Seeing a concert in Japan is a bucket-list experience for many music lovers. Whether you want to catch a massive J-Pop idol group at the Tokyo Dome or an underground rock band in a Shimokitazawa live house, the atmosphere is unmatched. However, the Japanese ticketing system is notoriously complex for visitors.
Unlike many Western countries where you simply click “buy” and receive a PDF, Japan relies heavily on lottery systems, convenience store kiosks, and strict identity verification. This guide breaks down exactly how to navigate the process and secure your spot at the show.
The Big Three: Major Ticket Platforms
While some venues sell tickets directly, the vast majority of concert sales are handled by three primary agencies, known locally as “playguides.”
1. e+ (eplus)
eplus is one of the largest ticketing platforms in Japan. It is purely online-based but partners extensively with FamilyMart and 7-Eleven for payments and ticketing. They have a dedicated “e+ International” site for select events, which allows foreigners to purchase tickets using overseas credit cards without a Japanese phone number.
更多信息
2. Lawson Ticket (L-tike)
Owned by the Lawson convenience store chain, this platform is essential for many events, including those at the Ghibli Museum. Tickets can be reserved online or purchased directly via the “Loppi” multimedia terminals found inside every Lawson store.
3. Ticket Pia
Ticket Pia is a long-standing industry giant often linked with 7-Eleven. Like the others, they handle both online sales and in-store issuance.
Understanding the Lottery System (Chuusen)
If you are trying to see a popular artist, you usually cannot simply buy a ticket. Instead, you must enter a lottery, known as chuusen.
Here is how it typically works:
- Presale Lottery (Senkou Yoyaku): Months before the show, fans apply for a chance to buy tickets. You enter your payment details upfront.
- The Draw: If you win, your card is automatically charged, or you are given a deadline to pay at a convenience store.
- General Sale (Ippan Hanbai): Any leftover tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For major acts, these sell out in seconds.
The “Japanese Phone Number” Barrier
The biggest hurdle for international visitors is the requirement for a valid Japanese mobile number. To prevent scalping, most domestic ticketing accounts on eplus, Lawson Ticket, and Ticket Pia require SMS verification from a Japanese SIM card (specifically 090, 080, or 070 numbers). VoIP numbers like Skype generally do not work.
How to work around this:
- Check for “Inbound” Tickets: Always check the artist’s official website for a link to an international ticket page (e.g., eplus International or Ticket Pia English). These pages waive the local phone number requirement.
- Buy In-Person: If tickets have reached the “General Sale” phase, you can sometimes buy them directly at a convenience store machine without needing a registered online account.
- Proxy Services: Some travelers use third-party shopping services that buy tickets on their behalf, though this can be expensive and risky if ID checks are required at the venue.
Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores (Konbini)
If you are already in Japan and tickets are generally available, purchasing them at a konbini is often the easiest method.
At Lawson (Using Loppi)
- Locate the red Loppi machine.
- Select “Lawson Ticket” on the touch screen.
- Search for the event by the “L-Code” (a 5-digit code found on the concert website) or by artist name.
- Print the application slip and take it to the cashier within 30 minutes to pay and receive your ticket.
At 7-Eleven
For general sales, you can typically use the multicopy machine. However, if you reserved a ticket online via eplus and selected “Pay/Pick up at 7-Eleven,” you do not use the machine. Instead, show the 13-digit slip number (or barcode) directly to the cashier.
A Warning on Resales and ID Checks
Japan has strict anti-scalping laws. Unauthorized resale of tickets for profit is illegal. Consequently, venues are increasingly conducting strict ID checks (honnin kakunin) at the door.
If the name on your ticket does not match the name on your passport, you may be denied entry. This is common for high-profile K-Pop and J-Pop concerts. It is safer to use official resale platforms like Tiketore, which transfer the ticket ownership legally, rather than unauthorized secondary market sites.
Planning Your Concert Experience
Securing concert tickets in Japan requires patience and planning. While the system can seem impenetrable to outsiders, options for tourists are improving. Always start by checking the artist’s official English website for international lottery links. If that fails, visiting a Loppi machine upon arrival is your best bet for experiencing Japan’s incredible live music scene.
