Ultimate Guide to Live Music in Tokyo
By Kah Mun Fu | December 5th, 2025
So you want to go to a live music performance in Tokyo, but you don’t know where to start; maybe you tried to search up where the best venues are, which artists are worth listening to, what to do at a live music venue, or maybe you’re worried about how to purchase concert tickets for your favorite artist that’s coming to Tokyo?
Going to a live music performance in Tokyo can be a memorable experience for those living in or visiting Tokyo. In this guide, whether you’re looking to dive into Tokyo’s underground music scene for the first time, or whether you’re looking to attend major concerts in Tokyo, we’ll show you the best places to enjoy live music in Tokyo, how to obtain tickets, and how to enjoy a concert in Tokyo.
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Local live music in Tokyo vs. Major artists: what’s the difference?
The first thing to consider is: what type of music are you looking to listen to live? Have you only seen major artists live and want to venture into Tokyo’s underground music scene, or do you want to get a chance to see your favorite major acts perform live? Do you prefer the smaller, intimate vibe of a small venue, or the larger, electric feel of a major venue?
For smaller, indie acts, tickets are generally more accessible and cheaper, around 2000 to 3500 yen. For some venues, you don’t need to purchase a ticket in advance, you can just pay at the door if you wish. Although you will be supporting smaller, indie artists, they generally don’t have as much exposure or fame outside of Tokyo’s underground music scene. That doesn’t mean they don’t make great music or put on an amazing show though! Every major artist had to start somewhere and there are plenty of undiscovered gems that your Spotify algorithm is hiding from you that you can find by actually getting out to a show!
Major artists on the other hand, are more well known compared to smaller, indie artists, and they tend to perform at larger venues such as the Budokan or Tokyo Dome. This makes it easy for fans to find a sense of community in Tokyo. However, tickets tend to be more expensive and less accessible as they will usually sell out faster. In addition, it can be difficult to obtain tickets during presales as they are sold via lottery, or chuusen (抽選). Regardless, going to see a major act perform in Tokyo is a memorable experience, and you can certainly brag about going to see that artist to your friends.
What’s the live music scene like in Tokyo?
At first glance, you may see that the Tokyo music scene is vibrant, with many independent musicians giving it their all to perform live. From buskers to major acts performing in the biggest venues, Tokyo has it all. Small, live music venues, otherwise known as ‘livehouses’ in Japan, are perceived to be small and intimate, with many genres of music being played and widely accepted amongst Tokyo’s underground music scene. Some areas of Tokyo are known for playing specific genres of music, which we will explore later.
Some may worry that the music scene in Tokyo can feel isolating as a foreigner, however, in Japanese livehouses, individuality will always be respected. Even if you know very little Japanese or you have come to see the artist for the first time, you won’t be judged, so long as you’re following basic concert etiquette. Because you and other people have come for the music, it can feel like you have found a community within such a short span of time. In addition, if you’re worried about safety at a livehouse, rest assured, Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, so the same is to be expected of its livehouses.
Although J-pop is considered the main genre of music in Tokyo, you can easily find other genres of music being played at livehouses including, but not limited to rock, punk, metal, jazz, disco, and all sorts of electronic music, such as techno, synth-pop, and trance music. Whatever the individual tastes of concert goers are, there is something for everyone!
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Where can I find information on Tokyo’s live music scene?
It can be difficult to find a compiled list of information regarding live music events in Tokyo, as you would have to check each livehouse’s schedule to see what’s happening. However, there are some websites and social media accounts that have attempted to compile information from recommended livehouses on where the best live events to support smaller artists are. Some recommendations on where to find this information are:
- Tokyo Gig Guide - a website that compiles a list of livehouses and the latest upcoming gigs. You can search for a gig based on which genre you’re interested in.
- Gigs in Tokyo - an Instagram account that posts about the latest gigs in Tokyo. They mainly focus on artists rather than venues, however they do provide a form that allows for ticket reservations with English support.
Where to find the best local live music in Tokyo
Best livehouses to enjoy live music in Shibuya
Shibuya is well known for its nightlife, and its livehouses are no exception. You can find many music venues in the area, from small, intimate livehouses that host open mic nights, to medium sized concert halls that put on showstopping performances from both local and international artists.
