Is there a carpark or bicycle parking area?
A.There is no parking space. Due to traffic congestion, we recommend that you take public transport instead.

*JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (7-minute walk)
Seibu-Shinjuku Station (2-minute walk)
Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchōme Station (10-minute walk)
Tokyo Metro Higashi-Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk)
Q.Are there any first aid facilities?
A.Unfortunately there are no first aid facilities. If you are not feeling well, please let a member of staff know immediately.
Q.Are pets allowed inside the building?
A.Other than service dogs, guide dogs, and hearing dogs, no animals or pets are allowed in the building.
Q.Is the merchandise from the TMC GOODS SHOP available online?
A.Popular items are sold on the online store. For more information, please ask the staff at the merchandise shop.
*Puzzle merchandise and the online store are only available in Japanese.

Our Games and Events

Q.What is Real Escape Game?
A.Real Escape Game (REG) is a interactive live puzzle game where players have to solve mysteries and clues within a time limit to “escape” from a given location based on a unique storyline. Real Escape Games are held in places like ruined hospitals, sports stadiums, churches, amusement parks and more!
Q.What is Real Stealth Game?
A.Real Stealth Game is an immersive experience where you “become” a spy or secret agent, and take on a mission to infiltrate an enemy’s base. Bypass the guards as stealthily as possible, all the while watching out for traps the enemy has set for you!
Q.What will happen if I do not arrive on time for the start of a game?
A.If you are later than the starting time of the game, you may not be allowed to join the game. When you are purchasing tickets, please make sure you leave enough time to arrive early. To contact the shop on the day, please call 03-6273-8641. Japanese and English customer support is available.
Q.Is it possible to come alone?
A.Yes, you can enjoy our games even if you come alone. Depending on the game, you may have to team up with a random player with the same time slot. We will do our best to match players who speak the same language, but in cases that we cannot, we would appreciate your cooperation.
Q.Can very young children participate in your games?
A.It varies from game to game, so please check each game's information. Some games may be too difficult for children, so please check the game information and choose one that suits you the most.

Purchasing Tickets

Q.Is there a day pass available that allows one to participate in as many games and/or events as they like on the same day?
A.We do not have a day-pass available. Please purchase tickets for each game you wish to play one by one.
Q.Where can I buy tickets?
A.You can buy tickets at the TMC Ticketing Page or over the counter at the TMC building.

For English tickets, you do not need to sign up as a member to buy tickets (Please change the language of the page to English.)

For more information on how to purchase, please click here.
Q.How can I pay for the tickets?
A.When buying tickets through the ticketing page, the payment method is either ""credit card"", ""debit card"", or ""prepaid card"" of the following card brands:

*Cards that can be used:
Saison, UC, VISA, JCB, Diners Club, DC, American Express.

When buying tickets at the TMC building over the counter, you can use cash.
Q.What is the latest that I can purchase tickets in advance?
A.You can purchase tickets up to 23:59 PM on the day before any of our games and events.
Q.Is my game private?
A.We can only guarantee your game will be private if you book a group ticket. Otherwise, it is not possible to guarantee that your game will be private, as the remaining spaces in the game may be reserved by other people.
Q.Is there an English ticketing site?
A.Please click here for TMC's English ticketing site.

How Tickets Work

Q.I want to confirm the details of the ticket(s) I bought.
A.Enter your email address into the ticketing page's "My Account", and send yourself the confirmation email. An e-mail will be sent to you with a URL link to your QR code. *The email will only be valid for 1 hour, so please check the URL within an hour of receiving the email.
Q.How does the QR code ticket work?
A.You will need to scan your QR code on the QR code reader at the game venue. Please prepare your QR code in advance and the staff will attend to you.
Q.How do I display a QR code ticket?
A.After payment has been completed, you should receive an email to the address you used to purchase tickets with a QR code attached to it. QR code tickets can also be accessed via the official TMC app under My Ticket, and your purchase history on the TMC ticketing site.
Q.I can't display the QR code sent to me via email.
A.Enter your email address into the ticketing page's "My Account", and send yourself the confirmation email. An email will be sent to you with a URL link to your QR code. *The email will only be valid for 1 hour, so please check the URL within an hour of receiving the email.