Shibuya 7th Floor
Shibuya 7th Floor is a livehouse that features mainly small acts. They serve a variety of food and drinks, and their bar time runs from 11pm to 4:30am at some events.
Location: O-West Building 2-3, Maruyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0044
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: None. The entire website is in Japanese.
Tokio Tokyo
Located five minutes away from Shibuya station, Tokio Tokyo is a livehouse whose main mission is to showcase up and coming independent artists in Tokyo, and to help them put on amazing live performances. A variety of genres are played at this venue, including J-pop and rock.
Location: 3-7-B1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Open hours: Every day, 6pm to 11pm
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: An English version of the website is available.
clubasia
Opened in 1996, this venue has been the driving force behind Shibuya’s vibrant nightlife. This nightclub doubles as a livehouse, with performances and live DJ sets from various artists. A variety of genres are played at clubasia, including but not limited to EDM, trance, techno, and hip-hop, J-pop, hardcore, and metalcore.
Location: 1-8 Maruyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0044
Open hours: Open 24 hours a day.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website for more details.
English support: An English version of their website is available.
Ruby Room
Ruby Room is a live music venue that doubles as a DJ bar and nightclub. Here you can find a range of live events happening at the Ruby Room, from DJ sets playing techno, disco, and hip-hop, to live bands performing indie music. However, the Ruby Room is best known for offering open mic nights every Tuesday, so if you’re an aspiring musician, this might be the best place for you to showcase your talents.
Location: 2-25-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-004
Open hours: Every day, 7pm to 2am
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Generally on Open Mic nights, the entrance fee is 2000 yen + 2 drinks. Check their website for more details.
English support: Yes, the website is entirely in English.
Check out the Top 20 things to do in Shibuya for a guide on the best things to experience in Shibuya!
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Best livehouses to enjoy live music in Shinjuku
Although Shinjuku in the daytime is known for its shopping districts, parks, and the labyrinth-like Shinjuku station, the area is also known for its nightlife. You can find a variety of livehouses, jazz bars, and medium sized concert halls in this part of Tokyo.
Shinjuku Loft
Not to be confused with the chain store of the same name, Shinjuku Loft is a livehouse that mainly plays alternative rock, new wave and indie rock, however you can hear a variety of genres at this venue, including idol music.
Location: 1-12-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: None, but the navigation tabs are in English.
Anti Knock
Anti Knock is another livehouse that mainly features up and coming punk, rock and metal bands. This place is perfect if you’re looking to rock out on a Saturday night in Shinjuku.
Location: Rayflat Bld. 4-3-15, Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 160-0022
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: Directions on how to get to the venue are in English. Otherwise, everything else on the website is in Japanese.
Marz
With a capacity of 250 people, Marz is another livehouse that is best known for a live music event called Live Action, featuring up and coming DJs and artists. Some genres that get played at this venue include J-pop, progressive rock, and shoegaze.
Location: Dai1tokiwa Bld. B1F, 2-45-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, 160-0021
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: Only one page is in English, and that is the Access page.
Shinjuku Pit Inn
Shinjuku Pit Inn is a jazz bar located a ten minutes walk from Shinjuku Station. This venue, reopened in 1992, features a variety of jazz artists from both Japan and abroad.
Location: 2-12-4 ACCORD BLDG. B1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
Open hours: Generally, daytime shows open at 1:30pm to 4:30 pm. Evening shows open from 7pm to 10pm. Check the website’s schedule for more information.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website’s schedule for more information.
English support: An English version of their website is available.
Check out Out & About: What To Do in Shinjuku at Night for a guide on how to enjoy Shinjuku's vibrant nightlife!
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Best livehouses to enjoy live music in Shimo-Kitazawa
Although Shimo-Kitazawa is known for being both a trendy hotspot for Tokyo youth and its thrift stores, the area is also known for being a significant area for Tokyo’s underground music scene, with many famous Japanese artists laying down their foundations here. You can find many livehouses in the area, each with their own history and vibe.