Ticket Queries

Q.What should I do regarding changes I would like to make or errors that occur to my TMC ticketing site account?
A.Please click here.
Q.Is it possible to make changes or cancellations to tickets that were purchased?
A.It is not possible to make changes or cancellations to tickets once purchased. We appreciate your cooperation.
Q.My train/ flight was delayed due to weather complications. Can I get a refund?
A.Please contact us here.
Q.If the game has been cancelled, what happens to my ticket?
A.If a game has been cancelled due to official reasons, we will send you an e-mail for a refund or change of date.
Q.I can't participate in a game I booked due to unforseen circumstances. Can I give my QR code ticket to a friend to go in my place?
A.Yes. You can send QR code tickets to a friend by taking a screenshot of it on your smartphone and sending them the photo of the QR code. Please note that the reselling of tickets is prohibited.
Q.I did not receive a confirmation e-mail after purchasing my tickets.
A.Please contact us here.
Q.Is it possible to receive a receipt for tickets that I purchased?
A.An electronic receipt can be issued from the order history on the TMC ticket site. If you purchase a ticket at the store or need a handwritten receipt, we will issue it at the service counter on the 1st floor.

Regarding Guests with Children

Q.Can young children participate in any of the games/events?
A.All young children of age 12 below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check each game's information for further details.
Q.Are there any physical or age limitations?
A.This varies between games, so please check each game's information. There are no limitations for anyone that wishes to just enter the building.
Q.Can very young children participate in your games?
A.It varies from game to game, so please check each game's information. Some games may be too difficult for children, so please check the game information and choose one that suits you the most.
Q.Is there an entry fee for young children -age 12 and below?
A.Several of our games and events have a special entry fee for young children. Please bring proof of your child's age on the day of the game or event you will be participating in. If you do not provide proof of your child's age, you will be charged the difference from the general admission price.
Q.What are the rules for bringing a baby stroller into the building?
A.It is possible to bring a baby stroller into the building. However, please check each game's details in advance to confirm whether or not it is possible to bring a baby stroller to the game itself.
Q.Can we leave a baby stroller or wheelchair with you?
A.Unfortunately we have nowhere to store a baby stroller or wheelchair.
Q.Is there anywhere to store luggage?
A.You can leave your belongings at the 1st floor ticket counter for a fee of 500 yen. However, there is limited capacity. If you are playing the Real Stealth Game on the 3rd floor, there are free coin lockers to store your belongings. Please refrain from leaving large baggage such as suitcases in the game area. You can also use the public coin lockers outside the facility.
Q.Can we bring our own food and drinks?
A.Please refrain from bringing outside food and drinks into the building.
Q.Are there baby changing facilities?
A.There are baby changing facilities in all bathrooms on the 1st floor.
Q.Are there any first aid facilities?
A.Unfortunately there are no first aid facilities. If you are not feeling well, please let a member of staff know immediately.
Q.Is there a carpark or bicycle parking area?
A.There is no parking space. Due to traffic congestion, we recommend that you take public transport instead.


*JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (7-minute walk)
Seibu-Shinjuku Station (2-minute walk)
Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchōme Station (10-minute walk)
Tokyo Metro Higashi-Shinjuku Station (10-minute walk)
Q.Is it possible to take photos inside the premises?
A.Please ask a member of staff whether or not it is okay to take photos. Generally, staff will explain whether or not it is okay to take photos at the beginning of all games and events. In addition, we would appreciate it if you did not upload photos including spoilers for any of our games onto social media or any other online platform.

FAQ (Game specific)