Basement Bar
This livehouse has been highly recommended by many due to how dedicated the organizers and management are to live music, as well as how impactful this venue is to the Japanese music scene as a whole. Many genres are played at this venue, including but not limited to blues, disco, punk, rock n’ roll, and hip-hop.
Location: 5 Chome-18-1 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check their website for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check their website for more details.
English support: None, but the navigation tabs are in English.
Live Haus
With a capacity of 100 people, Live Haus is a livehouse that’s located just three minutes away from Shimo-Kitazawa station. The venue aims to be inclusive to everyone who attends, as well as to support underground music in Tokyo. A variety of genres can be heard at this venue, including indie rock, experimental music, and synth-pop.
Location: B1F, 2-14-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: Other than the navigation tabs, their website is entirely in Japanese.
THREE
Located next door to Basement Bar is another livehouse owned by the same people, THREE. Like Basement Bar, THREE has also been highly recommended for the same reasons; how the venue is dedicated to putting on top quality live acts, as well as its impact. Expect to hear a variety of genres including, but not limited to, punk, rock n’ roll, disco, electronic music, etc.
Location: 5 Chome-18-1 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check their website for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check their website for more details.
English support: None, but the navigation tabs are in English.
Shimokitazawa Artist
This is another livehouse in Shimo-Kitazawa where you can enjoy mainly acoustic music every night. Every month, they host open mic nights for aspiring artists wanting to begin their musical journey into stardom.
Location: 2F Shuttle hiei, 3-25-1, Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Generally 2000 yen + one drink. Check the website's schedule for more details.
English support: None, the website is entirely in Japanese, except for the navigation tabs.
Read our Ultimate Guide to J-Rock to learn more about this unique genre of Japanese music!
Best livehouses to enjoy live music in Koenji
Koenji might look like your average Japanese neighborhood, but its music scene is second to none. The area was known in the 1960s for having a great number of “rock-kissas,” music cafes where people would come to listen to the latest records. Nowadays, Koenji is known for having a punk vibe, and that vibe is apparent in their livehouses and bars.
Koenji Club ROOTS
Koenji Club ROOTS is a livehouse just a minute away from Koenji Station. Here, they host a variety of niche, independent bands and artists. Expect mainly alternative rock to be played at this venue.
Location: 3-22-3, Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0002
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: The website’s navigation tabs are in English, but everything else is in Japanese.
20000V Den-Atsu
Although the original venue, 20000V was lost to a fire in 2009, this livehouse has reopened under the game 20000V Den-Atsu. This venue mainly plays punk, metal, and grunge music, and is well known in Tokyo’s underground music scene due to their loud sound system.
Location: 1-7-23 Koenjiminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0003
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: The website’s navigation tabs are in English, but everything else is in Japanese.
Jirokichi
Just three minutes from Koenji Station is the neighborhood’s first and oldest livehouse, Jirokichi. Founded in 1975, this venue has a rich history, as the term “livehouse” actually came from its establishment. Although a variety of genres are played at Jirokichi, the venue mainly plays blues, jazz and occasionally rock music.
Location: 2-3-4, Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0002
Open hours: Every day, 6:30pm to 12am.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website's schedule for more details.
English support: Navigation tabs are in English, but the rest of the website is in Japanese.
SUB Store Tokyo
Although SUB Store might look like a used book and record store, every Friday to Sunday, it hosts many live music events featuring small, indie artists and DJs. You can listen to a variety of genres at SUB Store, including alternative rock, sub pop, and post-punk. The venue offers authentic Indonesian food for you to try as well.
Location: 3-1-12 Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0002
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 11pm.
Price of admission: Varies from event to event. Check SUB Store’s social media for more information.
English support: Yes, their website and social media accounts are in English.
Other places to enjoy live music in Tokyo
That doesn’t mean that the suburbs above are the best places to enjoy live music. There are other livehouses and concert halls in Tokyo that are worth visiting, with some venues hosting major acts, both local and international.
Liquidroom
Located four minutes away from Ebisu station, this livehouse hosts both indie and well known artists who play a variety of genres including, but not limited to, J-rock, J-pop and even metal. The venue also has a lounge on the 2nd floor where a variety of events, including live DJ sets, are held. Some famous artists that have played at this venue include Chali XCX, Lewis Capaldi, and ONE OK ROCK.