Escape from the Witch’s House in the Woods
The Magical Cauldron: The Culinary Academy’s Final Exam
Q.What do I have to bring for this event?
A.You will need to have access to the internet to look at hints for the puzzles. For this, you will need a smartphone that has mobile data and can read a QR code. Please note that no Wi-Fi is available in the venue. (If you don't have a phone or mobile data, we can provide you a physical copy of the hints. Please ask the staff at the reception counter if you need one.)
Q.Is there a time limit?
A.There is no time limit for this game.
It may take awhile to completely clear the game, so please give ample time to play this game.
Although the game should not take more than a day to finish, if you run out of time personally, you can continue from where you stopped on another day.
Q.We want to play in a group. Do we need to buy a game kit for every player?
A.Yes, each participant will need to buy a game kit.
Q.Can I reveal the puzzles on my blog or on Twitter?
A.Spoilers are prohibited for this game.
Do not upload answers or photos of the puzzles to your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other digital platform.
Please also be careful when you discuss the answers to the game after it has ended.
There will be many players in the same floor or facility who have not tried the game yet!
Q. I lost my game kit halfway through the game. Can I receive a new one?
A.Sorry, but we are unable to replace your lost game kit. Please purchase a new one to continue playing the game.
Q.Are there hints?
A.A “hints sheet” is available. Please use it if you are stuck on a puzzle.
More details regarding the hints sheet can be found in your game kit.
Q.Can children or non-Japanese play?
A.If the child can read and write, they can play.
This game is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Players can choose to play in any of these languages.
Q.Will I be grouped with other players I don’t know?
A.No, you will not be grouped with players you do not know. You can play the game with up to 3 other friends!
Q.Is there an age limit?
A.There is no age limit to play the game. However, the difficulty level is made for age 15 and above.
Children of age 15 and below are not allowed to participate by themselves. An adult of age 20 and above must be in the group and accompany the children at all times.
Q.Is this a scary game?
A.There will be times you are in a narrow or dark space, a shaking/vibrating room, or there will be loud sounds. However, there are no horror elements.
Q.Can the game be played more than once?
A.Yes, it is possible. The answers will not be revealed if your time runs out, so you can challenge the game again.
Please buy a new ticket to play the game again if you wish to.
Q.Can I get tickets at the venue on the day?
A.If the session still has available slots, you can buy tickets on the spot to play. However, if the session is sold out online, tickets for that session will not be sold at the venue as well.
Q.Can I change the date or time on my ticket?
A.We are unable to make changes or process refunds after the purchase of tickets has been made. We are also unable to replace your lost or stolen tickets.
Q.Are there cases where the event could be cancelled due to weather-related reasons such as typhoons?
A.Yes, the game may be cancelled if there is a typhoon or severe weather conditions. To get a refund for your ticket, please check the website’s NEWS section at that time for the announcement. Please note that if the game is cancelled due to severe weather conditions, we are unable to take responsibility for your transportation fee to the venue.
Q.Will everyone be able to escape?
A.No, not everyone is guaranteed to escape. It is an honor for only the best puzzle-solvers!
Q.Can I use a coupon?
A.It is possible to use a coupon. Please see each coupon's individual information to check which games it can be used for.
Q.Is there a time limit?
A.There is no time limit for this game. It may take awhile to compeletely clear the game, so please give ample time to play this game. Although the game should not take more than a day to finish, if you run out of time personally, you can continue from where you stopped on another day.
Q.We want to play in a group. Do we need to buy a game kit for every player?
A.You'll enjoy the game better by purchasing a game kit for everyone!
Q.Can I reveal the puzzles on my blog or on Twitter?
A.Spoilers are prohibited for this game. Do not upload answers or photos of the puzzles to your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other digital platform. Please also be careful when you discuss the answers to the game after it has ended. There will be many players in the same floor or facility who have not tried the game yet!
Q.I lost my game kit halfway through the game. Can I receive a new one?
A.Sorry, but we are unable to replace your lost game kit. Please purchase a new one to continue playing the game.
Q.Can we get hints?
A.A "hints sheet" is available, so please use it if you are stuck on a puzzle. More details on the hints sheet can be found in your game kit.
Q.Can I play the game at the home?
A.You need to walk around the street of Shinjuku to play this game
Q.What time do I have to arrive for the game?
A.Please register 10 minutes before your game session starts.
**Due to the nature of the game, you may not be able to join the game if you arrive late.
Q.How long will the game take?
A.The game itself is only 10 minutes long. However, please estimate the total time to be 20 minutes including waiting time, explanation of the game, and debrief time after the game has ended.
Q.Can a wheelchair-bound person play?
A.Unfortunately, a wheelchair will not be able to enter the game area. If the person is out of the wheelchair or leaning against the other player for support, it is possible to play the game. However, due to the nature of the game, you may not be able to fully enjoy all components of the game in this manner.
Q.Is there an age limit?
A.Players aged elementary school and above will require a ticket to play. This game can be enjoyed by elementary to high school aged players. However, to fully enjoy the game, we recommend that an elementary school aged player is accompanied by a guardian.
It is common for the guardian to be too absorbed in the puzzles and lost sight of their children while playing. Please be careful of this.
Q.Can children or non-Japanese play?
A.If the child can read and write, they can play. This game is available in both Japanese and English, so non-Japanese can choose to play the English version.
Q.Can I leave my bag somewhere?
A.You can leave your belongings at the 2nd floor service counter for a fee of 500 yen. However, there is limited capacity. If you are playing the Real Stealth Game on the 3rd floor, there are free coin lockers to store your belongings. Please refrain from leaving large baggage such as suitcases in the game area. You can also use the public coin lockers outside the facility.
Q.Can I play this game more than once?
A.As there will be a debrief at the end of the game to explain how the game goes if you do not succeed, you are not allowed to play the game again because you will know all the answers.
Q.Can I upload spoilers onto my blog or social media?
A.Spoilers are prohibited for this game. Do not upload answers or photos of the puzzles to your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other digital platform. Please also be careful when you discuss the answers to the game after it has ended. There will be many players in the same floor or facility who have not tried the game yet.
Q.How do I make sure that my friends and I play in the same team?
A.This game is played by a maximum of 2 people. There, if your group is an odd number like 3 or 5 players, one player will have to team up with a random player with the same time slot.

InquiryInquiry