Location: 3-16-6, Higashi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0011
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
English support: There is no English version of their website, though the navigation tabs are in English.
Zepp Diver City
Zepp Diver City is part of a group of livehouses located not only in Tokyo, but in Japan and some parts of Asia. Located next to Diver City shopping mall, this venue mainly hosts artists performing J-pop, rock, and punk, though electronic music is occasionally played there. This venue is also known for hosting major artists such as Gorillaz, BABYMETAL, and Weezer.
Location: 1-1-10 Diver City Tokyo Plaza, Aomi, Edogawa City, Tokyo 135-0064
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Varies from artist to artist. Check the website's schedule for more details.
English support: There is no English version of their website, though some parts such as the navigation tabs are in English.
Blue Note Tokyo
Located just an eight minute walk away from Omotesando station, Blue Note Tokyo is the Tokyo branch of the famed Blue Note jazz bar in New York. Although the main genre played at Blue Note Tokyo is jazz, other genres such as classical, soul, and R&B are played there. Many famous musicians, both local and abroad, have played at this venue. In addition, the venue also offers a variety of dishes and drinks to accompany your visit.
Location: 6-3-16 Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062
Open hours: Varies from event to event. Check the website’s schedule for more details.
Price of admission: Prices vary from artist to artist, though as of writing this article, the cheapest show was around 8000 yen to 11300 yen. Check the website for more details.
English support: There is an English translation of the venue’s website, and reservations can be made in English online.
Rock Bar BAUHAUS
BAUHAUS is a rock bar located one minute away from Roppongi station. Their in-house band plays a variety of songs from different genres, such as rock, metal, and even pop, depending on the overall atmosphere of the venue.
Location: Urban Building B1F, 7-13-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
Open hours: 7pm to 1am, every Tuesday to Saturday.
Price of admission: Usually 3400 yen plus 1 drink (around 1000 yen). Check their schedule online for more details.
English support: There is an English version of their website.
Check out Our Favorite Things to Do in Odaiba for a guide on how to best enjoy this popular entertainment center!
Where to enjoy live music in Tokyo: Major acts
If you’re looking to enjoy live music from major acts, whether local or international, then knowing where to find information on those gigs is important. For local artists, check their social media accounts or ticketing websites to see whether they are performing in Tokyo. This is also the same for international artists, however, websites such as Tokyo Cheapo and Time Out have a compiled list of international acts that are planning to perform in the Tokyo area. Live Nation Japan is also a good site for finding local and international major acts as well.
Famous concert halls in Tokyo
Budokan
Originally built for the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, the Nippon Budokan is one of the most famous stadiums in the Tokyo area not just for sports events, but for concerts as well. Located a five minute walk from Kudanshita station, this concert hall has famously hosted the Beatles in 1966.
Location: 2-3 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-8321
General admission costs: Varies from artist to artist. Always check the promoter’s website to get exact prices.
Tokyo Garden Theater
Tokyo Garden Theater is one of the newer concert venues out there, with a capacity of 8000 people. This venue, located 14 minutes away from Kokusai-Tenjijou station, has recently hosted many local and international artists such as Vaundy, Kylie Minogue, and AKB48.
Location: 2 Chome-1-6 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063
General admission costs: Varies from artist to artist. Always check the promoter’s website to get exact prices.
Tokyo Dome
WIth a capacity of 55,000, Tokyo Dome is one of the biggest stadiums located in the Tokyo area, located five minutes away from Suidobashi station. Notable artists that have performed at this venue in recent times include Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and YOASOBI. If an artist or band happens to be performing at Tokyo Dome, then you know that they have reached peak popularity in Japan.
Location: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
General admission costs: Varies from artist to artist. Always check the promoter’s website to get exact prices.
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How to buy concert tickets
Now that you found an artist or band to see live, it’s time to buy your tickets!
Before you purchase your tickets, most Japanese ticketing sites require you to have an account with the ticketing site, as well as a Japanese phone number. This is an anti-scalping measure to ensure that tickets cannot be resold to others at unfair prices. To make an account, simply input your email address and password, and once you have done that, input your name, date of birth, your Japanese address, and your Japanese phone number.
Once you get your account set up, you can finally start to buy tickets. If you’re buying tickets during a presale, then chances are you will have to go through the chuusen (抽選). The website will tell you whether you have won or lost the lottery, and depending on the outcome, you can pay for your ticket or try again respectively. Otherwise, the process to purchase tickets during general sales is standard; select the date you wish to see the artist live, and the number of tickets you’re purchasing. You can pay for your ticket either online or in some cases, the convenience store.
If you’re going to see a smaller, indie artist at a livehouse, it is possible to reserve your ticket in advance via email or social media and pay directly at the door. There is also the option to pay for same-day tickets, though be prepared that they can cost a little more than if you were to purchase tickets in advance.
Ticketing sites to buy tickets for live music in Tokyo
ePlus
ePlus is one of the three major ticketing sites in Japan, which include Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket. You can find a range of artists and bands on this website, from local, smaller indie bands to the most popular international artists. There’s even the option to search for live music events according to region and prefecture. Most concert organizers in Japan will probably use this website to sell their tickets.
English support: An English version of the ePlus website is available for international customers, albeit with limited features.
Japanese phone number: Required in order to make an account
Ticket Pia
Ticket Pia is another ticketing site that is commonly used in Japan, and most shows will probably rely on this website to sell concert tickets. Like ePlus, you can find a live music event according to area, but unlike ePlus, Ticket Pia doesn’t allow you to search for live events by prefecture, though there is a good chance that if an artist is performing in the Kanto area, they will most likely visit Tokyo.
English support: Yes, the website uses a machine translation service, however you can only search in Japanese.
Japanese phone number: Required in order to make an account.
Lawson Ticket
Lawson Ticket is also another ticketing site that is commonly used in Japan. The website allows you to search for a range of concerts, from local artists to international acts. However, you can only search by area and not by prefecture.
English support: Yes, the website uses a machine translation service, however you can only search in Japanese.
Japanese phone number: Required to make an account.
Zaiko
This is a ticketing site that is one of the more foreigner friendly options out there. Here you can find a variety of concerts to attend, including idol concerts. They are best known for offering ticket sales to overseas customers wanting to attend live events in Japan.
English support: Yes, their website is entirely in English.
Japanese phone number: Not necessarily required.
Useful vocabulary related to live music in Tokyo
Ticket-related vocabulary
| 抽選 | chuusen | Lottery |
| 当選 | tousen | Lottery success |
| 落選 | rakusen | Lottery failure |
| 席 | seki | Seat |
| 申し込み | moushikomi | Application |
| スタンディング | sutandingu | Standing ticket |
| 枚数 | maisuu | Number of tickets |
Useful phrases and vocabulary to enjoy live music in Tokyo
| 整理番号 | seiri bangou | Reference number |
| 電話番号 | denwa bangou | Phone number |
| 名前 | namae | Name |
| 1ドリンク別 | 1-dorinku betsu | Drink fee is separate |
| ソフトドリンク | sofuto dorinku | Soft drink (non-alcoholic) |
| アルコール | aruko-ru | Alcohol |
| ~はどこですか？ | ~wa doko desu ka? | Where is the (area)? |
| コインロッカー | ~koin rokka | Coin locker |
| トイレ | ~toire | Toilet |
| 開場 | ~kaijou | Venue opening time |
| 誰を見に来ましたか？ | ~dare wo mi ni kimashitaka? | Which artist/band are you here to see? |
| ドリンクはいくらですか？ | ~dorinku wa ikura desu ka? | How much is a drink? |
| これをください。 | ~kore wo kudasai. | I’ll have this, please. |
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How to enjoy live music in Tokyo
Before the show
Age limits
Before deciding on which show to go to, do keep in mind that some shows may have age limits. Most shows in Tokyo do not have a set age limit and children are welcome to attend, though those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preschool children are not allowed to enter, however.
However, if a show begins at 11pm, then there will definitely be an age limit; generally, those under 20 years old will not be allowed into the venue in such cases. Make sure to bring some form of identification if you are attending a late night concert as venue staff will most likely verify your age.
How to obtain your ticket
If you purchased a physical ticket, please note that most shows in Japan will only allow you to receive your ticket on the day of the show itself. Very few shows in Japan will allow you to pick up your concert ticket in advance at the convenience store. If there is the option to pick up your ticket at the convenience store, then you will be given a code to print out at one of the printing machines.
If you purchased a digital ticket, you will receive an email from the ticketing app of your choice notifying you that the ticket is available to download. You will usually receive this email at least a week before concert day. After this, go to your ticketing app and download the ticket and it should either be presented to you as either a smart ticket or a QR code you can scan on the day of the concert.
At the venue
Opening times
In Japan, concerts tend to start and end earlier; most concerts start at around 7pm and end at 9pm, though show times may vary. This is to ensure that everyone can catch their train home once the show ends. As for opening times, the venue tends to open at least one hour before the show starts, so that people can find their designated spots inside, use the bathroom, or buy a drink.
This applies mainly for major artists and large venues. If the ticket you purchased doesn’t have a designated seat, you will see a number which indicates the order in which you will be entering the venue. This is called a seiri-bangou (整理番号), and this will determine the order in which you will be able to enter the venue.
When your number is called, this is your signal to enter the venue. Depending on which number you will get, it could potentially affect your ability to get the barrier, if you are looking to snag a spot there. The way they call out the numbers can vary from show to show; some venues will call for a group of people with numbers between a range of two numbers (for example, they will call for people with numbers between 20 to 29).
Be prepared in advance!
It is generally recommended that you get to the venue early. This will give you ample time to survey the merch table, meet with other fans, or grab a bite to eat in the surrounding area. Store all large, non-essential valuables in a coin-operated locker at the venue if the service is available, otherwise pack lightly; bring your wallet containing some cash and some form of identification in case the venue decides to confirm your age. You may also consider bringing a power bank to charge your phone during the show. If needed, bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
Concert etiquette
Are taking photos and videos allowed?
It depends on who is performing. Some shows enforce a no-photos policy that if caught, will result in you getting ejected from the venue. Other shows welcome other concert goers to take photos or videos, and the artist or band will appreciate the exposure if they get tagged on social media. Regardless, always check the artist or band’s policy on photos and videos and follow the rules of the venue at all times.
Why is everyone standing still during the performance?
This may come as a culture shock to many attending their first concert not just in Tokyo, but in Japan as a whole. In Japan, people tend to be more muted and subtle in their reactions, and going to a concert is no different. In this case, people tend to not cheer for their favorite artist or band not only out of respect for the people performing, but because they perceive live concerts like a piece of art at a gallery.
However, audience reactions can vary from concert to concert. There have been many instances where people end up singing and dancing along to their favorite songs during the show. For rock, punk and metal concerts, moshing is to be expected if permitted. However, don’t expect every concert to have the same level of energy as a show outside of Japan. You can still sing, dance, and cheer for your favorite artists; just make sure to mind your manners at all times.
Why do I need to buy a drink?
In Japan, most concert venues generally expect you to buy a drink. Think of it as a fee for using the venue. The drink fee is separate from the ticket, and you will be expected to pay at least 500 yen for a drink token at the entrance, though this may vary from venue to venue. The drink doesn’t necessarily have to be alcoholic; it can be a soft drink or even water, but you need to buy a drink regardless. In addition, you don’t necessarily have to purchase a drink right before a show, you can buy a drink at the end of the show as well.
To tell if you need to buy a drink or not, look out for the words 1D or 1ドリンク (dorinku) on either the ticketing website or on the venue’s promotional material. Keep in mind, however, that the legal drinking age in Japan is over 20.
Final Thoughts
Going to a livehouse in Tokyo doesn’t have to be intimidating, nor does buying concert tickets. It’s all about finding the right livehouse to go to, how to get in, and how to best enjoy the music. If you have followed this guide all the way to the end, then hopefully you should be able to enjoy yourself and get that dopamine boost that you get from listening to live music in Tokyo. Have fun and rock your heart out!
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